Anxious would be the best word to describe the Noblesville Millers prior to their semifinal matchup with Fishers. As fans walked through the doors, they were in the hall outside the gym, almost greeting everyone that came in. With the crazy, snowy weather that has hit Central Indiana lately, mix in after work traffic on 86th street from 5:00 on and that equaled Fishers' bus being late.
Friday's first semifinal between two ranked teams was put on hold until around 6:25. The much longer than anticipated bus ride must have given Fishers the right mental preparations. The Tigers got off the bus and were into the locker room and back out with their warm-ups on in fast fashion. They kept this speed up throughout the entire game, like they all drank some caffeine on the ride to North Central. To say the least, Fishers wanted revenge on Noblesville and that's exactly what they got in a 58-43 drubbing of the Millers to advance to the Sectional Championship on Saturday.
4A #14 Fishers 58, 4A #15 Noblesville 43 (Sectional Semifinal at North Central)
Millers 9 10 8 16 -- 43
Tigers 12 16 21 9 -- 58
Fishers' quest to get revenge from their 48-46 home loss to Noblesville was written all over their faces from the start. A tight game from the start, the Millers knew that this would be a full-on sprint to the finish.
Senior Alex Hochstedler got things started with a quick bucket for the Tigers, but we were tied 2-2 right away at the other end with Kayleigh Herron slashing and driving her way through the lane for two.
Noblesville was able to force a couple turnovers and turned those into points off turnovers. Fast break layups by Alexis Shannon and Cori Cain gave the Millers a 6-2 lead on a 6-0 run, forcing Fishers head coach Michael Gaines to burn a timeout.
Just out of the timeout, the Tigers seemed pretty poised. Hochstedler brought in back to a one possession game with a basket, leaving Noblesville up 6-4. Then, Kara Gerka got herself into a groove, scoring 5 consecutive points to put Fishers up 9-6 with 0:55 left in the first.
The Millers were able to tie it up again when Kayleigh Herron dropped a pass down to Erin Wood for a soft layup. Wood was fouled by Hochstedler and made the free throw for a 9-9 tie. Fishers had enough time on their next trip down the court to set up the perfect play. Hochstedler swished a three as time expired, giving she and her Tigers a 12-9 edge after one.
It didn't take long for the Millers to knot things up again. Kayleigh Herron found a seam in the Tiger defense and sliced her way for a layup and managed to get fouled. The 5'5 junior point guard got the and-1, sinking the attempt from the charity stripe and we were tied 12-12.
The next Tiger possession, Gerka was fouled, making just 1 of 2 for a 13-12 lead. Fishers' lead grew to 18-14 and 21-14 on consecutive makes from three by Brooke Sugg and Hochstedler. Point guard Adrianna Murphy knocked down two points for a 23-14 lead.
Kayleigh Herron knocked down a three to bring it back to a two possession game, 23-17. Gerka added another score for her 8th point of the first half and the Tigers now led 25-17. Cori Cain made her way to the basket for a layup with 1:36 left until halftime, hoping to keep it at that six-point deficit. Just at the right time, Murphy caught a pass, made a move and launched a trey that swished at the buzzer.
Two quarters, two buzzer-beater shots. Fishers now had a 28-19 lead and a big surge of momentum heading into the locker room.
After halftime, things went from bad to worse for the Millers. Fishers wasted no time in tacking more points on the scoreboard. Brooke Sugg nailed a three on the Tigers' first possession of the third for a 31-19. Fishers' lead grew to its biggest of the game at the end of the third at 49-27. This was the second quarter in a row that Adrianna Murphy hit a buzzer-beating three. Murphy's three gave Fishers the momentum it needed.
They held Noblesville to single digits twice in three quarters, which hasn't been done in quite some time, the Millers were held to just 8.
Fishers (19-4) cruised from there despite being outscored 16-9 by the Millers in the final quarter. Senior all-state candidate Alex Hochstedler led all scorers with a game-high 18 points on six field goals, three from outside the arc. Kara Gerka (14) and Brooke Sugg (10) were both also able to get into double-figures.
Noblesville finished their season with its best record (16-5) since the 2001-02 campaign when then-head coach Leah Wooldridge led the Millers to an 18-3 final mark.
The Millers were led in scoring by junior guard Cori Cain with 9 points. Kayleigh Herron, Alexis Shannon and Erin Wood all three were second with 8 points apiece. Jessica Kiser finished with 4 points in the final high school game of her four-year varsity career. Brooke Herron and Katelyn O'Reilly rounded out the Noblesville numbers, tallying 3 each.
The Tigers earned themselves a berth in the 4A Sectional 8 Championship game against Hoosier Crossroads Conference foe Westfield. The Shamrocks narrowly edged another HCC rival in Hamilton Southeastern in the second semifinal on Friday, 44-40.
The Tigers were able to slide past Westfield for their first ever sectional championship, 46-34. Fishers (20-4) will play this Saturday in the Kokomo Regional. The #14 Tigers meet up with the #4 Homestead Spartans (23-1) at 10 a.m. for the right to play for the title that night against the winner of Carroll (Allen) (10-12) and the #7 Logansport Berries (22-2).
