Orleans Wins First State Title in First Trip to Indy

On Saturday March 29, the Orleans Bulldogs varsity basketball team was in unfamiliar territory. They had advanced to the IHSAA State Finals at Gainbridge Field House in the states capital. I am sure at the beginning of the season no one outside of the little town of Orleans would have believed you if you told them that the Bulldogs would be competing for a 1a State title. I mean after all they do play in one of the toughest 1a sectionals in the southern half of the state. Since 2021 sectional 62 has produced two state champions, a team that advanced to the semi-state finals, and another team that advanced to the semi-state.

The Bulldogs were looking to be the third team from sectional 62 to take home the championship trophy. There was only one thing standing in their way and that was the Clinton Prairie Gophers. The Gophers came into the game with a 26-2 record and were one of the top

five teams in the state in 1a. The only game they had really been challenged in once the IHSAA tournament started was in the regional round where they escaped with a three point victory.

The Bulldogs on the other hand weren't phased as they had already knocked off several top ranked teams by playing with a never give up attitude, and playing for each other. The fist

quarter saw both teams come out and not give an inch as the score was tied at 14 at the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs were able to gain a slight edge in the second quarter outscoring the Gophers 14-11 to go into the locker room with a 28-25 lead.

The third quarter would see Orleans take an eleven point lead only to see the Gophers come roaring back to cut the lead to just two at 46-44. The first play of the fourth quarter the Gophers would tie the game on a two point field goal. With being used to being in tight games the Bulldogs weren't phased as they continued to play solid offense. When the final horn sounded Orleans had overcame all odds and had won their first State Finals Championship with a 64-55 victory.

The Bulldogs had a great game offensively and set the State record for best field goal percent in a 1a Championship game. They shot 23-36 from the field for 63.9 percent. They also had a great shooting performance from the three point line going 6-10. The Bulldogs were led in scoring by Alex Dewitt with 24 points, Bryce Jones with 17, and Rylan Crocker with 16. Other scorers for the Bulldogs were Mason Freed with 4, and Nate Brown with 3. The Bulldogs only worries now is where to hang the Championship team picture.