Baxter's sportsmanship gives Indiana 3-point leader a proper bow to high school career
MONTICELLO — The final seconds of the IHSAA 3A sectional semifinal game ticked down between Twin Lakes and Benton Central last Friday.
Two different versions of the same reality began to settle for both teams. Benton Central was jubilant, celebratory and carrying a 59-35 lead and a trip to the sectional championship well in hand.
And on the opposite side shedding tears of sadness was Twin Lakes, which had second-half offensive struggles that couldn't be remedied. Among the disappointed jerseys was Twin Lakes senior Olivia Nickerson who seemed inconsolable.
Benton Central coach David Baxter saw the clock wind down 10.....9....8...…7...…..6...…5...….4...…. and then calmly walked towards the scorer's table and called timeout with 2.6 seconds left.
More: Twin Lakes girls basketball senior breaks the Indiana state high school 3-point record
A once boisterous Kent Adams Court dimmed into a quiet hush and Baxter spoke. It was to honor Nickerson who was watching her high school career end after becoming Indiana's career leader in 3-pointers this season.
An all-time act of sportsmanship that was candid, real and unplanned.
"I was realizing what a special talent she is and what that young lady has done for Indiana basketball," Baxter said. "I don't know how many 3s she's made."
Baxter's words allowed Nickerson to receive a standing ovation from fans across all sides of the bleachers. More importantly, it allowed Nickerson to smile for a small moment after being held to four points and fouled out with 10 minutes left during her final high school game.
Nickerson finished with 406 3-pointers for her career after breaking the Indiana state record on Dec. 27, 2023, against Faith Christian.
"I believe she is an Indiana all-star and I felt like she needed an opportunity fouling out of the game that needs to get a proper send-off," Baxter said. "That kid's amazing."
A tribute that was well received by Nickerson, teammate junior captain Addie Bowsman and coach Brad Bowsman.
More: Hot start by Graves and Williams leads McCutcheon to Sectional title
"David Baxter is a class act," Brad Bowsman said. "Him and I have been coaching together for many years and he's always been a great guy. It meant a lot for us to have a coach like him make that little announcement and what she deserves this year."
Nickerson wasn't just a shooter, she was a winner as well. Nickerson helped Twin Lakes win sectional and regional championships in 2023.
"When I came into high school, I wanted to leave an impact on this school and leave a legacy for the young kids to know you could do anything even if you're from a small school," Nickerson said.
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@gannett.com, on Twitter at EthanAHansonand Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Benton Central, Twin Lakes girls basketball share sportsmanship act
