By GREG MENGELT

Last year at this time, Silver Creek was experiencing something new.

The fourth-ranked Dragons won their first regional and semistate championship in program history en route to the state championship.

This year, Silver Creek (26-2) is returning to the state finals after it defeated Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (18-11) 64-54 at Saturday’s Class 3A Jeffersonville Semistate at William S. Johnson Arena.

“I can’t even describe the feeling. It’s crazy,” said Silver Creek senior guard Sydney Sierota. “I’m so proud of this team. I’m so proud of these coaching staff and our community for showing out. Can’t wait to be back playing at state.”

The state championship game will be a rematch. The Dragons will face No. 1 South Bend Washington (26-3) at 6 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (formerly Bankers Life Fieldhouse) for the 3A crown. Creek defeated the Panthers 54-48 in last year’s championship.

“Honestly, I can not believe it,” Dragons senior guard Kynidi Mason-Striverson said. “If you would’ve asked me at the beginning of the year, I would’ve never known, but being with these girls every single day and seeing hard we all work and how much we care about each other, it doesn’t surprise me that we’re able to go back again.”

The 2021-22 version of the Silver Creek Dragons is a lot different than last year’s. Last year’s championship team came into the season with high expectations for a state title run. After graduating six seniors, the same wasn’t expected of them this season.

“I told the girls, everything that you’ve gotten, you’ve earned,” Silver Creek 12th-year head coach Scott Schoen said. “Every game, you went out and were resilient and you were passionate and you loved each other and they kept winning. This is great. I’m so happy for these kids, so I know how bad they wanted to win it. This is their moment. They got a chance and took advantage of it.”

Early Saturday, it looked like the Dragons might not get back to Indy. However, they outscored 41-26 after halftime.

“We hang our hats on the third quarter,” Mason-Striverson said. “Statistically, we’ve always done well in the third quarter because we regroup at halftime. We just had to figure out what wasn’t working and just adjust it.”

Trailing 28-23 at the half, Silver Creek erased the deficit in a minute and 17 seconds. Senior Emme Rooney, who helped keep the Dragons in the game with 10 first-half points, scored on the first possession to cut the deficit to 28-25, senior Lacey Tingle got a steal and a basket get the Dragons within a point and Mason-Striverson knocked down her first 3-pointer and Creek led 30-28 at the 6:43 mark of the third quarter.

Silver Creek outscored Chatard 18-7 in the third period with Sierota setting the pace in the second half with her defense and passing. Sierota finished with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists in the win.

“She wanted it,” Rooney said of her classmate. “You could tell she wanted it. She got in passing lanes, she got steals and gave us more opportunities to score the basketball.”

Meredeth Wilkinson, also a senior, had a couple of huge baskets in the third and the Dragons led 41-35 through three quarters. Mason-Striverson scored Creek’s first five points of the third quarter and the Dragons had their largest lead at 44-37 with 6:24 to go.

The Trojans got within five with 3:36 left, but Rooney scored on back-to-back drives and Creek had an insurmountable 51-44 lead with 2:52 left.

Rooney, who had 11 points in the Dragons’ regional championship win over Gibson Southern, contributed 16 points and three rebounds to the semistate triumph.

“As a senior, I knew I was going to have to be a leader on and off the floor this year,” Rooney said. “I think, in these situations, it’s important that we all step up and all play our roles. I’m just trying to play my role to the best of my ability.”

Rooney was 7 for 11 from the field and 2 for 5 from behind the 3-point arc

“Let’s talk about Emme a little bit,” Schoen said. “I thought Emme Rooney was phenomenal. I thought that kid put us on her back. Big rebounds, big shots, big finishes around the basket. Really proud of her.”

Mason-Striverson had a game-high 20 points but was just 1 for her first 7 from the field. She also led the Dragons with eight points and had two assists and two steals.

“You always have to be able to rely on your teammates,” Mason-Striverson said. “Especially this late in the season, it’s not going to be a 1-man show. It’s just not. My teammates will always have my back, whether I have zero points or 20 points. I can look to my left and right and know my sisters have me no mater what.”

Chatard, which entered the contest on an 8-game winning streak, jumped out to a 12-2 run after a Caroline Bell 3-pointer less than 4 minutes into the contest.

Bell led the Trojans with 14 points. She scored nine in the first period as her team jumped out to a 19-15 edge after 8 minutes.

“We had a slow start, so we knew we needed to come out and turn up our defense, get some steals and get some easy buckets to get us back in rhythm and back on top,” Sierota said.

Chatard led by as many as seven points in the second period. It was 25-18 when Rooney scored five straight points to get her team within 25-23 before senior Lilli Mohler drained a 3 to put the Trojans up 28-23 at halftime.

“We always know teams are going to play the best they can against us,” Sierota said. “They were hitting all their shots early. We were just trying to weather the storm.”

Wilkerson finished with six points and four rebounds for Silver Creek, which has now won 13 straight postseason games. Lacey Tingle added seven points, two rebounds and a steal and junior Hallie Foley scored four points on 2 of 3 shooting.

Earlier in the day, Class A No. 7 Tecumseh (19-8), which defeated Lanesville in last week’s regional championship, defeated No. 1 Waldron (24-2) to advance to the state title game against No. 3 Lafayette Central Catholic (24-4). Tecumseh senior Kaybree Oxley finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and three assists in the 54-42 victory.

