03.16.08 Semistate Recap

An exciting day of basketball Saturday saw eight teams advance to their respective state championship games, while eight others had their title dreams dashed.

Class 4A

Marion 64, South Bend Riley 52
The Marion Giants will have an opportunity to tie Muncie Central for the most state championships in school history after defeating South Bend Riley 64-52 at Lafayette Jeff. The Giants (24-4) got 28 points from senior Julius Mays in the win, and will shoot for their record-tying eighth state title next Saturday.
Brownsburg 51, New Albany 41
Brownsburg senior forward Gordon Hayward scored 13 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter as the Bulldogs (21-5) defeated previously unbeaten #1 New Albany 51-41 at the 4A South Semistate at Southport Fieldhouse for a trip to the state finals.

Class 3A

Harding 68, Plymouth 57
The Harding Hawks, behind 21 points from senior Marquelo Suel, are going back to Conseco Fieldhouse again. The Hawks (22-3) came from behind in the second half to knock off Plymouth 68-57 at the Warsaw Semistate. The 2001 Class 2A champions look to add a Class 3A trophy to their collection.
Washington 73, Batesville 69
At Seymour, senior Tyler Zeller scored 38 points, 30 in the second half, and was just as big of a force on defense, blocking several shots and affecting many others, as the Washington Hatchets edged the Batesville Bulldogs 73-69. Washington (22-2) advances to the finals seeking their fifth state championship.

Class 2A

Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 83, Westview 70
Westview got out to the early lead, but Bishop Luers had strong comeback led by the 35 points of sophomore DeShaun Thomas to garner a 83-70 victory over the Warriors at Warsaw. The Knights (23-3) will be making their first trip to the state finals.
Winchester 67, Evansville Mater Dei 60
At Seymour, junior Tyler Koch scored 31 points as the Winchester Golden Falcons punched a return ticket to the state finals with a 67-60 over the Evansville Mater Dei Wildcats. Winchester (23-3) were last year’s runner-up in 2A, and also were runner-up in 2000. They’ll look for their first-ever state championship.

Class 1A

Triton 52, Lafayette Central Catholic 51
The battle between the #3 Trojans and the #4 Knights was as good as advertised, and then some. Junior Colton Keel had 18 points and hit the game-winner with just seconds remaining to send Triton (24-2) to the state finals for the first time.
Indianapolis Lutheran 59, Borden 41
The Indianapolis Lutheran Saints, who tallied just 18 first half points, scored 41 second half points and hit a memorable long-range shot en route to a 59-41 1A South Semistate victory over Borden that will propel Lutheran (22-4) to their first State Finals appearance.