Coming into the 1A state final on March 30, Bethesda Christian Patriots and Fort Wayne Canterbury Cavaliers had rather similar paths to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in hopes of their school’s first state championship. 

The Patriots started the season at a measly 5-7 record after challenging themselves in the early non-conference slate. However, after a 72-32 thumping of International on Jan. 12 things started to click for head coach Jon Grubaums team as they just kept winning en route to 18 straight victories. 

For the Cavaliers, it was a disheartening 2-7 start before going 16-2 down the stretch including eight straight wins to end the season. 

After going 8-17 in year three with the program, head coach Deric Adams was able to rewrite the narrative in his fourth year. 

“They are an amazing group,” Adams said. “Not only amazing basketball players, but amazing young men.” 

The game got out to a slow pace as each team struggled with turnovers and efficient offensive possessions early. 

At the end of the opening quarter it was a slim 11-10 Canterbury lead. 

As each team fell into their groove in the second quarter, it was a back-and-forth event with both teams exchanging blows.  

After falling 16-11 early in the quarter, a full court press continued to give Bethesda Christian troubles as the Cavaliers were able to climb back to take a 28-25 lead into halftime. 

With both teams continuing their battle in the third quarter, it was John Parent that rose from the pack as he entered the final period of play with 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. 

The senior forward was not finished though, as he would finish with 22 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks en route to a 48-41 victory. 

“Knowing this is my last high school basketball game ever, I just went in and played the game,” Parent said. “But, I could not do it without my teammates.” 

Parent was not without competition as Cooper Jackson for Bethesda Christian finished with nine points, seven rebounds and six blocks. Jackson’s six blocks would set or tie a championship record in every other classification except. . 

Leaving their legacy by giving Fort Wayne Canterbury their first ever state championship appearance and win, the Cavaliers starting line-up of five seniors will now be in the history books forever. 

Growing up through the game of basketball, and with some specifically hard moments with his father. 

“I have been around this game since I was four years old,” Adams said. “My dad was my high school coach and I am bringing [this championship] home for him. This is huge for me. I never truthfully understood the investment he was making in me when I was a child.”

Although this championship means the world to Adams — and eventually his father who will be gifted the state championship medal — it is still the players on the court that made it happen.

“This game has taken me all around the world,” Adams said. “Just to know that this is something that no one can take away from these guys does my heart good.