Penn boys basketball prepare for semi-state

 

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - The Kingsmen are 27-1 this season after beating Chesterton 70-63, in a rematch from last year’s regional title game, making it their first regional championship since 2019.

In their first round of semi-state, the Kingsmen are facing another one-loss team and they spoke about the approach and opportunity against Hammond Central at media day.

“We've got our hands full with them, they've got a great point guard," said head coach Al Rhodes. "Three wings that can really shoot and three postman that play tough inside. Their coach does a good job of mixing up their defenses. So, thank goodness, we've got experienced guards that will hopefully recognize things.

"Once you're at this level, the Elite Eight, anybody can beat anybody," Rhodes said. "So, you got to stay out of foul trouble. You got to have good fortune at the free throw line. But I think we stand as good a chance as anybody to survive the day.”

The Kingsmen are led by a handful of seniors, including Notre Dame basketball commit and Indiana Mister Basketball candidate, Markus Burton, who leads the state with more than 30 points per game.

“Hammond Central is a great team," Burton said. "We're all looking forward to playing them. They're another team that only lost one game just like us. So I mean, it'd be a great, great competition for us.”

“I think we just got to take care of the ball play discipline on offense," said senior Joey Garwood. "Don't force rush shots. I think if we box out, play our defense, I think we can win this game.”