Game Report: Jets Flying High into the Seymour Semi-State

Sports can be very interesting at times. Some things from the past can be the same and some different. Back in March 2017, the same two schools, (Hauser and Indianapolis Lutheran) with totally different players, traveled to the same gym (Martinsville) to play in the IHSAA 1A basketball Regional at the same time of day. The Regional format in 2025 is different than in 2017. Changing the Regional format to one game allowed more teams to advance to the Semi-State two games format. These different Jets players probably don’t remember the 2017 game, after-all most were in fourth and fifth grades. I do know these Jets are hungry were going to make sure the 2025 game result would be different with a win.

Jet Nation was loud and proud, filling half of the John Wooden Gymnasium. The team didn’t disappoint, coming away with a 70-52 convincing victory. The win pushes the 1A #2 Jets record to 24-3 on the season.

Junior point guard Stryker Gill got the Jets on the scoreboard first with a lay-up and getting fouled. The Saints were held scoreless the first two minutes of the game. Hauser held a slim 12-10 lead going into the second quarter, and that’s when the Jets stretched the lead outscoring Indy 20-8. The Jets were not about to let up in the third quarter outscoring the Saints 29-11.

Prior to the game many talked about the Saints under .500 record and how deceiving it is with their schedule strength. Some will argue that teams playing a more competitive schedule have an advantage over those with a weaker schedule. You can make arguments either way, but I’ve seen several times where Hauser is concerned, the schedule strength didn’t play a factor. Teams still need to be physically and mentally prepared to play night in and night out.

Following the game during the net cutting, I was able to catch up to Hauser Senior Taeshaun Tungate and get his thoughts. “I’ve been dreaming for this moment forever, and now it’s come true. I can’t wait to play next weekend.”

Hauser once again had balanced scoring. Ledger Gelfius led with 16 points, Stryker Gill had a Triple-Double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Gavin Keller also had 13, Taeshaun Tungate 12, Collin Buck 8, Alex Cord 4, Kam Blair 2, and Bill Miller 2. Leading the Saints in scoring was LJ Ward with 15.

It’s been 19 long years since Hauser’s boys have won a regional and advanced to the semi-state. Sunday, the IHSAA held the drawing for all four class semi-state brackets. Hauser is in the Southern half playing at Seymour High School Saturday at 10 a.m. against Orleans (22-4). Game two will be Clay City (25-1) vs. Liberty Christian (18-8). The game winners will play in the Championship game at 8 p.m. The Semi-State Champion will advance to the State Championship on Saturday, March 29 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse starting at 10:30 a.m.

If you haven’t been to a Hauser basketball game in a while, and you’re able to go, do something a little different Saturday and go watch.