As per usual, thank you for reading my season-long blog about Noblesville Miller girls basketball! We all wish that the season would have extended longer than it did, but what a great season it was! Stay tuned for my final blog of the season, as I recap this 2013-14 season (16-5, 7-2 HCC), Donna Keck's best yet at the helm of the Millers!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
IHSAA Girls State Tournament: Class 4A predictions
CLASS 4A
Sectional 1 (at Lowell)
Tuesday:
Hammond Morton over East Chicago Central
Wednesday:
#10 Lake Central over Highland
Gary West Side over Munster
Friday:
Lowell over Hammond Morton
#10 Lake Central over Gary West Side
Championship: #10 LAKE CENTRAL over Lowell
Sectional 2 (at Hobart)
Tuesday:
Crown Point over Portage
#6 LaPorte over Hobart
Wednesday:
Chesterton over Michigan City
#13 Merrillville over Valparaiso
Friday:
#6 LaPorte over Crown Point
#13 Merrillville over Chesterton
Championship: #6 LaPORTE over #13 Merrillville
Sectional 3 (at South Bend Clay)
Tuesday:
#4 Penn over South Bend Riley
Wednesday:
#12 Mishawaka over South Bend Washington
Plymouth over South Bend Clay
Friday:
#4 Penn over South Bend Adams
#12 Mishawaka over Plymouth
Championship: #4 PENN over #12 Mishawaka
Sectional 4 (at Northridge)
Tuesday:
Warsaw over Elkhart Memorial
Concord over Elkhart Central
Friday:
Northridge over Warsaw
Goshen over Concord
Championship: NORTHRIDGE over Goshen
Sectional 5 (at Fort Wayne Northrop)
Tuesday:
East Noble over Fort Wayne Northrop
DeKalb over Carroll (Allen)
Friday:
East Noble over Fort Wayne Snider
DeKalb over Fort Wayne North
Championship: EAST NOBLE over DeKalb
Sectional 6 (at Fort Wayne South)
Tuesday:
#5 Homestead over Fort Wayne Wayne
Friday:
Fort Wayne South over Jay County
#4 Homestead over Huntington North
Championship: #4 HOMESTEAD over Fort Wayne South
Sectional 7 (at Logansport)
Tuesday:
Marion over Lafayette Jeff
#7 Logansport over McCutcheon
Friday:
Kokomo over Marion
#7 Logansport over Harrison (West Lafayette)
Championship: #7 LOGANSPORT over Kokomo
Sectional 8 (at North Central)
Tuesday:
#14 Fishers over Zionsville
Wednesday:
Hamilton Southeastern over Carmel
Westfield over North Central
Friday:
#15 Noblesville over #14 Fishers
Westfield over Hamilton Southeastern
Championship: #15 NOBLESVILLE over Westfield
SOUTH
Sectional 9 (at Connersville)
Tuesday:
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) over Greenfield-Central
Wednesday:
New Castle over Pendleton Heights
Anderson over Richmond
Friday:
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) over Connersville
Anderson over New Castle
Championship: MT. VERNON (FORTVILLE) over Anderson
Sectional 10 (at Indianapolis Arsenal Tech)
Tuesday:
#9 Indianapolis Roncalli over Lawrence Central
#1 Lawrence North over Indianapolis Cathedral
Friday:
#9 Indianapolis Roncalli over Indianapolis Arsenal Tech
#1 Lawrence North over Warren Central
Championship: #1 LAWRENCE NORTH over #9 Indianapolis Roncalli
Sectional 11 (at Pike)
Tuesday:
Perry Meridian over Decatur Central
Pike over Southport
Friday:
Perry Meridian over Indianapolis Northwest
Pike over Ben Davis
Championship: PIKE over Perry Meridian
Sectional 12 (at Terre Haute North)
Tuesday:
Terre Haute North over Martinsville
Wednesday:
Brownsburg over Avon
Plainfield over Terre Haute South
Friday:
#8 Mooresville over Terry Haute North
Brownsburg over Plainfield
Championship: #8 MOORESVILLE over Brownsburg
Sectional 13 (at Whiteland)
Tuesday:
#7 Center Grove over #16 Franklin Central
Greenwood over Whiteland
Friday:
#7 Center Grove over Franklin
Greenwood over New Palestine
Championship: #7 CENTER GROVE over Greenwood
Sectional 14 (at Bloomington South)
Tuesday:
East Central over Bloomington South
#3 Columbus North over Shelbyville
Friday:
East Central over Bloomington North
#3 Columbus North over Columbus East
Championship: #3 COLUMBUS NORTH over East Central
Sectional 15 (at Jennings County)
Tuesday:
Seymour over New Albany
#2 Bedford North Lawrence over Floyd Central
Friday:
Jeffersonville over Seymour
#2 Bedford North Lawrence over Jennings County
Championship: #2 BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE over Jeffersonville
Sectional 16 (at Evansville Central)
Tuesday:
Evansville Central over Evansville Reitz
Friday:
Castle over Evansville North
Evansville Central over Evansville Harrison
Championship: EVANSVILLE CENTRAL over Castle
IHSAA Girls State Tournament: Class 3A predictions
CLASS 3A
Sectional 17 (at Griffith)
Tuesday:
Griffith over Lighthouse CPA
Wednesday:
Gary Wallace over Hammond Gavit
Hammond Clark over Gary Roosevelt
Friday:
Griffith over Hammond
