The 19-7 Seton Catholic Cardinals took on the 16-9 Liberty Christian Lions in a 1A Regional thriller at the historic New Castle Fieldhouse.
The Cardinals got out to a hot start led by 6’8” senior Mason Harvey, who scored seven of their first nine points as they got out to a 9-5 lead, and eventually 11 of their 17 points as they got out to a 17-10 lead.
A high-energy, full-press defense is hard to maintain a lead on though, and that is the Lions were able to claw back to take a 32-30 lead into halftime.
Freshman guard Tywaine Fuller Jr. poured in 10 of his points in the first half largely due to fast break opportunities as the catalyst of the comeback.
To start the third quarter, it was more of the same for the high energetic game play between the two squads.
Fuller’s fellow freshman teammate, Kendrick Martin, started to erupt this quarter as he got his point total out to 11.
In the waning second of the period, both teams laid even at 46 before consecutive steals and fast break scores by Fuller was able to extend Liberty Christian’s lead 53-46.
The small spurt was able to be the catalyst that the Lions needed to create enough space between Seton Catholic. As they held control throughout the fourth quarter, Liberty Christian continued to keep their defensive pressure dialed up to throw a wrench in Seton Catholic’s comeback hopes.
As the buzzer filled the historic fieldhouse with its iconic screech and the clock hit zero, it was Liberty Christian that was climbing the ladders to cut down the nets and secure their spot in history.
Their freshman duo combined for 35 points as Martin finished with 21 and Fuller with 14.
Seton Catholic will finish their season at 19-8, while senior Jackson Harvey completes his fantastic senior campaign with a 27 point showing despite the loss.
Liberty Christian and their suffocating defense will advance on as they continue to fight for a chance to play in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
FINAL SCORING
Liberty Christian
Kendrick Martin — 21 points
Devon Kelley — 15 points
Tywaine Fuller Jr. — 14 points
TJ English — 13 points
Jarramie Johnson — 5 points
A’marien Page — 3 points
Jordan Haralson — 3 points
Seton Catholic
Mason Harvey — 27 points
Andrew Warner — 9 points
Malik Warner — 8 points
Jason Monilhan — 6 points
Jackson Feist — 5 points
Nolan Burkhardt — 4 points
Zack Robinson – 3 points
