DELAFIELD — Playing one of the top-ranked teams in the state is never easy, but the Redbirds left it all on the court in a 62-54 WIAA Division 3 sectional semifinal game Feb. 25 against Saint John’s Northwestern Academies. 

Redbird senior Carter Lancaster, a 4-year starter, scored 19 points and finishes his career with 1,631 total. Cayden Rankin, another senior, had 11 points in the game, as did junior Hunter Hardyman.

Brandin Podziemski led St. John’s with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Haydn Bensch had a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards, and Brennan Timm finished with 7 points and 12 rebounds. 

Darlington (20-5), ranked No. 5, went into halftime trailing 4th-ranked St. John’s (21-7) 27-22. In the sectional final two days later, St. John’s lost by 26 to No. 2-ranked Lake Country Lutheran (25-1).