STATE FINALS NOTEBOOK: Lomeli proves to be postseason difference-maker

INDIANAPOLIS | Though he's only been eligible since the first game of the Merrillville Regional, there has been no more important player to Crown Point's postseason run than Christian Lomeli.

Lomeli, who attended Crown Point his freshman year, spent the past two seasons playing for Lake Forest Academy in the north suburbs of Chicago before deciding to transfer back to C.P. for his senior season.

Lomeli had to get in at least 10 practices before playing in a game, but once he became eligible, his return paid immediate dividends. One of his goals was to win a state championship with his friends, and that was a big reason he came back home. He fulfilled that goal after Crown Point beat Columbus North Saturday 4-2 on penalty kicks.

"That was definitely one reason," he said. "I spoke to my mom about it and it was a good idea. Being here now is just unreal."

Crown Point coach JR Rosenbaum knew Lomeli's return would be a huge boost to the team's postseason chances.

"I'm definitely happy that he came back and the boys are all happy that he came back," Rosenbaum said. "Like we said from the start, he was here as a freshman, but he's always been integrated with the team. When he came back, it was a no-brainer."

Lomeli plans to return to Lake Forest Academy next year to better his chances at a college scholarship.

Pulling double duty: Brett Bayer certainly had himself a busy weekend.

The Crown Point senior played in the football team's 12-10 sectional semifinal win over Valparaiso, kicking a field goal. Bayer then drove to Indianapolis on Saturday morning to play in the state championship, where he put in solid minutes for the Bulldogs.

"Brett Bayer is a phenomenal athlete," Rosenbaum said. "This is two weekends in a row that he was out there winning games for the football team. He drives down (Saturday) and puts in important minutes for us. Whatever we ask him to do, he'll do for us."

Other state finals scores: In the Class A girls state championship, Providence's Casey Marlin scored in the shootout session to give her team a 1-0 win over Mishawaka Marian. Providence out-shot Marian 20-6 and forced goalkeeper Makaela Douglas to make seven saves.

Fort Wayne Canterbury opened the offensive floodgates in the second half, getting two goals from Britt Watts and one from Adam Antalis to take the Class A boys state championship 3-0 over Evansville Mater Dei.

Carmel's Brooke Backes scored a goal 15 minutes into the first half, and the Greyhounds clamped down on defense to record a 1-0 win over Hamilton Southeastern in the Class 2A girls state championship. Carmel out-shot H.S. 20-4 and forced goalkeeper Stacey DePriest to make 11 saves.