Vikings remove Bulldogs’ crown
Wassermann’s career-high 10 points, coming weeks after varsity promotion, help Valparaiso unseat Crown Point in sectionals
Mackenzie Wassermann didn’t seem particularly flustered during Valparaiso’s firstround game in the Class 4A Lowell Sectional on Wednesday.
The 5-foot-7 sophomore guard/forward had spent much of the season on the junior varsity team before earning a promotion.
“It’s a lot more nerve-wracking for me,” she said. “But it’s a really cool experience with all of the girls.”
Wassermann made the most of that experience, delivering for the Vikings on her biggest stage to date. She scored a careerhigh 10 points, well above her 1.9 season average, as Valparaiso held off Crown Point in a 40-34 win.
Standout freshman guard Lillian Barnes, who led Valparaiso (21-2) with 16 points and 10 rebounds, noticed Wassermann’s impact. Wassermann, who pinpointed a Jan. 6 win against Portage as the time she solidified her spot on the roster, also had three steals against Crown Point (14-10).
“It’s really great to have her be able to play up,” Barnes said. “She gives us a lot of energy coming off the bench. She’s able to contribute both at the top of the 1-3-1 when one of us needs a break and she gives us a spark, and also on offense.”
Valparaiso, ranked No. 16 in the state coaches poll, will play Chesterton (16-8) in a semifinal Friday after its second win against the Bulldogs this season. The Vikings beat their Duneland Athletic Conference rival 59-27 on Dec. 9, but the rematch was considerably more competitive.
The score was tied 7-7 when Wassermann hit a 3-pointer to give Valparaiso the lead for good with 4 minutes, 50seconds left in the second quarter.
“I was just happy it went in,”