The Southport semi-state opener between Lawrence Central and Plainfield is the epitome of the IHSAA bracket system. 

Lawrence Central came into the match up at 27-1 with an experienced group of starters on a 22 game heater. On the other hand, Plainfield sat at 18-7 with two freshman starters and just one senior losing their last three games of the season before postseason play started. 

These two teams would not think they would be playing each other a month ago, but here we are. 

Despite the snowy morning, the Quakers came out on fire getting out to a 10-2 lead. Freshman Hannah Menser had eight of such points and they took a 11-5 lead into the second period of play. 

The Bears would not go down without a fight though, sophomore Aniyah McKenzie would get her sixth point of the contest early in the second quarter as Lawrence Central continued to fight. 

Sophomore Berkeley Williams would start to take some heat off of Menser as she hit some threes of her own to extend the Quaker lead 20-12 late in the first half. 

For a team averaging nearly 62 points per game, such low figures this late into the game had been unfamiliar territory. 

Turnovers and fouls would prevent the lead from extending, but at the half Williams and Menser would have 19 of Plainfields 24 points as they took a strong seven point lead into the break. 

Through the third stanza, Lawrence Central erupted into the juggernaut they have shown to be all year. 

Led by McKenzie with an eight point quarter, they took an impressive 37-31 point lead into the final eight minutes. 

Although both Lampleys remained rather quiet, junior guard Laila Abdurraqib was able to pair with McKenzie to lead an impressive 20 point quarter to take the lead for the first time. 

With the savvy switch to a press defense during the quarter, it helped Lawrence Central run away with the game. 

Amidst the final period of play, the Bears continually showed their superior strength and athleticism on the board and through their defensive prowess. 

As the lead extended to double digits, the energy and momentum was entirely on the Bears side. 

With the game continually slipping away from the inexperienced Plainfield squad, the only words being talked amongst the parents are, “next year…”

While the 48-34 loss stings for their impressive run, especially after scoring just 10 points in the second half. There should be no doubt in this teams mind they cannot be back next year. 

The top scorers on the night for the Quakers, Menser and Williams, will only get better.  While their only senior Payton Benge will leave a gap to be filled below the basket next season, sophomore Caroline Pugh and freshman Kara Olejnik will be able to fill in just fine. 

As for the might Bears from Lawrence Central, they are now one game away from a trip to Gainbridge fieldhouse next season. 

In just eight hours time they will be playing a second game against the winner of Franklin Community and Center Grove. 

Getting 18 points from McKenzie and 13 from Abdurraqib was the difference for the Bears —- but it is critical they get Lola and Jaylah Lamllet going.