It was a packed episode of the Sideline Sports Show, and if you love Indiana basketball, this one had everything, including clutch performances, tournament talk, and a conversation with one of the area’s former stars.
Listen to “Sideline Sports Show: New Haven, Westview are Going to State & Keion Brooks Jr. Joins the Show!” on Apple, Spotify, and Youtube.
The IHSAA boys semi-state round lived up to the hype, delivering unforgettable moments and sending two local teams to the state finals.
New Haven delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the weekend, edging Columbia City 59-55. The game started at a fast pace, with both teams trading buckets before the Eagles found a rhythm and built a lead. The Bulldogs refused to go away, rallying late and tying the game with just 1:30 remaining.
Tarvar Baskerville took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his 17 points. He delivered the biggest shot in program history, a game-winner with just 2.4 seconds left, to send New Haven to its first-ever state finals appearance. Jadrien Ezell added 16 points in a strong supporting effort.
Westview punched its ticket to the 2A state finals with a statement win over Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, marking the program’s first trip to the title game since 2014. Leading the charge was Austin Schlabach, who poured in 27 points.
Across the NCAA tournament, a few games stood out. Nebraska vs. Vanderbilt delivered arguably the best contest of the weekend, while Duke managed to avoid an early upset scare and live to see another round.
The episode wrapped up with a great conversation featuring former North Side Legends standout Keion Brooks Jr. Brooks shared insights into his basketball journey, reflecting on the path that’s taken him from high school stardom to the professional ranks, including time with the New Orleans Pelicans and now the Noblesville Boom.
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