Setter comes through at buzzer for Waubonsie Valley

There was no way Grace Setter was not going to make this winning shot this year.

With memories of a missed shot in last year's regional final still stinging, the Warriors senior center made sure to bury the winning shot as time expired in a thrilling 60-58 Class 4A regional semifinal defeat of host Plainfield North Tuesday night. With the game tied at 58, the Warriors inbounded the ball to guard Lauren McKnight, who raced up the court and fired a pass to an open Setter to the right of the rim. The 6-foot-2 Warrior finished the play and sent Waubonsie Valley into Thursday's regional final against No. 1 Benet, which knocked off Plainfield East 67-36 in the early semifinal.

"That was all Lauren. I just had to finish," said Setter, who was plagued by foul trouble against the Tigers but still managed 9 points, all in the second half. "I was glad I was able to finish for my team and stuff. Last year we ended our season on a shot I missed in the regional final, which hurt."

Tuesday's first half was painful for the ninth-seeded Warriors as both Ahniya Melton and Setter got in foul trouble and No. 9 Plainfield North (15-17) led by double digits before McKnight hit a 3-pointer with one second left to close the gap to 29-21 at the half. Waubonsie Valley (14-13) then exploded for 27 points in the third quarter to move ahead 48-45 before the two teams exchanged leads and big plays throughout the final quarter.

"I would say more nerve-wracking," Setter said when asked if it was a fun game. "Obviously, it started out tough for us. First half was a little shaky, but we redeemed ourselves the second half. We had huge third quarter. We really came back there and then in the fourth quarter we hit a lot of clutch shots, even though we were giving up some baskets. Everyone was making their shots and working hard. It was a real team effort today."

It was indeed. McKnight had four baskets in the third quarter, Mykah Berkompas connected on four 3s for 12 points in the game with her final basket putting her team up 58-56 in the waning seconds. That set the stage for a wild final few seconds that saw Erin Henry's driving layup tie the game for the Tigers with 7.6 seconds to go. Then McKnight and Setter teamed up for the game-winner.

"Coach wanted us to get a layup because we had enough time," McKnight said. "I thought about driving it in, but then I saw Grace cut, so why not (pass to her)? I had confidence in her to make the layup."

Melton fouled out with 2:55 remaining, trying to stop Henry from converting a putback. Henry hit the two free throws to put the Tigers up 51-50.

But Setter answered right away with a three-point play and the Warriors pulled out the win from there to make sure Melton's season lasts at least another game. Before leaving the Waubonsie Valley senior forward had 19 rebounds and 10 points.

"I'm proud of what we've been able to do so far," Warriors coach Brett Love said. "It's been great coaching these girls and see them get at the level they've gotten to. Tonight whatever we needed everybody stepped up."