Hamilton Southeastern traveled to Center Grove Saturday and got a test from the Trojans before prevailing 67-59.
It was a close first half: the Royals led 13-12 after one quarter, but Center Grove came back to lead 27-25 at halftime. But Southeastern blasted through the third quarter, outscoring the Trojans 26-11 to take a 51-38 lead into the fourth period. That helped HSE to weather a 21-point fourth quarter from Center Grove; the Royals scored 16 in the fourth to clinch the game and stay perfect for the season.
Maya Makalusky scored 28 points, making five 3-pointers. Kennedy Holman and Kayla Stidham each poured in 17 points; with Holman dishing out eight assists and Stidham pulling five rebounds. Addison Van Hoesen led the rebounds with six.
Southeastern is 21-0 and finishes the regular season Tuesday at Pike.
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On Saturday afternoon, the Noblesville girls basketball team hit the road for its final Hoosier Crossroads Conference game. The Millers used a better second half than the Flashes for a 56-46 win.
Through one quarter, Noblesville held onto a five-point lead, 19-14. Franklin Central managed to make up that small deficit, knotting the score at 27-27 at halftime.
In the first two quarters, Meredith Tippner found her way to score 22 of the 27 points.
The second half became a different story for Noblesville. They put up another 19-point period to the Flashes’ 13 for a 46-40 advantage after three.
The Millers kept Franklin Central at enough distance in the fourth to hold them off for the 10-point road win.
Noblesville has won 13 in a row and 15 of its last 16 contests dating back to Nov. 26.
Tippner had quite the afternoon, scoring a career-high 36 and corralled 15 rebounds. Tippner shot 14-for-23 from the floor and was a perfect 4-of-4 at the foul line. Kate Rollins posted her eighth game in double-figures with 13 and also dished out three assists. Rollins made 9 out of 13 free throws.
Noblesville (17-3, 5-2 HCC) plays its final two regular season games at home this week. The Millers welcome Anderson (2-19) on Tuesday and Pendleton Heights (15-6) on Thursday.
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Carmel hosted Homestead last Saturday, with the Spartans winning 61-56.
The Greyhounds led 15-14 after one quarter; Woods helped out with two 3s. Homestead came back to lead 29-16 at halftime, but Carmel surged ahead in the third period to take a 49-46 lead. Sydney Bonds had seven points while Mallory Bourquein scored six. But the Spartans took over in the fourth quarter, outscoring Carmel 15-7.
Bonds led the ‘Hounds with 15 points, followed by 14 for Bourquein. Mackenzie Woods made four triples for 12 points.
Carmel is 9-10 and plays two road games this week to finish the regular season. The Greyhounds play at Cathedral on Tuesday and at Ben Davis on Friday.