It wouldn't happen. For weeks leading up to the tournament, sophomore Sasha Stefanovic had heard those words from several who believed a postseason run for the Bulldogs was out of reach. The team was only two years removed from a dismal 5-16 record, and a recent streak of one-and-done appearances only reaffirmed such a belief.
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Today, it happened. For the first time in seven years, the Crown Point Bulldogs are sectional champions, defeating the Chesterton Trojans 63-42.
The Bulldogs entered tonight's sectional championship riding a five-game win streak, knocking the DAC champion Valparaiso Vikings out of the competition and defeating the Portage Indians in the first two rounds. A fast start in the first quarter proved the Bulldogs weren't satisfied with just making it.
The team was 8-of-12 from downtown in the first half with at least one from five different players, three from Stefanovic, who finished 7-of-10 for 21 points.
"We needed [Stefanovic] to come out and play like that tonight," head coach Clint Swan said. "During the shoot around today, I could just see it in his eyes. He was ready to come out and do something great, and he did."
After a poor performance against Portage last night, Stefanovic was only thankful for his ability to contribute to tonight's win.
"I'm beyond overjoyed," Stefanovic said. "I've been dreaming of this day to come. This is the best thing that could've happened for us, for this team."
Stefanovic was not alone. Senior Nick Jeffirs finished with a double-double, scoring 12 and grabbing 14 rebounds. The team shot 61.9 percent from the field in the first half, more than double that of Chesterton's shooting percentage during the entire game.
In their previous matchup, Chesterton's Chris Palombizio and Niles Dilosa combined for 40 points to give the Trojans the 72-60 victory. Tonight, the Bulldogs defense held Palombizio to 18. Dilosa finished with just six.
"We've gotten a lot better defensively since that first game," Swan said. "Our guys executed the way they were supposed to and really held Chesterton well tonight. Every guy was accounted for, and we never really gave them any wide open shot. We had a guy there every time."
Despite entering the postseason overlooked, Swan never doubted his team's ability to come out on top.
Tonight, as the team advances to face Munster in regional play, he hopes others can see why.
"Two years ago, we were 5-16, no where near a playoff run," Swan said. "Today, we're cutting down the nets. This team has put in so much work, so much effort, and I couldn't be prouder of these guys."