Raiders' Dominance: A New Era in Hoosier Hardwood
Northridge Captures Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament Crown
The Northridge High School basketball team celebrated their Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament victory with unrestrained enthusiasm, dousing coach Scott Radeker in water's joyous aftermath. This spirited celebration underscored the magnitude of their achievement, particularly given the strong competition they faced. For 6-foot-7 senior Brady Scholl, who amassed an impressive 79 points across three games, this win solidifies Northridge's standing in the basketball landscape. He emphasized the importance of competing and winning against formidable teams in the Kokomo area, signaling a significant boost for the program's reputation.
Scholl's Record-Breaking Performance Propels Northridge to Victory
Ranked tenth in Class 4A, Northridge improved their season record to 9-1, securing wins against Merrillville (76-64), Kokomo (76-61), and South Bend Riley during the two-day event. Brady Scholl's exceptional performance was a major highlight; he scored 40 points against Merrillville, surpassing 1,000 career points and setting a new tournament record. Following this, he contributed 30 points in the semifinal against Kokomo and recorded a more understated yet crucial nine points, 11 rebounds, and three blocked shots in the championship game against eighth-ranked Riley.
Leadership and Teamwork: Scholl's Unselfish Play Inspires Teammates
Coach Radeker lauded Scholl's unselfish approach in the championship, noting his willingness to involve teammates rather than forcing shots. Scholl's ability to facilitate plays and trust his fellow players, including a memorable assist to his younger brother, freshman Jake Scholl, was pivotal. This selfless attitude is seen as crucial for the team's continued growth and success, fostering an environment where every player feels valued and supported.
A Tactical Triumph: Northridge's Defense Neutralizes Riley's Offense
While the championship game against South Bend Riley, a familiar opponent, might not have been Northridge's most statistically dominant, it demonstrated their strategic prowess. Northridge effectively contained Riley's explosive senior Tyrese Jones, limiting him to just 10 points. Despite Kelin Webster's 14 points for Riley, the rest of their team struggled from beyond the arc. Hayden Gorball led Northridge with 14 points and five assists, supported by Hayden Johnson's strong performance earlier in the tournament.
Building a Legacy: Northridge's Aspirations for Postseason Success
Coach Radeker expressed immense pride in Northridge's achievement, viewing it as a testament to the program's journey and progress over the past eight years. Despite past sectional challenges, the team, with Scholl emerging as a potential Indiana All-Star and Johnson's shooting capabilities, appears poised for a deep run in the March postseason. Their only loss this season was to undefeated Goshen, a team they might encounter again in the sectional tournament.
Tournament Insights: Key Performances and Notable Outcomes
Beyond Northridge's victory, the tournament featured several compelling narratives. Riley coach Alex Daniel acknowledged his team's strong semifinal performance despite injuries to key players. Other notable results included Crown Point's narrow win over Cathedral, Carmel's undefeated run at the Paul Loggan Invitational, and Blake Neill of Bloomfield setting a new scoring record at the First Financial Wabash Valley Classic. Ben Davis also secured a championship at the Bob Wettig Tournament, highlighting the depth of talent across the state.