Four Teams, Four Stories: Indiana Basketball State Finals Set at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

The 116th IHSAA Boys Basketball State Finals arrive at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, March 28, with four championship games spanning morning to night. Three of the eight programs competing have never appeared in a state title game before, and the field includes a school chasing its first championship in any sport, a team on a 26-game winning streak, and a nightcap that doubles as a regular-season rematch. Every class delivers a distinct story.

Class 1A, 10:30 a.m.: Barr-Reeve vs. Triton

Barr-Reeve (27-1) enters under first-year head coach Heath Howington, while Triton (25-3) is guided by Jason Groves, who is in his 21st year at the school with a career record of 371-153. The résumés of both programs give the opener plenty of weight. Barr-Reeve is seeking the program's third state championship. Triton is returning to the state finals for the first time since 2013, when it lost to Borden. The two schools combine for 13 championship game appearances between them, making the opener feel anything but a warm-up act. The Trojans punched their ticket by defeating North Vermillion 51-45 in the Class 1A north semi-state championship after rolling past Tri-County 78-46 earlier in the day.

Class 2A, approx. 12:45 p.m.: Parke Heritage vs. Westview

Parke Heritage (26-4) is chasing the school's first state title in any sport, while Westview (27-1) carries a 26-game winning streak into the game and is pursuing its third championship, its first since 2000. The contrast in program history is stark. Westview last played in the state finals in 2014, falling to Park Tudor, but the Warriors won back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000. The Warriors advanced by defeating Fort Wayne Luers 69-48 in the Class 2A north semi-state final, a day that also included a 65-62 semifinal win over Lapel. On the other side, this is the second time Parke Heritage has made the state championship game, and the Wolves are looking for their first state title. Notably, Parke Heritage is a school that only opened in 2018-19, making its pursuit of a first trophy in any sport all the more remarkable given the program's brief history.

Class 3A, 6:00 p.m.: Indianapolis Cathedral vs. New Haven

Cathedral (24-5) is playing for its third state title and knocked out the top two ranked teams in the state in the semi-state round. The Irish dispatched Silver Creek, which carried a 29-2 record into the game, to reach Indianapolis. Leading Cathedral is head coach Jason Delaney, the only coach in state history to win a title at three different schools, having done so at Waldron in 2004, Indianapolis Arsenal Tech in 2014, and Cathedral in 2022.

New Haven (22-7) brings a completely different kind of history: it has none, at least at this level. This is the first year New Haven has ever won a regional and a semistate title. New Haven is looking to win the school's first state championship in any sport. The Bulldogs' semi-state run included a 63-49 win over Delta and a 59-55 championship win over Columbia City to reach Indianapolis. Guard Baskerville was crucial in those moments, opening the semi-state with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals against Delta.

Class 4A, approx. 8:15 p.m.: Mt. Vernon (Fortville) vs. Crown Point

The finale is built for prime time. Both Mt. Vernon (27-3) and Crown Point (25-1) are playing in their first boys basketball state championship game. But the two programs already have history. It is a rematch of the Hall of Fame Classic championship, a game Crown Point won 60-56 on December 23. Mt. Vernon has won 10 straight games since that loss.

The entire state has spent the season watching Purdue signee Luke Ertel. Entering the semi-state round, Ertel was averaging 24.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game, and he is a strong candidate to win Indiana's Mr. Basketball award. He delivered in those games: Ertel posted a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the Marauders defeated New Albany 77-69 in the semi-state final. Earlier in the tournament, Ertel dropped 34 points in an overtime win over Pike to advance to the regional title game. He has made clear the December loss to Crown Point is unfinished business. Said Ertel: "It'll be a great opportunity to avenge that loss. To get another crack at them will be exciting."

Crown Point is not simply a foil in Ertel's storyline. Dikembe Shaw, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Hall of Fame Classic, finished that December game with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists, and Crown Point has most of its team back from a group that went 23-3 last season. The Bulldogs won 43 games combined over the previous two seasons, winning 4A regional titles both years, but Fishers blocked Crown Point's path in the semistate both times. Saturday night is the program's first chance to close that final door.

How to watch and attend

The games are at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis. All four state championship games will air live on Bally Sports Indiana. For viewers outside of the Bally Sports Indiana coverage area, a live stream will be available at IHSAAtv.org. Admission is $15 per person, with all tickets reserved seating for one session (two games, either the morning or evening session). All tickets are digital only and may be purchased via Ticketmaster.com.

Three programs chasing a first title in any sport. A coach hunting a record third ring at a third school. A Purdue-bound point guard with an overtime gem and a December loss to avenge. The 116th boys basketball state finals have the range to hold up alongside the best of them.