To Big, To Fast, To Much, Northwestern Wins

To Big, To Fast, To Much, Northwestern Wins

INDIANAPOLIS: by Steven Stremming

Sometimes games look good on paper, perhaps to some this game appeared that way, but once both teams were on the floor at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse it was apparent to all, that Northwestern was the more physically imposing squad in the IHSAA Class 3A State Title game between the Tigers and the Greensburg Pirates.

The first quarter was a tell tale of how the game would transpire as both hit the hardwood running. For the Pirates, they would shoot eleven two point shots making four while a zero for five effort from beyond the arc while also committing eight turnovers.

Northwestern would also hit four shots but out of fourteen shots from the floor but bag two of three from the three point area. The Tigers also turned the ball over six times but also collected five steals, four by Head Coach Kathie Layden’s daughter, Madison.

Photo by: Steven Underwood/Excel High School Sports

The second quarter is where Northwestern’s size and controlled speed took over as Kendall Bostic and Stephanie Burns showed their length and determination.

Photo by: Steve Underwood/Excel High School Sports

Bostic and super sub Burns, who went two for two from the field and three of four from the line while collecting four rebounds, three offensive in eight minutes of play. While they were doing the damage inside Madison Layden and Taylor Boruff scored six straight points to open up a 23-13 lead.

Photo by: Steven Underwood/Excel High School Sports

Northwestern would open a unsurmountable 37-22 lead at the half.

The second half of the game was more of the same as the Tigers pounded the boards and moved the ball up the court quickly on the outsized Pirates.

For Northwestern, Stephanie Burns led the way with 17 points and eight boards, Kendall Bostic 14 points, nine boards, three blocked shots, Madison Layden thirteen points, six steals, five assists and eight rebounds.

Taylor Boruff would add seven points, six boards, Sarah Vas, the Patricia L Roy Mental Attitude Award winner, six points, five assists, Katie Neher five points and Morgan Mercer a free throw.

For the now 23-4 Pirates, Micha Morrison was the lone double figure scorer with twelve points. Ashlynn Meyer added eight points as did Kyra Whitaker.

Photo by: Steven Underwood/Excel High School Sports

Whitaker had a off day shooting as she was three for fourteen from two point range and a zero of eight from behind the arc, though she did assist on three plays and stole the ball three times as well.

Photo by: Steven Underwood/Excel High School Sports

Bailey Meyer added five, Aliyah Evans added four and Rhegan Day scored two.

Noticeable was the effort put in by Melina Wilkison. Wilkison was three for six from the line, three rebounds, two steals and a assist in the final stanza.

Photo by: Steven Underwood/Excel High School Sports

Northwestern finishes the season at 29-1 as the Tigers claim the school’s first state title.