4/1/15
The day before state championships, Ivan Rabb tweeted, “Unfinished business. Let’s get this ring boys!” A very big ring is what they earned after Saturday’s matchup against Mater Dei for the Open Division State Title.
Senior Ivan Rabb led his team throughout the game but especially when it came down to the last shot of the game, literally! Rabb made the winning free throw after being fouled by M.J. Cage with 0.8 seconds remaining on the clock in overtime.
Boise State-bound Paris Austin also played a significant role in the Dragon’s steady comeback, scoring 21 points with seven assists. Rabb finished his last high school game with 19 points and 21 rebounds.
Mater Dei was going for five consecutive state championship titles or as the players were saying “#StriveForFive”. Notre Dame-bound Rex Pflueger contributed to the Monarchs’ quick 9-1 lead with his three-point shot followed by a dunk. By the end of the game, Pflueger had 19 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
M.J. Cage, the 6’10” junior was shut down by Dragon defense only scoring nine points and 13 rebounds.
Rabb and the Dragons finally put an end to more than three decades of not clinching a state championship victory. Congratulations to Head Coach Lou Richie and the Dragons on finally breaking the streak and taking home the Open Division State Championship!