As the 2024-25 winter sports season is now off and running at SHS, fans should be informed on what athletes to watch and games they should attend. Here are a few games to look forward to and some Cards to watch:
Game #1
As the boys basketball season has started off with some great games, including ones against Perry Meridian and Warren Central, one to go out and see is the Forum Tipoff Classic at the historic Southport Fieldhouse today, Saturday, Dec. 14.
Not only do the Cards go up against Avon at 3:30 p.m., but there are also five other games that go on from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Cards look promising against Avon, who won a sectional title last year. Though they look like the underdog, they could be the surprise of the day in games including New Palestine vs Zionsville and Fishers vs. Crispus Attucks.
The Cards will be led by senior Jack Turner, who is averaging 15.3 points per game, and junior James Kalala, who leads the team in field goal percentage and rebounds per game.
Game #2
The girls basketball team has had some great games throughout the season against schools such as Perry Meridian, Mooresville and Bloomington North. Another one to add to this list is their game on Saturday, Dec. 21 against Speedway.
As the Lady Cards look to go 7-5, they’ll be going up against the Sparkplugs, who have struggled with a 2-5 record.
Head coach Larry Williams believes that this is a winnable game.
“I think if we give 100% and the girls work as hard as they are capable, it should be a good and competitive game,” Williams said.
Athletes to look out for in this game including seniors Kassie McMasters, Ryleigh Hamilton and Nola Linson, who lead the team in 12 of the 13 major statistics according to MaxPreps.
The team is looking to increase their home winning percentage, and this is a great game to watch and see if they can start a new hot streak.
Athlete #1
Junior Malakai Bravard has quietly been one of the stars for the Cards on the varsity basketball team this season.
After transferring from Franklin Community, Bravard has been leading the team in free throw percentage and 3-point percentage all coming off the bench.
“I feel like I’m able to come in off the bench and help my team with consistent three pointers,” Bravard said. “I believe that I should keep doing what I’m doing to help my team win.”
In his first game against Perry Meridian, Bravard pulled up from the 3-point arc four times, which helped contribute to 9 of his 12 points.
Then, in his next home game against Warren Central, he scored 10 points and earned the Southport player of the game, according to MaxPreps, in a 56-50 loss to the Warriors.
Though the point totals might not show, Bravard has been an asset to a team who is looking to go all the way.
Athlete #2
Not every day can someone go out and see an athlete ranked first in the state, but we have one right here at SHS.
Senior Kyla Johnson, who has been on the girls wrestling team ever since it started, is ranked number one in the state in the 125 lbs weight class according to Hoosier Mat Wrestling.
Johnson also has a record of 15-4 with 11 pins according to Track Wrestling.
Her resume includes finishing in 4th place in 2024 for the 125 lbs weight class, 2nd in 2023 for the 113 lbs class and 1st in 2022 for the 113 lbs class.
Not only is she ranked number one, but she was also a part of the Lady Cards who had a second place finish in the IHSAA State finals last year.
The next big match for Johnson and the Lady Cards is Conference Indiana at the historic Southport fieldhouse on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 9 a.m.
As the season continues to push forward, Johnson will be looking to maintain her top ranking and help lead the Lady Cards to success.
