We've kept your mind away from the boys basketball state finals on this here blogging scene at HSSTM. But now it's time to get back to b-ball, as two local teams take to the Conseco Fieldhouse floor tomorrow for what should be another fantastic spectacle.

Yesterday I spoke with Jason Wille, the sports information director at the IHSAA, and tickets are apparently going like hotcakes (mmmm...hotcakes). The IHSAA is expecting a near-sellout or a complete packed house by the time Brownsburg and Marion take the court for the 4A title game around 8:00. Not that attendance ever struggles at the state finals, but having two schools that travel extremely well doesn't hurt the situation. Just from seeing the crowds at Southport for regionals and semistate, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the entire town of Brownsburg might be showing up tomorrow.

Let's start with that 4A matchup. The only conclusion I can really come to is that I will be shocked if this game isn't decided in the last few minutes. The two squads both seem to feel comfortable in a similar tempo, where scores more often than not end up in the 50s or 60s. Both teams will run floor when the time is right, Marion a bit more than Brownsburg, but this contest will be decided in the half-court sets.

It's no secret that the Bulldogs must have both Gordon Hayward and Julian Mavunga running the show. They proved last week that they both don't necessarily have to be at the top of their game, as Mavunga sat the bench in foul trouble for a few lengthy stretches against New Albany, but these two have the weight of this game on their shoulders. They've dominated virtually all tournament, and something tells me that Hayward and Mavunga won't let that stop tomorrow.

As far Marion, who came into the season as the No. 1 team in 4A, they are a little bit more balanced. With Julius Mays (18.5 ppg) and Scott Wood (16 ppg, 45 percent 3-point shooting) controlling the backcourt, they can be extremely dangerous. Reason being, that outside combo can be opened up by inside-outside play of Jay Edwards, Jr. (13.8 ppg). If Brownsburg can slow down that trio, the Bulldogs will win this game based on defensive prowess.

Moving to the 1A game, between Lutheran and Triton, it is just difficult to see Lutheran's ride ending with a loss in this game. I've never seen Triton play and don't know much about them, but I say this about Lutheran because they have such determined and fundamental leadership from a huge group of seniors. I think there's a lot to be said about a team full of seniors, that have played together for the better part of their lives, simply because it's all about the team. There's no true superstars on the Saints, which I think has allowed them to use their chemistry and goal-oriented approach to their utmost advantage in the postseason.

I'll be at the 1A and 4A games to take it all in. There's always a couple events on the high school circuit that are worth seeing no matter who's playing, and the boys hoops state championships are definitely one of them. Conseco will be rocking for the first time since last March (other than maybe a Reba McEntire concert), so you should be there, too.

Time to turn on the TV to watch the second day of the NCAA's to unfold. In case you're wondering, yours truly is leading the HSSTM office pool after Day 1. Big surprise. Butler's a lock today...mark it down.