Hammond Clark over Gary Wallace
Championship: GRIFFITH over Hammond Clark
Sectional 18 (at Hanover Central)
Tuesday:
Wheeler over Knox
Wednesday:
Andrean over Calumet
Hanover Central over New Prairie
Friday:
Kankakee Valley over Wheeler
Hanover Central over Andrean
Championship: Kankakee Valley over Hanover Central
Sectional 19 (at John Glenn)
Tuesday:
#13 South Bend St. Joe's over Culver Academy
John Glenn over Rochester
Friday:
#13 South Bend St. Joe's over Jimtown
John Glenn over Mishawaka Marian
Championship: JOHN GLENN over #13 South Bend St. Joe's
Sectional 20 (at Western)
Tuesday:
West Lafayette over Twin Lakes
Wednesday:
Northwestern over Peru
#6 Western over Maconaquah
Friday:
#8 Benton Central over West Lafayette
#6 Western over Northwestern
Championship: #6 WESTERN over #8 Benton Central
Sectional 21 (at Northwood)
Tuesday:
Whitko over West Noble
Wednesday:
Fairfield over Tippecanoe Valley
#11 Northwood over Wawasee
Friday:
Whitko over Lakeland
#11 Northwood over Fairfield
Championship: #11 Northwood over Whitko
Sectional 22 (at Garrett)
Tuesday:
#3 Garrett over Angola
Wednesday:
#10 Fort Wayne Luers over #5 Fort Wayne Concordia
New Haven over Fort Wayne Dwenger
Friday:
#3 Garrett over Leo
#10 Fort Wayne Luers over New Haven
Championship: #3 GARRETT over #10 Fort Wayne Luers
Sectional 23 (at Bellmont)
Tuesday:
#12 Norwell over Bellmont
Eastbrook over Columbia City
Friday:
#12 Norwell over Heritage
Eastbrook over Mississinewa
Championship: #12 NORWELL over Eastbrook
Sectional 24 (at Blackford)
Tuesday:
Delta over Muncie South
Muncie Central over Blackford
Friday:
Hamilton Heights over Delta
Muncie Central over Yorktown
Championship: Muncie Central over Hamilton Heights
SOUTH
Sectional 25 (at Western Boone)
Tuesday:
#16 Lebanon over North Montgomery
Friday:
#15 Western Boone over Crawfordsville
#16 Lebanon over Frankfort
Championship: #15 Western Boone over #16 Lebanon
Sectional 26 (at Brebeuf Jesuit)
Tuesday:
#14 Indianapolis Chatard over Brebeuf Jesuit
Friday:
Guerin Catholic over Indianapolis Marshall
#14 Indianapolis Chatard over Indianapolis Herron
Championship: #14 INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD over Guerin Catholic
Sectional 27 (at Danville)
Tuesday:
Danville over Greencastle
Friday:
Tri-West over Beech Grove
Danville over Indian Creek
Championship: TRI-WEST over Danville
Sectional 28 (at West Vigo)
Tuesday:
Brown County over Edgewood
Friday:
West Vigo over Owen Valley
Brown County over Northview
Championship: BROWN COUNTY over West Vigo
Sectional 29 (at Rushville)
Tuesday:
Lawrenceburg over Franklin County
Batesville over Greensburg
Friday:
#4 Rushville over Lawrenceburg
Batesville over South Dearborn
Championship: #4 RUSHVILLE over Batesville
Sectional 30 (at Charlestown)
Tuesday:
Scottsburg over North Harrison
Brownstown Central over Charlestown
Wednesday:
Salem over Silver Creek
#7 Madison over Corydon Central
Friday:
Brownstown Central over Scottsburg
#7 Madison over Salem
Championship: BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL over #7 Madison
Sectional 31 (at Vincennes Lincoln)
Tuesday:
Vincennes Lincoln over Heritage Hills
Wednesday:
Southridge over Jasper
#9 Washington over Pike Central
Friday:
Vincennes Lincoln over Mitchell
#9 Washington over Southridge
Championship: #9 WASHINGTON over Vincennes Lincoln
Sectional 32 (at Boonville)
Tuesday:
#2 Evansville Mater Dei over Mt. Vernon (Posey)
Wednesday:
Boonville over Evansville Memorial
#1 Princeton over Gibson Southern
Friday:
#2 Evansville Mater Dei over Evansville Bosse
#1 Princeton over Boonville
Championship: #2 EVANSVILLE MATER DEI over #1 Princeton
IHSAA Girls State Tournament: Class 2A predictions
CLASS 2A
NORTH
Sectional 33 (at Whiting)
Tuesday:
#6 Hammond Noll over Hebron
Wednesday:
Bowman Academy over Lake Station
Whiting over River Forest
Friday:
#6 Hammond Noll over Boone Grove
Bowman Academy over Whiting
Championship: #6 HAMMOND NOLL over Bowman Academy
Sectional 34 (at Winamac)
Tuesday:
Delphi over Rensselaer Central
Friday:
North Judson over North Newton
Winamac over Delphi
Championship: WINAMAC over North Judson
Sectional 35 (at Central Noble)
Tuesday:
LaVille over Bremen
Fremont over Central Noble
Friday:
#12 Westview over LaVille
Fremont over Prairie Heights
Championship: #12 WESTVIEW over Fremont
Sectional 36 (at Bluffton)
Tuesday:
South Adams over Woodlan
Wednesday:
Churubusco over Bluffton
#3 Fort Wayne Canterbury over Adams Central
Friday:
South Adams over Eastside
#3 Fort Wayne Canterbury over Churubusco
Championship: #3 FORT WAYNE CANTERBURY over South Adams
Sectional 37 (at Northfield)
Tuesday:
Southwood over North Miami
Wednesday:
