The Gibson Southern boys’ basketball team closed out its season of home games, taking down the Vincennes Lincoln Alices, on Saturday, February 19. Gibson Southern extended its record to 10-9. The night was particularly special for the seniors, as they were honored for their commitment to the team. Carson Brindle, Noah Bryant, Eli Chandler, Drew Foster, Rory Heltsley, Kaden Hurless, Brayden Malone and Mason Yancey played their last home game in the Titan Fieldhouse. 

Brindle was able to make it back on the court after an emergency appendectomy a few weeks prior.

“It was definitely bittersweet getting to play on senior night,” Brindle said. “I was super happy that I got to come back and play in it after having surgery and getting the win was super awesome. But, it also meant that was the last time I will ever get to play there.”

For head coach Mark Rohrer, this was his first year at the helm of the Titans, and he had to make quick work getting to know his senior leaders.

“These seniors are a really special group of kids,” Rohrer said. “They are extremely competitive, and I’ve appreciated their maturity and mindset all season, even through some ups and downs.  I think many of the positive qualities they’ve shown this year will translate into their future success in all facets of life.”

The Titans started out with a lead of 14-8 against the Alices, which took them to the end of the first quarter. The Titans took charge in the second and buffed up their lead, scoring 25 points in the second quarter, led by junior Jaxun Lamb and Hurless. Going into half, the Titans were up 39-23. 

To open the second half, the Titans maintained the lead after a few quick buckets from Lamb. The men put up 16 points this quarter, compared to the Alices’ 9, which extended the lead to 55-32 to close the third quarter. 

Throughout the fourth quarter, the Titans maintained the lead to the end of the game and ended up with a final score of 69-44. The Titans were led by leading scorers Lamb and Foster. 

With two regular season games remaining, the Titans will quickly dive into the postseason. On Sunday, Feb. 20, the team learned who they drew for the 3A Sectional 32 at Boonville.

“I think we have a good shot of having success in our Sectional,” Chandler said. “Our side of the bracket will be a good challenge for us, but we know what we have to do to win.”

Rohrer, who had success in Sectional play at Southridge, is excited to see what his Titans can do.

“We are excited about the opportunity for Sectional,” Rohrer said. “We feel like we are very capable of going on a three-game winning streak at Boonville next week but know it will be a challenge with the quality of teams we will face. We will probably be the underdog, but our players will embrace that role. We will take it one game at a time, and we are looking forward to seeing what next week brings!”

The Titans will take on Heritage Hills in their Sectional opener on Tuesday, March 1, with game one. The boys will travel to Forest Park on Tuesday, February 22, and end their regular season on Friday, February 25, at North Posey.