Roncalli Survives Jennings County 50–47 to Capture 3A Semi-State Championship at Southport

SOUTHPORT — In a game befitting a semi-state championship, Roncalli made just enough plays down the stretch to hold off Jennings County 50–47 in the Class 3A Indiana high school girls basketball semi-state title game at Southport.

The Lady Royals (25-6) withstood a third-quarter surge by the Panthers and answered with a poised fourth quarter to punch their ticket to the state finals.  Roncalli led 23–20 at halftime after edging Jennings County 10–9 in the first quarter and 13–11 in the second. But the Panthers came out firing after the break, outscoring the Royals 18–13 in the third to take a 38–36 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

That’s when Roncalli’s composure showed.

The Royals closed the game on a 14–9 fourth-quarter advantage, converting key free throws and getting timely defensive stops to secure the three-point victory.  Roncalli shot 15-of-52 (29 percent) from the field but made up for it at the free-throw line, knocking down 17-of-22 attempts (77 percent). Jennings County finished with 47 points despite a strong third-quarter push. Jennings County was paced by a balanced offensive effort and capitalized on its 18-point third quarter to briefly seize control. But Roncalli’s ability to get to the free-throw line and execute in the half court proved decisive.

Elliot Leffler led Roncalli with 20 points, battling inside for baskets and converting 8-of-10 free throws including a pair down the stretch icing the win. She added seven rebounds in a workmanlike performance.  Lydia Stahley added 13 points and eight rebounds, controlling the glass in crucial stretches.