by
Richie Hall
Sports Editor
Hamilton County Reporter
LA PORTE – Before the Royals take to the court, Hamilton Southeastern girls basketball coach Chris Huppenthal and his staff tell his team two words: “Be us.”
Now, cut to Saturday afternoon at LaPorte, where the Royals played an outstanding game to earn a first-ever trip to the IHSAA state finals.
“This is us,” said Huppenthal.
Southeastern won the Class 4A north semi-state at La Porte by dismantling Crown Point 61-28. The No. 4-ranked Bulldogs came into the game undefeated, but the No. 1-ranked Royals had control of the game from the first quarter onward.
Southeastern will now play No. 10 Lawrence North next Saturday at Bankers ife Fieldhouse for the 4A state championship.
The Wildcats beat Castle 50-40 to win the 4A south semi-state championship.
“I’m kind of numb right now,” said Huppenthal. “I’m waiting for someone to pinch me and let me know what happens.”
*pinch*
“I’m here,” said Huppenthal. “It’s just been a great feeling this whole week.”
“It feels awesome,” said senior Malea Jackson. “It’s like, indescribable. It’s like a
once in a lifetime chance and I’m just so happy to spend it with the team that I have.
We’re just a family and it’s awesome to be able to experience this with them.”
Crown Point’s only lead of the game was at the start, when the Bulldogs’ Ellie
VanDeel made a free throw during the first minute of the game for a 1-0 lead. But after
that, it was all Royals. Southeastern was blistering in the first quarter, nailing five
3-pointers in that period.
“That was really great for us,” said senior Amaya Hamilton. “I know that we
all had nerves and everything, but after we see that first shot go in, I think that that
helps a lot, and just getting the nerves to go away and just getting the energy up.”
Hamilton was a big part of Southeastern’s first-quarter energy. The 6-foot-2 Duquesne University commit hit two early 3-pointers to help the Royals out to a 12-2 lead. A third 3-pointer put HSE ahead 15-4.
In all, Hamilton scored 11 points in the first quarter.
“We do our roles, and not everybody’s going to score all the time,” said Jackson.
“But when you are hot, we’re going to get you the ball. Amaya was just amazing
today, I’m so proud of her. It’s just a great contribution throughout the team.”
Junior Syndey Parrish made a 3 at the end of the period to put the Royals up 23-7.
Southeastern then scored two quick baskets in the beginning of the second (Parrish and
Jackson both made layins) to get the lead to 27-7. Crown Point would continue to battle
valiantly during the game, but the Bulldogs were simply overmatched by Southeastern.
“What they did today is what they’ve done all year,” said Huppenthal of his team.
“We thought coming up here, our schedule was going to be the difference in this game,
and I think it ended up playing that way. We’ve played some of the best teams in the
state of Indiana.”
The Royals have played a difficult schedule, taking on not only their regular opponents from the tough Hoosier Crossroads Conference, but also challenging teams like North Central, Warren Central and Lawrence North.
“They prepare you for this moment,” said Huppenthal. “Our kids played like they
have all year. We didn’t do anything different.”
The Royals maintained their 20-point lead at halftime, going into the locker room with a 37-17 advantage. Jackson had backto-back baskets late in the quarter, and junior Bailee Poore came off the bench to finish the period with a layin.
“You never know when your name’s going to get called,” said Huppenthal.
Poore came in during a moment when the Royals were in foul trouble, and she gave
her team some good minutes.
“She hustles and she got in there,” said Huppenthal. “She got her opportunity and
her moment to shine. She took advantage of it.”
Southeastern continued to roll in the second half, leading 52-27 after three quarters. The balance continued in that period, as five different players scored. Parrish scored five points, while junior Jackie Maulucci helped out with four points.
Junior Lydia Self put HSE up 52-25 with a layin.
“They’re awesome players,” said Maulucci of her teammates. “I’ve seen them play
for almost my whole life, and I know they can do big things. They put a lot of hours
into the gym. Seeing the results here on the court today, it makes me feel good and I’m
super proud of them.”
Southeastern’s defense revved up in the fourth quarter, when it only allowed the
Bulldogs one point. That allowed the Royals to clear the bench, which in turn
gave more players a chance to contribute.
Freshman Makayla Hinshaw made two free throws, and junior Lauren Morris hit a layin
to end the game.
“Every single girl on this team has a role and that’s what contributes to our success,”
said Hamilton. “We all know our roles and are willing to do it to the best of our ability.
So that’s what’s taken us so far.”
Hamilton and Parrish both scored 14 points, with Jackson adding eight. Tayah
Irvin made all three of her field goal attempts for six points.
Molly Walton and Parrish each pulled five rebounds. Jackson dished out five
assists, with Maulucci handing out four.
Parrish made four steals and two blocked shots, while Hamilton had three blocks.
The Royals are now 26-1 for the season.
