Brian Wardle enjoying family’s version of March Madness

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Bradley basketball coach Brian Wardle has a big week ahead.

Wednesday is BU’s final home game of the season and the Braves play at Drake in the Missouri Valley regular season finale on Sunday.

In between, it’s a trip to state with his daughters who have helped Notre Dame to its first girls basketball state semifinal appearance. Watching his daughters is a tricky assignment.

“It’s different as a dad. I would much rather coach, honestly,” Wardle said. “I’ve said it 100 times. People may not understand it. When it’s your profession, what you do all day, it’s hard to just go watch a game.”

Notre Dame has spent the entire season in the class 2A state rankings. Senior Mya Wardle and freshman Emy Wardle will be on the floor when the Irish play Wilmette Regina Dominican in the state semifinals on Thursday at 2 p.m. at CEFCU Arena in Normal.

And he’s excited for his girls.

“It’s different because I know how much they’ve invested, how much they’ve worked. And I know how much it means to Mya as a senior. So it’s been fun to see them grow together,” Wardle said. “They are having a lot of fun together, I know that.”

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