Gibson Southern showed why the future is bright despite regional championship loss

CHARLESTOWN, Ind. – The Gibson Southern girls’ basketball program walked off the floor at Charlestown with a stark realization.

For the past two months, the Titans went to work. Those hours culminated with another postseason run befitting the great history of the program. It showed how good a talented, young core truly was. That is, until it watched the defending state champions celebrating at midcourt.

Gibson Southern has the potential to be “scary good.” It isn’t quite there yet. But this team could be. That can be tantalizing or dangerous depending on your point of view.

The Titans had their season come to an end with a 53-39 loss to Silver Creek in the Class 3A regional championship. The Dragons closed each half like defending state champs to earn a spot in the semistate.

More: Here are the IHSAA girls basketball regional scores in Southern Indiana

“They had a game plan and executed it to perfection,” said Gibson Southern coach Kyle Brasher. “They wanted girls other than Gabby (Spink) and Chloey (Graham) to shoot it. They packed the paint. It’s tough when you have a team that athletic who executes a game plan.”

For the second time in four years, Gibson Southern reached a point where it was left hungry for more. The Titans won their 12th sectional championship in program history last week. They avenged a regular season loss to Vincennes Lincoln in the semifinal.

The regional title drought extends to 20 years, though.

The Titans shot 39 percent from the field (13 of 33) and were a miserable 8 of 17 at the foul line. Silver Creek showcased its multiple playmakers, led by Lacey Tingle (16 points) and UE recruit Kyindi Mason-Striverson (14).

Silver Creek (25-2) closed the first half on an 11-0 run and never trailed again.

“We hit a couple of shots early and contested a bunch of shots,” said Brasher. “At the end of the half, we gave up a couple of offensive boards for easy put backs. Shots just wouldn’t drop there. Sometimes, that’s how the ball bounces.”

There were the moments of a potential breakthrough. Gibson Southern navigated constant double teams on Graham and Spink to take a 15-12 lead in the second quarter. Then came the 15-0 burst from the Dragons that stretched into the second half.

The Titans finally got the pace back to where they preferred. They hit four three-pointes in the second half and executed better ball movement. A put back from Spink cut the deficit to 44-39 with three minutes left.

Silver Creek ended the game with a 9-0 run. Tingle beat the defense for a layup. Reese Decker corralled a rebound and scored. The Dragons went 12 of 18 at the line in the second half. Winning plays from a winning team.

“I really thought we were ready to play,” said Silver Creek coach Scott Schoen. “I was more tired and emotionally drained. It didn’t look like (the short rest) bothered them.”

Graham had 15 points for the Titans (19-8) while Taylor Hart, Alexis Tucker and Spink each added five. Gibson Southern graduates only three seniors and returns most of its production. It also made the regional championship without junior Ava Weisheit, who suffered a knee injury against Memorial.

This was not lost on the opposition. Silver Creek has beaten many talented teams the past two seasons. It’s why Schoen shouldn’t be discounted when making the following statement.

“They’re going to be dangerous,” he said. “The two guards (Spink and Graham), they’re all we’ve talked about. They’re going to be special. I’m not looking forward to playing them any time soon.”

This is why the immediate future represents an intriguing inflection point. The Titans proved they have the talent to compete and win championships. But what is their true ceiling? Only a sectional?

With Graham and Spink carrying a heavy scoring load, Gibson Southern eyes a need for more playmakers. That’s where having Weisheit would have helped. It’s why this offseason will be important.

If the Titans can take the next step, many teams could be chasing them.

“The sky is the limit,” said Brasher. “They are a gritty, tough bunch. They are not going to quit. We have a chance to have a special season next year. We need to stay in the gym and stay hungry.”

Follow Courier & Press sports reporter Kyle Sokeland on Twitter @kylesokeland.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA basketball: Silver Creek defeats Gibson Southern in 3A regional