Bloomington High School North, Nikean, 1997, Page 114

Description: 1997 IHSAA BOYS STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPCougars are number one. A 21 point victory over the DeltaEagles made them the last single-class champions in Indiana,and secured them a place in the history books. They ended up28-1 for the season, losing only to Anderson at the Wigwamin overtime. Junior, Kueth Duany was selected to the thirdAll-State team, while Jeremy Sinsabaugh and Djibril Kante werenamed honorable mention. Sinsabaugh was given the honor ofFinal Four M. V.P. You have to remember that there was moreto this season than just the state title.The Cougars were lead by astrong senior class. Leadershipwas provided by co-captains, Jeremy Sinsabaugh and DavidMcKinney. Other graduating seniors include: Mario Wuysang,Seth Debro, plus Matt and RyanReed. The juniors were KuethDuany, Djibril Kante, AdamHawley, Jay Robles, and AndyJeffers. The lone sophomore wasAaron Ryan.Coach McKinney was optimistic heading into the seasonopener where the Cougars outshotColumbus North 64-41. Therewere few close games in the regular season, with the exception ofJennings County where they cameout on top in overtime 62-57, andthe only loss to Anderson in overtime. The team was able to handlemost of the competition with ease, iThey downed rival Bedford North ILawrence for only the fifth timein 22 years, and only the second Itime with McKinney as the coach.Also falling victim to the Cougars, in hard fought battles, wererivals Edgewood and Bloomington South.Going into sectionals, the Cougars were hoping to grab thetitle. They defeated the Edgewood Mustangs 67-55 in a gamecontrolled by North. The Brown County Eagles went down67-44. The Cougars then ended Bloomington Souths seasonwith a 48-39 victory in overtime. It was the first sectionalvictory in six years.In the first game of Regionals, North played the TerreHaute South Braves and won 58-48, after being down by 14points at one time in the game. In the finals they stompedUnion Dugger 62-51. In only the second semi-state appearance for North in school history they defeated Vincennes 52-50 with a last second shot by Sinsabaugh. In the second game,the Cougars emerged victorious over the New Albany Bulldogs 68-59, earning them a spotin the Final Four. Dave McKinneymade the All-Tourney team, go-I ing four for four and sinking three3- pointers in the night game.North dominated the Final Fourin the schools first appearance inhistory. They handed the KokomoWildcats a 50-43 loss to end theirhopes as State champions. In thestate finals, the Cougars tri-| umphed over the Delta Eagles75-54 to become Indianas lastone-class basketball champion.The team was welcomed backto Bloomington with a pep rallyin the gym. The parents and fansgave them a warm reception withlots of screaming and chanting.Later that week the guys went ona parade around the town to Tri-North, the Administration build-| ing, Assembly Hall, the court] house, and the elementaryschools. At the court house, themayor declared it Cougar Day.This past season will go downin history and wont be forgotten. It was a great way for the sixseniors to end their careers. Everyone is waiting anxiously forthe next season. The team is expected to be strong and mayhave a chance to again say,We are the champions.
Source: http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomnorth/id/4124
Collection: Bloomington High School North

Further information on this record can be found at its source.