The Norwell Knights had to make the farthest drive, and change their clocks, to LaPorte for their quest for a Semi-State title. They would make the most of their day by claiming their third straight title, their first in 4A, with a pair of wins over Crown Point and McCutcheon.
In their first game of the day, the Bulldogs would get the opening bucket from their star sophomore Ava Ritchie. However, the Knights would answer with their swarming defense, as they would go on a 21-2 run over the remainder of the first and into the second quarters and cruise to 63-46 win. Vanessa Rosswurm led the Knights with 20 points. Macie Saalfrank and Addison Norris would join her in double figures with 16 and 10 points respectively. Jada Dale chipped in with 8 points, Ashley Waldman had 5, and Alivia Green added 4. They forced the Bulldogs to commit 21 turnovers, leading to several easy baskets.
Then, in the nightcap, the Knights would face McCutcheon, who defeated Northridge in the other semifinal 76-59. Norwell came out of the gate slow after having the lesser of the break between the two games, as the Mavericks would jump out to a 7-0 lead. The Knights would struggle shooting early, as they would only hit 4 of their 16 field goal attempts in the first quarter. Their defense kept them in it, as they would battle their way back to tie the game at 12 at the end of the first. Saalfrank opened up the second with the first of her three 3-pointers in the quarter, and the Knights would never trail again, as they would lead by as many as 18, winning the title with a 59-42 win over McCutcheon. With the win, it also gave coach Eric Thornton career win #500!
Rosswurm would struggle shooting early, but found her shot in the fourth to lead the Knights in the championship with 18 points, and Saalfrank was also in double figures with 17. Bella Swineford hit four big shots in the second half, getting free in the post, to score 8 points. Norris had 7 points, while Waldman and Dale added 6 and 2 to the totals. The Mavericks were led by Lillie Graves with 20, as they would also struggle with the Knight defense, telegraphing passes and committing 22 turnovers in the game.
Norwell improves to 25-4 on the season. They will face #2 Center Grove (28-0) for their chance to win their 2nd straight title in three trips to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and their first title in 4A. Tip-off is set for approximately 8:15 Saturday night, following the Bellmont/Roncalli 3A title game.
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