Jamard Owens, Merrillville

Merrillville's Jamard Owens hits a free throw against Michigan City in the sectional semifinal. The senior started his first varsity game in February. The Pirates offense has been clicking ever since. Merrillville will play Carmel in today's Class 4A Northern Semistate.

Chesterton players leave the gym following a loss to Valparaiso in Friday's semifinals of the Class 4A Michigan City Sectional.

Chesterton's Cole Teal drives around Valparaiso's Justin Osburn during the second half of Valpo's win over the Trojans on Friday night at the Class 4A Michigan City Sectional.

Valparaiso players celebrate in the final second of their win over Chesterton on Friday at the Class 4A Michigan City Sectional.

Chesterton Chris Palombizio loses control of the ball while Valparaiso's Tyler Doane, center and Justin Osburn are there to recover Friday.

Chesterton's Matt Holba gets tangled up with Valparaiso's Brody Wilson while John Mosser, right, defends in the second half Friday night.

Valparaiso's Justin Osburn shoots as Chesterton's Corey Rusboldt defends Friday.

Chesterton's Jacob Andert drives as Valparaiso's John Mosser defends in the first half of Friday night's semifinal of the Class 4A Michigan City Sectional.

Valparaiso's Zach Meyer shoots as Chesterton's Corey Rusboldt defends Friday night.

West Side at Highland football sectional semifinal

West Side's Aarien Smith puts the grab on Highland's La'Kice Brooks as West Side faces Highland in their football sectional semifinal game Friday.

West Side at Highland football sectional semifinal

West Side's Lonnie Johnson is chased by Highland's Troy Welman and Jacob Johnson as West Side faces Highland in their sectional semifinal game Friday.

West Side at Highland football sectional semifinal

Highland's Matt Holl gets massive yardage with West Side defenders in pursuit during Friday's sectional semifinal game.

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Mount Carmel's Draco Smith rushed for 750 yards and five TDs last season. Smith committed to Northern Illinois, where he will be a defensive back.

Marian Catholic's Robby Cifelli

Marian Catholic's Robby Cifelli steals second, beating the tag by Oak Forest's Jason Hine Wednesday at the Class 3A Lincoln-Way West semifinal. It was Cifelli's 53rd stolen base of the season.

Marian Catholic's Erik Callaghan

Marian Catholic's Erik Callaghan slides home safely in the seventh inning on a wild pitch by Oak Forest's Kyle Funkhouser. The Spartans won 7-5 Wednesday to advance to Saturday's Class 3A Lincoln-Way West Sectional final.

Marian Catholic's Ben Santori

Marian Catholic's Ben Santori pitches in the final inning as Marian Catholic beat Oak Forest 7-5 Wednesday in one semifinal of the Class 3A Lincoln-Way West Sectional.

Marian Catholic's Patrick Schmidt

Marian Catholic's Patrick Schmidt gets picked off of first by Oak Forest's Brian Richard Wednesday in one semifinal of the Class 3A Lincoln-Way West Sectional. The Spartans won 7-5.

Marian Catholic's Robby Cifelli

Marian Catholic's Robby Cifelli dives back to first base, beating the tag by Oak Forest's Brian Richard in the Spartans 7-5 win Wednesday at the Class 3A Lincoln-Way West semifinal.

Marian Catholic pitcher Ben Santori

Marian Catholic pitcher Ben Santori, center, is mobbed by teammates after the Spartans beat Oak Forest 7-5 Wednesday in a semifinal game of the Class 3A Lincoln-Way West Sectional.

Mt. Carmel's Frank Kelly

Mt. Carmel's Frank Kelly, left, is congratulated by teammate Matt Domer after Kelly scored against Hales Franciscan during the first half of a Catholic League semifinal playoff football game. The Caravan face Brother Rice tonight for the Catholic League championship.