South Vermillion overcomes South Putnam

There is an adage that once the state tournament rolls around, the margin of error gets smaller.

The South Putnam Eagles found this out the hard way Tuesday evening in their opening game of the Class 2A Sectional 41 Tournament. 

Despite holding an edge over South Vermillion after the first quarter, a handful of missed shots right around the basket, as well as missed free throws combined with seven three pointers from South Vermillion standout Dom Garzolini proved to be too much to overcome as the Wildcats pulled off a 69-56 win.

With the win, South Vermillion advances to the second semifinal Friday against Southmont, while South Putnam sees its season end.

Early on, South Putnam came out strong, taking a 15-13 lead after the first quarter, but that was as good as it got for the Eagles. South Vermillion came storming back, turning a 20-17 lead into a 35-26 halftime edge.

Twice in the third quarter, the Eagles cut the deficit to seven, but Aiden Wallace kept South Vermillion in front and ahead by double digits, as he scored six points in the frame. 

South Putnam had one last run in itself, cutting the lead to four after a basket from Isaac Garner, but that was as close as it would get.

Garzolini led the way with 25 points, while Wallace had 18 and Dallas Coleman added 10 for the Wildcats.

South Putnam was paced by both Garner and Khalil Jefferson, who each scored 11.