Family ties run deep for Scottsburg boys basketball in bid for first boys state basketball title

SCOTTSBURG, Ind. (WDRB) -- This is the first state final trip for the Scottsburg High School boys basketball, but several of the student athletes have direct ties to some of the rich hoop history of the past at the school.

Leading scorer Kody Clancy's mother, the former Patty Hutchinson is the second-leading all-time scorer in the Scottsburg girls program.

Wyatt Zellers' mom, the former Carla Westmoreland was an all-state player and along with her sister, Wyatt's aunt, Indiana Miss Basketball Renee Westmoreland, led the girls to the school's only state title in 1989.

"Their super stoked for us," said Zellers. "My mom, she's my biggest supporter. They've been talking about this since my freshman year. She tells me to enjoy every moment, just cherish it all. I know she's super excited. My aunt is as well."

Fourth-year head coach Eric Richardson knows all about the school's basketball history and what it would mean to bring home the first boys state title for this community. He played here, his dad played here and his son Caden is a senior starter on this year's team.

"It would mean everything," said Richardson. "I was a 7th or 8th grader when the girls won it back in '89 and to see how the community really supported them. It set up their program for many years after that. That's what we're hoping for with the boys program."

It's a 6 p.m. start Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Scottsburg (24-5) vs South Bend St. Joseph (20-9) for the boys 3A championship.