Frankton vs. Bishop Noll 3:00pm

 

Bishop Noll shook off a 9-13 regular season record to make it to semi-state for the first time since 2011. They beat Fort Wayne Canterbury easily in the morning semifinal before needing a late rally to take out LaVille in the final. The Warriors were down 34-28 heading into the fourth quarter, then went on a 7-0 run to start the final period and never relinquished the lead, winning by a 43-39 score. The free throw line was kind to Noll, going a perfect 15-15 from the stripe in the championship. Junior guard Roman Penn led the way with 13 points, including a pair of free throws with 17 seconds left to give the Warriors a two possession lead. Senior guard James Nabors III added 11 points.

 

Frankton makes their first trip to the semi-state round in school history. They raced out to an 18 point halftime lead on Fountain Central in the semis before winning by 16, then used a big second quarter run against Madison-Grant to open a double digit halftime lead and maintain that advantage for a 53-41 win. Senior guard Austin Compton had 13 in the title game while being limited by a separated shoulder he received at sectionals. The Eagles' long range attack was on point, hitting 10 triples and bypassing Madison-Grant's 6'10 center Tanner Wise in the process. Senior guard Nick Wright hit three of those ten bombs on his way to 10 points. Frankton has only a pair of ten point losses on their record, one to 1A semistate participant Liberty Christian and one to 3A Muncie Central.

 

Jeff's pick: Frankton

Trevor's pick: Bishop Noll

 

 

 

South Semi-State (Southport)

 

Park Tudor vs. Linton Stockton 4:00pm

 

The defending state champs are looking for their fourth title in the past five years, and bring in a formidable starting five that has proven it can compete with anyone, suffering its only two losses to ranked 4A schools Southport and North Central. Last year's team did it with offense, behind the state's leading scorer Trevon Blueitt, now at Xavier. Coach Kyle Cox has found a different recipe for success this year, as the Panthers are giving up just over 44 points per game, good for 15th in the state and tops in 2A. Western Michigan signee Bryce Moore went for 29 in the semifinal pounding of Northeastern, then backed that up with 21 in a 92-77 win over Crispus Attucks. The Panthers's starting five combined for 81 of their 92 points in the final, with 6'8 post Evan Frank adding 18 points and eight rebounds. Park Tudor is 32-2 in tournament play since the end of the 2008-2009 season.

 

Linton Stockton is no stranger to postseason success, having made it to the state finals in 2013 and winning their sectional last season. They took home the regional title at Southridge by knocking off Evansville Mater Dei 47-39, avenging a regular season loss to the Wildcats from back in December. The Miners got 16 points from Jake Clothier and 14 from center Austin Robertson in that game. In the final, they gradually pulled away from South Ripley on the way to a 61-46 victory. Robertson went for 16 points, while Josh Dieball led the way with 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Drew Witty added 12 points on the strength of 3-5 shooting from deep. The battle inside between Robertson and Evan Frank should be a nice matchup to watch.

 

Jeff's pick: Park Tudor

Trevor's pick: Park Tudor