CLASS 3A JEFFERSONVILLE SEMISTATE
SILVER CREEK 64, CHATARD 54
Chatard 19 9 7 19—54
Silver Creek 15 8 18 23—64
Chatard (18-11): Caroline Bell 6-9 0-1 14, Carly Decastro 4-12 1-4 9, Kate Caskey 1-7 5-6 7, Grace Adams 3-6 5-7 14, Izzy Davis 0-5 2-2 2, Anna Thompson 2-2 0-0 5, Lilli Mohler 1-5 0-0 3. Totals 17-46 13-20 54.
Silver Creek (26-2): Kynidi Mason-Striverson 5-14 9-12 20, Hallie Foley 2-3 0-1 4, Sydney Sierota 2-8 7-8 11, Reese Decker 0-1 0-0 0, Lacey Tingle 3-4 0-0 7, Emme Rooney 7-11 0-1 16, Merideth Wilkinson 3-3 0-0 6. Totals 22-44 16-22 64.
3-point field goals: Chatard 7-19 (Adams 3-4, Bell 2-2, Thompson 1-1, Mohler 1-3); Silver Creek 4-14 (Rooney 2-5, Mason-Striverson 1-5, Tingle 1-1, Sierota 0-1, Foley 0-2).
Rebounds: Chatard 32 (Bell 15); Silver Creek 25 (Mason-Striverson 8).
Assists: Chatard 9 (Caskey 3); Silver Creek 12 (Sierota 6).
Steals: Chatard 7 (Adams 4); Silver Creek 8 (Sierota 3).
Blocked shots: Chatard 3 (Bell 2); Silver Creek 2 (Foley, Decker).
Turnovers: Chatard 16, Silver Creek 14.
Team fouls: Chatard 18, Silver Creek 17.
Fouled out: None.
Technical fouls: None.

By GREG MENGELT

Sixth-ranked Floyd Central’s 11-game winning streak came to an end Tuesday when the Highlanders let a late lead slip away and Brownstown Central’s Jack Benter hit a 3-pointer from near mid-court at the overtime buzzer.

It certainly wasn’t a bad loss. Brownstown is 18-3 and one of the top 3A teams in the state. It took a late run to erase a 7-point Highlander lead with 2 1/2 minutes left and a miracle shot by one of the state’s top juniors.

“We didn’t play horrible against Brownstown,” Floyd’s eighth-year head coach Todd Sturgeon said. “Sometimes things like that just happen.”

The Highlanders are 2-0 following losses this season. After an overtime loss at Jeffersontown (Ky.), Floyd beat Providence 55-43. After a 52-49 defeat at the hands of Pike, the Highlanders rebounded for a 1-point win over Avon the next day.

This time, Floyd Central (16-3) hosts Bloomington North (16-3), which clinched the Conference Indiana championship Friday with a 53-40 win over Columbus North. The Cougars are a potential regional opponent for the Highlanders.

Floyd has beaten North, which is currently ranked 17th in the state, each of the last five years. Last year’s schedule game was postponed due to Covid.

“Hopefully we’ll bounce back with some energy and excitement, but it’s an odd time of the year when it’s hard not to look past opponents to the postseason,” Sturgeon said. “Especially non-conference games that are just a tuneup for the postseason.”

The Cougars have four players averaging in double figures, led by senior Nick Klaiber at 18.5 points per game. He also averages 5.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Junior JQ Roberts — a potential Big Ten recruit — contributes 15 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.

“I’m looking forward to playing Bloomington North. They’re a really good team,” Sturgeon said. “They’re a handful on offense.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
BLOOMINGTON NORTH AT FLOYD CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Joe Hinton Court, Floyd Central H.S. (6575 Old Vincennes Rd., Floyds Knobs)
• Records:
Bloomington North 16-3. The Cougars have won nine games in a row.
Floyd Central 16-3. The Highlanders have won 11 of their last 12.
• Coaches:
North — Jason Speer (67-39 in fifth season at North, 182-87 in 12th season overall)
Floyd Central — Todd Sturgeon (138-43 in eighth season at Floyd Central)
• Rankings:
North — No. 17 AP (Class 4A).
Floyd Central — No. 6 IBCA (single class); No. 6 AP (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
North — No. 20, No. 19 Class 4A
Floyd Central — No. 7, No. 7 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
North — Defeated Columbus North 53-40 (Feb. 18)
Floyd Central — Lost to Brownstown 60-58, OT (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Floyd 5-0.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 22, 2020 — At Floyd Central 58, Bloomington North 49.
• News & notes: North won the Conference Indiana championship by beating Columbus North on Friday. Floyd clinched the Hoosier Hills crown on Feb. 2.
• John Harrell prediction: Floyd Central 57, North 49.
• Sagarin projection: Floyd by 9.
• Outlook: Fully expecting the Highlanders to bounce back with a big win.
• Greg’s pick: Floyd Central 61, North 49.

NEW ALBANY AT EVANSVILLE CENTRAL
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Location: Central H.S. (5400 First Ave., Evansville)
• Records:
New Albany 10-10. The Bulldogs have lost two straight games and three of their last four.
Evansville Central 7-13. The Bears have lost eight games in a row.
• Coaches:
New Albany — Jim Shannon (439-137 in 24th season at New Albany, 604-276 in 38th season overall)
Central — Randy Walker (28-61 in fourth season at Central)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Albany — No. 88, No. 54 Class 4A
Central — No. 203, No. 89 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
New Albany — Lost to Bedford North Lawrence 60-48 (Feb. 18)
Central — Lost at Bloomington South 50-44 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: New Albany 16-4. The Bulldogs have beaten Central seven straight times.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 22, 2020 — New Albany 66, at Central 34.
• News & notes: New Albany has double-digit losses for the second time this century. The Bulldogs went 14-10 in 2019-20.
• John Harrell prediction: New Albany 59, Central 51.
• Sagarin projection: New Albany by 9.
• Outlook: New Albany is struggling. This isn’t a good time of the season to do that. The Bulldogs should get things, at least for tonight.
• Greg’s pick: New Albany 66, Central 55.

