Page 20 - 2012-13 Boys Basketball State Finals Program

Last Year’s State Finals in Review

Gardner’s Big Night Leads Carmel over Pike in Class 4A
Carmel’s 11-0 run in the first quar-
ter set the stage. The Greyhounds’ 7-0
spurt to start the third quarter provided
the breathing room. Ben Gardner’s
record-setting scoring and free throw
shooting wrapped up the victory.
Gardner scored 31 points, the
most ever in a Class 4A title game, to
push the fourth-ranked Greyhounds
to an 80-67 victory over unranked
Pike. Gardner’s total surpassed the
29 scored by Lawrence North’s Greg
Oden against Muncie Central in 2009.
Gardner hit 15 of his 19 free throws,
breaking the 4A mark and tying the
record for all classes.
For Carmel, it was the second
state title in boys basketball and first
since 1977. The championship also The Greyhounds connected on more free throws (30) than field goals (23)
continued an impressive school year against Pike. With a 30-of-45 mark from the line, they broke 4A records for
for Greyhounds sports teams, which foul shots made and attempted. Sam Curts joined Gardner in double figures
have now won a record seven state with 18 points.
titles in 2011-12. It was the 108th Coach Bill Zych’s Red Devils were seeking the school’s fourth boys
overall state title for Carmel teams. basketball title and first since 2003. They finished 18-8.
Coach Scott Heady’s Carmel unit Pike put three players in double-digit scoring -- Zavier Turner with 20,
defeated four ranked teams, including Taishaun Johnson with 19 and Ronald Hunter with 15. Hunter had a game-
No. 1 Hamilton Southeastern, to get high nine rebounds.
to the tournament’s final game. They
finished 23-4.
Guerin Catholic Topples Norwell for 3A State Championship

The Guerin Catholic Golden Guerin Catholic won its last
Eagles used a 16-6 run in the second nine games and finished 24-5.
half to bust open a closely contested Riley Rapp and Aaron Brennan led
game and achieve a 64-48 victory the Eagles with 14 points apiece,
over Norwell in the Class 3A boys and Brennan had 12 rebounds.
basketball final. Whit Rapp scored 13 points. Adam
Coach Pete Smith’s Eagles led Hufford added 12 points, all in the
only 23-22 at halftime but started second half.
their push late in the third quarter. Coach Randy Hawkins’ Norwell
The Eagles turned up the defensive team was 24-3. Like Guerin Catho-
pressure, forcing 12 turnovers and lic, the No. 4-ranked Knights were
holding Norwell to 31 percent shooting making their first appearance in the
(9-of-29) in the second half. Guerin boys basketball state finals.
Catholic connected on 18-of-21 free However, the Knights’ offense
throws after halftime. never got untracked. They were
For the No. 10-ranked Eagles, it held more than 23 points under
was the first state championship game their season average of 71.1. Grant
appearance in any sport. It culminated Baker, with 11 points, led Norwell
in the Class 3A basketball crown in in scoring. Kyle Fillman had nine
only the school’s sixth year of tourna- rebounds.
ment eligibility.

20 IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport. Pure INDIANA!