2017 Indiana High School State Tournament: State Finals Set!

Sorry I missed the preview for this weekend’s semi-states. Even the basketball junkie that I am got caught up in the NCAA Tournament and completely forgot the state tournament. In the 8 semi-state games today Purdue had two players it is recruiting still alive in the tournament. After today, both will play for a state championship next week.

Class 4A

Fort Wayne North 82, Merrillville 73

For the first time since 1965 Fort Wayne North is off to the state finals. That year they were the state runner-up to Indianapolis Washington with some guy named Billy Keller. This year the Legends are lead by 2019 Purdue target Keion Brooks. According to 247, Brooks is the No. 1 player in Indiana for 2019 and No. 17 nationally. He is already a five star and Painter has been on him early. Today he had 20 points and 5 rebounds, including this dunk as time expired:

Ben Davis 74, Castle 71

Ben Davis won consecutive state titles in 1995 and 1996, but has not been back to the state finals since. In 1996 Jeff Poisel went down in state history as he hit the game-winning three at the end of double overtime against New Albany. Today they returned the State Finals in similar fashion. Josh Brewer hit this three-pointer at the buzzer to send them to the State Finals.

Class 3A

Twin Lakes 67, Fort Wayne Luers 57

For the first time ever Twin Lakes is on its way to the state finals, and they might be the favorite this week. They have already knocked off the state’s No. 1 team in 3A and a Griffith team that had reached the last four in two straight years. Justin Crabb had 21 for them and Bryce Bennington had 15 in the win.

Indianapolis Crispus Attucks 84, Evansville Bosse 77

Indianapolis Crispus Attucks won the state title in 1959, their third in five seasons, but have not been back since. One of the state’s most historical programs is now back for the sixth time ever. They went five times between 1951 and 1959. Jamal Harris scored 30 points for them as they look to add a fourth state title to the school’s history.

Class 2A

Frankton 77, Marquette Catholic 75 OT

The only overtime game of the day saw a nail-biter, as Marquette just missed on a chance to tie at the end of the extra session. Maurice Knight had 35 points and 10 rebounds for Frankton, who is back to the state finals for the second time in three years. Two years ago they lost to Park Tudor in the 2A state championship.

Crawford County 49, Heritage Christian 40

Crawford County is off to the state finals for the first time ever after triumphing in the lowest scoring game of the day. Andrew Williams had 22 for Heritage Christian, but a balanced attack from Crawford County was enough to overcome them. Adam Beasley had 12, Josh Thomas had 11, and Gavin Coleman also had 11 for Crawford County.

Class A

Lafayette Central Catholic 77, Gary 21^st Century 59

Central Catholic is back in the state finals after a 14 year absence, but they will be seeking their 4^th state title. Carson Barrett, a freshman, led them with 21 points as the only No. 1 ranked team left in any of the classes had little trouble.

Indianapolis Tindley 64, New Washington 50

Tindley, a relatively new charter school here in Indy, is off to its first state finals ever. Their first IHSAA season wasn’t even until 2008, but Eric Hunter, one of Painter’s top 2018 targets, has lifted them to the state finals. He had 23 points today as Tindley jumped in front early and never really looked back