PROVIDENCE AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brownstown Central H.S. (500 N. Elm St., Brownstown)
• Records:
Providence 14-5. The Pioneers have won three of their last four games.
Brownstown Central 18-3. The Braves have six consecutive wins.
• Coaches:
Providence — Ryan Miller (44-21 in third season at Providence)
Brownstown — Dave Benter (421-156 in 24th season at Brownstown)
• Rankings:
Providence — No. 16 AP (Class 2A).
Brownstown — No. 10 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Providence — No. 124, No. 19 Class 2A
Brownstown — No. 65, No. 14 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Providence — Lost to North Harrison 42-41, OT (Feb. 18)
Brownstown — Won at Eastern 77-73 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Brownstown 8-5. Providence has won the last two games in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — At Providence 41, Brownstown 40.
• News & notes: The Pioneers will have faced both MSC co-champions on back-to-back nights. … Brownstown’s last four wins have been against 4A BNL and Floyd Central, tradition 3A power Washington and 15-win Eastern.
• John Harrell prediction: Brownstown 60, Providence 50.
• Sagarin projection: Brownstown by 11.
• Outlook: Both teams had tough games Friday. Should make for an interesting one.
• Greg’s pick: Brownstown 58, Providence 48.

ROCK CREEK AT NEW WASHINGTON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: James Matthews Gymnasium (a.k.a. The Jim), New Washington H.S. (226 N. Highway 62, New Washington)
• Records:
Rock Creek 10-8. The Lions have won three of their last four games.
New Washington 6-14. The Mustangs have lost three of their last four.
• Coaches:
Rock Creek — Chris Brown (358-289 in 26th season at Rock Creek)
New Washington — Kyle Brown (15-29 in second season at New Wash)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Rock Creek — No. 194, No. 21 Class A
New Washington — No. 343, No. 64 Class A
• Most recent game:
Rock Creek — Defeated Trinity Lutheran (Feb. 18)
New Washington — Defeated South Central 74-49 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Rock Creek 14-6.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 4, 2020 — At Rock Creek 70, New Washington 54.
• John Harrell prediction: Rock Creek 62, New Washington 47.
• Sagarin projection: Rock Creek by 17.
• Outlook: Rock Creek is 4-0 against its sectional field and 6-0 against Class A teams. The Lions should stay perfect, but it won’t be easy at New Wash.
• Greg’s pick: Rock Creek 58, New Washington 50.

SALEM AT EASTERN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Eastern H.S. (1100 N. Eastern School Rd., Pekin)
• Records:
Salem 4-14, 0-6 MSC. The Lions are on a 7-game losing streak.
Eastern 15-4, 3-4 MSC. The Musketeers have lost two of their last three but have won four of their last six.
• Coaches:
Salem — Duane Malloy (4-14 in first season at Salem)
Eastern — Chandler Prible (27-17 in second season at Eastern)
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 16 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Salem — No. 340, No. 92 Class 3A
Eastern — No. 145, No. 23 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost to Charlestown 62-58 (Feb. 18)
Eastern — Lost to Brownstown 77-73 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Salem 23-15.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2021 — Eastern 67, at Salem 42 (Washington County Invitational, first round)
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 72, Salem 49.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 29.
• Outlook: This is a rivalry game, so the Lions aren’t going to sneak up on the Musketeers.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 70, Salem 43.

SOUTHWESTERN AT SCOTTSBURG
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium (1 Jim Barley Way, Scottsburg)
• Records:
Southwestern 14-6. The Rebels have won seven of their last eight games.
Scottsburg 11-8. The Warriors have won their last two.
• Coaches:
Southwestern — Zac Nussbaum (39-14 in third season at Southwestern)
Scottsburg — Eric Richardson (17-26 in second season at Scottsburg)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Southwestern — No. 114, No. 15 Class 2A
Scottsburg — No. 131, No. 33 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Southwestern — Lost to Jennings County 68-48 (Feb. 18)
Scottsburg — Defeated Paoli 66-35 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 13-7.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — At Southwestern 74, Scottsburg 53.
• John Harrell prediction: Scottsburg 58, Southwestern 55.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 2.
• Outlook: Impressive result for the Warriors on Friday night. Let’s see if they can carry it over against a dangerous team.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 63, Southwestern 56.

ORLEANS AT BORDEN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior H.S. (301 West St., Borden)
• Records:
Orleans 16-5. The Bulldogs have won three games in a row.
Borden 13-6. The Braves have won four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Orleans — Tom Bradley (356-196 in 23rd season at Orleans)
Borden — Doc Nash (217-155 in 16th season at Borden)
• Rankings:
Orleans — No. 12 AP (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Orleans — No. 162, No. 13 Class A
Borden — No. 234, No. 29 Class A
• Most recent game:
Orleans — Defeated Shoals 47-34 (Feb. 18)
Borden — Lost at Clarksville 55-48 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Orleans 15-8.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 29, 2021 — At Orleans 59, Borden 48.
• News & notes: Borden beat Orleans 52-51 at the Loogootee Regional semifinal en route to the 2013 Class A state championship.
• John Harrell prediction: Orleans 52, Borden 45.
• Sagarin projection: Orleans by 3.
• Outlook: Like Clarksville on Friday, this is a great tuneup for the Braves.
• Greg’s pick: Orleans 60, Borden 52.

