Northwestern’s strong run ends at sectional finals
This article is brought to you by Blye’s Bridal Loft. Since 1948, Blye’s has been part of this community - but today, we’re reintroducing what it means to walk through our doors. We’ve created a space where you can be fully yourself. Where you feel supported, celebrated, and confident. Where individuality is honored and friendships are formed. Our hope is that you leave feeling happy, excited, and truly beautiful for whatever moment you’re stepping into next. This is our why.
Along with this new chapter, we’ve introduced our exclusive curated collection, Marie Ike, a reflection of the modern, intentional direction of Blye’s. We proudly offer bridal, bridesmaids, mother’s gowns, prom, and formal gowns, along with suit and tux rentals because we’re here to style and support you through every meaningful moment.
Blye’s Bridal is located at 321 N. Main St. on the second floor. To arrange an appointment, visit www.blyesbridal.com or call 765-452-1219.
Northwestern’s basketball dreams ended on March 7 with a loss in the sectional finals of the IHSAA tournament. They fell to West Lafayette, 70-32. But the boys had plenty of things to be proud of in an otherwise successful 2025-26 season.
The Tigers finished the season with a 17-6 record, including a perfect 9-0 finish in the Three Rivers Conference to claim the title. That conference run started with a 71-56 win at home against Maconaquah on Dec. 5.
Northwestern downed Rochester at home, 51-37, on Dec. 19, and defeated Manchester on the road, 62-39, on Jan. 2. Their conference dominance continued at Peru on Jan. 6, with a 70-56 victory.
Northfield had no answer for the Tigers on Jan. 17 as the conference champs prevailed, 51-42, and on Jan. 20, Northwestern welcomed Lewis Cass to a 60-42 drubbing.
Wabash proved to be a challenge for the Tigers as they eked out a 58-57 win at home and then escaped another tight spot Jan. 30 by beating Southwood, 62-60, in overtime at home. Whitko was the last conference foe to fall to Northwestern on Feb. 13, as the Tigers logged a 57-42 win.
A key to Northwestern’s success this season was the emergence of sophomore shooting guard Colin Cook. His 17.5 points per game led the Tigers, and he averaged 7.1 rebounds per game to lead in that category as well. In fact, his shooting percentage (58 percent from the field; 88 percent from the foul line) also led the team, as did his one block per game.
But games aren’t won single-handedly. Junior Bradyn Wilson proved to be a vital part of Northwestern’s success. He improved on his 2024-25 campaign by averaging 14.1 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game. Wilson found the most success beyond the arc, hitting paydirt on 34 percent of his three-point attempts.
Junior Henry Neher also helped lead the Tigers to victory most nights. His 10.9 points per game were instrumental to Northwestern’s success. He also averaged 4.5 rebounds per game.
Senior Lance Begley proved to be most adept at handling the ball for the Tigers. He averaged 3.2 assists per game and 1.4 steals per game to lead the team in both categories.
Celebrate Northwestern’s boys’ basketball season with the Kokomo Lantern by enjoying photos from their season finale, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.