July 9, 2021 – Kokomo, IN –
It is usually a common goal to do better than the time before. At the end of the 2020 TBL season, cut short due to Covid-19, the Indy Express found themselves at the top of the standings with a record of 9-2. When the season ended, it was a story left without an ending for the Express. This season, their story continues as the Midwest Conference Champions.
Last night the Indy Express went against the Kokomo Bobkats at Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium in Kokomo, IN. The Express already led the series in what was a best-of-3 contest 1-0. Although the Express led the series, they anticipated a tough game against the Bobkats whom were facing elimination. Within the first quarter, the Express would face obstacles internally, struggling from behind the arc. In the first quarter, the Express shot a disappointing 1-8 from three. The Bobkats would experience the opposite, shooting an impressive 4-6 from three. The Bobkats would look to push a lead a strong portion of the game, but it would come down to who had the “clutch factor”. With an eight-point lead and 1:07 on the clock, the Bobkats would look to shrink the lead and would get the game within 6 points, but that is the closest they would get in the final minutes losing the game 90-84.
Showing that “clutch factor” was Joseph Retic II, whom was 10-10 at the line. Leading the way for the Express would be John Hart, whom had 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. To add to this performance, Hart shot 50% from the field, shooting 8-16. With this victory, the Indy Express won the Midwest Conference Championship and will advance to the TBL Championship Semi-Finals. The Indy Express will face the winner of the Jamestown Jackals and Syracuse Stallions Series, which could come to a close tonight as the Jackals lead the series 1-0.
The Indy Express could get their dream ending to a start that never had an ending in 2021. A conference championship is considered a huge milestone itself, but the Indy Express see the remainder of the season as championship or bust scenario. Their current success already adds to rich history of basketball success in Indiana and within a few weeks, there could be one more championship banner hanging and one more team added in the history books.