HENRYVILLE AT CROTHERSVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Crothersville H.S. (109 S. Preston St., Crothersville)
• Records:
Henryville 7-13, 3-1 SAC. The Hornets have won three of their last four games.
Crothersville 3-17, 0-4 SAC. The Tigers have lost six of their last seven.
• Coaches:
Henryville — Jared Hill (98-89 in eighth season at Henryville)
Crothersville — Bryant Layman (3-17 in second season at Crothersville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Henryville — No. 282, No. 65 Class 2A
Crothersville — No. 392, No. 92 Class A
• Most recent game:
Henryville — Lost at West Washington 48-43 (Feb. 18)
Crothersville — Lost to Lanesville 63-49 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Henryville 17-8. The Hornets have won nine of their last 10 vs. Crothersville.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — At Henryville 76, Crothersville 51.
• John Harrell prediction: Henryville 69, Crothersville 36.
• Sagarin projection: Henryville by 26.
• Outlook: The Hornets have a chance to enter the postseason on quite a roll.
• Greg’s pick: Henryville 64, Crothersville 33.

WEST WASHINGTON AT MITCHELL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Mitchell H.S. (1000 West Bishop Blvd., Mitchell)
• Records:
West Washington 7-12, 1-4 PLAC. The Senators have won three of their last five games.
Mitchell 6-13, 3-2 PLAC. The Bluejackets have lost seven in a row.
• Coaches:
West Washington — Clayton Sullivan (46-48 season at West Washington)
Mitchell — Jackson Ryan (9-27 in second season at Mitchell)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
West Washington — No. 316, No. 58 Class A
Mitchell— No. 300, No. 72 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
West Washington — Defeated Henryville 48-43 (Feb. 18)
Mitchell — Lost at Edgewood 62-55, OT (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: 10-10.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 22, 2021 — At West Washington 42, Mitchell 41.
• John Harrell prediction: Mitchell 54, West Washington 48.
• Sagarin projection: West Washington by 3.
• Outlook: The Blue Jackets are a lot better this season, but I like West Washington’s chances on the road here.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 56, Mitchell 55.

LANESVILLE AT CRAWFORD COUNTY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Ron Ferguson Gymnasium, Crawford County H.S. (1130 South State Road 66, Marengo)
• Records:
Lanesville 6-15. The Eagles have won their last two games.
Crawford County 2-18. The Wolfpack have lost five in a row and 11 of their last 12.
• Coaches:
Lanesville — Mikel Miller (293-224 in 24th season at Lanesville)
Crawford County — Jerry Hanger Jr. (5-35 in second season at Crawford)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Lanesville — No. 308, No. 53 Class A
Crawford County — No. 347, No. 89 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Lanesville — Won at Crothersville 63-49 (Feb. 18)
Crawford County — Lost to Evansville Mater Dei 59-33 (Feb. 17)
• Last 20 years: Crawford County 11-8. The Wolfpack have won four of their last five vs. Lanesville.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — At Lanesville 58, Crawford County 38.
• John Harrell prediction: Crawford County 51, Lanesville 50.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 2.
• Outlook: It’s only a slight upset, but I’ll take the Wolfpack at home.
• Greg’s pick: Crawford County 57, Lanesville 54.

SOUTH CENTRAL AT SPRINGS VALLEY
• Time: 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Springs Valley H.S. (326 S. Larry Bird Blvd., French Lick)
• Records:
South Central 7-13. The Rebels have lost their last two games and four of their last five.
Springs Valley 16-3. The Blackhawks are on a 12-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
South Central — Greg Robinson (180-181 in 16th season at South Central, 202-244 in 20th season overall)
Springs Valley — Jonathon Bowles (26-16 in second season at Springs Valley)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
South Central — No. 310, No. 55 Class A
Springs Valley — No. 186, No. 17 Class A
• Most recent game:
South Central — Lost at New Washington 74-49 (Feb. 18)
Springs Valley — Defeated Gibson Southern 68-52 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Springs Valley 11-5.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — Springs Valley 70, at South Central 61.
• John Harrell prediction: Springs Valley 65, South Central 45.
• Sagarin projection: Springs Valley by 21.
• Outlook: Springs Valley hasn’t won a regional for almost 60 years. The Blackhawks won’t be favored this year, but they certainly have a shot. They should cruise to a sectional title at home.
• Greg’s pick: Springs Valley 68, South Central 49.

By GREG MENGELT

CINCINNATI — In his final regular-season game for Hanover, former New Albany star Isaac Hibbard had a night to remember.

Hibbard went 10 for 19 from the field and finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals as the Panther won at Mount St. Joseph 79-70 to close out the regular season.

Hibbard got plenty of help. Junior Ty Houston (Union, Ky./Cooper), the reigning Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Week, led Hanover with 25 points and also had seven boards. Sophomore guard Max Greenamoyer (Zionsville/University) went 6 for 10 and finished with 15 points. Former Christian Academy standout Noah Williams had five points and four rebounds as Hanover won for the fifth time in its last six games.

Senior forward Devin Young, who leads Mount St. Joseph in every offensive category this season, led his team with 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a blocked shot. The Lions (10-14, 6-11 HCAC) have lost five of their last seven.

HCAC champion Hanover (19-4, 14-3) will meet again Sunday at 1 p.m. in the opening round of the HCAC Tournament. The Panthers have beaten the Lions four straight times, including an earlier 77-72 victory in Hanover.

By GREG MENGELT

Defending Class 3A state champion Silver Creek is one win away from returning to Indianapolis for the state championship game.

The fourth-ranked Dragons (25-2) will battle Chatard (18-10) in Saturday afternoon’s Jeffersonville Semistate with the winner punching its ticket to the title game against either No. 1 South Bend Washington (25-3) or No. 2 Garrett (27-1) next Saturday.

