The SHS boys basketball team began their 2019-2020 season banned from the IHSAA Sectional Tournament due to a recruiting violation. 

That ruling was later overturned on Dec. 4, and last night the Cards defeated the Ben Davis Giants 58-48 to advance to the second round of the tournament. 

Freshman A.J. Dancler scored the first eight points of the game for the Cards and propelled them to a 28-19 lead over the Giants at halftime.

Senior Brevin Jefferson caught fire coming out of halftime. Jefferson helped the Cards withstand a run from the Giants and maintain their lead. 

The Cards were able to keep their lead at seven points, going into the fourth quarter ahead 37-30. 

Jefferson, Dancler and the rest of the Cards were able to close out the game, winning by ten points and moving forward to the next round of the tournament. Dancler ended with 21 points, and Jefferson ended with 17 points for the team.

“(Being able to play in the tournament) felt good,” Jefferson said. “Everybody was excited. The student section was great, loved the energy, and it just felt good to be out there.”

 The Cards will play the Decatur Central Hawks Friday night, March 6, at the SHS Fieldhouse at 7:30. 

If the Cards win their next game, they will move onto the Sectional Championship, where they will play the winner of the PMHS Falcons versus Pike Red Devils game, on Saturday, March 7, at the Fieldhouse.