Indiana high school basketball’s state finals are here, and the class 4A game is between Ben Davis (32-0) and Kokomo (24-4). The tournament format has changed this year, moving to a one-game regional and four-team semistate, and opinions are mixed on the new format. In local entries, Lutheran will face off against Southwood in class A. In Class 2A, Linton-Stockton will go against Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian, while in Class 3A, NorthWood will take on Guerin Catholic. Kyle Neddenriep, a reporter at The Indianapolis Star, has received mixed feedback on the new format from the community. The idea of a Friday night/Saturday semistate format is intriguing to some. While the previous tournament format lagged a bit after the regional two weeks to play one semistate game and one state championship game, this year’s format is designed to provide fresh excitement.
Insights from IHSAA Semistate: Ben Davis’ secret to success beyond talent
As the IHSAA semistate basketball games drew to a close on Saturday night, it was clear that the undefeated Ben Davis team’s success went beyond their undeniable talent. With a perfect 32-0 record, the Giants demonstrated not only their impressive skills on the court but also their togetherness and team spirit.
Senior Shaun Arnold proved to be a crucial piece of the puzzle for Ben Davis, who had a strong showing at the semistate games. Arnold’s energy and tenacity, especially in the top of the diamond press, helped turn the tide of the game and shift the momentum in his team’s favor. While his performance may not have caught the attention of the headlines, his contributions were pivotal to Ben Davis’ 66-38 victory over Brownsburg in the semistate.
Despite being an old team with many seniors, the Giants’ success also hinged on their versatility and physicality. They possess guards with impressive ball-handling and shooting skills, a 6-9 big man who can dominate the paint, and versatile defenders who can expend energy on defense without sacrificing their offensive abilities.
But what sets Ben Davis apart from other teams is their strong sense of togetherness and unity. The energy and enthusiasm that the team displayed on the court were as important to their success as their immense talent. According to Insider, if there was one player who embodied this spirit and was critical to the team’s success, it was Shaun Arnold.
Arnold’s role on the team may not have been centered on personal stats, but rather on his ability to provide energy, effort, and intangibles that kept the team focused and motivated. Coach Don Carlisle praised Arnold’s performance, stating that when he played with energy like that, it was incredibly tough for the opposing team to keep up.
In conclusion, Ben Davis’ success at the IHSAA semistate games was the result of not only their undeniable talent but also their team’s spirit, togetherness, and energy. As they prepare for the state finals trip, it is clear that they will continue to rely on these intangibles, as well as their impressive skills, to maintain their undefeated record and compete at the highest level.
How Shaun Arnold and Elhadj Diallo shined at the IHSAA Semistate
The IHSAA Semistate games showcased some exceptional talent, with players like Shaun Arnold and Elhadj Diallo standing out for their impressive performances. Arnold’s role as the “heartbeat” of the Ben Davis team was evident throughout the tournament, with his energy, effort, and intangibles playing a critical role in his team’s success.
Arnold’s willingness to sacrifice personal stats for the sake of the team’s success was evident in his statement, “If my teammates need help, I’m going to be that guy that brings defense. I’d rather win than have 40 points and lose.” According to his teammate Sharp, Arnold’s contributions were critical to the team’s success, and he was the one who brought the energy and tenacity that helped turn the tide of the game.
In contrast, Elhadj Diallo was a standout player for Brownsburg, who will be missed as the team looks to build on its success in the coming seasons. Diallo’s impressive performance in the game against Jennings County showcased his talent and ability, with 15 points in the night game against Ben Davis and 15 points in the early game against Jennings County.
Brownsburg coach Steve Lynch praised Diallo’s maturity and attitude, stating that he was a major factor in the team’s success and had set a great example for the program. While Brownsburg will have much of its team returning, Diallo’s contributions will be challenging to replace.
Jennings County also had a fantastic showing, with their fans turning up in full force to support the team. Despite falling short against Brownsburg, the Panthers showed incredible resilience and determination throughout the tournament, with players like Keegan Manowitz stepping up to make crucial contributions when it mattered most.
