The IHSAA Boys Basketball Sectional 62 tournament began tonight at Loogootee High School, featuring both a dominant blowout and a closely contested game.

To start the action, Orleans decisively defeated Washington Catholic with a score of 64-8, ending the Cardinals’ season. According to a report, “Orleans destroyed Washington Catholic by the astounding score of 64-8.” The No. 4 Bulldogs (19-3) maintained control throughout the game, holding WC to just three baskets and two points across the first three quarters. Sophomore Brody Voges led Washington Catholic with five points, and Abdu Askar contributed three points. The Cardinals finished the year with a 0-23 record under first-year coach Peyton Catt.

The game opened with turnovers by Washington Catholic, allowing Orleans to establish a 5-0 lead, which they extended to 14-0 before the 4-minute mark. Voges scored WC’s first basket to make it 16-2. Orleans responded with 11 consecutive points, eventually taking a 27-2 lead into the second quarter. The Bulldogs scored seven points off turnovers, while WC struggled offensively, shooting just 1-5 in the first half.

In the second quarter, Orleans eased up on defense but still outscored WC, leading 38-2 at halftime. The game quickly moved into the third quarter with a running clock due to IHSAA rules. Orleans extended its lead to 44-2, as Washington Catholic continued to miss shots, going 0-10 for the quarter.

By the final quarter, VC was down 50-2. Voges sunk a three-pointer early in the fourth, and Askar added an “and-1” play to bring the score to 56-8. Orleans finally finished with a 64-8 victory, ending their season.

Looking ahead, Orleans will face Vincennes Rivet in the Sectional Semi-Finals on March 6 at 6 p.m. at Jack Butcher Arena. Meanwhile, Washington Catholic concludes their season at 0-21.

In other sectional action, Vincennes Rivet defeated Medora High School 59-52 at 7:30 p.m. yesterday, setting up the anticipated matchup against Orleans. The semifinal games are scheduled for March 6 at Jack Butcher Arena, located on the Loogootee High School campus.

Additionally, local rivalries continue as the Loogootee Lions will face Barr-Reeve at 6 p.m., followed by North Daviess versus Shoals. Both games will be held at Jack Butcher Arena tomorrow evening.