High school basketball in Indiana is something that people take great pride in during the winter season. Great coaches, talented players, and supportive exciting fans are just a few things that make every season exciting and fun. This year, it is safe to say that the Crown Point High School Girls’ Basketball Team has had quite the successful season. Their daily training, commitment, and desire to do their best every single game has led them to the biggest game in the Region for girls’ basketball: the IHSAA 4A Girls Regional Championship Game.
La Porte High School hosted the Regional Championship game on Saturday, where Crown Point faced Penn High School, a similarly strong team within the Class 4A division. After a nail-bitter of a game that eventually went into overtime, the Lady Bulldogs triumphed over the Kingsman, 54-47!
Throughout the Lady Bulldog’s season, they had some close, but successful attempts against the top teams in their division. However, game after game, they managed to bring themselves to a clean, 27-0 record. After defeating the Highland High School Girls’ Basketball Team in the Sectional Championship game, to then taking home a win against Kankakee Valley at the Regional Semifinals on Saturday morning, their next obstacle was the Regional Championship. This was their last mission to complete before they could head to the Semi-State game on February 16.
In was an intense game that eventually went into overtime, but the Bulldogs’ teamwork and drive shined in the final moments.
“Towards the end, Coach told us to get out there and do what we do best,” said Jessica Carrothers, Point Guard for the Crown Point Bulldogs. “We were able to pull hit off because we are able to trust each other on the court.”
The Kingsman also came off an incredible season as they went undefeated in their season. And while tonight’s game didn’t end in their favor, their passion, dedication, and teamwork were visible on, and off, the court.
“If we only focus on this moment right now, we won’t be able to reflect on what they were able to accomplish this season,” said Penn High School head coach Kristi Kaniewski Ulrich. “We went undefeated in the regular season and made it to the Elite Eight is a tremendous accomplishment. We just came up short and Crown Point was the better team tonight. But I’m very proud of how the girls fought back and came back at the end.”
By simply competing in the Regional Championship game, the Lady Bulldogs were paving their way through history. Not only was the 27-0 record strong enough for the girls to be the talk of the town, but their Sectional Championship first Sectional win since 2001. Crown Point Girls Basketball Head Coach Chris Seibert could not be more proud of not only how far the team has come, but also of how much their confidence and desire to work together and to win has lead them to record success.
“Congratulations to our entire team, to our four seniors who have been great leaders all season, and to our community who has supported us all season,” said Seibert. “It doesn’t get much better than this!”
As community members, fans, and families came together for the biggest game in the Region, the Crown Point Girls Basketball Team were ready. Congratulations to the Bulldogs on this record win! Now to Semi-State!