Marquette Catholic vs. Liberty Christian 1:00 p.m.

 

A rematch of last year's north semi-state that saw Marquette Catholic prevail 72-61 on their way to the 1A title. Most of the main players from a year ago have returned for each squad, so this game could be a knock down, drag out affair. Marquette disposed of Blackhawk Christian in overtime in the regional semifinals, then came back from a 17-10 first quarter deficit to defeat Tri-County 69-60 in the championship game. In the final, Tyshaun Smallwood put up 18 points to go along with eight rebounds, and teammate and Providence signee Ryan Fazekas added 16 points and six rebounds. Braxton Miller is also capable of getting hot from three at the guard spot. The Blazers are riding an eight game winning streak into semi-state and have won 19 of their last 21 games.

 

Liberty Christian comes in as winners of their last ten, clawing by Seton Catholic 51-47 in the regional semifinals before taking out Lafayette Central Catholic in the nightcap by 13. Franklin Nunn was huge in the game against Central Catholic, going for 24 points and 14 rebounds, including a couple of highlight reel dunks. Chris Nunn added 16 points as well. The Lions showed their versatility by winning two different types of games, the first being a slowdown affair and the second at their normal pace. Liberty Christian is fifth in the state in scoring at just over 79 points per game. Marquette Catholic is 15th in the state in scoring at over 71 points a night, so expect a fast paced, high scoring affair at the Crawley Center this Saturday.

 

Jeff's pick: Marquette Catholic 

Trevor's pick: Liberty Christian

 

 

 

South Semi-State (Seymour)

 

Barr-Reeve vs. Clay City 1:00 p.m.

 

The south semi-state is a rematch from last year as well, as the 2014 editions of these teams played to a 75-55 Barr-Reeve win. The Eels from Clay City hope for it to be closer than that in the 2015 version. Coach Vance Edmondson and his senior laden team have gone 74-29 over the past four years, but have never made it to the final Saturday of the season. They dispatched an Indianapolis Tindley team by one in the morning game of regionals before running away from Jac-Cen-Del by 18 for their second straight regional championship. The Eels got a balanced effort in the final, with five players scoring between nine and 12 points, led by freshman guard Brigham Booe. They nearly doubled up Jac-Cen-Del on the glass and also went 8-16 from behind the three point line.

 

Awaiting is the defending state runner-up Vikings of Barr-Reeve. Coach Brian Hughes has made it to the semi-state round four times, and four times he's come away with a victory to advance to the state finals. They're looking to make a repeat trip to Indianapolis after beating Wood Memorial 58-38 in the championship on Saturday. Senior post Addison Wagler scored 21 in their morning win over Christian Academy, and added 14 in the final. Junior point guard Logan James led the Vikings with 19 points against Wood Memorial and senior forward Duncan Roy poured in 11. Barr-Reeve only lost one player from last year's team, so this group has the experience of playing on this stage. This should be the opposite of the northern semi-state, as both squads hang their hat on defense. Barr-Reeve is second in the state in points allowed at 38.4 per game, while Clay City is 45th overall and 13th in 1A at just over 48 points per game given up.

 

Jeff's pick: Barr-Reeve

Trevor's pick: Barr-Reeve