Mike McGraw
Hoosier Authority
Indiana
basketball fans were anticipating one of the great games in history Saturday
and that is exactly what they got. It was not, however, the mythical national
championship between Ben Davis and South Bend Washington. Rather, it was the 2A
clash of Heritage Christian and Oak Hill. This game had all the ingredients to
immediately become a part of Indiana basketball lore. It was a classic match-up
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 they 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 Heritage Christian did, make adjustment after
adjustment and stage rally after rally. Coach Rick Riesinger 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 girls’ basketball history.
Both teams
won on this day. Heritage Christian won its unprecedented fourth consecutive
state title. They 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 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
1A 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. They 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 has chosen to remain at West
Lafayette for fifteen 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.
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