Andrean runs into Bremen buzz saw
Figlio pulls down game-high 11 rebounds, but 59ers fall in regional semifinals
WINIMAC — Andrean’s Natalie Figlio was hoping to play two games Saturday.
“I’d only played in one regional game before, and we lost the first one, too,” she said. “I really wanted to have a regional win. I loved this team and I loved this season.”
Figlio, a 5-foot-10 senior forward, pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds Saturday morning but that wasn’t enough for the 59ers in a 46-39 loss to Bremen in a Class 2A Winamac Regional semifinal.
Andrean (15-13) was led by 10 points from junior guard Julia Schutz, while Bremen (19-7) received 25 points from senior guard Erin Coffel and 15 from sophomore guard Ellia Foster.
59ers coach Tony Scheub wanted that win, too, just so he could have more time with his team.
“You get so attached to these kids,” Scheub said. “What I wanted from the sectional was to have another week with them. And that carried over to this game.
“I wanted one more game, one more week with this team. They made it a lot of fun.”
After a back-and-forth three quarters, Scheub nearly got his wish as Andrean opened the fourth with a 7-0 run to take a 35-32 lead.
Bremen scored the next 10 points, though, to seal the victory.
“They came out with energy and played loose,” Scheub said of the fourth-quarter run. “Then we got the lead, and it seemed like they played tight again.
“We made some uncharacteristic passes through a zone, and they were able to get steals that took
away our possessions.”
And once Bremen moved back in front in the fourth, the Lions caught fire at the free-throw line to remain on top.
Coffel was especially effective, hitting all nine shots from the line in the final eight minutes.
“It all came down to those little things at the end,” Schutz said.
“I really wanted this one, but it just didn’t happen.”
Schutz is part of a talented returning core that will be back for Andrean next season.
Along with classmate Dyamond Blair and the freshman guard duo of
Lauren Colon and Tori Allen, who combined for 15 points against Bremen. Schutz hopes the 2020-21 team has the same mentality as this one.
“There wasn’t anyone who didn’t want to be there,” Schutz said. “And we were always working hard. I hope that carries on.”
Figlio won’t be on next season’s roster, but she believes there’s potential for another deep postseason run.
“They’re a bunch of hard-working kids — every single one of them,” Figlio said. “I just hope that they know that they can get as far as they want with how hard they work.”
Dave Melton is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.