GASTON, Ind — Delta girls’ basketball wasn’t satisfied with their first sectional championship victory in 32 years last weekend.
Saturday evening, the Eagles continued to make history as they became the first roster in program history to win a regional championship, knocking off Maconaquah 57-53 in the IHSAA’s Class 3A Regional at Wes-Del Middle/High School.
“It feels so exciting,” Delta junior Addison Barnes said. “It was a really intense game, but that's just the perfect way to win something big like this.”
Before the game started, fans of the blue and gold piled into the gym. Only 10 minutes down the road from Delta High School, the message from Delta’s athletic program was heard loud and clear. Add in the crowd rooting for Maconaquah, it was a classic Indiana high school basketball game.
“It's insane and so crazy, but it's so exciting,” Barnes said. “It just feels like a culture and [and gives] adrenaline to me so much.”
The Eagles went to work early. After a 3-pointer from the Braves in the first few seconds, the Eagles responded with a 14-0 run. Following that, the blue and gold used competitive defense and the paint to control the game.
At halftime, the Eagles led the Braves 23-15. Maconaquah opened the second half by draining a 3-pointer. Throughout the rest of the game, they caught fire from deep.
“They could shoot the ball again,” Benning said. “My girls weren't used to [that] … I thought that at the end of the game, we adjusted well, and we took away the gap at the right times.”
But the Eagles never gave in. While the Braves pulled within two points multiple times, they could never get over the hump. This was due to Delta’s defense, and with steals and buckets from Barnes, junior Elizabeth Bamidele and junior Jillian Barr, Maconaquah never found the momentum to take the lead.
After the buzzer echoed through the gym, Benning and multiple Eagles had to wipe away tears. Another one of their goals was crossed off the list.
“When you work so hard for something and when you do it so much, it's great to see it all pay off,” Benning said.
While she celebrated her team, Benning had extra mitigation. Over her heart, she wore a pin and has done so in multiple games this season. It’s a picture of her grandmother, who passed away last month.
“I've worn this in important games and I feel like my grandmother lives with me,” Benning said.
With the packed crowd, the massive student section and the noticeable support from the Delta community, this Delta team believes they have changed things around the program. To them, it’s just one big family.
“It means a lot knowing we pulled this thing together and changed the program by working together,” Barr said.
Barr led the Eagles with 24 points while Barnes followed with 10. The Eagles will advance to semi-state, which will be played Saturday, Feb. 22. Their opponent, location and starting time will be announced Sunday, Feb. 16 during the IHSAA’s semi-state selection show.
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or via X @ZachCarter85.
Read More
'A real travesty:' Ball State falls to Toledo after officials' review on Hill's final basket
By Zach Carter / 9 hours agoBall State fell to Toledo on the road after the officials overturned junior Jermahri Hill's last-second shot attempt.
‘Find that Fight in You:’ Ball State’s Success in Sisterhood hosts panel with alumnae
By Katherine Hill / 9 hours agoThe “Herstory in the Making” panel celebrated black women in business.
Below zero wind chills
By Evan Reed / 13 hours agoCold temperatures and below zero wind chills continue. Weather Forecaster Evan Reed has the details.
