When Warrenton's Savannah Miller stepped to the free-throw line, the loud cheers from her teammates was just the thing she needed to give her some extra encouragement.

“My teammates were cheering me on and that boosted my confidence to where I felt confident enough to be able to make those shots,” Miller said. 

Miller’s four points, the only points the Warriors scored in the second overtime, secured the Warriors’ 48-46 win over St. Dominic in the consolation semifinal of the Washington Tournament on Jan. 29. 

Despite having to step up in a crucial part of the game, Miller’s composure was evident, as she reminded herself to shoot her shot like she normally does. 

“I was confident but at the same time I was really nervous. In my mind, I was like these shots, they’re either going to make or break the game,” Miller said. “Your free throws, when it comes down to overtime, are the most important shots in the game.” 

The Warriors went into overtime after being tied 34-34 at the end of regulation. Free throws proved to be important as 12 of Warrenton’s 14 points in the extra overtime periods all came from the charity stripe by not only Miller but Zoe Duncan, Claire Goldsmith and Sophia Benke as well. 

Head Coach Hannah Logan noted the team has made a concerted effort to shoot a minimum of 55 free throws at the end of practice since the Christmas break. Warrenton made 23 of their 33 free throws in the contest.  

“We really stress how important they are at the end of the game,” Logan said. “They are a free shot, so take your time and knock it down.” 

Not only did this win secure their spot in the consolation finals, which the Warriors later won 50-43 over Washington on Jan. 31, but it was also an exciting win for the team as St. Dominic had previously ended their season in overtime during districts two years ago. 

St. Dominic and Warrenton will compete for the same district title again this year. 

“Getting this win will help us when it comes to the district seedings,” Logan said. “We really have just been pushed to be better than what our record shows or what we’re getting seeded in tournaments.” 

Logan also noted the team’s confidence has shot up. 

“We had so many people that had to step up, sub in and get big playing time or make big shots to win the game for us. It was just so exciting, and outside all the girls were like ‘We accomplished it together,’” Logan said. 

Miller echoed those sentiments adding the key to their win was working together as a team. 

“The whole team won the game. It wasn’t just the people on the court. The people on the bench were hyping the team up and it was a very good game,” Miller said. “We won as a team and there was no me or I.” 

Despite entering the tournament as the No. 8 seed, the Warriors went 2-1 in tournament play and won the consolation bracket. In addition, Erin Klasing was selected for the all-tournament team. 

Overall, Nyasia Love led with 11 points in their round one 60-33 loss to Ursuline and Klasing recorded 11 rebounds. Against St. Dominic, Duncan and Love tallied nine points apiece. Klasing and Claire Goldsmith had five steals. In the finals, Benke recorded 16 points, while Makayla Witthaus had 10 points and two blocks. 

Warrenton will travel to St. Charles West on Feb. 6 at 5:45 p.m.