#8 Oak Hill over Manchester
Northfield over Lewis Cass
Friday:
#4 Wabash over Southwood
#8 Oak Hill over Northfield
Championship: #4 WABASH over #8 Oak Hill
Sectional 38 (at Southmont)
Tuesday:
Southmont over Riverton Parke
South Vermillion over Clinton Central
Friday:
#19 Seeger over Southmont
Fountain Central over South Vermillion
Championship: #19 SEEGER over Fountain Central
Sectional 39 (at Elwood)
Tuesday:
#5 Tipton over Eastern (Greentown)
Wednesday:
Alexandria over Madison-Grant
#14 Elwood over Taylor
Friday:
#5 Tipton over Sheridan
#14 Elwood over Alexandria
Championship: #5 TIPTON over #14 Elwood
Sectional 40 (at Shenandoah)
Tuesday:
#10 Lapel over Winchester
Wapahani over Frankton
Friday:
#10 Lapel over Shenandoah
Wapahani over Muncie Burris
Championship: #10 LAPEL over Wapahani
SOUTH
Sectional 41 (at Eastern Hancock)
Tuesday:
Knightstown over Union County
Wednesday:
Hagerstown over Centerville
#7 Eastern Hancock over Cambridge City Lincoln
Friday:
Knightstown over Northeastern
#7 Eastern Hancock over Hagerstown
Championship: #7 EASTERN HANCOCK over Knightstown
Sectional 42 (at Indianapolis Howe)
Tuesday:
#1 Heritage Christian over Indianapolis Shortridge
Indianapolis Scecina over Park Tudor
Friday:
#1 Heritage Christian over Indianapolis Howe
Indianapolis Scecina over Indianapolis Broad Ripple
Championship: #1 HERITAGE CHRISTIAN over Indianapolis Scecina
Sectional 43 (at Indianapolis Manual)
Tuesday:
Triton Central over Indianapolis Crispus Attucks
#2 Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter over Indianapolis Washington
Friday:
Triton Central over Irvington Prep Academy
#2 Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter over Indianapolis Manual
Championship: #2 INDIANAPOLIS CARDINAL RITTER over Triton Central
Sectional 44 (at Speedway)
Tuesday:
Monrovia over North Putnam
Wednesday:
Cloverdale over South Putnam
Speedway over #15 Covenant Christian
Tuesday:
Monrovia over North Putnam
Wednesday:
Cloverdale over South Putnam
Speedway over #15 Covenant Christian
Friday:
Cascade over Monrovia
Speedway over Cloverdale
Championship: SPEEDWAY over Cascade
Sectional 45 (at Milan)
Tuesday:
Switzerland County over Milan
#18 Austin over North Decatur
Friday:
Switzerland County over Southwestern (Hanover)
#18 Austin over South Ripley
Championship: SWITZERLAND COUNTY over #18 Austin
Sectional 46 (at Eastern-Pekin)
Tuesday:
#16 Paoli over Henryville
Crawford County over Clarksville
Friday:
Providence over #16 Paoli
#17 Eastern (Pekin) over Crawford County
Championship: PROVIDENCE over #17 Eastern (Pekin)
Sectional 47 (at North Knox)
Tuesday:
Eastern Greene over South Knox
Sullivan over Linton-Stockton
Friday:
North Central (Farmersburg) over Eastern Greene
#11 North Knox over Sullivan
Championship: #11 NORTH KNOX over North Central (Farmersburg)
Sectional 48 (at Forest Park)
Tuesday:
#13 North Posey over Perry Central
Friday:
Tell City over South Spencer
#13 North Posey over #20 Forest Park
Championship: #13 NORTH POSEY over Tell City
Cascade over Monrovia
Speedway over Cloverdale
Championship: SPEEDWAY over Cascade
Sectional 45 (at Milan)
Tuesday:
Switzerland County over Milan
#18 Austin over North Decatur
Friday:
Switzerland County over Southwestern (Hanover)
#18 Austin over South Ripley
Championship: SWITZERLAND COUNTY over #18 Austin
Sectional 46 (at Eastern-Pekin)
Tuesday:
#16 Paoli over Henryville
Crawford County over Clarksville
Friday:
Providence over #16 Paoli
#17 Eastern (Pekin) over Crawford County
Championship: PROVIDENCE over #17 Eastern (Pekin)
Sectional 47 (at North Knox)
Tuesday:
Eastern Greene over South Knox
Sullivan over Linton-Stockton
Friday:
North Central (Farmersburg) over Eastern Greene
#11 North Knox over Sullivan
Championship: #11 NORTH KNOX over North Central (Farmersburg)
Sectional 48 (at Forest Park)
Tuesday:
#13 North Posey over Perry Central
Friday:
Tell City over South Spencer
#13 North Posey over #20 Forest Park
Championship: #13 NORTH POSEY over Tell City
IHSAA Girls State Tournament: Class 1A predictions
CLASS 1A
NORTH
Sectional 49 (at Kouts)
Tuesday:
Washington Township over Covenant Christian (DeMotte)
Wednesday:
Morgan Township over Gary 21st Century
Kouts over Westville
Friday:
Washington Township over Michigan City Marquette Catholic
Morgan Township over Kouts
Championship: MORGAN TOWNSHIP over Washington Township
Sectional 50 (at West Central)
Tuesday:
North White over South Newton
Caston over Pioneer
Friday:
#5 West Central over North White
Caston over Tri-County
Championship: #5 WEST CENTRAL over Caston
Sectional 51 (at Triton)
Tuesday:
#1 Oregon-Davis over #12 South Central (Union Mills)
Triton over Lacrosse
