EDITORIAL: Why we love this game (basketball) so much

Indiana basketball fans were anticipating one of the great games in history Saturday, and that is exactly what they got. Twice. It was not, however, just the mythical national championship between Class 4A undefeateds Ben Davis and South Bend Washington but also the 2A clash of Heritage Christian and Oak Hill. 

The latter had all the ingredients to immediately become a part of Indiana basketball lore. It was a classic matchup between the invincible program with the unflappable star, a team which had not lost a game to an Indiana opponent in over two-and-a-half years, versus the small-school country girls who nearly a year ago to the day had decided that they would prove their pride was greater than any fear they had of the vaunted champions. 

It lived up to the billing and much more.

Oak Hill did everything the Golden Eagles set out to do on this day … except leave the court a winner. It was Heritage Christian that was forced to make adjustment after adjustment, and stage rally after rally, in order to stay in the game. Like the champions they are, that is exactly what the Eagles did – make adjustment after adjustment and stage rally after rally. 

Coach Rick Risinger told the media after the game that the only time he felt his squad was in control of the game was the last possession of overtime. That, in turn, produced one of the most memorable shots in Indiana girls basketball history. 

Both teams won on this day. Heritage Christian captured its fourth consecutive state title. The Eagles also gained the knowledge that on that rare occasion when their character was needed more than their talent, it did not fail them. 

Oak Hill, meanwhile, earned the respect of knowledgeable basketball fans statewide and, more importantly, earned some from an Indianapolis media that all too often believes basketball, if not civilization, drops off quickly when you get past the doughnut counties. The Golden Eagles also learned a life lesson that will never leave them. They learned that in difficult situations, their hearts will carry them far past their abilities.

Meanwhile, at a small gym outside Francisville on Saturday night, Caston High School won a Class A sectional title. What is so special about that, you ask? Caston won a total of ONE game during the regular season. That’s right – one. The Comets then won three in the tournament this week. 

I was lucky enough to catch the postgame celebration on local radio coverage. I heard a coach who still wasn’t sure he was actually living what had just happened. I heard hard-nosed athletes reduced to tears with the realization that they had accomplished something that a mere week ago they did not even dream of doing. 

You gotta love it.

Finally, West Lafayette won a boys sectional in Frankfort Saturday night by upsetting the host Hot Dogs. As upsets go, this was hardly one for the ages. It was, however, a moment of joy for two very deserving people. 

First, it was another validation in the coaching career of West Lafayette mentor Dave Wood. Wood is one of the most respected and beloved coaches in Indiana. He could have plied his trade at many larger institutions, but he has chosen to remain at West Lafayette for 15 years. (Sometimes, nice guys finish first.) 

Secondly, it was a moment of triumph for Red Devil senior Matt Lancaster. Lancaster will be remembered more for his talents as a football quarterback than as a basketball player. Nonetheless, such a moment evaded him on the gridiron. Watching him celebrate with teammates Saturday night, I think this will do just fine, thank you.

These are just a few stories illustrating why we love this game so much.