The Lady Braves took care of business last weekend in the Class 2A Charlestown Regional, outlasting South Spencer 55-50 in double-overtime.

The win advanced Brownstown Central to the Class 2A semistate at Shelbyville at 10 a.m. Saturday, where they’ll face Linton-Stockton in the opening round.

If the girls can grab another victory, they’ll advance to the semistate final at 8 p.m. against Sheridan or Eastern Hancock. If they advance through that stage, they’ll be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for the state finals next weekend.

Lady Braves head coach Brandon Allman spoke on the chance to compete at semistate.

“I am just beyond proud of my girls. They have shown so much resiliency throughout this season,” he said. “I am definitely a little surprised to be here, but at the same time, not so much because I have a group of very competitive girls who don’t want to lose. These girls deserve all the recognition they can get because no one outside of our locker room thought this was possible.”

Kelsey Schneider is the only senior on the Brownstown team. She spoke on the chance to play in a semistate game.

“I’m looking forward to be able to compete. I’ve never been a part of any team that has made it that far,” she said. “I don’t think Brownstown has made it here since 2020. Just to be there and be a part of this team and a part of the atmosphere.”

Mallory Klosterman and Harley Toppe have been great sources of offense for the Lady Braves during the tournament. Both girls spoke on what’s allowed them to be so effective on the offensive end during the postseason.

“I’ve really worked hard after practices focusing on my shots. My teammates have also gotten me the ball in great spots, allowing me to be effective,” Toppe said.

“My shooting has improved. Plus, the team working together on the offensive side of the ball has got us going,” Klosterman said.

Allman spoke on how the team has advanced to the semistate.

“Many hours of blood, sweat and tears and just battling through injuries. They have shown a ton of toughness,” he said. “Basketball is extremely difficult, and honestly, a lot of days aren’t fun, but these girls are willing to do whatever to give them the best chance to win. These girls really embody our culture about family and what it means to be a Lady Brave.”

Brownstown defeated Southwestern (Hanover), Henryville and Austin to secure their fifth straight sectional title.

The team then battled South Spencer at Charlestown, which shaped up to be an instant classic with Brownstown defeating the Rebels by five points in double-overtime to get to this point.

All three girls were asked about what makes this Brownstown team special. Toppe, Schneider and Klosterman all said something about how close this team has become.

“We’re all really close. We enjoy being around each other,” Toppe said. “We all work hard together. It’s a great opportunity to compete at semistate. I’m excited to be in another postseason game because I like the high-intensity situations.”

“Team chemistry is a major factor in our success,” Schneider said. “It’s allowed us to band together during these close postseason games. We all work together, and we all enjoy playing for each other.”

“We’re all super close, and our team chemistry has gotten so good because we’ve been together for a few years now,” Klosterman said. “I’m excited to play in that atmosphere and being able to handle the pressure. We cannot be nervous during this big-time game.”

Klosterman and Toppe were both asked what Brownstown has to do in order to move on in the Class 2A state tournament.

“We have to play good defense and be able to handle the pressure of the game on the offensive side,” Toppe said.

“I think we have to get a lot of rest on Friday and come ready to play,” Klosterman said. “We have to be mentally prepared and never look past the first game.”

Being the only senior, Schneider spoke about her role with the Lady Braves this season.

“I’m always trying to be helpful when I can. I just want to encourage all my teammates, making sure we are always giving it our best,” she said. “You never know when your last game may be.”

Linton-Stockton sits at 21-6 on the season, defeating North Daviess, Paoli and North Knox to win their sectional title. The Miners then defeated North Decatur to secure another regional championship.

Allman spoke on facing the Miners.

“First and foremost, they are coached by one of the best in the business in Jared Rehmel. He won back-to-back state titles just a few years ago and always has his teams prepared,” he said. “Second, they are led by two senior guards who can flat out play and compete in Bradie Chambers and Sydney Jerrels.”

The Brownstown coach said Linton runs a variety of different defenses and they are an extremely physical team. He spoke on what the Braves must do in order to advance to the semistate final.

“Players are going to have to make plays. That’s what it is all about, especially at this time of the year,” Allman said. “We are going to have to find a way to contain Chambers and Jerrels. We are going to have to limit them in transition.”

He said the team has to take to care of the basketball, which hurt them in the regional game.

“We are going to have to be patient on the offensive end getting shots that we dictate and want, and then just go rebound the heck out of the ball,” he said.