It’s familiar territory for Silver Creek, but it’s a completely different situation than last year. Last season, the Dragons were expected to get to state and it wasn’t a surprise when they beat Washington 54-48 at state.

This year’s team has overcome lowered expectations after losing six seniors, including four starters, from last year’s team.

“It’s not that we didn’t expect to be good,” Silver Creek’s 12th-year head coach Scott Schoen said. “I thought we had a chance to be good, but I wasn’t sure how good we would be. Honestly, I’m not sure anybody thought we’d be playing in the semistate. Last year it was kind of expected. We knew we could win a state championship. This team is totally different. Both teams are great in their own way.”

Another difference, Schoen said, is Silver Creek understands what to expect going forward. Last year, the Dragons took the same path: regional at Charlestown, semistate at Jeff and state at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Silver Creek had never been that far before last year. This year’s team not only has a clearer vision of what it takes to win a state title, they’re having more fun doing it.

“One of the biggest differences is I think we appreciate the moment more,” Schoen said. “Last year, we were learning to deal with it, how to manage winning. This year’s team has been more relaxed. We understand the routine of things.”

The Dragons aren’t looking at being the reigning state champions as an Albatross. They’ve embraced it.

“I love seeing this team reach its full potential,” Schoen said. “If that means we get beat Saturday, it would hurt, but then I think about where we were six months ago. If we win Saturday, I’ll think about how far we’ve come in sixth months. We’re still hungry and we have a chance to compete for another one. How awesome is that?”

Saturday’s opponent, Chatard, is the only team in the Final Four without a sparkling record. However, the Trojans play a killer schedule filled with 4A teams and strong Indianapolis programs. In fact, they started the season 3-6 after facing 4A programs in their first seven games. Since suffering a 63-41 loss to Charlestown on Dec. 28, the Trojans are 13-3. With a senior-laden roster, they’re playing their best basketball of the season.

“They have seven seniors and they’re hitting their stride,” Schoen said. “Like us, they’re playing with a lot of confidence. They’re a group of seniors who don’t want it to end. They play for each other and they got hot at the right time.”

Junior Caroline Bell leads Chatard, which has won one semistate title (2008), at 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. She’s one of three Trojans who scores in double figures. Six different Chatard players, including five seniors, average at least five points.

“They have multiple kids who can score,” Schoen said. “Four or five kids have led them throughout the course of the season and that’s dangerous. They’re long and they’re physical. They’re a scary team.”

Like last Saturday at Charlestown, Schoen expects a very pro-Silver Creek audience Saturday afternoon at Johnson Arena.

“I think we’ll have a great crowd,” he said. “We’ve had great, great crowds and I don’t expect anything different with semistate being 10 miles away. Last year with all the restrictions, the girls didn’t get to celebrate like they should. One thing our girls are really appreciative of is our students and our fans come to games and they make a difference.

“I think we’ll have a great crowd. Last year Madison, Charlestown then Jeff. We’ve had great, great crowds and I don’t expect anything less at semi state 10 miles away. Student sectional, last year with all restrictions, girls didn’t really get to celebrate like they should. One thing our girls are really appreciating and our students, they come to the games and they make a difference. If it was me, I’d watch the Class A one then the 3A one. It’s going to be good basketball all day. The girls are comfortable there. Wish could say ton of success there and we haven’t.”

CLASS 3A JEFFERSONVILLE SEMISTATE
SILVER CREEK VS. BISHOP CHATARD
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Location: William S. Johnson Arena, Jeffersonville H.S. (2315 Allison Ln., Jeffersonville)
• Records:
Silver Creek 25-2. The Dragons have won five games in a row and eight of their last nine.
Chatard 18-10. The Trojans have won eight straight and 11 of their last 13.
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (180-110 in 12th season at Creek)
Chatard — Dan Wagner (18-10 in first season at Chatard)
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 12 IBCA (single class); No. 4 ICGSA (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 18, No. 3 Class 3A
Chatard— No. 89, No. 25 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Defeated Gibson Southern 53-39 (Feb. 12, Class 3A Charlestown Regional championship)
Chatard — Defeated Indian Creek 52-36 (Feb. 12, Class 3A Greencastle Regional championship)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Silver Creek 1 (2021); Chatard 3 (2015).
• Regular-season result: Did not play.
• Last matchup: First meeting.
• News & notes: All eight games during the Trojans’ 8-game winning streak have been by double figures. Chatard has won seven sectional titles in the last 17 years (and four in the last eight). … The Trojans and Dragons have never played each other.
• John Harrell prediction: Silver Creek 56, Chatard 40.
• Sagarin projection: Silver Creek by 18.
• Outlook: The Dragons probably aren’t going to win by 16 or 18. This isn’t the same Chatard team as it was early in the season. Clearly. But Silver Creek should win and set up a rematch with South Bend Washington for the 3A crown.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 59, Chatard 52.

By GREG MENGELT

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Nevada sophomore Tre Coleman scored a season high and tied a career high with 14 points as the Wolfpack won their third straight game, 90-60 over San Jose State for a Mountain West Conference victory Thursday at the Provident Credit Union Events Center.

Coleman went 5 for 6 from the field, 2 for 3 from the 3-point line and 2 for 2 at the free throw line in the victory. Over the Wolfpack’s last two games, both wins over San Jose State, Coleman is 8 for 9 from the floor, 3 for 4 from deep and 3 for 3 at the foul line. In Thursday’s win, the former Jeffersonville star had three assists, two rebounds and a steal.

Nevada (12-13, 6-8 MWC) led 18-13 early before a 13-0 Wolfpack run broke open the contest. Coleman capped the streak with a 3-pointer to make it 31-13 with 8:24 to go in the first half.

