Zionsville entered the Lafayette Jeff sectional final winners of seven of its last eight games. McCutcheon was even hotter with a 12-game winning streak.

McCutcheon set the tone early by hitting its first five three-pointers. Robert Phinisee and Gavin Dunbar each hit a couple of triples. Before Zionsville blinked, McCutcheon held a 15-5 lead. The Eagles didn’t back down, though. Zionsville ended the opening quarter on a 6-0 mini-run.

The Robert Phinisee Show was in full swing during the second quarter. He scored seven points while impacting the game in every area. He was making every Zionsville pass difficult plus rebounding and setting up his teammates for easy looks. Phinisee’s play was impressive from start to finish.

Behind the play of Phinisee and fantastic shooting, McCutcheon took an 11-point lead to halftime. The Mavericks maintained a nine to 15 point lead in the third quarter and most of the fourth. McCutcheon looked safe until Zionsville’s Nathan Childress scored at the basket then Tyler Leedy converted a four-point play. The McCutcheon lead was down to 50-45 with 1:45 left in the game.

Unfortunately for Zionsville’s comeback hopes, McCutcheon scored the next 10 points as the Zionsville offense stalled. McCutcheon iced the game from the free throw line for the 61-47 victory.

Robert Phinisee finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Haden Deaton added 18 points. Gavin Dunbar finished with 12.

Zionsville was led by Isaiah Thompson’s 16 points. Tyler Leedy had 10 points in the loss.

McCutcheon advances to the Logansport Regional where they will play Carmel in the first game.