The rematch of the 2023 3A south semi state took place at the exact same venue but with a very different result. The Scottsburg Warriors took on defending class 3A runners up, the Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles. Both teams mirror each other with height, length, shooting, and seniors. The Eagles came in with the edge defeating Scottsburg last year as well a very demanding schedule. The Warriors had revenge on their minds and the crowd in their favor.

The beginning of the game saw both teams trading baskets and lead changes. Guerin got some easy ones in the middle of Scottsburg's zone. In particular Sr. Dylan Murans and Jr. Bryson Cardinal. The Warriors kept with their gameplan by not allowing GC to get hot from 3. The senior backcourt of Sorenson and Cherry were kept in check most of the game with Cherry scoring 9 and Sorenson being held scoreless. There's always a wildcard in these games that step up in the big moment. Tonight, it was Warrior junior Dare Bowles. He had always been known as "that other starter" in a group of 4 strong seniors but tonight he shot his teammates and hometown into a state finals appearance. Bowles came in averaging 3 ppg but 6 three's later he had 18 pts. and Scottsburg took control of a game they never trailed again after that. GC cut it to 5 going into the 4th but it was never closer. The game was put on ice by senior Kody Clancy, helped by a technical on GC's coach and 1 of their players. Scottsburg went on to win their first ever boy semi state championship and first state title game in school history by a score of 70- 54.

● Once thought of as the other guy in the Warriors starting 5, 5'8 junior Scottsburg guard Dare Bowles etched his name in Scottsburg basketball history tonight and vaulted himself as someone to watch going into next season. Tonight Bowles hit six 3's for a total of 18 pts. and all were deep. "Big shot" Bowles hit four in the 2nd quarter alone that gave Scottsburg a lead they'd never relinquish. Dare has always been a tough kid that came into high school with fellow classmates, Cam Smith, Colby Hall, Chace Coomer, and Joshua Renfro on a middle school team that saw only 1 loss total in junior high ball. Now Bowles is the only one left of the group and is just used to winning and not afraid of the moment. Dare has worked hard to earn his spot with this senior group of Warriors and put his name in Scottsburg lore after tonight's performance.

● Speaking of Scottsburg all-timers senior Kody Clancy did what Kody Clancy has been doing lately; showing that he is the best player on the floor. Last weekend Clancy moved into 2nd all time in boys basketball history trailing only 1969 graduate Bill James. James didn't lead them to a state finals though like Clancy did tonight. Bowels hit some big shots and was hot but Clancy was that consistent engine and calming presence when Scottsburg needs it. His ball handling and control of the game is at an elite level. At 6'4 he's able to finish and shoot over smaller defenders. Throughout the season Clancy has continued to get better and better. All of the GC attention was focused on getting up and guarding Kody, trying to deny him the ball and wear him out. In spite of that Clancy seemed unbothered and I only remember 1 unforced turnover. Clancy would've had 30+ but missed a few free throws down the stretch but did put in 26. One thing I'd like to say about Clancy is the lack of college offers is puzzling at best. I'm not saying he is a D1 kid but he's everybit of NAIA- level and possibly D2. Im not saying he will be an Indiana All Star but his name should be in the discussions and I've seen him outplay some that are considered Indiana All Star locks. I've seen my fair share of basketball for a while and I'm confident in what I see, and what I see is a very talented ball player with good length, good size, quickness, sneaky athleticism, a knockdown shooter, and a true point guard that can lead a team.

● 6'7 GC junior Bryson Cardinal was a bright spot for the Eagles tonight. The son of former Purdue great, Brian Cardinal, Bryson is starting to make a name for himself. He is a kid I can tell will step into a bigger role next year and thrive in it. Cardinal has good size with maybe another inch or 2 left by next season and his shot is coming along nicely. Tonight he scored most of his points in the middle of the Warriors zone around 4-5 ft. from the basket. He's got a good looking shot and it's smooth and fluid. I can see colleges start to offer Bryson this coming spring/summer playing for a strong Indiana Elite's 3sgb team. Look for Cardinal to become a big name around the Indy metro area next season. Tonight he finished with 18 pts.

Guerin Catholic finishes their season tonight with a group of seniors (Sorenson, Cherry, Murans, + Caron) as one of the most successful in program history. Back 2 back semi state finals appearances and a state finals runner up is something to be very proud of and build upon for the GC program. Tonight, and this season has just belonged to the Warriors. Since the tourney started they've just found another gear and will roll into Indy in 2 weeks along with the entire town of Scottsburg to go against South Bend St. Joe's.

 

 

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