Semi-finals Matchup Capsule On the other side of the bracket in the early 6:00pm time slot Rensselaer (19–3) drew has been labeled a team to beat by John Harrell and the local reporters; the Bombers defeated both Benton Central (58–52) and Delphi (47–38) in December, and are the reigning Sectional champions and 2025 State Runner-ups. They face a solid Seeger squad that dispatched North Montgomery handedly in the opening round Tuesday. Record Comparison Delphi Community (17–6) advanced out of the quarterfinal and now meets the host in the late semifinal. The Oracles enter with a +286 season point differential (1,156–870). Benton Central (17–6) rides a strong January stretch and owns a +352 margin (1,206–854). The Bison hold home court advantage as the host for Sectional 37. Team Averages Delphi: 50.3 ppg; quarter-by-quarter trend 15.2 | 11.3 | 13.0 | 10.3. Benton Central: 52.4 ppg; quarter-by-quarter trend 14.4 | 12.0 | 15.6 | 11.0 (plus 1.0 ppg from OT samples). Common Opponents Both teams have excelled against similar schedules: Delphi vs. common foes: 6–1 (wins: Northwestern, Twin Lakes, Clinton Prairie, West Lafayette, Faith Christian, Logansport; loss: Rensselaer). Benton Central vs. common foes: 6–2 (wins: Northwestern, Twin Lakes, Clinton Prairie, West Lafayette ×2, Logansport; losses: Rensselaer Central, Faith Christian). With similar common opponent resumes, Delphi’s decisive victory over Faith Christian is the lone separator, however the Bison Sagarin Strength of Schedule rating is significantly higher. Individual Leaders (MaxPreps team stat pages) Delphi – Fr. G/F Ava Mills: 13.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3.2 spg, 52% FG—the all around statistical leader and Jr. F Payton Morrow: 10.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg is a key cog in the Oracles. Benton Central – Jr. F Azlee Reynolds: 12.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 56% FG; So. PG Khloe Goodman: 4.0 spg and 3.0 apg. Recent Form & Signature Results Delphi: Post holiday surge has them as momentum builders going into the tournament. After Western Boone, they have won 9 straight and 11 of their last 12 with a key win over a strong Winamac squad, and decisive wins against Faith Christian, and Carroll. Benton Central: Notable performances include 52–26 vs. Lebanon, 59–28 vs. Lafayette Central Catholic, and a 57–32 win at Logansport; the Bison also boast 10 wins in their last 12. Keys to the Game 1. Tempo vs. Boards Delphi’s best defense is often its pace—live ball turnovers leading to runouts. The Oracles average ~50 ppg with strong second and third quarter surges; BC tends to win the third quarter (+15.6 ppg trend) and leverages defensive rebounding to control flow. Whichever side dictates the Q3 rhythm likely swings momentum. 2. Paint Touches & Rim Protection Azlee Reynolds gives BC scoring, glass control, and shot blocking, forcing opponents into lower percentage jumpers. Delphi must counter with by pestering her strong all-around play, and countering with transition and high percentage perimeter shots to limit her work on the boards. 3. Turnover Battle Both teams thrive on turnover margin. Whoever can create chaos and extra possessions will likely flip the scales in their favor. 4. Common Opponent Indications With both teams 6+ wins against common opponents, expect a possession game decided by a handful of key sequences (late Q3/early Q4). Execution after timeouts and special situation defense (ATO, baseline out of bounds) will be pivotal. Quick Take Contrast in strengths: Delphi’s transition attacks and multi category star Ava Mills vs. Benton Central’s host court comfort, third quarter surges, and all-around anchor Azlee Reynolds. The teams’ common opponent ledgers are nearly even—so Friday’s winner likely comes from turnover margin, free throw count, who dictates the middle eight (last 4:00 of Q2, first 4:00 of Q3), and can close out down the stretch.