In conclusion, the IHSAA Semistate games showcased some exceptional talent, with players like Shaun Arnold and Elhadj Diallo standing out for their impressive performances. While some players will be missed as teams look to build on their success, the tournament demonstrated the strength and depth of Indiana high school basketball, with teams and players pushing themselves to achieve their very best.
Jennings County’s Remarkable Season and Bidunga’s Win Over Burton at Semistate
Indiana high school basketball has seen some remarkable performances this season, with players and teams pushing themselves to achieve their very best. Jennings County’s boys’ basketball team is one such example, energizing the community with their remarkable season that saw them win their first sectional title since 2005. The Panthers finished the season 24-3, defeating New Albany and Evansville Reitz before falling to Brownsburg in the IHSAA Semistate. Jennings County coach Josh Land praised his team’s hard work and dedication, stating that they have proven that they can win anything in Jennings County.
In the Class 4A semistate at Michigan City, Flory Bidunga faced off against Markus Burton, with only one advancing to the championship. Bidunga and Kokomo emerged victorious with a 58-57 win over the No. 2 Kingsmen, ending Burton’s phenomenal season and Penn’s season with a 28-2 record. Despite the loss, Burton’s performance was impressive, finishing the season with 27 points and securing his position for IndyStar Mr. Basketball support. Bidunga finished with 25 points, 22 rebounds, and five blocked shots, ending Penn’s 22-game winning streak.
Penn had a chance to tie the game, but Karson Rogers blocked a shot, and Shayne Spear knocked down two free throws to give the Wildkats a four-point lead. Penn’s Joey Garwood drilled a 3-pointer, but with no timeouts remaining, the clock ran out before Kokomo was forced to inbound the ball. Despite the loss, Burton praised Bidunga and Kokomo for their performance, stating that they deserved the win.
In the early semistate game at Washington, Lutheran staged a wild comeback in the fourth quarter to defeat Loogootee. Despite trailing by 10 points midway through the fourth quarter, the Saints rallied to secure a one-point victory with a three-pointer by Cayden Loescher.
In conclusion, the IHSAA Semistate showcased some exceptional talent, with players and teams pushing themselves to achieve their very best. Jennings County’s season was remarkable, energizing the community with their first sectional title in over 15 years. Bidunga’s win over Burton was a testament to his talent and skill, with both players putting on an impressive performance. Lutheran’s fourth-quarter comeback demonstrated their resilience and determination, showcasing the strength and depth of Indiana high school basketball.
The IHSAA basketball tournament has recently seen a format change to a one-game regional and four-team semistate with blind draw time. Opinions on the new format have been mixed, with some enjoying the old format and others welcoming the change. Regardless of the format, some teams and players are thriving in the tournament.
Jennings County recently finished with a 24-3 record, securing its first sectional title since 2005. The team’s success has energized the community, with Jennings County coach Josh Land praising his players for changing the culture of the school and proving that they can win in Jennings County.
Meanwhile, Kokomo and Flory Bidunga emerged victorious in the Class 4A semistate at Michigan City with a 58-57 win over Penn, ending the high school career of Markus Burton and ending Penn’s season with a 28-2 record. Burton, who finished the season with 2,273 points, went for 27 points, but Bidunga finished with 25 points, 22 rebounds, and five blocked shots for Kokomo.
Lutheran also had a successful tournament, with a comeback in the early semistate game at Washington. Despite trailing Loogootee by 10 points midway through the fourth quarter, the Saints managed a comeback and a one-point victory.
In other news, there have been mixed opinions on the recent tournament format change. Some argue that the new format has made the tournament lose momentum, while others enjoy the added competition and excitement of Hoosier Hysteria. The success of individual teams and players continues regardless of the format.
The IHSAA basketball 2023 state finals are set to take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and all the games will be played on Saturday. Southwood will face Lutheran in the Class A final, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian will take on Linton-Stockton in Class 2A, while NorthWood will play Guerin Catholic in Class 3A. In the Class 4A final, Kokomo will go up against Ben Davis. The tournament format has changed, with a one-game regional and four-team semifinal, which has garnered mixed opinions. Some suggest returning to the previous format, while others propose a mix and match of classes for regional locations. Regardless, the change to a Friday night/Saturday semifinal format is considered intriguing, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
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