LADY KNIGHTS CAPTURE 6TH STATE TITLE

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN
March 5, 2011.

One year ago, on March 6, 2010, The Bishop Luers Lady Knights walked off the court at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in disappointment. Disappointment that lingered in the back of their minds all year. As their 2010 – 2011 campaign begun, the Lady Knights undoubtedly had one goal, not just to get back to the State Championship game, but to win it as well.

The regular season went spectacularly as the Knights started the year off 12 – 0 and finished 17 – 2. They rolled through sectionals and the regional, then finally defeated a tough Culver team at Semi-state to reach the State Championship once again. The Lady Knights goal was partially complete, in their way was a hungry Brownstown Central Braves team playing in their first State Championship.

As the game tipped off it was evident that this was going to be a battle of attrition and nerves. Brownstown Central and Bishop Luers exchanged leads and ties numerous times. The Braves were sloppy at times turning the ball over, however their hot shooting and balanced offensive attack kept them ahead of the Knights in the second quarter. Meanwhile the Knights were aggressive on the offensive boards but were skeptical at times on defense. The Lady Knights scoring attack was led by Miracle Woods and Brierra Young as they combined for 23 first half points. As the game reached halftime Brownstown Central led Bishop Luers by three, 30 – 27.

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It was clear that the Knights needed to make changes on the defensive end, as the Braves shot an outstanding 58% from the field and 60% from the three point line in the first half. As the third quarter began, the Knights defensive effort was incredible. They forced the Braves into numerous turnovers and poor shot selection. The deficit from halftime was quickly erased and turned into a three point lead. The Knights held the Braves to a mere 6 points in the third quarter!
As the second half progressed and went into the fourth quarter, the Knights continued to play strong defense. They forced Brownstown Central to commit a total of 23 turnovers throughout the game, many which came in key situations in the third and fourth quarters. On the offensive end the Braves had no answer for Miracle Woods and Brierra Young who powered the Knights to the finish. Young’s final score line read, 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Woods finished with a game high 24 points and added 14 rebounds, a Class 2A state title record!

As the clock ran down this year at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum the scoreboard read, Bishop Luers 59, Brownstown Central 46. The disappointment of last year vanished and glee filled the air. The Bishop Luers Lady Knights hoisted their astonishing 6th girls’ basketball title, which also happens to lead the state. As for next year, the Knights have 3 out of their 5 starters returning which bodes well for Head Coach Denny Renier. Congratulations Lady Knights, do it again next year!