The content provides news about Indiana high school basketball tournaments. Kokomo, Ben Davis, NorthWood, Guerin Catholic, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian, Linton-Stockton, Southwood, and Lutheran are the top teams that made it to the state finals. People have mixed opinions about the new format of the tournament, which features one-game regional and four-team semistate. Some suggested having the semistate semifinals on Friday and the championship on Saturday or reverting back to the old format of four teams and semifinals on Friday and final on Saturday. Kyle Neddenriep, a Star reporter, believes that the new tournament format could make the tourney more interesting. It was also reported that Lutheran’s head coach, Remus Woods, prefers to sit all game instead of pacing the sideline. Another news highlights that Lutheran twins, Stacey Toran’s nephews, had their game-winning moment during the Indiana high school basketball tournament. Lastly, Flory Bidunga led Kokomo to a 58-57 win against the No. 2 Kingsmen, Penn.
Ben Davis’ Secret to Success: More Than Just Talent
Ben Davis’ basketball team has an impressive record of 32-0, but their success cannot be attributed solely to their talent. The team consists of seniors who are not only physical and tough but also possess versatility in both defense and offense. The guards are skilled in ball handling and shooting while the 6-9 big man dominates the paint.
However, one player who embodies the team’s energy and togetherness is Shaun Arnold. He is the perfect fit for the team’s press, and his quickness and versatility allow him to guard any player on the court. Arnold’s ability to slash to the basket or get offensive rebounds keeps plays alive, contributing to the team’s success.
Arnold’s 10 points in Ben Davis’ 66-38 win over Brownsburg in the semistate didn’t make the headlines, but he was instrumental in turning the one-point halftime deficit into a ten-point lead by the end of the third quarter.
Ben Davis’ Head Coach, Don Carlisle, noted that Arnold’s energy and togetherness played a critical role in the team’s success, as much as their immense talent. Arnold’s contribution to the team’s success is not solely based on his personal statistics. Although Arnold averaged 7.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals coming into the game, he knew going into his junior year that his role would focus more on effort and intangibles.
In a nutshell, Ben Davis’ success is not just about talent, but also about the team’s energy and togetherness. Shaun Arnold’s contribution to the team’s success may not be measurable by personal statistics, but his effort and intangibles embody the team’s spirit.
Shaun Arnold: Ben Davis’ “Heartbeat”
Shaun Arnold may not be the leading scorer for Ben Davis’ basketball team, but his impact goes beyond personal statistics. Arnold’s contribution to the team’s success embodies the team’s energy and togetherness. Arnold, a senior, knew his role on the team would focus more on effort and intangibles than personal statistics.
Arnold’s selflessness and energy have made him a perfect fit for Ben Davis’ press. Coach Don Carlisle holds the press back until the start of the second half, and when it is unleashed, Arnold’s quickness and versatility enable him to guard any player on the court. Arnold’s ability to slash to the basket or get offensive rebounds keeps plays alive, contributing to the team’s success.
Arnold’s teammate, Sheridan Sharp, recognizes Arnold’s importance, calling him “the heartbeat of the team.” Arnold’s 10 points in Ben Davis’ 66-38 win over Brownsburg in the semistate did not make headlines, but he was instrumental in turning the one-point halftime deficit into a ten-point lead by the end of the third quarter.
Going undefeated is a challenging feat, even with immense talent. Ben Davis’ consistent energy every night can be attributed to unselfish seniors like Arnold. Ben Davis’ team consists of seniors who are not only physical and tough but also possess versatility in both defense and offense. The guards are skilled in ball handling and shooting while the 6-9 big man dominates the paint.
Elhadj Diallo Will be Missed for Brownsburg
Elhadj Diallo was one of the more underrated players in Central Indiana this season. The 6-2 Brownsburg senior scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half of a 51-47 win over Jennings County and rose to the challenge in the night game against Ben Davis with 15 points. Brownsburg (22-5) is set to bring back much of its team coming off its first regional championship in 15 years. But Diallo, who was averaging 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 steals, is going to be a big piece to replace.
Diallo played a significant role in Brownsburg’s program, playing as a major factor despite not receiving much attention. Coach Steve Lynch admires Diallo’s attitude and leadership, setting an excellent example for the program. The seniors set a great example for Brownsburg’s program, managing their disappointments, and expressing their frustrations to coaches in a great manner. Lynch is delighted that Diallo’s efforts were rewarded.
Great Showing for Jennings County
Jennings County made its first semistate appearance in 25 years, and the entire county showed up for the Panthers’ game against Brownsburg. Fans waited outside in the snow for 30 minutes before the doors opened and took over almost every section of the New Castle Fieldhouse. The Panthers did not end the game as they hoped, falling just short against Brownsburg. But the support from the community was impressive, and the players felt it. Senior guard Keegan Manowitz said, “It means the world to me knowing everyone out there had our back. It’s something special.”
