(Hope, IN) – The Hauser Jets delivered a statement win Saturday night, rallying past the Batesville Bulldogs 56–50 in a matchup of two top-five teams from different classes at the Jet Hangar.
Hauser, ranked No. 3 in Class 1A, erased a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit by outscoring Batesville 23–10 over the final eight minutes, handing the Class 3A No. 4 Bulldogs just their second loss of the season.
“We were just waiting for a spurt,” Hauser coach Trent Moorhead said after the game. “We finally got one towards the fourth quarter, and I’m just incredibly proud of so many guys in that locker room who felt motivated to finally beat this team.”
Batesville (14–2) led 40–33 entering the fourth quarter, but Hauser’s senior core took control down the stretch. Gavin Keller scored 13 of his 17 points in the final period, repeatedly attacking the paint and finishing through contact as the Jets flipped the game’s momentum.
“Gavin was leading a charge,” Moorhead said. “He found mismatches. He finished strong — something we didn’t do enough of in the first half.”
Hauser guard Stryker Gill set the tone early, scoring 16 points in the first half and finishing with a game-high 23. Gill also delivered at the free-throw line late, helping seal the victory.
“What impresses me most about Stryker is how he keeps developing his game,” Moorhead said. “This year he’s added the ability to attack the basket and finish strong. Having him on the floor makes all the difference for us.”
Senior Cameron Blair contributed across the board with 12 points, key rebounds and defensive stops during Hauser’s second-half surge.
“He does everything,” Moorhead said. “He’s going to rebound the ball, find assists, create deflections and get us extra possessions.”
Batesville was led by James Hughes, who scored 19 points, while Trent Lures added 13 before fouling out with just over three minutes remaining. Braden Maple finished with 11 points for the Bulldogs.
Despite the loss, Batesville coach Aaron Garrett pointed to the value of the matchup during pregame coverage.
“This is a great tournament prep game,” Garrett said. “A hostile environment. A well-coached, experienced team. Games like this test you.”
For Hauser (13–2), the win carried added significance after close losses to Batesville in each of the previous two seasons.
“The last two years we felt like we were in position to win and just didn’t close it out,” Moorhead said. “For our program, this one matters.”
Hauser returns to action Thursday (Feb. 5), traveling to take on Southwestern in a 7:30 p.m. road matchup.
Batesville also hits the road Thursday (Feb. 5), facing South Dearborn at 7:30 p.m. That game will be broadcast on 103.9 FM and The WRBI App.