It was a typical Indiana high school state championship basketball game. A large crowd watched an intense battle between heated rivals. In the second half alone the lead changed hands 10 times and the score was tied on seven occasions.
The stars of each team were named Alford and Neal, names easily recognized by Hoosier basketball fans.
However, this game was played in New Mexico, with fifth-seeded
Eldorado (Albuquerque, N.M.) nipping third-seeded
La Cueva (Albuquerque, N.M.) 75-72 for the Class 5A state title before a crowd of 11,000 at the University of New Mexico's famed Pit.
They already had met four times this season, with each winning twice.
Cullen Neal, a 6-4 junior, led his team to the championship with 34 points. Bryce Afford, a 6-3 junior, took game honors with 38 points in a losing effort. They are longtime friends and sons of University of New Mexico coaches who grew up and starred in Indiana for their fathers.
Head coach Steve Alford played for his father, Sam, at New Castle, Ind., before leading Indiana University to an NCAA title and the USA to Olympic gold. Assistant coach Craig Neal played for his father, Stan, at Washington, Ind., before playing for Georgia Tech and putting in eight years with various professional teams. Both were Indiana All-Stars, while Steve Alford was named Mr. Basketball his senior year.
Expect the fierce rivalry to continue next year when both return for their senior campaigns.
*Brandon Baker poured in 45 points (19 in the fourth quarter), but it wasn't enough as
Crenshaw (Los Angeles, Calif.) was handed a 103-91 loss by
Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) during the first round of the Division I Southern California regional.
