The game between the Parke Heritage Wolves and Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian Braves was billed as a contrast of styles, featuring the stifling defense of the Wolves, and the high-octane offense of the Braves.

The game was played at a tempo that the Wolves preferred. The Braves held an 11-5 lead after one quarter of play. Some foul trouble led to Blackhawk’s Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball candidate, Caleb Furst, sitting out a large portion of the first half with two fouls.

Zane Burke (12 points) and Jacob Boyer (10 points) were key in the Braves’ first half efforts. Connor Davis (10 points) paced the Wolves through one half of play, as Blackhawk led 27-19 at the half, buoyed by a Marcus Davidson three-pointer just before the end of the half.

The Wolves hung tough through three quarters of play, keyed by the post play of Connor Davis (finished with 18 points, and did yeoman’s work in the post against a stout Blackhawk defense). I was also impressed with how well the Wolves shared the ball as a team. Riley Ferguson displayed a solid ability to get his shot off accurately and quickly, in making multiple threes on the day. The Braves led, 39-31, heading into the final quarter of play.

The story of the second half, though, was Caleb Furst kicking it into high gear. Furst showed an excellent all-around game (post play, stepped out and knocked down a three) in scoring 18 second half points (finished with 20). In doing so, Furst made a final push/case in his Indiana Mr. Basketball candidacy.

Congratulations to the Parke Heritage Wolves on a fantastic season and run through the Southern half of 2A.

The Braves ended up with a 55-40 victory, taking home their second consecutive State Championship (the other being in Class 1A in 2019).