Noll holds off Andrean for perfect mark

Updated: March 23, 2011 9:16AM

Thunderous cheers echoed through Bishop Noll's fieldhouse as senior Adonis Filer stepped to the free-throw line and shot his last two attempts of the night.

The game was in hand and perfection was calling as the student section let it all out in the game's final 30 seconds. Then the students charged the floor and celebrated with their team.

The Warriors made history on Friday night, defeating rival Andrean, 68-57, and completing a perfect 21-0 season for the first time since Indiana All-star Bob Bradtke led the school to an undefeated 20-0 mark during the 1955-56 season.

The Warriors join Munster as the region's first perfect boys teams since Valparaiso in 1994.

The goal was not a perfect season but a state championship for the second-ranked team in Class 2A. But Noll coach Drew Trost wants his guys to enjoy it - for one night, anyway.

"I just told the guys in the locker room that people will say this doesn't mean much; that it's all about sectionals and the state tournament," he said. "But I told them to enjoy it; that this was quite an achievement.

"I can't think of a game they came out and didn't take seriously. I think a big reason (the team finished undefeated) is because of guys like (John) Dodson, (Jose) Rosario and (Ronnye) Beamon. Then you add Filer … he just wants to win at everything whether it's solitaire or cards or tic-tac-toe. And that winning attitude rubs off on the kids, undoubtedly."

Filer put the team on his shoulders in the fourth quarter. Andrean (12-8) led 41-40 heading into the final frame and the 59ers looked like they were going to ruin the Warriors' perfect season, while trying to end their own personal four-game losing streak to their Hammond rival.

Filer, the Mount Carmel transfer, wouldn't let his team down, though. The 6-foot-3 senior knocked down a 3 early in the quarter and had his way with the Andrean defenders, creating shot after shot for himself and his teammates.

Filer scored 16 of his game-high 26 points in the final frame to put his team over the top in the game's final four minutes. He also added 10 rebounds and eight assists.

"If he's not a top-five player in the state, I want to see the top four," Trost said. "We haven't been down like that late in a game in a long time and that was big to overcome.

"Filer is a phenomenal talent but there are so many pieces to the puzzle that you can't key on any one guy."

Dodson played the best supporting role in the win, scoring eight of his 12 points in the final frame as Filer looked to him when he had his hands full.

"We have to be there to pick up on the little things," Dodson said. "Me and Jose are always around the rim and going underneath for the rebounds or filling in wherever we're needed.

"This was probably the biggest game of the year; it's always big to get a win against your rival."

Junior Josh James led the 59ers with 18 points and eight rebounds. Nick Davidson had 16 points and Collin Wojcik contributed 12 points and four assists.

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