Junior guard Grant Sherfield, a Wichita State transfer, had another big night with 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.

Freshman guard Myron Amey had 16 points to lead San Jose State (7-19, 0-14), which is currently on a 14-game losing streak.

Nevada will try to make it four in a row Tuesday when it hosts UNLV (15-11, 7-6) at 11 p.m. Coleman and the Wolfpack can be seen on the CBS Sports Network.

By GREG MENGELT

It’s been a magical season for Eastern’s basketball team. The Musketeers’ 15 wins is already their best season since Scott Newcomb’s 2009-10 squad went 16-7.

At 15-3, Eastern appears to be a slight favorite over Paoli and Perry Central in its sectional, which will be played at Tell City in less than two weeks. The Musketeers have won the Washington County championship and beat 2-time defending state champion Silver Creek for the first time since 2013.

The 2021-22 season has been a complete success for Eastern, except for one thing: its conference record. All three losses this year have come against a very strong Mid-Southern Conference field.

The Musketeers are 12-0 in non-conference games.

On Friday, Eastern has a chance to play the role of spoiler in the MSC race and finish its conference slate above .500 for the first time since 2011, but it will be a daunting task. The Braves, who are 17-3 overall and 6-1 in the MSC and are coming off a an upset at Class 4A No. 6 Floyd Central, can tie North Harrison (14-3, 7-1) for the Mid-Southern championship with a win in Friday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Boys’ Game of the Night. A loss gives the Cougars the title all to themselves.

Brownstown has beaten the Musketeers 14 straight times.

“We have been in the mix against top teams (in the conference) but have struggled to get over the hump and win those games,” second-year Eastern head coach Chandler Prible said.

In its 60-58 come-from-behind overtime victory over Floyd Central, which snapped the Highlanders’ 11-game winning streak, junior Jack Benter — son of long-time Brownstown head coach Dave Benter — scored 37 of the Braves’ 60 points and hit a 3-pointer from 30 feet at the buzzer to win it.

Brownstown has won five straight and nine of its last 10 overall.

“Brownstown is a well coached team and has one of the best players on our schedule,” Prible said.

Eastern closes its MSC slate Saturday when rival Salem (4-13, 0-5 MSC) visits Pekin.

GAME OF THE NIGHT
BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL AT EASTERN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Eastern H.S. (1100 N. Eastern School Rd., Pekin)
• Records:
Brownstown Central 17-3, 6-1 MSC. The Braves have won five games in a row and nine of their last 10.
Eastern 15-3, 3-3 MSC. The Musketeers have won four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Brownstown — Dave Benter (420-156 in 24th season at Brownstown)
Eastern — Chandler Prible (27-16 in second season at Eastern)
• Rankings:
Brownstown — No. 10 AP (Class 3A).
Eastern — No. 16 AP (Class 2A).
• Sagarin Ratings:
Brownstown — No. 65, No. 14 Class 3A
Eastern — No. 145, No. 23 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Brownstown — Won at Floyd Central 60-58, OT (Feb. 15)
Eastern — Won at Rock Creek 48-45 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Brownstown 20-3. The Braves have a 14-game winning streak in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 19, 2021 — At Brownstown 47, Eastern 46.
• News & notes: With a win, Brownstown is the Mid-Southern Conference co-champion with North Harrison. With an Eastern win, the Cougars win the title outright for the second straight season.
• John Harrell prediction: Brownstown 62, Eastern 54.
• Sagarin projection: Brownstown by 5.
• Outlook: Brownstown should win, even on the road, but expect the Musketeers to hang with the Braves for most of the game.
• Greg’s pick: Brownstown 58, Eastern 52.

NORTH HARRISON AT PROVIDENCE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Larkin Center, Our Lady of Providence (707 Providence Way, Clarksville)
• Records:
North Harrison 14-3. The Cougars have won six in a row and 10 of their last 11.
Providence 14-4. The Pioneers have won their last three and eight of their last nine.
• Coaches:
North Harrison — Lou Lefevre (50-13 in third season at North Harrison, 315-93 in 18th season overall)
Providence — Ryan Miller (44-20 in third season at Providence)
• Rankings:
North Harrison — No. 12 AP (Class 3A).
Providence — No. 16 AP (Class 2A).
• Sagarin Ratings:
North Harrison — No. 55, No. 9 Class 3A
Providence — No. 124, No. 19 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
North Harrison — Defeated Clarksville 73-42 (Feb. 15)
Providence — Defeat New Albany 51-36 (Feb. 11)
• Last 20 years: Providence 13-7. North Harrison has won the last four the series.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 19, 2021 — At North Harrison 76, Providence 64.
• News & notes: North Harrison coach Lou Lefevre went 162-52 and won three sectionals and two regionals in 10 years as the Pioneers’ head coach.
• John Harrell prediction: North Harrison 54, Providence 47.
• Sagarin projection: North Harrison by 4.
• Outlook: Lefevre’s going to do what he did for a decade … win at Providence.
• Greg’s pick: North Harrison 59, Providence 48.

BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE AT NEW ALBANY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: The Doghouse, New Albany H.S. (1020 Vincennes Street, New Albany)
• Records:
Bedford North Lawrence 9-9, 1-4 HHC. The Stars have lost two of their last three games but have won three of their last five.
New Albany 10-9, 2-3 HHC. The Bulldogs have lost four of their last six.
• Coaches:
BNL — Jeff Hein (38-30 in third season at BNL, 333-236 in 25th season overall)
New Albany — Jim Shannon (439-136 in 24th season at New Albany, 604-275 in 38th season overall)
• Sagarin Ratings:
BNL — No. 109, No. 64 Class 4A
New Albany — No. 88, No. 54 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
BNL — Won at Mitchell 65-31 (Feb. 15)
New Albany — Lost to Jeffersonville 70-58 (Feb. 16)
• Last 20 years: New Albany 24-5. The Bulldogs have won 12 of the last 13 vs. BNL.
• Most recent meeting: March 5, 2021 — BNL 49, New Albany 48 (Class 4A Seymour Sectional semifinal)
• News & notes: A win by New Albany would move the Bulldogs into a third-place tie in the final HHC standings (with Jeff and Jennings), while a loss would mean a fifth-place tie with the Stars.
• John Harrell prediction: New Albany 53, BNL 49.
• Sagarin projection: New Albany by 7.
• Outlook: I’ve seen BNL and I’ve seen New Albany and New Albany is the better team.
• Greg’s pick: New Albany 66, BNL 55.

JEFFERSONVILLE AT EVANSVILLE REITZ
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Location: Reitz Large Gym, Reitz H.S. (350 Dreier Blvd., Evansville)
• Records:
Jeffersonville 6-9. The Red Devils have won four of their last five games.
Evansville Reitz 9-7. The Panthers have won two of their last three.
• Coaches:
Jeffersonville — Andrew Grantz (21-16 in second season at Jeff, 109-58 in seventh season overall)
Reitz — Michael Adams (395-264 in 29th season at Reitz, 454-276 in 32nd season overall)
• Sagarin Ratings:
Jeffersonville — No. 102, No. 60 Class 4A
Reitz — No. 46, No. 36 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Jeffersonville — Won at New Albany 70-58 (Feb. 16)
Reitz — Lost at Bloomington North 61-47 (Feb. 12)
• Last 20 years: Jeffersonville 10-9. The Red Devils have beaten Reitz four times in a row.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 14, 2020 — Jeffersonville 70, at Reitz 69 (OT).
• News & notes: Reitz beat Jeff 124-67 on Feb. 6, 2015, the worst loss the Red Devils have suffered in at least the last 25 years.
• John Harrell prediction: Reitz 62, Jeffersonville 54.
• Sagarin projection: Reitz by 11.
• Outlook: If Jeff follows up a win at New Albany with a win at Reitz, look out. It might signal that the Red Devil team most expected as finally arrived.
• Greg’s pick: Jeffersonville 71, Reitz 61.

SILVER CREEK AT CORYDON CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Corydon Central H.S. (375 Country Club Rd., Corydon)
• Records:
Silver Creek 9-11, 3-3 MSC. The Dragons have won two of their last three games but have lost three of their last five.
Corydon Central 14-6, 5-2 MSC. The Panthers have won eight in a row and 12 of their last 13.
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Brandon Hoffman (210-84 in 12th season at Silver Creek)
Corydon Central — Joseph Hinton (35-32 in third season at Corydon)
• Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 157, No. 44 Class 3A
Corydon Central — No. 110, No. 28 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Won at Austin 84-47 (Feb. 15)
Corydon Central — Defeated Christian Academy 62-38 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Silver Creek 17-9. The Dragons have won 12 straight in the series.
• Most recent meeting: March 2, 2021 — Silver Creek 77, Corydon Central 42 (Class 3A Charlestown Sectional first round)
• John Harrell prediction: Corydon by 8.
• Sagarin projection: Corydon Central 61, Silver Creek 58.
• Outlook: Corydon’s at home and should win, but would anyone be shocked if the Dragons started playing their best basketball right about now?
• Greg’s pick: Corydon Central 70, Silver Creek 66.

SOUTH CENTRAL AT NEW WASHINGTON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: James Matthews Gymnasium (a.k.a. The Jim), New Washington H.S. (226 N. Highway 62, New Washington)
• Records:
South Central 7-12, 2-2 SAC. The Rebels have lost three of their last four games.
New Washington 5-14, 1-3 SAC. The Mustangs have lost three in a row.
• Coaches:
South Central — Greg Robinson (180-180 in 16th season at South Central, 202-243 in 20th season overall)
New Washington — Kyle Brown (14-29 in second season at New Wash)
• Sagarin Ratings:
South Central — No. 310, No. 55 Class A
New Washington — No. 343, No. 64 Class A
• Most recent game:
South Central — Lost at Charlestown 58-52 (Feb. 15)
New Washington — Lost to Henryville 53-47 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: South Central 14-9. New Wash has won their last two games against the Rebels.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 19, 2021 — New Washington 58, at South Central 55.
• News & notes: South Central will likely finish in third place in the SAC (behind champion Borden and runner-up Henryville) with a win. New Wash would finish in a 3-way tie with South Central (and probably Lanesville) if it wins.
• John Harrell prediction: South Central 53, New Washington 51.
• Sagarin projection: South Central by 1.
• Outlook: This is both team’s chance to show they belong in the sectional contender conversation next week.
• Greg’s pick: South Central 52, New Washington 50.

CHARLESTOWN AT SALEM
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brooks Memorial Gymnasium, Salem H.S. (700 N. Harrison St., Salem)
• Records:
Charlestown 7-13, 1-6 MSC. The Pirates have won two straight games.
Salem 4-13, 0-5 MSC. The Lions have lost six consecutive.
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Matt Lynch (7-13 in first season at Charlestown, 76-63 in sixth season overall)
Salem — Duane Malloy (4-13 in first season at Salem)
• Sagarin Ratings:
Charlestown — No. 287, No. 80 Class 3A
Salem — No. 340, No. 92 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Defeated South Central 58-52 (Feb. 15)
Salem — Lost to Scottsburg 80-47 (Feb. 12)
• Last 20 years: 12-12.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 19, 2021 — At Charlestown 81, Salem 67.
• John Harrell prediction: Charlestown 58, Salem 51.
• Sagarin projection: Charlestown by 4.
• Outlook: If the Pirates could win their last two games of the regular season, both on the road, they’d go into the playoffs with an awful lot of momentum.
• Greg’s pick: Charlestown 59, Salem 49.

