Not many surprises last night as the first games of the girls basketball sectionals got underway, but that could certainly change. Here's a wrap-up of some of last night's games, as well as some interesting match-ups to look forward to.
- Our February cover ladies at Lapel started things off with a 66-32 coasting against Muncie Burris. The offensive balance continued, as Elizabeth Jennings, Courtney Prater and Betsy Guion each chipped in 13 points. Next up, the Lady Bulldogs face Wapahani (12-9) in Friday's semis at 6 p.m., hosted by Elwood.
- Also in 2A, Sectional 43 host Heritage Christian rolled to the next round with a 75-37 win over Park Tudor. It's a big night at the Heritage gym tonight, as Scecina faces Ritter followed by Indian Creek vs. Triton Central.
- Jumping to 4A, the marquee early-round contest between No. 7 Carmel and No. 13 Hamilton SE didn't disappoint, as the Greyhounds held off a late surge by the Royals and avenged four straight losses to HSE with a 56-51 win. Another Hamilton County school awaits after Fishers (16-5) beat Zionsville...the 'Hounds and Tigers will now tip off in Friday's semis.
- In the 4A Avon sectional, Pike notched a mini-upset of Brownsburg last evening to earn a semifinal game against the host Orioles on Friday. The other semifinal on Friday is one of the more intriguing, with No. 1 Ben Davis set to face Decatur Central (16-6). Ben Davis is undoubtedly the heavy favorite, but if there's a team that can scare them in this sectional, it's going to be the 'Hawks.
- Sectional 10, hosted by Arlington, has all signs pointing to a sectional championship showcase game between No. 4 Lawrence North and No. 8 North Central. The Panthers soundly defeated Lawrence Central last evening and have Broad Ripple in the semis, while the Wildcats have to get through Arlington tonight and a Friday semifinal against the winner of the Cathedral-Warren Central contest.
- In perhaps the most "unknown" sectional in 4A, Sectional 11 hosted by Southport, things are looking interesting. After Franklin Community beat Southport last night, the Grizzly Cubs have earned a Friday game against Franklin Central. In a big double header tonight, Center Grove will face Greenwood while Whiteland is set to play Perry Meridian.
- Shifting to 3A, Maggie Boyer and her Lebanon squad avoided a repeat of last season by winning their sectional opener against North Montomgery, led by Boyer's 31 points and 10 boards. The sectional host Lady Tigers now have a Friday semifinal game against Sagamore Conference foe Crawfordsville, a team they lost to by 11 points back on Nov. 30. The other semifinal pits Danville against Western Boone. Can the two Boone County rivals, Lebanon and WeBo, make it to the title game for another heated battle?
- The defending 3A champ has been beat, with Chatard taking down Brebeuf last evening for the second time this season. Heavy favorites in the Beech Grove sectional, the Trojans will face Northwest in the semis while the host Hornets and Roncalli square off in the other semifinal.
I know that was boring, but hopefully it gives you a pretty clear picture of what lies ahead during this week's sectionals. Here's some other news and notes, outside the hoops world:
- We're tracking National Signing Day as football stars across the state give pledges to their future college programs. I got a call from my buddy Derek Schultz at XL 950 this morning, so it's looks like I'll be going on the afternoon show to discuss area committments. In early this morning were two expected committments from Hamilton Southeastern, as DT Nick Sliger penned his name for Indiana University and LB Chris Carlino signed with Purdue. Do you think those two will have any fun playing for the Bucket the next four years? Check back tomorrow, as we plan on posting a Showcase on the homepage of every signing we can get our hands on.
- Girls swimming state finals are this Saturday at the IU Natatorium on the campus of IUPUI, with the finals heats starting at 1:00 in the afternoon. HSSTM wants to know, will anyone be able to "Catch 22"?
- The individual wrestling semistate is also this weekend. I have always thought, in any sport, semistate is the toughest round. Think of all the wrestlers that are one, two, maybe three matches away from earning the ultimate trip to the state finals. That's the kind of pressure that athletes feed off. It's also the kind of pressure that can tighten everything up. Best of luck to the guys.
Posted by: Janice on Thursday, February 7, 2008
Great blog! Your February cover and main story on the Lapel girls basketball team was fantastic and well-written. The Lady Bulldogs are a great team and a fine, hard working group of girls. And, they play some pretty good basketball, too!
Posted by: Swim Fan on Thursday, February 7, 2008
In answer to your question about catching Carmel girls swimming...the answer is no - it will indeed become 22 straight state titles on Saturday.
Posted by: Mind of Mark on Thursday, February 7, 2008
Hey, hope you don't mind me using your "Mind of" thing...just wanted to tell you I heard you on XL 950 yesterday on my way home from work. I live in Greenwood. It was great to hear your thoughts on some of the kids who committed yesterday, and you are right - it is a gamble when you talk about how these kids will fare in college. Good stuff, Mind!
Posted by: Logan Kendrickson on Thursday, February 7, 2008
Great magazine! The February issue was really good, I enjoyed the "Grill" with fellow Southsider Corey Wickware. It was nice to see an athlete open up honestly about his experiences. And tell your co-worker, Mr. Moore, than his "Pregame" was hilarious.