NEW MARKET — The smiles sensed the accomplishment.
Those smiles were on the North Montgomery starters’ faces as they exited the game in the closing seconds Saturday.
Using a dominating second half, the Chargers (6-1) turned back defending champion and host Southmont 48-34 to win their first-ever Sugar Creek Classic in 18 tries.
In the third place game, Western Boone fought off Crawfordsville 51-35.
“It goes to those (North) girls out there,” North coach Ryan Nuppnau said. They played their hearts out. This has been a goal, especially for the seniors and all the teams in the past. We’re just blessed to finally bring one home.”
North had only appeared in five previous SCC title games, all losses. The most recent was a year ago. The championship appearance before that was 2017.
“We have four great teams in this,” Nuppnau added. “It’s just a battle every time no matter how good any team is. Going into halftime down, keeping our composure, just chipping away and not looking back at all. I’m just extremely proud of the girls.”
Piper Ramey, the tournament MVP, led the charge in a 34-20 second half. After sitting most of the second quarter with foul trouble, she turned up the wick both offensively and defensively. Plus, the Chargers (6-1) threw a zone chase on South to limit the potent freshman Ella Barry.
“Second half, those five girls didn’t come off the court at all. Caelyn Carpenter and Ella McManomy did a great job on (Barry). We told them you have to be there on the catch and play tight. It really took South out of their ring of things. I think that really, mentally, put the dagger in them.”
Ramey had just three points at halftime. The senior exploded for nine in each of the final two quarters to finish with 21 to complete another double-double performance.
Macee Norman added 14 points, including 7-of-8 from the free throw line in the second half. Krestyn Bradford had 10, including a key three-pointer in an 18-6 third quarter.
South was led by 2023 SCC MVP and sophomore Layla Gomez, who scored 16 before fouling out late. Barry had 8, but only a free throw after the break.
The Mounties had an 18-6 quarter of their own in the second to head to the locker room up 20-14. The downfall the entire game was open shot looks that would not go down.
“We turned up the defensive pressure after Piper went out,” South coach Dan Burkman said. “We just really couldn’t handle her and we struggled to put the ball in the basket. I don’t fault our effort. Things just didn’t bounce our way.”
North hit 13-of-30 from the field, holding South (2-4) to 13-45. The Chargers outscored the Mounties 18-7 from the free throw line.
The Mounties played without Kinzie Wood after she injured a shoulder in Friday’s 48-40 semi-final win over Western Boone. That limited Burkman’s option off the bench, playing only six Mounties plus a couple minute stint from senior Charlotte Garver.
North beat CHS in the other Friday semi 54-22.
The Athenians (1-6) played the Stars (2-1) tough in the consolation contest. Coach Joe Ferguson’s squad could only manage three field goals in the second half, all beyond the arc.
“We played with good effort,” Ferguson said. “We got good looks at the basket and our defense was better than (Friday). The girls fought hard.”
Junior Yuli Torres tied her season high with 10 points. Molly Pierce added 8. Sophomore Ally Lewis topped the Stars with 16 while Ila Stokes added 12.
“I challenged Yuli before the game,” Ferguson added. “I wanted her more involved, get more touches and get the shots up. She played well.”
CHS played a tough second period to stay within 11 at the half. A 3-for-28 shooting performance in the second half helped WeBo pull away.
The Stars are now 18-0 on day two of the SCC with 14 titles and four third-place wins.
Ramey, Norman, Gomez, Lewis and Torres were named to the all-tournament team.
North has won six straight games since a season opening loss. Up next was Bethesda Christian on Monday.
The SCC was South’s first two home games of the season. The Mounties next contest also was at home Monday versus South Putnam before a game today at North Putnam.
Crawfordsville is scheduled to play today at Greencastle, the first of three straight on the road.
