Hamilton Heights 62, Guerin Catholic 54
Category: 2015-2016 High School Written by Jeff Schoenle
Both Hamilton Heights and Guerin Catholic had successful seasons in 2014-2015. Hamilton Heights won a sectional title before falling in the regional semis, while Guerin Catholic capped off the year in style, winning the 3A state championship over Griffith. Gone, however, are Hamilton Heights talented senior class from a year ago, and Guerin Catholic has to move on from the graduation of Indiana All-Star Matt Holba. These new look Hamilton County rivals squared off Friday night hoping to find out more about themselves and earn bragging rights as well.
Guerin started off the first quarter by blocking three Husky shots on the first two possessions, but struggled to get any offensive momentum going. Each team traded quick shots but failed to connect frequently. Matt Godfrey connected on a three pointer just off the top of the key to give Guerin a small advantage, but Sterling Weatherford was able to attack the basket off the dribble and give Heights a four point lead at the quarter.
Foul trouble began to mount for Guerin at the start of the second, as the Huskies were in the bonus just 30 seconds in and reached the double bonus with 5:30 remaining in the half. They used the free throw line and some tentative Golden Eagle defending to open the quarter on an 11-3 run, forcing Guerin coach Pete Smith to burn a timeout.
After the timeout and a stop by Guerin, senior wing Christian Munson was able to break free in transition and deposit a three pointer in the bottom of the net, signaling the start of a Guerin Catholic run. Munson would also show aggression attacking the basket, scoring 11 of Guerin's 18 points in the period. They would finish the quarter on a 15-8 run themselves, closing a 12 point deficit to just five at the halftime horn.
Neither team was able to gain traction and pull away in the third quarter. Every time Guerin Catholic would muster a basket, Hamilton Heights would respond. Hunter Crist and Christian Munson would trade layups, and sophomore forward Jack Hansen showed nifty footwork and touch in scoring around the rim twice for Guerin.
Heights would gradually begin to pull away in the fourth and their lead would hit double figures halfway through the quarter. Hunter Crist aggression would pay dividends as the parade to the free throw line for the senior guard would continue throughout the fourth quarter. Crist would score 16 in the final period, including ten at the stripe on his way to a 17/18 showing at the free throw line.
Guerin Catholic would remain within striking distance thanks to a pair of three pointers by Rhett Helt and Grant Fremion, but the Golden Eagles would leave points on the board, going just 9/19 at the free throw line during the game. Crist shut the door on Guerin at the line and give Hamilton Heights a big road victory.
Hamilton Heights 13 19 8 22 - 62
Guerin Catholic 9 18 9 18 - 54
Hamilton Heights: Hunter Crist 33 pts (8/21 FGs, 17/18 FTs), 8 rbs, 4 stls; Sterling Weatherford 14 pts, 11 rbs; Caymn Lutz 6 pts; Tyler Wiltermood 6 pts; TJ Freeland 3 pts
Guerin Catholic: Christian Munson 25 pts (9/15 FGs, 2/4 3Ps); Jack Hansen 14 pts, 5 rbs; Rhett Helt 6 pts; Matt Godfrey 3 pts, 4 asts; Calen Cunningham 3 pts; Grant Fremion 3 pts