two nights and Sunday morning

Friday - you're on a roll.  Your South Decatur Cougars are 13-0 and playing well.  High paced offense and at times a stifling defense.  You've beaten sister school North Decatur twice, are ranked #3 in some statewide 2A polls, have been written about in the Indianapolis Star and cautious fans have started to pack the gym on game nights.  Your fellow students are pumped.  Tonight is 3-9 Centerville and if all goes as expected, a 14-0 record by Saturday morning.  And then, Greensburg.  The #5 ranked 3A, two-time state champion, 14 miles up the road Greensburg.  But that's tomorrow.  Tonight is a packed house, a 31-8 first quarter lead, a celebration of junior Lane Lauderbaugh's 1000th point and some rest for the starters.  Final score, 67-36.  14-0.

Saturday - this is a different game, in more ways than one.  In a gym that holds 5000, an empty seat is hard to find.  South Decatur faithful (and some from North Decatur) arrive early and fill the visitors side.  They believe in 14-0.  Pirate fans stroll in more leisurely, confident in their history.  The JV game is unexpectedly close, with SD making a late run before losing, and then it's game time.  Team introductions are not just announced, they are Vegas/NBA.  And then tip time.  As the minutes roll by it becomes obvious - South Decatur is quick, Greensburg is quicker; SD plays aggressive defense but Greensburg has height and great passing. South Decatur's long jumpers are not falling, but layups come easy for the Pirates.  It remains close for awhile and then it all vanishes.  In the end, 108-73.

Sunday - the undefeated season is over.  For the Cougars eight more games to tournament time remain.  Time to dig deep and look to the past to see the way forward. © Chris Smith