By GREG MENGELT

Silver Creek began its state championship defense by winning arguably Class 3A’s toughest sectional last week. The Dragons beat Scottsburg, Madison and 12th-ranked Corydon Central at North Harrison to win the program’s seven sectional title and just its third this century and earn the Hoosier Hills Hoops Girls’ Team of the Week honor.

The Dragons got by Scottsburg (11-12) with a 62-36 victory in last week’s opening round. On Saturday, Silver Creek edged Madison (12-9) for a 52-48 victory to set up a rematch with Corydon.

The Dragons beat a Corydon team that only had three losses all season for the second time. This time Silver Creek pulled away for a 65-56 victory. Four Creek seniors scored in double figures, led by Kynidi Mason-Striverson’s 16 points.

The Dragons will face Rushville (17-9) at approximately noon Saturday in the second regional semifinal at Charlestown. Vincennes (17-8) and Gibson Southern (18-7) will face off in the other semifinal.