Mt. Vernon Defeats New Albany in Indiana High School Boys Basketball Semi-State Championship

The Mt. Vernon Marauders (27-3) defeated the New Albany Bulldogs (22-6) 77-69 in the IHSAA boys basketball Class 4A New Castle Semi-States championship on Saturday at New Castle Fieldhouse.

After a back-and-forth first quarter, Mt. Vernon pulled away in the second quarter for a 10-point halftime lead.

Mt. Vernon star point guard Luke Ertel earned his fourth foul minutes into the second half, and the Marauders struggled with New Albany's pressure. The Bulldogs took the lead, but only briefly. Ertel re-entered the game, and he helped the Marauders control the fourth quarter.

Mt. Vernon will play Crown Point in the Class 4A state championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, March 28.

Mt. Vernon vs. New Albany: Live Score Recap of Indiana High School Boys Basketball Semi-State Championship

The teams are on the court for introductions.

First Quarter Updates

Mt. Vernon wins the opening tip, and we're underway.

Mt. Vernon senior Jamaree Collins gets an and-1, and the Marauders lead 9-5 in the opening minutes.

New Albany's Noah Washington drives to the basket and gets the and- - Mt. Vernon 11, New Albany 9 - 3:05

The Bulldogs take the lead after Tj Washington hit a wide open 3-point shot. Noah Washington had scored three consecutive baskets prior to Washington's shot - New Albany 17, Mt. Vernon 16 - 1:30

Mt. Vernon goes on a quick run to end the first quarter.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: Mt. Vernon 23, New Albany 17

Second Quarter Updates

Mt. Vernon continues to turn the ball over. That's seven turnovers so far - 6:45

Luke Ertel makes two great assists, and then Collins hits a deep 3-point shot - Mt. Vernon 33, New Albany 25 - 3:38

Mt Vernon makes a run to take a double-digit lead with two minutes remaining.

HALFTIME: Mt. Vernon 40, New Albany 30

Third Quarter Updates

The second half is underway.

Ertel is called for his fourth foul with 4:08 remaining in the third quarter, and he goes to the bench. The Bulldogs have brough the double-team every time he crosses half court.

Mt. Vernon is struggling without Ertel. The Marauders have not taken a shot since he went to the bench. New Albany has cut the lead to 51-48 - 2:20

Mt. Vernon is struggling to bring the ball up the court against the Bulldogs' pressure. Karson Stoudemire is called for a technical foul after a basket to take the lead, but the technical foul free throws puts Mt. Vernon back in front. Ertel is back in the game - Mt. Vernon 53, New Albany 52 - 1:24

Stoudemire and Reece McKee both cramp and leave the game for New Albany - 0:40

TJ Washington fouls out for New Albany.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: Mt. Vernon 58, New Albany 52

Fourth Quarter Updates

Noah Washington hits a 3-point shot to cut the Mt. Vernon lead to 66-62 - 4:18

Ertel clipped a New Albany player in the face with an elbow, but the referees did not call it, so he remains in the game with four fouls.

Greyson Grubbs hits two jump shots for New Albany, but the Marauders lead 72-66 - 1:47

New Albany will need the Marauders to miss free throws. The Marauders lead by six with 40 seconds remaining.