Keys to Forest Park girls basketball claiming back-to-back IHSAA state championships

FERDINAND, Ind. — As if this program needed a reminder of the magnitude of this moment.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association hosted its state championship media day on Monday. As you walk into the concourse at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a video screen at the Delaware Street entrance marked the upcoming games.

On that video board and every program fans will receive come Saturday? A photo of Forest Park senior Gabey Gray. To be fair, this decision was made well before the IHSAA knew which teams would compete this weekend. But it is fitting considering what the Rangers will attempt to accomplish.

No. 2 Forest Park, the defending state champion, plays Lapel in the Class 2A title game on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. CT in Indianapolis. Only 16 programs have repeated as state champions since the start of the IHSAA girls basketball tournament in 1976.

"We'll continue to do what we do," said Gray. "I never thought there'd be a round two. Here we are doing it again. We've already had that atmosphere behind us before and done it once. We're going in what to expect."

What will be key for the Rangers to bring another blue medal to Dubois County? Who are the top players? Here is what to know and watch for on Saturday.

Amber Tretter vs. Laniah Wills

Amber Tretter has been one of the top post players in Southern Indiana. But will Lapel have a worthy challenger?

The Bulldogs (22-7) are led by freshman Laniah Wills. Her presence has been a catalyst in their best postseason run in program history. Typically a wing player growing up, Willis is averaging 16.0 points and 12.3 rebounds on 60% shooting.

Forest Park must game plan for Wills first and foremost. The Rangers didn't see many, if any, post players like her this season. Their length across the lineup has been unmatched and thus a strength during this tournament.

"Everything revolves around her," said Forest Park coach Tony Hasenour. "She's a 6-foot freshman that looks incredibly athletic. Long, can jump, rebound, score underneath and even handle the ball a little bit. She's the one that definitely catches your eye when watching film."

Of course, Forest Park has the perfect countermeasure. Tretter has been a difference-maker for this team the past two years. The stats are solid – the Miami (Ohio) recruit averages 15.9 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 42% from deep – but just her presence on both ends of the floor changes the game.

She arguably cemented her Indiana All-Star candidacy last week in the semistate: 21 points and 14 rebounds versus Greencastle; 24 points and 11 boards against North Knox. If Tretter wins this matchup, the Rangers could very well win again.

Can one of the state's best defenses continue to excel?

This has been Forest Park's true calling card. No one scores against this defense. They haven't for three seasons.

The Rangers (25-3) are allowing only 30.7 points per game. That is fifth in the state across all classes. It could very well be a program record. They've certainly never been better in the John Harrell era of records, which date back to 2000.

It's no secret to the success of this 3-2 zone. Forest Park has length or size at each position. The lineup also gives a winning effort. Trailing with five minutes left in the semistate, the Rangers forced three straight turnovers to spark the victory.

Lapel averages 53.8 points with several contributors in the lineup. Of course, Wills is the focal point but she has help. Junior Madelyn Poynter averages 11.3 points, while senior Deannaya Haseman (8.9 points, 43 percent) is a capable shooter. The Bulldogs also may have comparable size to the Rangers.

Forest Park has allowed over 40 points just four times this season. Is that sustainable for a championship game? Again, this group wins with its defense. Another low-scoring game may favor them.

"These girls have always been receptive to defense," said Hasenour. "It's kind of fitting that it will take another defensive effort to finish off the season on Saturday. The number one key is to use our experience and not let the moment get too big. Just play basketball and try to beat Lapel."

Rangers will need a collective effort once again

This is mostly the same Forest Park team that won a state championship last February. It's been winning the same way this winter.

It starts with Tretter inside. The Rangers knew they had an advantage last weekend in the semistate, so they kept giving her the ball. But the tournament run last year produced valuable moments from others — take, for example, Ali Welp's 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter against Frankton.

A similar moment could be required in this game. Carley Begle (11.3 points and 5.2 rebounds) is a viable candidate inside. So are Lydia Betz (9.1 points, 3.2 assists) or Gray (4.3 points) on the perimeter. Danielle Eckert also hit two big free throws in the North Knox victory.

"We've all meshed well," said Betz. "We knew going into the North Knox game (Amber) would have to be that main piece with her height and athleticism. But also in other games, we had to look for other girls. Gabey's shot has been looking really good lately and Carley's been doing a good job with her post moves. They can't stop us if we all get on a roll."

Lapel doesn't have the same experience. The program had not won a regional championship in 16 years and has never played in the state final. The edge in that regard falls squarely with the Rangers.

If Forest Park doesn't play rattled, it has shown a propensity to make winning plays late. Look at the past two weekends. But if the Bulldogs find any crack in the armor, they have the confidence to make it a game.

"This is the first time ever for us and they go back-to-back years," said Lapel coach Zach Newby. "They get to be a little bit more comfortable walking in. It's a personality thing if they're feeling pressure to win. For us, it's another opportunity. I'm confident in (my players) and what they can do. If they play well, they'll give themselves a good chance to win."

Follow Courier & Press sports reporter Kyle Sokeland on Twitter @kylesokeland.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA girls basketball: Keys for Forest Park vs. Lapel in Class 2A