Friday:
#1 Oregon-Davis over #10 Culver
Triton over Argos
Championship: #1 OREGON-DAVIS over Triton
Sectional 52 (at Hamilton)
Tuesday:
Bethany Christian over Lakewood Park
Wednesday:
Elkhart Christian over Hamilton
Lakeland Christian over Howe School
Friday:
Bethany Christian over Fort Wayne Blackhawk
Elkhart Christian over Lakeland Christian
Championship: BETHANY CHRISTIAN over Elkhart Christian
Sectional 53 (at North Vermillion)
Tuesday:
#3 Attica over #7 Lafayette Central Catholic
North Vermillion over Turkey Run
Friday:
#3 Attica over Covington
North Vermillion over Rockville
Championship: #3 ATTICA over North Vermillion
Sectional 54 (at Rossville)
Tuesday:
Tri-Central over Rossville
Carroll (Flora) over Frontier
Friday:
Clinton Prairie over Tri-Central
Carroll (Flora) over Faith Christian
Championship: CARROLL (FLORA) over Clinton Prairie
Sectional 55 (at Southern Wells)
Tuesday:
Cowan over Daleville
Monroe Central over Liberty Christian
Friday:
Southern Wells over Cowan
Monroe Central over Wes-Del
Championship: SOUTHERN WELLS over Monroe Central
Sectional 56 (at Randolph Southern)
Tuesday:
#11 Tri over Union City
Randolph Southern over Blue River
Friday:
#11 Tri over Seton Catholic
Randolph Southern over Union (Modoc)
Championship: RANDOLPH SOUTHERN over #11 Tri
SOUTH
Sectional 57 (at Clay City)
Tuesday:
Shakamak over Bloomfield
Union (Dugger) over Eminence
Friday:
Shakamak over Clay City
White River Valley over Union (Dugger)
Championship: WHITE RIVER VALLEY over Shakamak
Sectional 58 (at Bethesda Christian)
Tuesday:
Indiana Deaf over Indianapolis Tindley
Indianapolis International over University
Wednesday:
Bethesda Christian over Indianapolis Metropolitan
Fall Creek Academy over Indiana Math & Science
Friday:
Indiana Deaf over Indianapolis International
Bethesda Christian over Fall Creek Academy
Championship: BETHESDA CHRISTIAN over Indiana Deaf
Sectional 59 (at Morristown)
Tuesday:
Indianapolis Lutheran over Baptist Academy
Edinburgh over Greenwood Christian
Wednesday:
#2 Southwestern (Shelbyville) over Waldron
Morristown over Indianapolis Arlington
Friday:
Indianapolis Lutheran over Edinburgh
#2 Southwestern (Shelbyville) over Morristown
Championship: #2 SOUTHWESTERN (SHELBYVILLE) over Indianapolis Lutheran
Sectional 60 (at Jac-Cen-Del)
Tuesday:
Oldenburg Academy over Hauser
South Decatur over Shawe Memorial
Friday:
#8 Jac-Cen-Del over Oldenburg Academy
South Decatur over Rising Sun
Championship: #8 JAC-CEN-DEL
Sectional 61 (at Orleans)
Tuesday:
Orleans over Crothersville
West Washington over Springs Valley
Friday:
Trinity Lutheran over Orleans
West Washington over Medora
Championship: TRINITY LUTHERAN over West Washington
Sectional 62 (at New Washington)
Tuesday:
Lanesville over Rock Creek Academy
New Washington over South Central (Elizabeth)
Friday:
#9 Borden over Lanesville
New Washington over Christian Academy
Championship: #9 BORDEN over New Washington
Sectional 63 (at Loogootee)
Tuesday:
Shoals over Washington Catholic
#6 Barr-Reeve over Loogootee
Friday:
#4 Vincennes Rivet over Shoals
#6 Barr-Reeve over North Daviess
Championship: #4 VINCENNES RIVET over #6 Barr-Reeve
Sectional 64 (at Wood Memorial)
Friday:
Northeast Dubois over Cannelton
#13 Wood Memorial over Tecumseh
Championship: NORTHEAST DUBOIS over #13 Wood Memorial
4A #14 Millers route Harrison in Kiser's final game at The Mill
It was a game that had been postponed twice because of the different snow storms that have hampered travel for activities and just made things a little more difficult than the usual winter. First, it was originally scheduled for Thursday, January 9 and then was pushed to Monday, January 27th, both of which were obviously postponed due to weather. Finally, the Harrison vs. Noblesville girls game was re-scheduled for a date that snow wasn't involved! This past Friday, February 7th, the two met at The Mill in Noblesville as the first game of a girls/boys doubleheader.
It was the regular season finale and a tune-up for sectionals next week at North Central, but more importantly, it was the final time that 5'9 senior four-year varsity player Jessica Kiser would play at The Mill.
Kiser is one of those players who has had quite an impact on the Noblesville Millers girls basketball program, both on and off the court. Her teammates look up to her and her attitude is contagious. She's the lone senior graduating from a team that will by vying for the Class 4A Sectional 8 championship this week and looks to make a run past sectionals. Jessica Kiser will be missed once this basketball season comes to an end, but the Millers don't plan on ending the 2013-14 campaign yet!
