The fourth ranked Class 1A University Trailblazers clinched a berth in February’s Pioneer Championship game with a 47-25 win over Seton Catholic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Thursday night.
University extends the best start in school history to 8-0 and is 3-0 in PAAC North play. The ‘Blazers have one PAAC game remaining with Anderson Prep, who has already dropped two PAAC North games.
The ‘Blazers held the Cardinals scoreless for over eight minutes spanning the first and second quarters and scored 13 straight points to break away from a 4-4 tie to take a double-digit lead that was never relinquished.
Both teams struggled to find the mark in the first quarter. A pair of Zack Hodgin free throws staked University to a 6-4 lead after one. Ethan Sickels sparked the ‘Blazers in the second quarter, making a couple of three point baskets and scoring a field goal after David Howard grabbed a rebound and threw a long pass to the streaking Sickels for a lay-in. Sickels added another three pointer before the half for an 11 point quarter. Sickels was the only Trailblazer in double figures on the night.
Hodgin stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, seven steals, seven assists and six rebounds. Howard scored eight points and grabbed six caroms. University had 15 steals on the night.
“Our defense tonight was fantastic,” said University coach Brandon Lafferman. “I was very happy with Zack’s play tonight. Ethan made some big shots in the second quarter to give us a big boost. I’m excited about the start to the season and looking forward to the tournament in Vincennes next week.
University entered the game allowing just 37 points per game, the second-best mark in Class 1A. The 25 points scored by Seton Catholic were a season low for the Cardinals, marking the fifth time in eight games University has held an opponent to a season low.
University plays the opening game in the Vincennes Holiday Classic Friday, Dec. 29. The Trailblazers will take on the Eastern Greene Thunderbirds at 3 p.m. Guerin Catholic and North Knox are also in the Trailblazers’ half of the bracket.
