DaShawn Hampton
Robert Smith
FOUNTAIN CITY, Ind. – Senior moments.
Four Northeastern boys basketball seniors are hoping to extend their careers as they prepare for Saturday’s Class 2A regional at Greenfield-Central High School.
“It’s really going to hit me when Friday comes,” Robert Smith said after practice earlier this week. “Friday is going to mean it’s business time.”
“Right now, we’re just working, but it’s going to sink in 100 percent on Friday,” Smith continued. “There’s no messing around. Nobody in this gym wants to come up short again.”
The No. 4 Knights (22-4) face Cloverdale (19-7) in the opener at 10 a.m., while Indianapolis Broad Ripple (18-7) and No. 7 Indianapolis Howe (20-7) meet in the second affair at noon. The regional title contest is at 8 p.m.
Northeastern picked up its third straight sectional championship last week with a 68-43 win over Centerville, but the Knights have never won a regional contest.
“We’ve just got to keep going and try to make history,” senior DaShawn Hampton said.
Austin Clay
Bailey Stewart
Hampton has shared his experience of playing in the tournament with new classmate Bailey Stewart, who transferred to Northeastern this year.
“He just wanted to know what he should expect,” Hampton told Stewart. “The crowd is going to be there and every shot is going to be a big shot.”
Stewart smiles as he talks about his new teammates and the overall experience of joining the Knights.
“I’m still enjoying it and I want to win more,” Stewart said. “Everybody was so welcoming. I felt like been here for years before. It was really easy.”
Perhaps Austin Clay said it best for the seniors.
“I’m trying to stay prepared and focus on being the best I can be for the team,” Clay said. “Hit a few shots, play some good “D” and keep the pace going.”
If the Knights are successful during the regional, the semi-state game would be in Richmond or Seymour on Saturday, March 19. The state title contest is slated for Indianapolis on Saturday, March 26.
“It’s been a very special year to play with these guys,” Clay said. “I hope our season ends in Indy.”
This Page Is Proudly Sponsored By:
