Fishers Outlasts HSE 68–61 in Back‑and‑Forth Mudsock Rivalry Battle

Jacob Pfeifer
Dec 20, 2025
3 min read

FISHERS — The Mudsock rivalry once again delivered a packed gym, a playoff‑level atmosphere, and a game that swung back and forth for four quarters. In a matchup featuring 14 lead changes, the Fishers Tigers closed strong to defeat the Hamilton Southeastern Royals 68–61 on Friday night. The win also marked a milestone for Fishers head coach Garrett Winegar, who earned his 113th career victory to become the winningest coach in program history.

First Quarter: Royals Strike Early

Hamilton Southeastern opened the game with energy, jumping out to a 9–2 run behind seniors Landon Osswald, Luke Weemer, and Maverick Young. Both teams showcased defensive intensity early. Young forced a turnover in the final minute, Fishers junior Jalen Campbell blocked a fast‑break attempt, and Weemer added a block of his own moments later. Fishers stayed within reach thanks to early scoring from Jason Gardner Jr. (6 points) and Kai McGrew (4 points), closing the quarter with momentum despite trailing.

Second Quarter: Momentum Swings and a Halftime Buzzer‑Beater

The second quarter featured a series of runs from both sides. Fishers opened with a 5–0 burst to cut the deficit to 17–15, but HSE responded with a 4–0 run to extend the lead again.

Three‑pointers were traded throughout the period. Fishers’ Levi Walker connected from the left wing, and HSE answered with a right‑wing three from Osswald off a Jack Jacobs assist. With HSE leading 30–28 in the final seconds, Fishers senior Jean‑Claude L’Hommé found McGrew on the wing for a buzzer‑beating three, giving the Tigers a 31–30 advantage at halftime.

Third Quarter: Lead Changes Define the Frame

The third quarter produced the most back‑and‑forth action of the night. Fishers opened with a three from Torey Breland to go up 34–30, prompting an HSE timeout. The Royals responded with five straight points to reclaim the lead, and the teams traded baskets for several minutes. McGrew knocked down a mid‑range jumper to push Fishers ahead 44–39, but HSE countered with a 7–2 run fueled by Weemer’s and‑one finish and four free throws from Varschon Clark. The game entered the fourth quarter tied 46–46.

Fourth Quarter: Tigers Close Strong

Fishers opened the final quarter with five straight points from McGrew, forcing another HSE timeout. The Royals answered with a 9–2 run, including five points from Young, to take a 55–53 lead.

Fishers regained control when Cooper Zachary hit a three off a McGrew screen, sparking a decisive 9–0 run. HSE battled back as Weemer hit a right‑wing three and Clark added another off an Osswald screen, cutting the deficit to 62–61.

The Royals had two chances to take the lead in the final minute but missed both three‑point attempts. Fishers sealed the game at the free‑throw line, with Zachary hitting four and McGrew adding two to secure the 68–61 victory.