By Ray Hamill — Thursday night’s Dick Niclai tournament semifinal between the St. Bernard’s and Eureka girls went right down to the wire.

Playing in front of a large crowd at College of the Redwoods, both teams gave it their all in a rivalry that has become must-see basketball in recent years.

In a rematch of the 2024 Niclai championship game, the Crusaders won 48-44 to advance to Friday night’s tournament decider at Lumberjack Arena.

After a low scoring third quarter, both teams came alive late in the game.

Check out fourth quarter highlights above, as several players stepped up for both teams, including St. Bernard’s senior captains Aliyah Vigil and Laila Florvilus, who each made clutch free throws in the final minute to hold off the Loggers.

Eureka’s Alena Battle, Samara Gaither and Olivianna Millender all made some big plays under pressure late in the game, as did CJ Figas, Samantha Sundberg and outstanding freshman Carli Baum for the Crusaders.

For more on the game, see Crusaders hold their nerve late, end Loggers’ long Niclai run …

In Thursday’s other semifinal, the Arcata girls defeated Ferndale 59-45.

Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Alena Battle in action for the Loggers on Thursday night.