Why a Memorial-Gibson Southern girls basketball sectional final matchup felt inevitable
MOUNT VERNON, Ind. — This was always the preferred scenario for both parties.
Memorial has wanted this since last season, and the memory of walking off the floor in defeat remains fresh. Gibson Southern, on the other side, is hungry to prove the most recent meeting didn’t represent its potential. This potential rubber match had been circled on the calendar since December. It’s been discussed in gyms across Evansville for months.
No more hypotheticals. The real deal happens Monday.
No. 3 Memorial and Gibson Southern will meet in the Class 3A sectional championship following semifinal victories Saturday night. Both teams wanted another chance at the other. This felt inevitable.
IHSAA girls basketball:Scores, schedule for sectionals across Southwestern Indiana
“There has been a little bit of discussion about Gibson,” said Memorial coach Lee Auker. “We haven’t forgotten what happened last year. We know them well, but they know us well.”
This is history repeating itself. Memorial and Gibson Southern have played each of the past five postseasons and combined for the last seven sectional titles. Last year was a 61-57 Titans victory in the championship game.
Why did this feel predestined again? Well, both returned most of last year’s team. Each as among the best in Southern Indiana from start to finish. And they believe they still have something to prove.
Memorial’s motivation is easy: That sectional loss at Titan Fieldhouse. To achieve some lofty aspirations, it knew the road would lead here. For Gibson Southern, it was an 18-point defeat in early December with two starters out with injuries. This is not the same team.
“We’re definitely ready,” said Gibson Southern point guard Gabby Spink. “We can’t have down moments or slack at any time. We have to execute everything coaches say and listen to each other.”
How the Tigers and Titans got here this week was wildly different.
Memorial (25-1) had no issue with either sectional opponent. Following a 62-33 win Thursday over Mount Vernon, it coasted to a 62-27 victory against Bosse in the semifinal. The Tigers never trailed against the Bulldogs (0-21) with three players scoring double figures: Avery Kelley (19), Myla Browning (11) and Emily Mattingly (10).
In some ways, this draw and the delay caused by the winter storm were welcomed. Memorial isn’t yet at full strength. Lydia Bordfeld was a game-time decision after slipping on ice this week but started against Bosse. Sophie Johnson has dealt with a lingering knee injury – she’s missed nine games this winter including the past four – but is progressing.
“They’re excited to be playing in the championship,” said Auker. “That’s always the goal. Memorial has high expectations. (Gibson is) very similar to us. We have them a little bit by size. It will be who has the hot hand.”
The Memorial coach also stressed getting his players in the right mindset going into the championship. But again, that shouldn't be an issue. The game last February has lingered for a full calendar year. It doesn’t matter what happened in December.
The Tigers want this specific opportunity.
“We want a rematch and redemption,” said Kelley. “Trust me, it was not a good feeling. We’ve trained all year for this. Trusting each other and work your hardest every game. That’s what it will take to go on the run we want.”
Gibson Southern (19-4) didn’t enjoy the same stress-free semifinal. The Titans survived an upset bid from Mater Dei to win 59-54. It was a one-point game or tied after each of the first three quarters. The Wildcats, making life tough inside, had an opportunity to tie it with under a minute remaining.
Spink shined with a season-high 30 points. She hit a trio of threes but found the most success on the dribble. It felt like the player from last year who earned a handful of mid-major Division I offers over the summer.
The sophomore missed the first eight games with a foot injury. It took her time to find her role in the offense again. This performance was needed as Mater Dei keyed in defensively on others.
“It was fun to watch her play tonight,” said Gibson Southern coach Kyle Brasher. “She shot the ball well and had some good steals. She’s a great table setter for us averaging almost a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Everything has come together.”
Kate Wenger had 17 points and nine rebounds before fouling out midway through the fourth quarter. Brylee Delano (15) and Chelsea Turner (13) were also in double figures for Mater Dei (12-13). Gibson Southern found success when applying consistent ball pressure and keeping the ball out of the paint.
The focus can finally move to Memorial though. Spink didn’t play in the regular season meeting and neither did senior forward Alexis Tucker (elbow). Gibson Southern is now at full strength. Time to see if that produces a different outcome.
“They’re a really good team,” said Brasher. “They have five legit scorers and really tax your defense. They’re so good attacking the paint and kicking to their shooters. We have to value the basketball. If we can do a couple of things, we can find success.”
In other IHSAA sectionals across Southwestern Indiana
In the Class 3A final at Princeton, the host Tigers defeated Southridge 50-45. It is the first sectional championship for the program since 2015 and the fifth overall for first-year coach Travis Connor who previously won four at Vincennes Lincoln.
In the Class 2A final at Forest Park, the Rangers pushed their title streak to three with a 42-27 win over South Spencer. Carley Begle had 13 points and Amber Tretter added 10 for the defending state champions.
In the Class 2A final at Eastern Greene, No. 1 North Knox survived an upset scare with a 29-24 victory against Paoli. In the 1A final at Tecumseh, Wood Memorial won its first sectional title in six years with a 44-42 win over the host Braves. Barr-Reeve had its season end with a 41-40 loss to host Springs Valley in its 1A final.
Follow Courier & Press sports reporter Kyle Sokeland on Twitter @kylesokeland.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville Memorial, Gibson Southern girls hoops to meet in 3A final