4A #14 Noblesville 63, Harrison (West Lafayette) 38 (at The Mill - Noblesville)
Raiders 7 15 9 7 -- 38
Millers 18 15 15 15 -- 63
The Millers started off on a 6-0 run in the first couple minutes, thanks in big part to 4 from Alexis Shannon, the second basket coming from a steal near mid-court.
Super sub freshman Brooke Herron was the first off the bench and made an early impact. Joining her older sister Kayleigh in the backcourt, Brooke took a pass from KH and knocked down a three for a 10-5 NHS lead. Minutes later, the younger Herron dished down low to Katelyn O'Reilly to double up the Raiders 14-7. The next trip up the court, Kiser got fouled while banking a layup, but missed the free throw. The Millers led after one, 18-7.
Harrison 5'11 senior Autumn Ringen did what she could to bring she and her Raider teammates back to within striking distance. Ringen showed that she wasn't afraid to shoot, scoring 11 of her team-high 14 in the second, highlighted by three baskets from three-point land. Her efforts helped Harrison trail 33-22 at halftime.
If it was consistency that head coach Donna Keck was looking for, that's what she got from her Millers. Each of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters, Noblesville scored 15 per quarter to really pull away from Harrison.
Noblesville extended its lead to 17 by the end of the 3rd, 48-31. Kiser, O'Reilly and Cori Cain combined for the Millers' 15 in the third.
The 4th was somewhat of a quiet quarter that Noblesville took 15-7, but the highlights of the 4th didn't happen until the final couple minutes. Keck had emptied her bench so that everyone got the chance to play. One particular player decided to make the most of her few minutes of action. 6'0 sophomore Haley Conway knocked down a couple three-pointers from the top of the key for a quick 6 for Conway. Those treys capped off a great Friday night for Noblesville and an outstanding regular season, 63-38 over Harrison, in the final meeting between the Hoosier Crossroads Conference foes. Harrison (West Lafayette) will be moving on to the North Central Conference in the fall of 2014.
Harrison (7-13, 3-6 HCC) was led in scoring by Autumn Ringen with 14 points on five field goals, four being three-pointers. Maren McCarty chipped in 6 off the bench, while Claire Muller and Maya Mengler each added 4.
The Raiders got a similar sectional draw like that of the Millers. Harrison will be playing the 4A Sectional 7 tournament at Logansport. They also drew the bye, one of two at Logansport. The winner of Tuesday night's Logansport (19-2) vs. McCutcheon (11-10) matchup will face Harrison in the second game on Friday nights at the home of the Berries.
Noblesville (16-4, 7-2 HCC) finished in a three-way tie for second place in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference with Westfield and Fishers.
The Millers were led in scoring in this regular season finale by Katelyn O'Reilly's 13 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. Erin Wood also found herself in double digits with 10. Wood also blocked two shots and stole a couple Raider passes. Alexis Shannon (3 steals), Cori Cain (2 steals) and Brooke Herron (4 assists) all added 8 points each. Haley Conway knocked down a pair of treys for her 6 and Jessica Kiser had 6 while dishing out two assists and adding a couple steals to her credit in her final game at The Mill.
Noblesville got a great draw in the 4A Sectional 8 tournament at North Central. The Millers will play in the bye game against the winner of tonight's lone game. Zionsville (7-13) is pitted against Fishers (17-4) with a rematch with Noblesville on the line. The season continues for Noblesville against the winner of the Eagles and Tigers this Friday night at 6 p.m. at North Central.
It was the regular season finale and a tune-up for sectionals next week at North Central, but more importantly, it was the final time that 5'9 senior four-year varsity player Jessica Kiser would play at The Mill.
Kiser is one of those players who has had quite an impact on the Noblesville Millers girls basketball program, both on and off the court. Her teammates look up to her and her attitude is contagious. She's the lone senior graduating from a team that will by vying for the Class 4A Sectional 8 championship this week and looks to make a run past sectionals. Jessica Kiser will be missed once this basketball season comes to an end, but the Millers don't plan on ending the 2013-14 campaign yet!
4A #14 Noblesville 63, Harrison (West Lafayette) 38 (at The Mill - Noblesville)
Raiders 7 15 9 7 -- 38
Millers 18 15 15 15 -- 63
The Millers started off on a 6-0 run in the first couple minutes, thanks in big part to 4 from Alexis Shannon, the second basket coming from a steal near mid-court.
Super sub freshman Brooke Herron was the first off the bench and made an early impact. Joining her older sister Kayleigh in the backcourt, Brooke took a pass from KH and knocked down a three for a 10-5 NHS lead. Minutes later, the younger Herron dished down low to Katelyn O'Reilly to double up the Raiders 14-7. The next trip up the court, Kiser got fouled while banking a layup, but missed the free throw. The Millers led after one, 18-7.
Harrison 5'11 senior Autumn Ringen did what she could to bring she and her Raider teammates back to within striking distance. Ringen showed that she wasn't afraid to shoot, scoring 11 of her team-high 14 in the second, highlighted by three baskets from three-point land. Her efforts helped Harrison trail 33-22 at halftime.
If it was consistency that head coach Donna Keck was looking for, that's what she got from her Millers. Each of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters, Noblesville scored 15 per quarter to really pull away from Harrison.
Noblesville extended its lead to 17 by the end of the 3rd, 48-31. Kiser, O'Reilly and Cori Cain combined for the Millers' 15 in the third.
