March 11, 2025 at 6:10 a.m.
By Mike Asher, HSJ Sports Correspondent
Heavily favored teams have a target on their back and usually bring out the best from their opponent. In last year’s 2A Sectional, host South Ripley was favored, but the Jets ended their season quickly. Unfortunately, Hauser was beaten in the Championship game the following night. That loss stung the young Jets and carried it with them since that night.
This season, class 1A #2 ranked Hauser was that team with the target. Every opponent wanted to knock off the Jets. Only South Ripley, Columbus North, and Batesville were able to do so. Sectional host Milan was the last team standing in the way of Hauser to win their first sectional since 2017. Coach Trent Morehead’s Jets accepted his challenge to focus on their defensive intensity. That, they did as their man-to-man defense forced the Indians into multiple turnovers and unfavorable shot selections throughout the game.
Hauser took a 40-27 halftime lead following a Kam Blair buzzer beater. Coming out with more energy, the Jets were not allowing history to repeat itself, and flew away with an 81-49 victory.
Following the game, all four of Hauser’s seniors were named to the All-Sectional Team: Alex Cord, Ledger Gelfius, Taeshaun Tungate, and Tournament MVP Collin Buck.
Jet Nation and the Danger Zone were loud and proud of their team. Many smiles and pictures on the floor following the game was a great sight to see after many years of being so close. The past three seasons, Hauser had been in the championship game twice, and couldn’t pull off win.
The one game Regional will be at Martinsville High School Saturday at 1 p.m. Hauser (23-3), will face Indianapolis Lutheran (8-15). Don’t let their season record deceive you, as the Saints play a tough schedule. Fans will need to show out Saturday to support your Hauser Jets!
Hauser Scoring: Alex Cord 8, Taeshaun Tungate 17, Gavin Keller 9, Ledger Gelfius 15, Stryker Gill 8 (7 assists), Collin Buck 15, Kam Blair 5, Jacob Bell 4.