2A Semistate: Howe hangs on for 1st semistate title
Indianapolis Howe came out quick and then withstood a Providence rally in the second half to win 70-62 for its first semistate championship in school history. “It means the world to us,” Howe head coach Mosi Barnes said. “That was…
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Continue ReadingIndianapolis Howe came out quick and then withstood a Providence rally in the second half to win 70-62 for its first semistate championship in school history.
“It means the world to us,” Howe head coach Mosi Barnes said. “That was part of our pregame speech. It means the absolute world to us. We put a lot of work into this to be sitting right here. … So proud of our guys and the mental toughness we showed out there. Really at a loss for words.
The Hornets pressure helped them build a 12-point lead in the first half behind 15 points off turnovers. The team controlled nearly every aspect of the first half as it also held Providence to 38 percent shooting in the first half.
Then, the second half it was the Providence press that caused Howe issues. The Pioneers made a push by forcing Howe to the foul line and pressing. It caused turnovers and Howe at ties struggled from the stripe. This let the Pioneers close to within three points multiple times in the fourth quarter as Howe only made three field goals the entire second half. Eventually, the Hornets found the free throw stroke as it converted 32 free throws in the second half as it closed the game out.
“I mean, it’s been like that all year we just had to come down and make the free throws and that’s what we did,” Kip Warren said.
Howe Top Stats:
Kip Warren: 18 points (10/12 from FT line), 5 assists, 4 steals
Tony Hopkins: 17 points (7/8 from field), 10 rebounds, 3 steals
Joe Rush: 14 points (12/15 from FT line), 5 rebounds
Providence Top Stats:
Juston Betz: 16 points (5/13 from field), 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Griffin Libs: 12 points (6/12 from field), 6 rebounds, 5 blocks
Eli Coker: 10 points (4/4 from FT line), 4 assists
Player of the Game:
Tony Hopkins – 6’4 Forward – Sophomore
The forward had a big impact in the first half. He controlled the boards and routinely got put backs as the Hornets jumped out to a quick lead. His length inside also caused multiple turnovers for Providence. He struggled from the free throw line, going just 3-for-10, but everyone else in the game he made an impact that helped push Howe to its first state championship game appearance.
Up Next:
Indianapolis Howe advances to the state championship game.
Providence finishes the season 19-8.