Lawrence North Claims Indiana Class 4A Girls Basketball State Championship
In a thrilling finale at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Lawrence North Wildcats emerged victorious against the formidable Warsaw Community Tigers, securing the Indiana Class 4A girls basketball state championship with a 65-59 win. The game, which was part of the 50th annual Indiana High School Athletic Association girls basketball State Finals, saw Lawrence North junior guard Ke’Adriah Butler leading the charge with 20 points and eight rebounds. The Wildcats’ triumph is particularly noteworthy as it marks their second state title, with their previous win in 2020 still fresh in the minds of many fans.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The game was far from a smooth ride, as the Wildcats had to battle through a tumultuous journey. They entered the state championship with a record of 19-8, following a challenging stretch that included a four-game losing streak late in the regular season. However, the Wildcats bounced back with remarkable resilience, winning nine consecutive games leading into the finals. Despite this impressive run, Warsaw was no pushover, boasting a stellar record of 26-2 and a rich basketball tradition. The Tigers had their eyes set on replicating the feat of their 1976 and 1978 championship-winning teams, but they faced a determined Lawrence North squad.
The First Half: Lawrence North’s Early Dominance
The game began with Lawrence North setting the tone early. Kya Hurt, one of the Wildcats’ key players, drained a 3-pointer to give her team a 7-2 lead within the first few minutes. Throughout the first quarter, Warsaw’s Brooke Winchester was a standout, scoring eight straight points to take her team’s first lead at 19-16. The first half saw a back-and-forth battle, but Lawrence North managed to end it on a dominant 15-3 run, thanks to clutch performances from Butler and Jamaya Thomas. By halftime, the Wildcats had a comfortable 35-27 lead, with Butler and Thomas already in double figures, contributing 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Third Quarter: Widening the Gap
The momentum seemed to shift further in Lawrence North’s favor in the third quarter. The Wildcats continued their aggressive play, with Kalea Bentley hitting her fourth 3-pointer to extend their lead to 18 points. Warsaw’s shooting woes in the third quarter, where they managed only 3-of-13 from the field, allowed Lawrence North to solidify their advantage. By the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats were in command, leading by 15 points and looking well on track to claim their second title.
Fourth Quarter: The Warsaw Rally
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter. Warsaw’s resilience and sharp shooting from beyond the arc began to chip away at Lawrence North’s lead. The Tigers hit four 3-pointers in the final period, bringing the crowd to their feet. With 55 seconds left, Brooke Zartman’s 3-pointer cut the Lawrence North lead to six points, and Joslyn Bricker’s free throws with 20 seconds remaining narrowed the gap to just three points. Despite this intense pressure, Lawrence North’s players remained composed. Butler, who had been a pivotal force all night, was fouled and calmly sank two free throws, putting her team back up by five. Moments later, Naja Winston secured a crucial defensive rebound, allowing the Wildcats to run out the clock and celebrate their hard-fought victory.
Final Stats and Key Performances
The victory was a team effort, but several players stood out. For Lawrence North, Ke’Adriah Butler’s 20 points and eight rebounds were instrumental. Jamaya Thomas added 14 points, shooting an impressive 7-of-9 from the field, while Kalea Bentley contributed 12 points, all from 3-point range. Naja Winston was a powerhouse on the boards, grabbing 14 rebounds and adding 9 points to the scoring ledger. On the Warsaw side, Brooke Winchester led the charge with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Joslyn Bricker and Brooke Zartman also had strong performances, with 13 and 12 points, respectively, the latter of which came entirely from 3-point baskets.
A Night to Remember
The game was a testament to the grit and determination of both teams. Lawrence North’s ability to withstand a late rally and secure the win will be remembered as one of the highlights of the 50th anniversary of the Indiana High School Athletic Association girls basketball State Finals. The Wildcats’ journey from a mid-season slump to a state championship is a story of resilience and team unity. For Warsaw, the game showcased their immense talent and fighting spirit, especially in the fourth quarter. As the final buzzer sounded, the Lawrence North bench erupted in celebration, while the Warsaw players, though disappointed, received accolades for their outstanding season. This championship game not only honored the past 50 years of Indiana girls basketball but also set a high bar for the future.
