New Prairie defeats Hanover Central in sectional championship nail biter

New Prairie defeats Hanover Central in sectional championship nail biter

For the last three years, Hanover Central has taken home the sectional championship title. After being on the losing end of the title last year, the New Prairie Cougars stepped on the court ready to win – and they did. After a hard-fought game, the Cougars never gave up their early lead and took home their first sectional title since 2003 with a score of 56-40.

It was #22, Rylan McBride, who was the star of the night, hitting several, key three-point shots that lead the Cougars to victory. From rebounds, to steals, to points, McBride was the player that couldn’t be beaten. 

BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONALS CHAMPIONSHIPS New Prairie vs Hanover Central 2021

BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONALS CHAMPIONSHIPS New Prairie vs Hanover Central 2021 71 Photos
BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONALS CHAMPIONSHIPS New Prairie vs Hanover Central 2021BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONALS CHAMPIONSHIPS New Prairie vs Hanover Central 2021BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONALS CHAMPIONSHIPS New Prairie vs Hanover Central 2021BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONALS CHAMPIONSHIPS New Prairie vs Hanover Central 2021

Cougars Head Coach Mike Bauer could not be prouder to celebrate the win with McBride and the rest of the team as he knows just how hard they have worked for this moment. 

“Climbing that ladder to get a piece of the sectional net is the best feeling in the world,” said Bauer. “I told them to soak it up, they can stand at the top of that ladder as long as they want, they’ve earned it.”

The New Prairie Cougars will take on the Hammond Wildcats in the regional semifinals next Saturday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m. at South Bend Washington. Be sure to get your tickets to cheer on the Cougars as they work towards their first regional title!