Pike has had a problem stepping up its play all season long against tougher competition. The six-loss Red Devils entered the tourney with losses against IBCA No. 1 HSE and No. 15 Lawrence North — only receiving votes in the IBCA rankings.
Then, they started elevating their play, winning four straight to advance to the Southport Semi-State grouping on Feb. 22 — besting Bloomington South 46-43.
Entering Semi-State weekend on a six-game win streak, the Panthers had blown past their competition all season long to the tune of a 25-point scoring difference on average.
When the two teams hashed it out bright and early at 10:00 a.m., it quickly became a physical and competitive game.
With neither team able to get much of any offense going, Pike took a 12-6 lead into the second quarter.
While the Panthers certainly had a better time offensively in the second quarter, the Devils still remained in control of the game with a 23-22 advantage going into halftime.
As both teams exchanged baskets throughout the second half, it was clear that the more physical team was going to be the one to come out on top.
Sophomore guard Annika Smith poured in 10 points off the bench for the Panthers while first-year guard Angela Rojas-Cepero and junior forward Violet Hall contributed nine a piece.
For the Red Devils, it was sophomore guard Saniya Smith came off the bench for the Red Devils to provide 13 points in the win.
Fans and players alike had created an intense atmosphere throughout the fieldhouse, putting on display what Indiana high school basketball is all about.
As the final minutes of the game dwindled down to the final seconds, the Panthers came up just short at the buzzer — ending a dominant season at 23-3.
With the win, Pike secures a spot in the semi-state championship at Southport at 8:00 p.m. later today.