THE BENCH WAS a tense bunch throughout the ping-ponging of the final minutes, but began to let loose in excitement as the final free-throws to seal the win swish through the hoop.

The Lady Blackhawks will make their second trip to the State B Tournament in as many years as they’ve been in existence.

In a nail-biter of a Region 5B Championship, the Lady Hawks proved they belong among the elite basketball teams in the state.

CO-HEAD COACHES Rob Baruth and Tim McCain hoist the Region 5B plaque.

Last year the fledgling Sanborn Central/Woonsocket Blackhawks made their first appearance at the B’s, just their first year as a co-op. The Hawks finished in fourth place and have had their sites set on the crown ever since.

After graduating just two seniors, SC/W has settled into a routine of winning. Their one loss on the season is to the state tourney’s top seed, Warner.

While still young, still with just two seniors, the Lady Hawks have earned much respect the past two years among fans and critics.

SC/W is seeded number four and is set to play number five seed Sully Buttes in the second game of the Tournament’s first session, 1:45 p.m. in the Huron Arena.