Insights from the IHSAA Semistate Basketball Tournament
The IHSAA Semistate Basketball Tournament is a highly competitive tournament that sees the top high school basketball teams from Indiana battle it out for a chance to make it to the state finals. The tournament, which took place on Saturday, March 18th, 2023, at New Castle Fieldhouse in Indiana, was an exciting event that saw some of the top teams and players showcase their skills on the court.
Ben Davis’ talent, teamwork, and the ‘heartbeat’ of the team
Ben Davis, who finished the tournament with a perfect 32-0 record, is a team that is more than just talent. Led by Shaun Arnold, who coach Don Carlisle calls “the heartbeat of the team,” Ben Davis is a team that exemplifies teamwork, energy, and togetherness. Arnold, a 6’5″ senior, plays a critical role in the team’s full-court press, which is considered to be the most intimidating sight of the season. His energy and effort, coupled with his ability to guard anyone on the court, have helped his team achieve success.
Elhadj Diallo and his contribution to Brownsburg
Elhadj Diallo, a 6’2″ Brownsburg senior, played an important role in his team’s success this season, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the second half of a 51-47 win over Jennings County in the early game at New Castle. Diallo’s contribution to the team was not limited to his on-court performance. Brownsburg coach Steve Lynch commended Diallo’s positive attitude and his ability to set a great example for the program.
Jennings County’s remarkable run
Jennings County finished the season with an impressive 24-3 record, winning its first sectional title since 2005. The team’s success has energized the community, and coach Josh Land credits his players for changing the culture of the school and program.
Bidunga vs. Burton at Michigan City
In the Class 4A semistate at Michigan City, Flory Bidunga of Kokomo faced off against Markus Burton of Penn. In a closely contested game, Bidunga led his team to victory, finishing with 25 points, 22 rebounds, and five blocked shots. Burton, who scored 27 points in the game, had a phenomenal season and is a strong contender for the IndyStar Mr. Basketball award.
Lutheran’s comeback win
In the early semistate game at Washington, Lutheran staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback against Loogootee. Trailing by 10 points midway through the fourth quarter, Lutheran rallied back to win the game by one point.
The IHSAA Semistate Basketball Tournament was a thrilling event that showcased some of the best high school basketball teams and players in Indiana. Congratulations to all the teams that participated, and good luck to those who have made it to the state finals.
Indiana High School basketball tournament saw a lot of exciting games during the semistate round. In one of the games, Durray Smith of Lutheran hit one of two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining, but Loogootee’s Isaac Eagle missed the second free throw after a Lutheran foul, leading to Lutheran’s victory.
Lutheran was trailing Loogootee by 10 points midway through the fourth quarter, but a 3-pointer and a steal followed by a basket by Cayden Loescher gave the Saints a one-point lead. Lutheran held on for a 56-55 victory and a spot in the Class A state championship game.
In another game, Kokomo advanced to the Class 4A state championship game with a 58-57 win over Penn in the semifinals. The game was a battle between Flory Bidunga and Markus Burton, with Bidunga and Kokomo getting the victory. Burton, who scored 27 points in the game, finished a phenomenal season, which should put him in good position for the IndyStar Mr. Basketball support. Bidunga finished with 25 points, 22 rebounds, and five blocked shots.
Jennings County, which finished 24-3 and won its first sectional title since 2005, had an exciting season, energizing the community along the way with comeback sectional wins over Bedford North Lawrence and Jeffersonville. Although the Panthers lost to Brownsburg, they left an impression with their exciting play and impressive achievements.
The tournament format change to a one-game regional and four-team semistate with blind draw time received mixed opinions. While some preferred the old format, others felt that the new format made the tournament feel more like Hoosier Hysteria again, with more teams across the state competing for the biggest prize.
In other news, Lutheran’s head coach Remus Woods prefers to sit all game instead of pacing the sideline. The Lutheran twins also got their game-winning moment during the tournament.
The 2023 IHSAA Basketball State Finals schedule has been set. All games will be held on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Four teams from each class will compete for the championship title. The classes are Class A, Class 2A, Class 3A, and Class 4A. The first game will start at 10:30 a.m. and will feature Southwood (15-12) vs. Lutheran (19-7) in Class A. The second game, which will be held at 12:45 p.m., is between Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (26-3) and Linton-Stockton (29-1) in Class 2A. At 6 p.m., the Class 3A NorthWood (27-2) vs. Guerin Catholic (20-8) game will be held. Finally, the Class 4A championship game will start at 8:15 p.m. and will feature Kokomo (24-4) vs. Ben Davis (32-0).
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