First night of sectional

No Hancock County teams in action, but some games in Hancock County sectionals.

First off, a barnburner at New Palestine between arch-rivals Shelbyville and Rushville, and the second-ranked team in Class 3A goes down 55-52. Shelby trailed by five in the game's final minute, but a short jumper by Patrick Ellis, followed by a stolen inbounds pass and a 3-pointer by Ben Kramer tied the game. Then, with Rushville playing for the final shot, Ellis stole the ball and fed John Krise for a layup that became a 3-point play with 4.6 seconds left. Rushville missed a desperation heave and Shelby won. Rushville led 21-11 at one point early, but then Shelby went on a big run that pushed its lead to 38-31 midway through the third. The lead see-sawed back and forth, as Rushville's Jon Thompson had a huge fourth quarter. Shelby was led by Patrick Ellis' 15 points, leading three players in double-figures.

So, here are the pairings for Friday night at NPHS. We will be broadcasting both games:
6 p.m.: New Palestine (9-11) vs. #4 Hamilton Heights (17-4)
7:30 p.m.: Mt. Vernon (7-13) vs. Shelbyville (14-7)
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE!

The other two Hancock County teams get underway Wednesday. At New Castle, Greenfield-Central (9-11) will face Pendleton Heights (16-5) at 7:30 p.m., following the tilt between Anderson (4-16) and Connersville (8-14). In the other bracket, New Castle (15-5), which drew a bye, will face Richmond (17-5). The Red Devils beat Muncie Central 59-50 tonight.

Eastern Hancock (17-3) will face Cambridge City Lincoln (2-18) at 7:30 p.m., following the tilt between Knightstown (9-11) and Centerville (14-6). The winners of those games will play in the 7:30 p.m. semifinal Friday night. Friday's first semi will be between Union County (16-5) and Shenandoah (15-8). UC beat host Hagerstown 50-49 tonight, while Shenandoah beat Northeastern 65-53.

We will broadcast a sectional championship game involving a Hancock County team if any are remaining by Saturday night.

Also, one game involving an HHC team outside of Sectional 27 -- Yorktown fell to Muncie South 55-49. The Tigers' season ends with a 6-15 record. Muncie South will play Eastbrook on Friday at the Muncie Fieldhouse. Delta meets Blackford in the first semi.