1A Sectional: Friday Recap
The best day of the year was Friday night when we had 256 teams playing in 128 games to get a chance at 64 Sectional. Every team that was still alive in the state playoffs played last night. 128 went…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe best day of the year was Friday night when we had 256 teams playing in 128 games to get a chance at 64 Sectional. Every team that was still alive in the state playoffs played last night. 128 went home, 128 moved on. Here is our recap from Friday night in 1A.
North Central Pulls Off Upset Of Bloomfield
When looking at the records, Bloomfield isn’t necessarily an upset. Their records are nearly identical. However, through past experience, it is hard to see Bloomfield losing this earlier but that is what happened on Friday night.
This year, it was North Central-Farmersburg’s turn. They didn’t just beat them, they beat them by 12, 61-49. That is a complete 180 from earlier this season when Bloomfield beat them by 19 in late January. North Central, now 14-10 will get a chance at a Sectional Championship against Shakamak, a team they beat earlier this season by 6 points. If they can pull it off, it would be their first Sectional Championship since 2009-10.
21st Gets A Lift But Not Enough
Right before game time, Gary 21st got word that transfer Ashton Williamson Ashton Williamson 6'2" | PG Gary 21st Century | 2023 State #287 Nation IN would be eligible to play that evening. The 6’2 standout guard who just transferred in from Calumet would automatically become the most talented player in that Sectional. It was a boost for sure, keeping Gary 21st in the game the entire time.
But, it was not enough to get past the seasoned Washington Township team on Friday. They lost 57-55, coming down to the final seconds. While it may not have been the outcome they were looking for, Williamson should be a bright spot for the future. Washington Township, on the other hand, moves on after the grinder of a victory and know takes on Kouts, a team they lost to by 39 earlier this season.
Close Calls Galore
The theme of the night was almost upsets. We had two games that went to overtime, a ton more that were in single digits. From another near North Daviess upset of Barr-Reeve to Blue River needing overtime to get past Tri, there were plenty of interesting outcomes. Rising Sun got their firs Sectional win since 2014 and then came up just 3-points short of a chance at a Sectional Championship over Southwestern-Shelbyville.
Caston had to hold off Tri-County, 55-51. You also saw Elkhart Christian get taken to overtime by Bethany Christian but managed to get the win in extra time. This was the best team Bethany Christian has had in over a decade but just wasn’t able to get over the hump. But, when looking at the schedule for Saturday night, nothing is going to be closer than the 64 matchups ahead.