The 4th was somewhat of a quiet quarter that Noblesville took 15-7, but the highlights of the 4th didn't happen until the final couple minutes. Keck had emptied her bench so that everyone got the chance to play. One particular player decided to make the most of her few minutes of action. 6'0 sophomore Haley Conway knocked down a couple three-pointers from the top of the key for a quick 6 for Conway. Those treys capped off a great Friday night for Noblesville and an outstanding regular season, 63-38 over Harrison, in the final meeting between the Hoosier Crossroads Conference foes. Harrison (West Lafayette) will be moving on to the North Central Conference in the fall of 2014.
Harrison (7-13, 3-6 HCC) was led in scoring by Autumn Ringen with 14 points on five field goals, four being three-pointers. Maren McCarty chipped in 6 off the bench, while Claire Muller and Maya Mengler each added 4.
The Raiders got a similar sectional draw like that of the Millers. Harrison will be playing the 4A Sectional 7 tournament at Logansport. They also drew the bye, one of two at Logansport. The winner of Tuesday night's Logansport (19-2) vs. McCutcheon (11-10) matchup will face Harrison in the second game on Friday nights at the home of the Berries.
Noblesville (16-4, 7-2 HCC) finished in a three-way tie for second place in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference with Westfield and Fishers.
The Millers were led in scoring in this regular season finale by Katelyn O'Reilly's 13 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. Erin Wood also found herself in double digits with 10. Wood also blocked two shots and stole a couple Raider passes. Alexis Shannon (3 steals), Cori Cain (2 steals) and Brooke Herron (4 assists) all added 8 points each. Haley Conway knocked down a pair of treys for her 6 and Jessica Kiser had 6 while dishing out two assists and adding a couple steals to her credit in her final game at The Mill.
Noblesville got a great draw in the 4A Sectional 8 tournament at North Central. The Millers will play in the bye game against the winner of tonight's lone game. Zionsville (7-13) is pitted against Fishers (17-4) with a rematch with Noblesville on the line. The season continues for Noblesville against the winner of the Eagles and Tigers this Friday night at 6 p.m. at North Central.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
4A#1 Lawrence North defends home court, gives 4A #14 Noblesville 72-51 setback
4A #1 Lawrence North 72, 4A #14 Noblesville 51 (at Lawrence North)
Millers 16 8 14 13 -- 51
Wildcats 16 22 19 15 -- 72
It was pretty obvious right away that Noblesville was not intimidated one bit that they were playing the #1 team in the state of Indiana in their second to last regular season game on Thursday, February 6. The Millers held their own, for the most part, but Lawrence North's speed and finesse (at times) would get the best of Noblesville and the host Wildcats held true to their #1 ranking with a 72-51 victory, halting the Millers' 7-game winning streak.
Noblesville caught Lawrence North slightly off guard to start the game. Keeping it at a back-and-forth, chess match sort of pace in the first half of the first quarter, the Millers found ways to agitate the Wildcats.
With 4:10 left in the 1st, LN's lead was cut to 8-7 with two Erin Wood free throws. Quickly back down to the other end of the court, University of Cincinnati signee Ana Owens knocked down a trey for an 11-7 Lawrence North edge.
After an Alexis Shannon basket, Wood got a pass from Kayleigh Herron to tie it at 11. Owens and Jordan Hankins scored the next 5 for a five-point cushion, 16-11. The Millers jetted back down and worked on their inside-out game, with Katelyn O'Reilly dishing out to Brooke Herron for a three to trail just 16-14. Then, after a steal, the younger Herron (Brooke) laid the ball off the glass and just like that, it was tied at the end of the first, 16-16.
Jade Wilson broke the tie to start the quarter and it was then knotted at 18-18, as O'Reilly took a Wood pass off the board and in. The next Wildcat trip down the court would make things a little easier for 2nd year head coach Chris Giffin. Owens nailed a long two for a 20-18 Lawrence North lead, which was one they wouldn't give up the rest of the night.
Toward the latter portion of the 2nd quarter, LN went on a 10-0 run to take a 38-24 lead into the halftime locker room. But, there was a little controversy as the 2nd quarter buzzer sounded.
Alexis Shannon was fouled as time expired heading into halftime. The official near the Noblesville bench granted the foul call against Lawrence North. That gave Shannon the free throw line by herself to shoot one and possibly the bonus. The controversy of the play is that every Lawrence North Wildcat had already jogged to their locker room. Noblesville's bench stayed put, per the request of the coaching staff. LN's coaching staff stood and watched as Alexis missed her free throw, sending the game to halftime.
What the Noblesville staff, team and fans were up in arms about was the fact that Lawrence North's team was not even present on their sideline during this Shannon free throw attempt, as Keck's Millers were. To be honest, everyone thought that if the opponent left the floor, there would be a technical foul assessed to the Wildcats. With officials not even willing to talk to Noblesville coaches, the Millers retreated to the locker room, end the half.
Coming back out in the third quarter, it became a matter of who would turn the ball over less. Lawrence North was able to force Noblesville into 9 third period turnovers, while the Wildcats committed just 5. What also helped LN tremendously was starting out the 3rd on an 8-0 run, to jump out to their biggest lead of the night at 46-24. Scoring spurts by the duo of O'Reilly and Shannon combined for 12 of the Millers' 14 points in the third to trail 57-38.
