What were the highlights of the Riley boys basketball team’s season? How did Fishers establish dominance in their semi-state matchup against Riley? What impact did fouls have on Riley’s performance during the game? Who were the standout players for both teams in this semi-state semifinal? Why is this game significant for Riley’s basketball tradition?
ELKHART — The Riley boys basketball team had a magical season full of championships. The Wildcats can always say too that it took the state’s best team to put an end to that tremendous run of success. Top-ranked and defending state champion Fishers lived up to its lofty billing and then some Saturday to sideline the Wildcats.
Fishers flew to a quick start en route to downing Riley 82-46 in a Class 4A Semi-state semifinal game at North Side Gym. The Tigers, who won their 42nd straight game, improved to 29-0. Fishers advanced to the semi-state title game Saturday night to face No. 7 Crown Point (23-2). Crown Point beat No. 15 Homestead 41-29 in Saturday’s second semifinal contest.
Riley, which won Northern Indiana Conference, sectional and regional crowns, finished at 22-5. Justin Kirby, a smooth 6-4 senior guard, led Fishers with 21 points. The Miami of Ohio recruit hit 9-of-10 shots from the field and scored all of his points in the first three quarters as the Tigers played their backups the fourth period. Logan Sigler, a 6-6 senior, scored 14 points off the bench for Fishers. Sophomore guard Jason Gardner Jr. and senior guard JonAnthony Hall each added 10 points. Hall has committed to play football at Stanford.
Marvin Schindler, one of five seniors, led Riley with 13 points. Junior Isaiah Packer added 10 points. Junior Tyrese Jones, Riley’s second leading scorer at 14.8 ppg., scored two points as he played limited minutes due to three fouls in the first quarter. Jones, who played at Clay High School last season, had 45 points in a 77-71 double overtime win over Warsaw in Riley’s regional win last week.
The state record for consecutive wins is 50 in a row by Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis in 2005-06. That team featured future NBA players Mike Conley and Greg Oden. "I’m just super proud of everything that these guys accomplished this season," said Riley coach Alex Daniel. "I told them that they put Riley back on the map. Riley has a rich tradition of boys basketball success in the past and this team reset that standard.
"I also told them don’t let one game (this game) tear you down." The Tigers, who are ranked No. 11 in the USA Today Super 25 National Rankings, were going for their second semi-state title in program history Saturday night. Fishers won its first a year ago before beating Ben Davis 65-56 in the 4A state title game. Their last loss was a 54-46 setback at Carmel on Jan. 27, 2024.
Fishers did to Riley what it had done to almost every opponent on its schedule this season. The Tigers raced to a 7-0 lead to open the game and led 20-3 after the opening quarter. Riley was whistled for a player technical foul just 30 seconds into the contest and were in foul trouble from the opening tipoff. The Wildcats shot 1-of-12 from the field in the first stanza, with just a 3-pointer by freshman Dontreyelle Johnson being their lone bucket.
The Tigers entered play Saturday with just six of their wins by single-digit margins through their first 28 games. They also ranked fourth in the state in offensive scoring average at 74 ppg. and fourth in average margin of victory at 26 ppg.
Riley opened the second period with an 8-0 run, sparked by Packer, to cut the lead to 20-11 with 5:06 to play. The Tigers never blinked, closing the half on a 20-12 run to lead 40-23 at halftime. Riley had four players with three fouls by halftime as Fishers was 12-of-16 from the free throw line. The Wildcats did not attempt a first-half free throw. Daniel was also whistled for a technical foul with 1:28 to play before intermission. Riley had 14 total fouls, which included the pair of technicals, and Fishers had seven in the opening half.
"I have nothing to say," responded Daniel when asked about the officiating. When pressed, the Riley coach still opted to take the high road for the most part. "They (the officials) have been evaluated and that’s why they are here today," Daniel added. "They are doing the best they can. We have to do a better job overcoming things. I got a technical foul for trying to call a timeout, which was the fourth time I was trying to call one."
The Tigers never let off the gas in the third period. Fishers outscored Riley 30-12 in the frame to build a 70-35 advantage and invoke a running clock the rest of the way. Eight different players scored in the third period for Fishers as they shot 12-of-18 from the field to 4-of-13 for Riley.
"Playing from behind like we were from the start is just very difficult to do against Fishers," Daniel said. "It’s hard to overcome. We had four guys with three fouls at halftime and that makes it hard to battle. It is what it is. Credit Fishers. They are a very good basketball team. They have won 42 games in a row for a reason. But I never counted my guys out today. They are battle tested and I knew they would fight to the end, and they did that."
The Wildcats had lost an 89-29 contest at Fishers on Jan. 18. Riley was without about 85 minutes of its regular rotation of players in that game, according to Daniel. The Wildcats had several key players suspended for the contest following a postgame altercation after their previous game at South Bend Adams.
Fishers finished 30-of-49 from the field, including 4-of-15 from 3-point land. The Tigers were 18-of-25 from the free throw line and outrebounded Riley 28-16 with Kirby leading the way with six caroms. Fishers had 11 turnovers.
