Garner, Saunders among IBCA Players of the Week

The REPORTER

Sheridan senior Kenzie Garner and Hamilton Heights senior Gavin Saunders are among this week’s honorees in the IBCA/Franciscan Health Player of the Week program for 2024-25.

Garner produced a career-best 40 points in the girls Class 2A Sectional 39 final while averaging 27.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists to spark the 2A No. 11 Sheridan girls to a 3-0 week. The 6-0 guard scored 25 points with seven rebounds, three assists, six steals and two blocks in a 58-25 victory over Frankton. She followed with 16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in a 62-12 runaway against Tipton. The Ferris State recruit then unloaded 40 points plus 13 rebounds and two assists as the Blackhawks topped Lapel 54-47 to move to 24-1. She was 15-of-25 from the floor, 1-of-7 from deep and 9-of-12 from the line in her big game. Over three games, Garner was 32-of-56, 5-of-19 and 14-of-18.

Saunders poured in 51 points in a game while averaging 31.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 steals in propelling the Hamilton Heights boys (11-6) to two victories. First, the 6-4 guard poured in 51 points with three rebounds, one assists and six steals in a 97-53 triumph over KIPP Indy Legacy. He followed with 12 points, eight rebounds and two steals as the Huskies edged Winchester 65-61 in overtime. Saunders converted 18-of-22 from the floor, including a school-record 12-of-12 on 2-pointers and 6-of-10 on 3-pointers, plus 9-of-11 free throws in the 51-point outing. Over the two games, he was 23-of-34 on field goals, 8-of-13 on 3s and 9-of-11 on freebies.