Class 4A State Title Preview

Bloomington South Panthers (25-2) vs. Kokomo Wildkats (23-2)

Two staples of Indiana High School Basketball will face off in the final game of the 101st IHSAA State Tournament. Both teams feature strong guard play and balanced scoring attacks. Bloomington South won a State Championship in 2009 while the Wildkats haven't been to the Finals since 1989, and they won their only State Championship 50 years ago in 1961. Experience would certainly tip in the favor of the Panthers who have played on this stage before and start 5 seniors. Kokomo on the other hand starts just two seniors, and are lead in scoring by star Junior guard D.J. Balentine.

Bloomington South

Dee Davis- The Xavier signee is shooting an astounding 69.8% from the field and scores 21.9 points per game. He also adds 5.6 assists.

Spencer Turner- A Belmont recruit, is widely considered one of the best pure shooters in the state. He is averaging 16.3 points on the season.

Desmond Marks- Reminds me a lot of Glen "Big Baby" Davis. At 6'5'' and probably 250 pounds Marks is the biggest body that South has. He moves very well for his size and has a good shooting touch. I think he could be an X-factor in this game.

Kokomo

D.J. Balentine- The junior is leading the way with 16.2 points and has really picked up his play in the clutch moments of each game on the road to Conseco. He will keep the Wildkats in the game down to the final buzzer.

Huston Clark- A great finisher, is the biggest Wildkat at 6'4." The senior leads the team with 6.6 rebounds, and also contributes 8.3 points.

LaBradford Sebree- Just a sophomore, but Sebree has played a big part in taking Kokomo to this year's title game. He is the second leading scoring with 8.4 points per contest, and pulls down just over 4 rebounds.

I continue to pick against Kokomo yet they continue to win. They have been playing great basketball of late and I know that the entire community has really rallied around this team along the way. However, Bloomington South just has too many offensive threats. I see them bringing home their 2nd Championship in 3 years.

Bloomington South 64 Kokomo 61