The atmosphere in Logansport High School was electric as the Crown Point Bulldogs Girls Basketball team matched up with the Noblesville Millers for the Indiana 4A Girls Semi-state Championship. These two teams were familiar with each other, this was their second match-up of the season. The Millers got the better of the Bulldogs on December 22, winning 57-32.
The first quarter started fast for Noblesville, they scored 22 points while holding the Bulldogs to 14. Noblesville star and University of Connecticut commit, Ashlynn Shade was sensational all game, but in the first quarter, she helped play trap defense on Crown Point star Jessica Carrothers all while scoring big buckets for her team.
All game Noblesville had an answer defensively for Crown Point. They held the Bulldogs to 31% shooting for the entire game. Shades' ability to play lockdown defense while hitting impressive turnaround jumpers was on full display tonight. The star duo of the Crown Point, Lilly Stoddard, and Jessica Carrothers was held to 17 combined points. Noblesville’s willingness to trap and double team Carrothers early and often paid off. Overall Noblesville’s defense was active, producing 9 total steals and forcing 14 turnovers. In the second half, the Millers only scored 20 points, but it didn’t matter. The 22 point lead they built in the first half, combined with their defense was enough to get the job done.
The Millers had a bigger presence on the glass all game. They out rebounded the Bulldogs 33-32, while creating many second-chance opportunities that they capitalized on. Noblesville’s Meredith Tipppner led everyone with 7 rebounds.
Shade led all scorers with 23 points followed by her teammate Reagan Wilson who scored 16. Carrothers led Crown Point with 10 points followed by Emily Phillips who had 9.
Ultimately Crown Point was defeated 62-41. Although this is not how they wanted their season to end, senior center Lilly Stoddard and senior Jessica Carrothers have a lot to be proud of during their time at Crown Point High School. Winning a state championship is no easy feat. The pain of losing is temporary, but banners are forever and that’s what the star duo was able to deliver while in high school.