After a hard fought battle vs Westfield in the first round of the IHSAA Sectionals, HSE Boys Basketball is moving on to the next round of Sectionals after a 68-61 victory. The Royals will take on the Fishers Tigers on March 6th, 2026, at Noblesville High School, a rematch of the annual Mudsock game that took place earlier in the season. The Royals fell to the tigers to the same score against Westfield, 68-61, on December 19th, 2026. Now they will meet once again, hoping to create a different outcome.
The Mudsock game is a legendary and heated rivalry that dates back over 100 years. It varies across all sports, but on Friday it will be a rivalry of basketball. The Royals are riding an 8 game win streak dating back to when they defeated Pendleton Heights 76-72 on January 31, 2026. Since then, Coach Bobby Allen and his team have been hot, showcasing multiple 20+ point performances from multiple different players. Standouts include Varschon Clark and Landon Oswald, who have put up scores that put away the opponents in an embarrassing fashion.
Fishers has had a record setting season as well. The Tigers are led by standout Cooper Zachary, posting an undefeated 25-0 record in the regular season. The tigers have been considered the best team in the state of Indiana, so the Royals will have their work cut out for them. Their latest victory came to Brownsburg in a 30 point 82-52 win. So, the tigers are riding high as well leading up to their rematch with the Royals.
There is one glaring difference between the two teams that may determine the outcome of the game on Thursday. The Royals are coming off a hard fought victory only three days prior to the matchup against Fishers, leaving them little time to practice and rehab; However, it may benefit them as they would have had more game-time experience since Fishers last played, better preparing their bodies and mind to handle the pressure. Fishers received a first round bye with their undefeated record, meaning they get an extra week of rest and practice; However, they haven’t played an organized IHSAA game of basketball since February 24, 2026. Can the tigers get back into a groove quickly to compete with the red hot Royals? Only time will tell on March 6, 2026, at 7:45 p.m.
It will be a hard fought battle between both teams. Students will be fired up, parents will be determined, players will risk it all. Winner of the game will move on to the Sectional Championship on March 7, 2026, further improving their team’s morale and chances to become State Champions.
