Monrovia enters regional clash knowing what to expect

For the second time in as many seasons, the Monrovia Bulldogs stand in the way of Parke Heritage cutting down the nets for a girl's basketball regional title.

A season ago, the Wolves overcame Monrovia, 64-44, on its way to a semi-state appearance. 

And, while Monrovia coach Daryl Gibbs was pleased to make the regional last year, he said his team knows what to expect better this season in a rematch with the Wolves. 

Parke Heritage and Monrovia will square off in the Terre Haute North Regional at 4 p.m. Saturday. Coverage begins at 3:40 p.m. on GIANT fm WAXI. 

"I am very excited to be back. The last time we were here, we did not know what to expect, but felt very blessed to be there. I am very surprised we have made it to the regional this year. I feel like we have unlimited potential but are still working to believe and reach that potential," Gibbs told The Parke County Post.

At 20-5, Monrovia enters on a six game win streak. A 58-53 January win over Southmont proved to Gibbs he had a "solid team," he admits. 

"They are an awesome team, and we competed well against them," said Gibbs, who has watched his team average 62 points and surrender just over 47 points per game. 

After closing out the regular season with wins over South Putnam, Speedway and Scecina, the Bulldogs turned back Park Tudor in the opening round of the sectional and then blasted University, 82-33, in the championship game. 

Leading the way for the Bulldogs this season has been sophomore Zoie Walls, who averages 20 plus points per game, eight rebounds and three assists. 

"She does so much that without her, we definitely would have had a much harder time getting to where we are today," Gibbs said.

Junior Grace Deaton has also been clutch for Monrovia, averaging 10 points and doing the things that don't necessarily get noticed in the box scores. 

"Her ability to help us get in spots and sets we need to be in both offensively and defensively cannot be measured," said Gibbs. 

The third year coach also singled out junior Brynlee Hamblin, who has "really stepped up and been instrumental the second half of the season."

"Her season stats say one thing but her stats the last half of the season have spoken for themselves. In her last 6 games, she is averaging close to 10 plus rpg (5 offensive) and finishing at the rim with authority," Gibbs noted.

In Parke Heritage, who enters with an 18-7 record, Gibbs said he sees a "really good team" on film.

"They had a tough road to get here. On film, they look solid at all five positions and play with great poise and patience," he admitted. 

And, he sees a player that can take over a game in Lila Busenbark. 

"I am totally fearful of how awesome she is and what she can bring to a game with her outside shooting and defense," Gibbs said. 

As for what it will take for Monrovia to score the victory, it hinges on two things, according to Gibbs. 

"For us to have a chance to get a win, we have to rebound the ball at a high level and limit live ball turnovers. If we do those two things, we will have a chance to compete on Saturday," Gibbs said.