BROOKVILLE — Redbank Valley is by no means a team with one star player.

The Bulldogs have several players capable of making clutch shots and having big games.

But with its season on the line Friday night, it was clear early on who Redbank was turning to.

In a very physical game, junior forward Alivia Huffman scored 26 points in a 49-39 victory over Karns City in a District 9 Class 3A girls basketball semifinal playoff at Brookville High School.

“She’s a bulldozer inside,” said KC coach Steve Andreassi. “We tried to front it, but they did a good job with some nice lob passes.”

Redbank entered the night with a game plan that heavily involved Huffman.

“We thought we had a mismatch with her inside and worked the last few days on feeding her the ball,” said Bulldogs’ coach Chris Edmonds.

Huffman tallied 14 points in the first half, but a spirited effort from Karns City’s defense led to 10 turnovers and the Gremlins trailed just 25-20 at the break.

The effort continued in the third quarter as the Bulldogs (21-4) were held to just 10 points, but the Gremlins could not capitalize. They were just one of eight from the field and one of six from the free throw line in the period.

“I tried to come up with offensive plays that would put the ball in the hoop,” said Andreassi, “but they get up by 13 or 14 points and they start holding the ball.”

Trailing 35-24 after three quarters, shots finally started falling for the Gremlins (13-10).

Rossi McMillen scored nine of her team-high 15 points in the period. Her bucket with 1:26 left cut Redbank’s lead to 43-34.

Rosie Carden’s steal and basket made it 45-37 with 32 seconds left, but time ran out on the Gremlins and their season.

The Bulldogs are now 18-0 this year against teams from District 9.

“Our effort was there tonight, 100 percent, and I’m very proud of our girls,” said Andreassi, who said McMillen led the charge. Along with her points, she grabbed 13 rebounds.

“She might not light it up with points every night, but she deserves to be first-team All-KSAC just based on her effort.

“I’ve said it before ... there’s no player I’ve ever coached who plays as hard as she does.”

Cameryn Booher added 10 points for the Gremlins, all in the first half.

The Bulldogs will now await the winner of Monday’s other semifinal between Moniteau and defending district champion Punxsutawney.

KARNS CITY 39

Emma Dailey 1 0-0 2, Brooke Manuel 2 1-2 5, Rossi McMillen 6 2-7 15, Rosie Carden 1 1-2 3, Abby Callihan 0 0-0 0, Julia Andreassi 0 0-0 0, Chloe Fritch 0 1-4 1, Cameryn Booher 2 4-4 10, Savanna Prescott 1 0-0 2, Brooklyn Taylor 0 1-3 1. Totals: 13 10-22 39.

REDBANK VALLEY 49

Caylen Rearick 1 3-5 5, Ryleigh Smathers 0 0-0 0, Claire Clouse 0 0-4 0, Madison Foringer 4 0-0 8, Alivia Huffman 8 9-13 26, Mylee Harmon 2 6-12 10, Brooklyn Edmonds 0 0-0 0. Totals: 15 18-34 49.

Karns City 11 9 4 15 - 39

Redbank Valley 13 12 10 14 - 49

3-point goals: Karns City 3 (Booher 2, McMillen); Redbank Valley 1 (Huffman).