The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) unveiled the pairings for the girls basketball semi-state tournament on Sunday, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of competition. Next Saturday, February 21st, will see teams battle for a coveted spot in the state championship games, with each semi-state location hosting two semifinal matchups followed by a championship contest. The pairings were determined through a lottery-style draw, adding an element of anticipation to the already high-stakes games.
Several teams from across the state, having already secured regional championships, will be vying for a place at state. Among those advancing are Northridge (Class 4A), Culver Academies and Fairfield (both 3A), Bremen and Whitko (2A), and Elkhart Christian (1A). These teams represent a diverse range of schools and communities, all united by their pursuit of a state title. The semi-state round represents a significant hurdle, with only the winners advancing to the final stage of the tournament.
Class 4A Semi-State at LaPorte
The LaPorte semi-state will feature a clash between Northridge (20-7) and McCutcheon (22-5) at 11 a.m., followed by a matchup between Crown Point (23-4) and Norwell (23-4) at 1 p.m. The winners of these two games will then face off at 9 p.m. For the Class 4A championship and a trip to state. Both Northridge and McCutcheon have demonstrated strong performances throughout the season, while Crown Point and Norwell boast impressive records of their own, promising a competitive semi-state bracket.
Class 3A Semi-State at Logansport & Southport
Logansport will host the Class 3A semi-state, beginning with Bellmont (22-3) taking on Culver Academies (22-5) at 10 a.m. That will be followed by Connersville (20-7) versus Fairfield (20-6) at noon. The championship game is scheduled for 8 p.m. Meanwhile, at Southport, Washington (22-4) will face Jennings County (19-6) at 10 a.m., and Northview (20-6) will battle Roncalli (25-3) at noon, with their championship game also slated for 8 p.m.
Class 2A Semi-State at Frankfort & Greencastle
Frankfort will be the site for the Class 2A semi-state, with Lapel (22-4) and Bremen (23-2) tipping off at 10 a.m., followed by Whitko (25-1) against Oak Hill (22-3) at noon. The championship game will be played at 8 p.m. Over at Greencastle, Heritage Christian (19-8) will play Parke Heritage (19-7) at 10 a.m., and Eastern (Pekin) (18-7) will seize on North Knox (19-6) at noon, culminating in an 8 p.m. Championship game.
Class 1A Semi-State at Huntington North & Charlestown
Huntington North will host the Class 1A semi-state, starting with North Miami (18-8) versus Elkhart Christian (22-4) at 10 a.m., and Fremont (26-2) against Monroe Central (21-2) at noon. The championship game is set for 8 p.m. At Charlestown, Evansville Christian (19-6) will face Borden (22-4) at 10 a.m., and Greenwood Christian (16-10) will play Tindley (17-5) at noon, with the championship game scheduled for 8 p.m.
Class 4A Semi-State at Jasper
Jasper will also host a Class 4A semi-state, with Floyd Central (23-3) and Lawrence Central (21-4) facing off at 10 a.m., followed by a contest between Center Grove (26-0) and Evansville Reitz (21-2) at noon. The championship game will be played at 8 p.m. Center Grove enters the semi-state with an unblemished 26-0 record, establishing them as a strong contender for the state championship.
All times listed are Eastern. The IHSAA semi-state tournament promises a weekend of intense competition and exciting basketball action as teams battle for the chance to compete for a state championship. Fans can follow the action and support their local teams as they strive for victory.
The winners of each semi-state will advance to the IHSAA State Finals, scheduled for February 27th and 28th at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The state championship games will cap off a season of hard perform and dedication for these young athletes.
Share your thoughts on the upcoming semi-state matchups and cheer on your favorite teams in the comments below!