Last night, the Scottsburg gym felt a little more like Market Square Arena. Between the JV and Varsity matchups against Brownstown Central, our school and community had the chance to do something long overdue — formally honor the 1985–86 Warriorette State Runner-Up team, one of the most celebrated groups to ever wear purple and gold. It wasn’t just a recognition of wins and banners. It was a thank-you to a team that changed what Scottsburg girls’ basketball believed was possible. With the crowd on its feet, we welcomed back members of that historic squad and coaching staff. Leslie Ferrell and Mary Broady were in attendance, along with Assistant Coach Mary Jones and Hall of Fame Head Coach Donna Cheatham — the leader who guided that unforgettable run. Seeing them together again, in front of a packed house, reminded everyone that the strongest programs are built on the shoulders of those who came before. A Season That Still Defines Scottsburg Basketball The 1985–86 Warriorettes didn’t just have a great year — they had a season that became part of Indiana basketball history. Under Coach Cheatham, that team combined discipline, defense, and unselfish play into a style that opponents couldn’t solve. They finished 24–3, brought home Scottsburg’s first-ever IHSAA State Runner-Up trophy, and announced to the entire state that the Warriorettes belonged among the best. After opening the season with a narrow 69–67 loss to North Harrison, the Warriorettes responded like champions. They tore through the rest of the year with poise and purpose, averaging 64.8 points per game while holding opponents to only 44.7 — a 20-point margin that reflected total team dominance. The March That Took Scottsburg to the State Stage As we recapped last night, the tournament trail remains one of the great runs in school history: Sectional: Southwestern, Madison, New Washington Regional: Silver Creek, Corydon Semi-State: Bedford NL, Seymour Each win pushed them closer to Market Square Arena, and with every step, the Warriorettes carried the pride of this town with them. Two State Finals Games We’ll Never Forget Semi-Final vs. Gary Wallace — Scottsburg 62, Gary Wallace 59 The Warriorettes opened their day at Market Square Arena with a gritty, fearless win. They rallied late, made the plays that mattered most, and earned their spot in the championship game. Leaders that day included: Tadgi DeBerg: 21 points, 6 assists Cara Gullion: 18 points, 9 rebounds Leslie Ferrell: 13 points, 10 rebounds Renee Westmoreland: 8 points State Championship vs. Fort Wayne Northrop — Northrop 58, Scottsburg 55 In the final, Scottsburg faced a powerhouse and matched them shot for shot. The Warriorettes stormed back in the fourth quarter and had the title within reach until the very last possession. That game featured one of the greatest individual finals performances in IHSAA history: Leslie Ferrell: 29 points, 16 rebounds Cara Gullion: 19 points, 9 rebounds Tadgi DeBerg: 7 assists Renee Westmoreland: unrelenting effort on both ends Ferrell’s two-game total of 29 rebounds in the state finals still ranks among the best totals ever recorded — the kind of stat that doesn’t happen without heart. By the Numbers, Built on Defense and Teamwork Last night’s ceremony also highlighted just how complete this team was: Team FG%: .502 Team FT%: .649 Rebounds: 33.1 per game Opponent FG%: .316 Points per game: 64.8 Opponent points per game: 44.7 That opponent field-goal percentage tells the story — you didn’t get easy looks against the Warriorettes. Their defense was a statement every night. The People Who Made It Special Honoring this team in person brought home what numbers can’t fully say: they were connected. Every player had a role, and every role mattered. Leslie Ferrell led the way all season and went on to become a 1986 Indiana All-Star, a fitting honor for a player whose state finals performance still echoes through the record books. Tadgi DeBerg, the team’s steady hand and fierce competitor, received the IHSAA Patricia L. Roy Mental Attitude Award, reflecting her leadership and character. Coach Donna Cheatham was later selected to coach the Indiana All-Stars, a statewide recognition of her brilliance and the respect she earned. And seeing Coach Cheatham and Assistant Coach Mary Jones on the floor again last night was a reminder that great teams are shaped by great leadership. Why Last Night Mattered The 1985–86 Warriorettes laid the foundation for everything that came after — including the 1989 state championship. They raised the ceiling for what Scottsburg basketball could be, and they gave future generations a standard to chase. So honoring them last night wasn’t just about looking back. It was about connecting our present to our greatest traditions. It was about reminding every young Warriorette in that gym what it means to wear this jersey — and what can happen when a team truly believes in each other. Welcome home, Warriorettes. Your season was for the ages — and your legacy will always be part of who we are.