Forest Park vs. Frankton: Keys to the IHSAA Class 2A girls basketball state championship

FERDINAND, Ind. — Over the past 20 years, the Forest Park girls basketball team has been a perennial power in Southwestern Indiana.

But for the first time in over two decades, the Rangers will be playing for a state championship.

No. 8 Forest Park (25-3) will face off against Frankton (23-5) in the IHSAA Class 2A state championship on Saturday at approximately 11:45 p.m. CST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This is the program's second state title appearance.

Here are some keys for the Rangers to bring home their first title in program history.

Continue to use size to their advantage

Throughout this postseason run, Forest Park has fed its post players and it's worked like a charm.

Look no further than 6-foot-1 junior forward Amber Tretter. The standout is averaging a double-double (17.2 points, 10.1 rebounds) and has notched three straight in the three biggest games of the season.

IHSAA girls basketball: Forest Park advances to state after dominant win over University

She's not the only threat inside. Carley Begle has also played a dominant role averaging 10.6 points, and she's seen an uptick in scoring in the postseason.

"We've got two pretty special post players in Amber and Carley," said Forest Park coach Tony Hasenour. "They've done a great job of that all season."

Having such a strong paint presence has opened up shots for the rest of the Rangers. Senior guard Ali Welp can spread the floor with her 3-point shot, as she's shooting a team-high 36 percent. Junior guards Lydia Betz (8.6 ppg) and Gabey Gray (4.1 ppg) have been able to attack with midrange and drive to the bucket.

But Forest Park's offense starts in the paint. It's been a calling card when it's needed it the most. Look for the Rangers to feed the post immediately on Saturday.

Force Frankton to take tough shots

When the Rangers' defense is on, it's tough for opposing teams to get the types of looks they want. They allow just under 37 points per game and are the only team in Saturday's state finals to have a top-50 defensive average regardless of class.

A good example is last week's semistate win over No. 6 University. The Trailblazers had to settle for threes and made just one in the first half. That allowed Forest Park to jump out to a 28-11 lead, which they never surrendered.

"Our defense has taken us a long way so far," Hasenour said. "We have to continue to be super disciplined. Cover up the 3-point shooters but also limit penetration."

Hasenour noted Frankton rarely turns the ball over and can shoot efficiently from deep when needed but won't rely on the perimeter.

The Eagles are led by 5-foot-8 senior forward Lauryn Bates, who averages 14 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore forward Emma Sperry will also be a player to watch as she's averaging double figures and has shot 18-of-34 from 3-point (53 percent).

"They're a combo of North Knox and University," said Hasenour, noting similarities of the Rangers' previous two opponents. "They will shoot the three but if you take that away, they will look to penetrate and get to the rim. They're a very athletic team."

Welp added: "They have some quick guards so we'll have to be able to stop them. Other than that, I think we just have to go out and play our game."

Don't get lost in the moment

This is just another game. But it will feel like anything but that.

There's going to be a lot for the Rangers to soak in. The atmosphere of an NBA arena. The largest crowd all season. The fact a win puts them in exclusive company throughout the state.

"Coaches I've talked to who have been at this level say you have to soak it in. But at the same time, you have to treat it like any other game," Hasenour said. "The psychological aspect is very important."

Several Frankton players have been here before. Both Bates and senior Bailee Webb were starters on the 2020 Eagles' team that suffered a deflating 70-28 defeat to Linton-Stockton in the 2A title game. The atmosphere won't be anything new to them.

But even though this is the first time Forest Park is experiencing it, they're trying not to think about it too much. They want to just relax have fun.

And hopefully return back to Dubois County with a blue ribbon around their necks.

"It still doesn't feel quite real but it's starting to sink in a little," Welp said. "Just having one more week of practice and another week of playing a game makes it feel more real."

Contact Courier & Press sports reporter Hendrix Magley via email at hendrix.magley@courierpress.com or via Twitter @TweetsOfHendrix.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA basketball: Forest Park vs. Frankton Class 2A state championship