BLOOMINGTON presented a unique basketball experience as Justin Dehm's Metamora team faced off against Morton. The decision to give up homecourt advantage wasn't an easy one, but it led to an unforgettable encounter at the Shirk Center on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus.

Where Homecourt Met Neutral Venue in Basketball Showdown

Homecourt Dilemma and the Need for a Bigger Stage

Giving up homecourt advantage was a tough call for Justin Dehm. As the first-year Metamora coach, he understood the significance of playing on familiar turf. However, the limited seating capacity at Metamora and Morton's gyms forced them to seek a bigger neutral site. Last year's sold-out contests between the co-Mid-Illini champs had already proven the demand for a larger venue. Dehm and Morton coach Abe Zeller recognized this need and began exploring options. When the setup for the winter commencement at Bradley's Renaissance Coliseum was in progress, Dehm seized the opportunity to reach out to Tony Bankston, the IWU association athletic director for facilities. This led to the decision to play at the Shirk Center, a top-notch venue that could accommodate the large crowd.The idea of playing at a bigger neutral site wasn't just about the seating. It also provided an opportunity for the boys and girls programs to share the spotlight. In most Mid-Illini scheduling, the teams play on the same night, preventing them from supporting each other. But this event allowed the Metamora girls team to watch their classmates play against rival Washington. It was a rare occasion where both varsity teams could be in the same building on the same night, fostering a sense of unity and support.

Game Highlights: Metamora's Comeback and Victory

Matthew Zobrist's buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter was a turning point for Metamora. With a game-high 24 points, Zobrist gave the Redbirds a 39-37 lead heading into the final quarter. The team rode this wave of momentum thanks to great passing from Jonah Funk. Funk's passes led to a backdoor layup for Jake Walker and a dunk for Ashton Grieves, giving Metamora a six-point lead with roughly three minutes to play. But the Potters fought back, tying the game with a Silas Steffen 3-pointer with under 2:30 remaining. Zobrist responded with a driving floater in the lane to take a lasting lead. The Redbirds stepped up and responded after Zobrist's third-quarter 3-pointer, getting crucial stops and securing the victory.

Morton Girls' Resilience in the Fourth Quarter

Class 3A eighth-ranked Morton faced a fourth-quarter rally from Metamora but managed to hold on for a 39-33 win. Two Alivia Vaughn free throws pulled Metamora within 36-33 with under a minute to play. Morton then closed out the game by going 3-of-4 from the charity stripe and getting a key steal from Abby Brooks. The Potters used a 9-0 run to break a 14-14 second-quarter tie and took a 10-point lead into halftime. Abby VanMeenen scored seven of her game-high 13 points in the first half, while her older sister, Ellie VanMeenen, chipped in 12 points. Paige Selke added nine points for Morton. Metamora was paced by Gillian Tyra's seven points, with Addy Wooden and Kessa Sell each scoring six.This event was not just a basketball game but a memorable experience for both teams. It showcased the talent and determination of the players and highlighted the importance of shared experiences in sports. As the teams look ahead, they carry the memories of this unique night with them.