Riley shot 19-of-55 from the field, including 3-of-15 from deep. The Wildcats were 5-of-6 from the free throw line and had 10 turnovers. Riley will say goodbye to seniors Schindler, Jaylen Barbara, Brandon Williams, Jaiden Stamps, and Ki’Shawn Wright. The trio of Schindler, Barbara, and Williams all started on Saturday.
Defending State Champ Fishers Wins 42nd Straight Game in IHSAA Semi-State
In a thrilling showdown that showcased the tenacity and skill of high school football, the Fishers Tigers extended their remarkable winning streak to 42 games by triumphantly clinching victory in the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Semi-State Championship. As defending champions, Fishers demonstrated once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the realm of Indiana high school sports.
The game, held at the iconic Lucas Oil Stadium, drew a fervent crowd, with fans clad in orange and black filling the stands to support their beloved Tigers. The atmosphere was electric, as anticipation hung in the air. Fishers, under the seasoned leadership of head coach Rick Wimmer, was determined to defend its title and continue this historic streak.
From the opening kickoff, it was evident that the Tigers were poised and prepared. Their offensive unit, led by a dynamic quarterback and an array of formidable skill players, displayed a fluidity that had become synonymous with Fishers football. The early moments of the game saw the Tigers establishing their dominance both on the ground and through the air. The offensive line, a cornerstone of their strategy, opened up gaps for the running backs, allowing them to exploit the opponent’s defense.
The Tigers’ defense, equally impressive, was relentless throughout the game. They maintained a high intensity, shutting down offensive plays and forcing turnovers at crucial moments. The defensive front, composed of seasoned players who had faced numerous challenges over the past two seasons, was instrumental in maintaining Fishers’s composure and control of the game.
As the first half unfolded, Fishers quickly established a lead, scoring two touchdowns within the first quarter. Their first touchdown came from a spectacular 30-yard pass that showcased the quarterback’s deep-ball accuracy and the wide receiver’s skillful catching ability. This was followed by a powerful rushing touchdown, as the standout running back weaved through defenders to reach the end zone. The Tigers’ offense displayed both creativity and adaptability, making it difficult for their opponents to predict their next move.
Despite trailing early, the opposing team attempted to rally under the guidance of their own skilled quarterback and a handful of talented skill players. They managed a brief scoring surge, but Fishers’ defense responded with precision and discipline. Star linebacker, known for his game-reading abilities, intercepted a crucial pass that shifted the momentum back to the Tigers just before halftime. As the first half concluded, Fishers held a comfortable lead, and they were determined to carry this momentum into the second half.
During halftime, Coach Wimmer emphasized the importance of staying focused. He reiterated to his players that while the numbers on the scoreboard were promising, complacency could be their greatest enemy. His words resonated with the team, reminding them of their journey and the significance of each game – a testament to their hard work and resilience.
As the second half commenced, Fishers did not let up. They scored again early in the third quarter with an impressive combination of quick passes and strategy, showcasing the depth of their playbook. The chemistry between the quarterback and receivers was palpable, with each connection reinforcing their confidence. The Tigers’ endurance and unmatched fitness began to wear down their opponents, who struggled to keep pace with the relentless offensive onslaught.
In a game where every play counted, it was the moment of teamwork and unity that defined Fishers’ performance. The offensive and defensive units worked in tandem, ensuring that the opposing team struggled to find a rhythm. Fishers’ players on the sidelines cheered vocally, reinforcing the idea that this was more than just a game; it was about pride, dedication, and the legacy they were building together.
As the finals seconds of the game ticked away, the realization set in – the Fishers Tigers were on the verge of yet another victory. The final whistle blew, and the scoreboard illuminated their achievements: another win, another game added to the illustrious streak. Players, coaches, and fans erupted into cheers, celebrating a well-deserved victory that not only solidified their place at the top of high school football in Indiana but also reaffirmed the unyielding spirit of this close-knit community.
With 42 consecutive victories, the Fishers Tigers have not only etched their name in IHSAA history but also inspired future generations of athletes. The combination of hard work, perseverance, and collective effort has paved their path to success. As they prepare for the upcoming state championship, one thing is clear: the Tigers are not just playing for a title; they are playing for the legacy of excellence in Indiana high school football. Their journey is a testament to the power of teamwork and the unbreakable bond that sports can create within a community. The dream of repeating as champions is alive, and with their sights set on the upcoming challenges, the Fishers Tigers remain a team to watch as they continue their pursuit of greatness.
Defending state champion Fishers extended its winning streak to 42 games with a solid victory in the IHSAA Semi-state. The team showcased impressive performance and strategy, reinforcing their position as a dominant force in the competition. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute plays effectively contributed significantly to this milestone. Enthusiastic support from fans also played a key role in motivating the players throughout the matchup. The victory sets the stage for an exciting final showdown as Fishers aims to defend its title.