BORDEN AT CLARKSVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Records:
Borden 13-5. The Braves have won four games in a row.
Clarksville 5-14. The Generals have lost eight of their last nine.
• Coaches:
Borden — Doc Nash (217-154 in 16th season at Borden)
Clarksville Kyle Hankins (5-14 in first season at Clarksville)
• Sagarin Ratings:
Borden — No. 293, No. 29 Class A
Clarksville — No. 319, No. 78 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Borden — Defeated Crawford County 57-43 (Feb. 15)
Clarksville — Lost at North Harrison 73-42 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Clarksville 13-7. The Generals have won six in a row over Borden.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 19, 2021 — Clarksville 53, at Borden 51.
• John Harrell prediction: Borden 59-50.
• Sagarin projection: Borden by 13.
• Outlook: All season, all Borden has won is win these types of 50/50 games.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 54, Clarksville 49.

HENRYVILLE AT WEST WASHINGTON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Tower Gymnasium, West Washington H.S. (8028 W. Batt Rd., Campbellsburg)
• Records:
Henryville 7-12. The Hornets have three straight wins.
West Washington 6-12. The Senators have lost three of their last five.
• Coaches:
Henryville — Jared Hill (98-88 in eighth season at Henryville)
West Washington — Clayton Sullivan (45-48 in fourth season at West Washington)
• Sagarin Ratings:
Henryville — No. 282, No. 65 Class 2A
West Washington — No. 316, No. 58 Class A
• Most recent game:
Henryville — Won at New Washington 53-47 (Feb. 15)
West Washington — Lost at Orleans 40-14 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: West Washington 12-7. The Senators have won three straight over Henryville.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 19, 2021 — West Washington 73, at Henryville 49.
• John Harrell prediction: Henryville 51, West Washington 47.
• Sagarin projection: Henryville by 1.
• Outlook: Love the way the Hornets are playing late in the season. Like their chances of getting this win, even on the road.
• Greg’s pick: Henryville 56, West Washington 55.

TRINITY LUTHERAN AT ROCK CREEK
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Rock Creek Academy/Restoration Christian Church (8000 Diefenbach Ln., Sellersburg)
• Records:
Trinity Lutheran 8-12. The Cougars have lost their last two games.
Rock Creek 9-8. The Lions have won two of their last three and four of their last six.
• Coaches:
Trinity Lutheran — Brad Dickey (8-12 in first season at Trinity, 243-162 in 17th season overall)
Rock Creek — Chris Brown (357-289 in 26th season at Rock Creek)
• Sagarin Ratings:
Trinity Lutheran — No. 322, No. 59 Class A
Rock Creek — No. 194, No. 21 Class A
• Most recent game:
Trinity Lutheran — Lost to Edinburgh 54-44 (Feb. 15)
Rock Creek — Lost to Eastern 48-45 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Trinity Lutheran 5-3.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 28, 2020 — Rock Creek 70, Trinity Lutheran 58.
• John Harrell prediction: Rock Creek 61, Trinity Lutheran 42.
• Sagarin projection: Rock Creek by 21.
• Outlook: This is an important one for Rock Creek as the sectional approaches.
• Greg’s pick: Rock Creek 70, Trinity Lutheran 55.

AUSTIN AT SEYMOUR
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour H.S. (1350 W. Second St., Seymour)
• Records:
Austin 4-13. The Eagles have lost four consecutive games.
Seymour 12-6. The Owls have won three of their last four.
• Coaches:
Austin — Randy Edwards (39-75 in fifth season at Austin)
Seymour — Kirk Manns (30-33 in third season at Seymour)
• Sagarin Ratings:
Austin — No. 312, No. 76 Class 2A
Seymour — No. 41, No. 31 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Austin — Lost to Silver Creek 84-47 (Feb. 15)
Seymour — Defeated Madison 63-26 (Feb. 16)
• Last 20 years: Seymour 11-4.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 19, 2021 — Seymour 69, at Austin 40.
• John Harrell prediction: Seymour 74, Austin 37.
• Sagarin projection: Seymour by 36.
• Outlook: This is the beat Seymour team in years.
• Greg’s pick: Seymour 69, Asutin 42.

LANESVILLE AT CROTHERSVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Crothersville H.S. (109 S. Preston St., Crothersville)
• Records:
Lanesville 5-15, 1-3 SAC. The Eagles have lost three of their last four games.
Crothersville 3-16, 0-3 SAC. The Tigers have lost fie of their last six.
• Coaches:
Lanesville — Mikel Miller (292-224 in 22nd season at Lanesville)
Crothersville — Bryant Layman (3-16 in first season at Crothersville)
• Sagarin Ratings:
Lanesville — No. 308, No. 53 Class A
Crothersville — No. 392, No. 92 Class A
• Most recent game:
Lanesville — Won at New Washington 38-34 (Feb. 11)
Crothersville — Won at Medora 48-42 (Feb. 14)
• Last 20 years: Lanesville 18-2. The Eagles have won nine consecutive games in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 19, 2021 — At Lanesville 60, Crothersville 46.
• John Harrell prediction: Lanesville 68, Crothersville 39.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 22.
• Outlook: The Eagles have a poor record but there’s not a team in the sectional they can’t be on any given night.
• Greg’s pick: Lanesville 66, Crothersville 34.