The resounding cheer that spread throughout the stands was earned not just by the outcome of the game but by the sheer effort showcased throughout the battle. On Saturday night, Kokomo went verse and verse with Penn in the Class 4A Michigan City Semifinal and prevailed with a 58-57 win that took everyone's breath away.

Flory Bidunga, a consensus No. 2 high school basketball junior in the country led Kokomo with a formidable 25 points, 22 rebounds and 5 blocks. In addition to his finesse, a hard-nosed defensive effort by Patrick Hardimon to somewhat contain Indiana Mr. Baskeball candidate Markus Burton's 27-point performance sealed the Wildkats' hard-fought victory.

"Our man Patrick really plays the best defense." reflected Bidunga after the game, "if that wasn't his best, it was