Boys Basketball
Final Score: Homestead 72 Blackhawk Christian 60
In one of the most highly anticipated games on the schedule, this year’s Blackhawk-Homestead tilt gave us everything one last time. Over the last few years, this game has been circled in red by players, coaches, and fans alike with two of the state’s best players, Caleb Furst and Luke Goode, going head to head. This year, with each playing in their senior season, we would get one last chance to see these teams and their highly sought after players clash.
The difference in 2021 is that another player was added to the mix. Fletcher Loyer came to Homestead this season, looking to be a key contributor alongside Goode. However, on Tuesday, he was perhaps the most integral part of the Spartan’s victory. His team-high 23 points alone would have proven this, but it was also the little things he did late in the game that made the difference. Loyer made good on all his free throws, made heady defensive plays such as when he stole the ball from an unaware Blackhawk player to give the Spartans an extra possession, and most notably hit 3 three-pointers in the fourth quarter. His three shots from deep were what allowed the Spartans to distance themselves and come out with a win.
“We knew we would all have to play together and swing the ball, and make big plays on the offensive and defensive end,” Loyer said. “Just make the plays to get that big win.”
Luke Goode wasn’t too far behind with 22 points of his own while making sure his presence was felt on both ends of the floor. The tandem continues to produce and make huge plays even against one of the best teams in the state in Blackhawk.
Don’t let the final score fool you though. This game was close right up until the final minutes of the game. Caleb Furst led all scorers with 27 points and grabbed multiple offensive rebounds that gave his team second chances to score. The problem was that the rest of the team couldn’t find their rhythm. Though Zane Burke had 15 points, no other Brave went into double-digits and none hit a single shot from long range.
Regardless of who won though, this was another fantastic showcase that put Fort Wayne’s top talent on display. The three leaders in this game will find themselves being key contributors in the Big Ten in the coming years and it will be entertaining to watch them play and represent Fort Wayne at the next level.
As for this season, each team marches on as both will be favorites to win a state title this year. Even for Blackhawk, this loss should put some fear into the other 2A teams, knowing that the Braves just went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in 4A. Obviously, this win only gives Homestead more confidence as they begin to look ahead to the final month of their schedule, believing that they can accomplish a lot in that span and on into March.
“This was a highly anticipated game like it is every year,” Goode said. “Great program, great players, great coaches. So for the whole state to be watching this game and for us to get a big win tonight on the home floor is huge.”
