Tri High Co-Head Coach Jeff Miller talks to players during a timeout.
LEWISVILLE, Ind. – The Tri High girls basketball team is headed to the Class 1A Tipton Regional as the only ranked team in the field.
“I’m just very proud of the girls,” said Titans Co-Head Coach Jeff Miller. “They have overcome a lot of obstacles along the way. They are resilient.”
After defeating Randolph Southern 46-44 to win the Union City Sectional last weekend, the eighth-ranked Titans (21-4) face Tri-Central (14-10) in Saturday’s second contest, which is slated to start at noon.
“They have a real feeling of accomplishment, our sectional, Sectional 56, is always very competitive and to earn the title is very rewarding,” Miller said.
Winners of four straight and seven of their last eight, the Trojans beat No. 7 Northfield 49-42 to claim their third straight sectional crown.
“Tri-Central is a very nice basketball team,” Miller said. “Their record is misleading. They are playing very well at this time.”
The Titans are 4-1 against common opponents, while Tri-Central is 0-4.
“It is odd, I had the opportunity to see them play live several time this season scouting other teams,” Miller said. “I believe that helps, at least we are not going in blind.”
Tri High defeated Shenandoah twice, Morristown and Northeastern, while falling to Sheridan. The Trojans lost to all four schools. The last time the two teams met was back in 2006 when the Trojans won 56-46 in a regional contest.
Emily Richard leads the Trojans in scoring (10.9), rebounds (6.3) and assists (2.4). She had 18 points and six rebounds in the victory over Northfield.
Sarah Quesada averages 10.6 PPG and 5.7 rebounds a contest. She led Tri-Central to a sectional 56-34 win over Clinton Central with 13 points.
Payton Moore leads the Titans in scoring (16.4) and rebounding (9.8).
Lauren Bouslog and Auburn Harvey scored eight points each in the sectional title contest.
Game One
Rockville vs. Southern Wells
The opening contest of the regional features Rockville (19-7) and Southern Wells (11-14) at 10 a.m. The winners will meet in the championship game at 8 p.m.
Rockville defeated Attica 35-28 at North Vermillion last weekend to win its first sectional title since 1981. It will also be the last championship as Rockville and Turkey Run high schools are scheduled to consolidate after this academic year.
On the court, the Rox have won four in a row and 16 of their last 18.
In the win over Attica, Baylee Breedlove led the way with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Morgan Pierce added nine points. Taylor Dugger contributed seven points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Southern Wells is the only one of the 16 teams remaining in the Class 1A tournament with a losing record.
The Raiders have won five of their last six, including a 57-45 victory over Liberty Christian to win their second consecutive sectional.
Jessica Yencer led Southern Wells in the title affair with 21 points. Georgia Hanauer finished with 14 points.
Regional Titles
Tri-Central (4) – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2016
Southern Wells (2) – 2008, 2009
Tri High (1) – 1998
Rockville (1) – 1981