BIG RUNS BURY OLYMPIANS

Carmel's streaks lead to a 66-44 semistate win over East

Fifth-ranked Carmel went on a 12-0 run to end the first half and a 9-0 run at the end of the third to put away Columbus East, 66-44, and advance to next Saturday's state championship game against South Bend Washington.

Midway through the second quarter, the Olympians trailed just 20-19 before the Greyhounds' 12-0 run to end the half gave them a 32-19 lead at the break. Late in the second quarter, East trailed 43-34. Then, Carmel went on a 9-0 run -- led by Chrissy Steffen's seven points -- to take an insurmountable 52-34 lead after three quarters.

The Greyhounds, now 21-4 and semistate champions for the first time since 1995, were led by Steffen. The junior had shot 10 for 21 from the field and had a game-high 25 points. Danielle Havel contributed with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Lauren McRoberts had seven points, six rebounds and six assists.

East shot just 40 percent from the field and hit just two of its seven free throw attempts.

Jordan Ogle and McKayla Barber again led the Olympians, who finish with a 20-5 record. Ogle, a junior, had a team-high with 17 points. She also had six rebounds and a team-high three assists.

Barber finished her career with nine points and 11 rebounds. Freshmen Alicia Hopkins added seven points.