Indian Creek forward Savannah Hall drives strong to the basket in a game against Whiteland.
Daily Journal file photo
Each time the ball goes up to start a game, Brian Ferris sees opponents immediately locking in while trying to muzzle the talents of three of his starters.
However, it’s how the others execute their roles that could determine the length of Indian Creek’s postseason existence.
Senior forward Savannah Hall and sophomore point guard Ayla Lollar, oftentimes peripheral elements in the Braves’ 25-1 record and No. 5 ranking in Class 3A, are no less important to what has been the most storybook season in school history.
No one appreciates the Hall-Lollar combo more than Ferris, now in his sixth year as coach. So-called glue players are of great importance to any basketball team, particularly at this juncture of the season.
“They’re both real important because when teams are focusing on the other three, that presents plenty of opportunities for Savannah and Ayla,” said Ferris, who has overseen a three-year run that includes a 64-13 record and three consecutive sectional titles.
“They know if they’re open that we have full confidence in them taking the shot. They’ve both improved quite a bit since last season with another year of maturity.”
Indian Creek faces Purdue Polytechnic on Saturday at the Greencastle Regional.
The Braves are led by the 19.2 points a game of junior guard Lauren Foster, 6-3 junior center Faith Wiseman’s norms of 15.8 points and 9.3 rebounds and senior do-everything guard Abby Fleetwood averaging 6.6 points, 5.9 boards and 4.3 assists. Opposing coaches seeking some semblance of job security have little choice but to focus on that trio.
On offense, it’s the job of Hall and Lollar to sense open spots of the floor of which they are able to take advantage.
At 5-foot-7, Hall possesses the size and strength to play underneath at both ends of the court. Her somewhat deceptive outside shooting touch has allowed her to make 16 3-pointers, including knocking down two treys in six of Indian Creek’s victories this season.
A two-year starter, Hall knows the importance of the role she plays. She’s capable of helping Wiseman beneath the basket with rebounds and/or creating space.
“Obviously, we have two prominent scorers, so I try to rebound, make good passes and be aggressive on defense,” said Hall, who averages 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds. “I don’t take plays off, and I really like using my strength, using my body to box out.”
The 5-6 Lollar is capable of playing the 1, 2 or 3. She possesses a nice mid-range shooting touch, and on defense typically guards the opponent’s quickest guard. Her 2.5 steals per outing are second only to Fleetwood’s 3.2.
Lollar enters the regional at 7.2 points per game.
“I feel I help the team most just by being more confident,” Lollar said. “My teammates encourage me and give me the confidence, which makes me feel more comfortable when I’m playing.
“I play a big role for my team defensively, but will get rebounds and assists. Whatever they need me to do.”
On a different, less talented squad, Hall and Lollar would most certainly play larger roles statistically. That isn’t to insist they aren’t capable in doing so for the Braves.
“They both took it upon themselves knowing that opportunity is there,” Ferris said. “Either Savannah or Ayla are capable of being our leading scorer in a game.”
IF YOU GO
Class 4A Bedford North Lawrence Regional
Center Grove (21-4) vs. Franklin (18-5), 4 p.m.
Class 3A Greencastle Regional
Indian Creek (25-1) vs. Purdue Polytechnic (22-5), 1 p.m.
Admission: $10 (children 5 and under free)