Lawrence North (20-1) relied on Destiny Washington to keep Noblesville at a distance in the 4th. The 5'11 senior forward scored 8 points in the final five minutes of the ball game. Junior forward Lamina Cooper led all with 18 points on six field goals and 4-5 on free throws. Ana Owens (17), Jordan Hankins (11) and Washington (10) all three managed to get themselves into double-figures on this hot shooting night for the Wildcats.
Noblesville (15-4) was able to, once again, balance out its scoring. Alexis Shannon had a team-high 14 points (7 rebounds) and freshman reserve Brooke Herron was second on the team in scoring with 10. Katelyn O'Reilly and Erin Wood each finished with 8 points apiece.
There were numerous things that Noblesville can take out of this 21-point road loss, many of which they will hopefully forget before Friday night. Also, there are some things that the Millers learned from and will use as building blocks for the remainder of their 2013-14 season and beyond.
The Millers (15-4, 6-2 HCC) quickly get back to work tomorrow night on their home floor of The Mill and host the Harrison (West Lafayette) Raiders (7-12, 3-5 HCC). It will be a Varsity only, girls/boys doubleheader with the girls starting the night off with a 6 p.m. tipoff, followed by the boys. JV will play just down the road on Field Drive at the Freshman Center, also with girls starting at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.
Millers 16 8 14 13 -- 51
Wildcats 16 22 19 15 -- 72
It was pretty obvious right away that Noblesville was not intimidated one bit that they were playing the #1 team in the state of Indiana in their second to last regular season game on Thursday, February 6. The Millers held their own, for the most part, but Lawrence North's speed and finesse (at times) would get the best of Noblesville and the host Wildcats held true to their #1 ranking with a 72-51 victory, halting the Millers' 7-game winning streak.
Noblesville caught Lawrence North slightly off guard to start the game. Keeping it at a back-and-forth, chess match sort of pace in the first half of the first quarter, the Millers found ways to agitate the Wildcats.
With 4:10 left in the 1st, LN's lead was cut to 8-7 with two Erin Wood free throws. Quickly back down to the other end of the court, University of Cincinnati signee Ana Owens knocked down a trey for an 11-7 Lawrence North edge.
After an Alexis Shannon basket, Wood got a pass from Kayleigh Herron to tie it at 11. Owens and Jordan Hankins scored the next 5 for a five-point cushion, 16-11. The Millers jetted back down and worked on their inside-out game, with Katelyn O'Reilly dishing out to Brooke Herron for a three to trail just 16-14. Then, after a steal, the younger Herron (Brooke) laid the ball off the glass and just like that, it was tied at the end of the first, 16-16.
Jade Wilson broke the tie to start the quarter and it was then knotted at 18-18, as O'Reilly took a Wood pass off the board and in. The next Wildcat trip down the court would make things a little easier for 2nd year head coach Chris Giffin. Owens nailed a long two for a 20-18 Lawrence North lead, which was one they wouldn't give up the rest of the night.
Toward the latter portion of the 2nd quarter, LN went on a 10-0 run to take a 38-24 lead into the halftime locker room. But, there was a little controversy as the 2nd quarter buzzer sounded.
Alexis Shannon was fouled as time expired heading into halftime. The official near the Noblesville bench granted the foul call against Lawrence North. That gave Shannon the free throw line by herself to shoot one and possibly the bonus. The controversy of the play is that every Lawrence North Wildcat had already jogged to their locker room. Noblesville's bench stayed put, per the request of the coaching staff. LN's coaching staff stood and watched as Alexis missed her free throw, sending the game to halftime.
What the Noblesville staff, team and fans were up in arms about was the fact that Lawrence North's team was not even present on their sideline during this Shannon free throw attempt, as Keck's Millers were. To be honest, everyone thought that if the opponent left the floor, there would be a technical foul assessed to the Wildcats. With officials not even willing to talk to Noblesville coaches, the Millers retreated to the locker room, end the half.
Coming back out in the third quarter, it became a matter of who would turn the ball over less. Lawrence North was able to force Noblesville into 9 third period turnovers, while the Wildcats committed just 5. What also helped LN tremendously was starting out the 3rd on an 8-0 run, to jump out to their biggest lead of the night at 46-24. Scoring spurts by the duo of O'Reilly and Shannon combined for 12 of the Millers' 14 points in the third to trail 57-38.
Lawrence North (20-1) relied on Destiny Washington to keep Noblesville at a distance in the 4th. The 5'11 senior forward scored 8 points in the final five minutes of the ball game. Junior forward Lamina Cooper led all with 18 points on six field goals and 4-5 on free throws. Ana Owens (17), Jordan Hankins (11) and Washington (10) all three managed to get themselves into double-figures on this hot shooting night for the Wildcats.
Noblesville (15-4) was able to, once again, balance out its scoring. Alexis Shannon had a team-high 14 points (7 rebounds) and freshman reserve Brooke Herron was second on the team in scoring with 10. Katelyn O'Reilly and Erin Wood each finished with 8 points apiece.
There were numerous things that Noblesville can take out of this 21-point road loss, many of which they will hopefully forget before Friday night. Also, there are some things that the Millers learned from and will use as building blocks for the remainder of their 2013-14 season and beyond.
The Millers (15-4, 6-2 HCC) quickly get back to work tomorrow night on their home floor of The Mill and host the Harrison (West Lafayette) Raiders (7-12, 3-5 HCC). It will be a Varsity only, girls/boys doubleheader with the girls starting the night off with a 6 p.m. tipoff, followed by the boys. JV will play just down the road on Field Drive at the Freshman Center, also with girls starting at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.
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