INDIANAPOLIS – With an eight-day break earlier than its subsequent sport, the Pendleton Heights boys basketball staff had one objective Thursday night time.
Win its regular-season finale at Class 3A Heritage Christian to maneuver one sport nearer to .500 and one step nearer to presumably breaking an 11-year sectional title drought.
Behind a game-high 20 factors from 6-foot-7 senior Josiah Gustin, the 4A Arabians achieved their objective, defeating the host Eagles, 60-47, to finish their common season schedule.
The Arabians received't play once more till March 1 within the Sectional 9 semifinals towards Hoosier Heritage Convention foe Mount Vernon or New Palestine.
“We tried to strategy it with it being our first sectional sport as a result of we had a bye and we talked about how you need to win within the match to advance. So we wished to strategy it the place it was our first sport. We would have liked a win to advance to that semifinal spherical on Friday,” PH head coach Joe Buck mentioned. “I believed our gamers stepped up. It was an important staff win. I believed we had a stable first half, in all probability the most effective first half we've ever had when it comes to execution and energy.”
Gustin set the victory in movement from the opening minute, scoring the primary three factors, together with considered one of two monster dunks within the put up, to provide PH an early 3-0 lead.
On the finish of the primary quarter, the Arabs (11-12) had a 10-point lead that grew to 22 with simply over one minute left within the first half.
Gustin scored 15 of his 20 factors within the first half, capturing 6-for-6 from the ground.
Within the sport, he transformed 8 of 8 pictures from the sector, sank two 3-pointers, added 5 assists and eight rebounds whereas capturing 2 of 4 from the foul line.
“Yeah, the objective is to be .500 and win the part,” Gustin mentioned. “It feels actually good as a result of we would have liked that push going into sectionals. It's been powerful the final couple of years as a result of we haven't at all times been so sizzling.”
The Arabians haven't had a successful season since 2016-17, when former coach Kevin Bates led this system to a 17-7 end.
PH completed the 2023-24 common season tied for fourth within the HHC at 3-4, shedding 4 of their final six video games. By handing the visiting Eagles (12-11) their fourth straight loss, PH regained some swagger and chemistry.
Within the second half, 6-5 senior Seth LaRavia scored 13 of his 15 factors as Heritage Christian tried to gradual Gustin's manufacturing. LaRavia pulled down six rebounds and benefited from Gustin's facilitation towards the press.
Isaac Wilson had eight factors for the Arabians, adopted by Cooper Sims with 5, Aaron Cookston with 5 and Dontrez Braxton with 4. Evan Mozingo had three.
“They did a very good job within the second half and doubled him within the put up. I believed Jo did a very good job sensing it and kicking it out,” Buck mentioned. “Our drawback this 12 months has been that we're sturdy and more durable to manage after we play excessive low and make the most of LaRavia and Gustin, however after we play properly excessive and low we are likely to go away. it. Then it's arduous to return to it.”
The Eagles minimize the deficit to 12 factors within the second half after trailing 41-19 early within the third quarter, however the Arabians' lead by no means dipped under double digits.
Cole Louden led the Eagles with a team-high 15 factors. Luke Peters completed with eight.
Now the Arabians, who had one other lengthy eight-day break between their home-final loss towards New Fort, 59-53, on February 13 and Thursday, will play a ready sport.
“We haven't achieved that shortly at Pendleton Heights to .500 or higher or a sectional title.” In reality, I believe it's been 11 years since we've had a sectional championship. I believe Pendleton Heights has solely received one sectional sport within the final 10,” Buck mentioned. “It's a giant problem.” If we win there, we'll be the underdog, however we've been the underdog all season, so it didn't hassle us. Typically it may be a bonus if we make the most of it.'
Within the common season, PH misplaced to Mount Vernon 44-42 at dwelling on Dec. 8 and misplaced to New Palestine 57-54 on the street on Jan. 12. Pendleton Heights' final sectional title got here in 2013 to cap off a three-state run from 2011-13.
