They say pressure makes diamonds.
But pressure also carries weight with it. The weight of the entire season on her back. An undefeated 28-0 record on the line. A chance to head to the state championship. A chance to solidify her Miss Basketball candidacy. That’s when Gracyn Gilliard steps up to the free throw line.
And sinks both free throws.
Now, just a week later, as the team enters the state title game, the pressure is at its peak. Facing off against what may be their most experienced opponent yet, Norwell has played for the state title the past two years.
“Over the past two seasons, our team has gained a level of experience that is unique. We have an understanding of all the demands that a state finals week brings, but more importantly, we are able to focus more on the actual game than we did the first two times, Norwell head coach Eric Thornton said. “The fact that we bring back seven players who played in last year’s championship run will now help our entire team bring that experience to this finals game.”
This repetition is what refines your confidence. And while Norwell may have the expertise and the experience, Center Grove isn’t concerned with the bright lights.
“We’re really confident going into this weekend,” starting junior guard MacKenzie Pierce said. “Not just in our ability to win, but in all of us. We’re going to do our part and that is going to lead us to success. We’ve been working at this for almost six straight months. We didn’t come this far just to lose.”
Along with this unshaken mentality, the team is sticking to their fundamentals so when the moment arises, they have something to fall back on.
“Our defense is such a big part of our identity. We rely a lot on ball defenders, just having people there to stop and stay in front of the opposing team,” Pierce said. “Getting ball movement is also a really huge thing for us. Staying reliant on these principles will help us focus and stay calm during the game.”
And on Saturday night, that defensive identity will be tested.
On the other half of the court, Indiana Wesleyan commit Vanessa Rosswurm leads Norwell onto a stage the team has grown comfortable with. Rosswurm has scored 75 points over the last 3 games while shooting 45% from deep, making her a constant threat. But Center Grove is well aware of this battle, and will look to limit her impact as much as possible.
“Vanessa is just a winner,” Center Grove head coach Kevin Stuckmeyer said. “She’s their leader, their best player offensively and defensively. You aren’t going to be able to contain her. All we can do is limit her capabilities and make her earn it. We will have to be sound in everything we do.”
The undefeated Trojans know every second of this game carries weight, and they will make sure this opportunity will be brilliant.
“We’ve worked for this all season,” Pierce said. “All we can do now is trust each other and allow our team to do what we do best. Win.”
For the Trojans, this victory would mark the team’s first state championship since 1996, capping off a perfect season with the unthinkable. And for Gilliard, this will put her odds at the top of the list for Indiana’s Miss Basketball.
They say pressure makes diamonds.
And after Saturday night, only one will be left shining.
