FINER NINERS
Andrean scores the last 11 points to overcome Linton-Stockton for program’s first state title
INDIANAPOLIS — Andrean’s players streamed to the center of the court at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in celebration.
There were hugs, smiles and tears.
The 59ers secured the first state title in boys basketball program history.
Andrean rallied past Linton-Stockton for a 59-54 victory Saturday in the Class 2A final.
The 59ers scored 11 straight points in the last 1:55.
On the podium after they received their medals, 6foot-3 senior guard John Carrothers thrust the championship trophy high above his head. In the postgame news conference, he wore one of the nets around his neck.
“It’s still settling in,” Carrothers said.
Even trailing in the waning minutes, Andrean (21-8) didn’t panic against LintonStockton (27-4). The 59ers drew on their experience, winning by single digits for the sixth time in seven postseason games.
“These guys kept battling and battling,” Andrean coach Brad Stangel said. “We talk about it all the time — our 32 minutes. We thought our 32 minutes was better than anybody else’s 32 minutes.
“If we continued to keep playing for 32 minutes, good things were going to happen.”
Linton-Stockton led 5448 with 2:05 left before 6-7 sophomore forward Kyle Ross scored 10 seconds later for Andrean.
Carrothers came up with a steal and layup to draw the 59ers within 54-52 with 1:39 left before sophomore guard Nick Flesher went to the foul line with 1:24 left.
Flesher made the first free throw and missed the second.
But Carrothers stayed with it to grab an offensive rebound. He drew a foul and made two free throws to give Andrean a 55-54 lead.
After Linton-Stockton missed a 3-pointer, Flesher made two free throws with 24.6 seconds left. After the Miners missed a contested, potential tying 3-pointer, Flesher added two more free throws with 7.4 seconds left.
“He’s a competitive young man,” Stangel said of Flesher. “We feel really comfortable with him on the floor. He has a knack for the ball and he wants the ball in those situations.
“He makes a lot of things happen.”
Linton-Stockton led 4842 before Carrothers hit a key 3-pointer, with Andrean immediately calling timeout with 6:10 left.
At that point, LintonStockton opted to spread the floor. Andrean responded by switching to a trap- ping 1-3-1 zone, speeding up the tempo and shifting momentum.
Carrothers, who sat the final 7:08 of the first half with two fouls, and Ross each scored 16 points. Ross also contributed seven rebounds. Flesher added 12 points.
Stangel praised Carrothers’ impact.
“He’s meant a lot to this program and this school, and he’s meant a lot to me as well,” Stangel said. “Three years with him has been a joy — he’s been great.”
Along with two seniors, Andrean started three of its four sophomores.
Ross headlined young group.
“We never stop playing — we always play,” Ross said. “With John and coach, they
that always do a good job calling out plays. We stay patient, especially when the possessions count. We really try to get the best shot.
“It’s great. It’s so crazy. I don’t have a full grasp around it. But it feels really good.”