Jeeps Basketball Sectionals

The Northeast Dubois High School boys basketball team won the sectional title this year but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the rest of the state tournament was cancelled. In such a basketball-loving state, it’s always a privilege to photograph playoff games. Here’s a look back at the Jeeps’ sectionals run.

Northeast Dubois’ Reece Bauer, left, and Ethan Ziegler hold the sectional championship trophy after Saturday’s boys basketball sectional final in French Lick. After the game Reece recalled how close the team came the past couple years and how great it felt to win this year. “It was just a special feeling to hold that trophy up for the first time.”

A Jeeps sign is hung from a tractor at the property of Michael Cave of Crystal for the team to see on the way to their basketball sectional in French Lick. Cave displays Jeeps signs on his property every year the Jeeps play at Springs Valley High School.

Northeast Dubois’ Ethan Ziegler talks to the team in a huddle before the first boys boys basketball sectional game in French Lick.

Northeast Dubois High School sophomore Riley Beckman, left, as Eugene the Jeep, leads the student section in the wave during Friday’s boys basketball sectional semifinal in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Vincennes Rivet 50-35.

Northeast Dubois’ Reece Bauer makes a layup during Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51.

Ripken Ramsey, 6, of Dubois, cheers during Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51.

Northeast Dubois’ Head Coach Terry Friedman watches during Friday’s boys basketball sectional in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Vincennes Rivet 50-35.

Northeast Dubois’ Reece Bauer, left, Logan Mehringer and Colby Pieper dance in the locker room after Friday’s boys basketball sectional in French Lick. Logan and Colby said they felt relieved after winning the game. Northeast Dubois defeated Vincennes Rivet 50-35.

Northeast Dubois’ High School senior cheerleader Jordan Bauer watches the final moments of Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51.

Northeast Dubois’ Ethan Ziegler reaches for the ball during Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51.

Northeast Dubois’ Ethan Ziegler reaches for the ball during Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51.

Northeast Dubois’ Eli Schott cuts down the net after Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51.

Northeast Dubois players hoist their ring of horseshoes after Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51.

Eli Schroering, 10, left, Owen Harris, 9, and Parker Mehling, all of Dubois, reach for a piece of the net after Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51.

Northeast Dubois’ Ethan Ziegler hugs Reece Bauer, both seniors, after Saturday’s boys basketball sectional championship in French Lick. Northeast Dubois defeated Evansville Day 55-51. Ethan said he could barely describe how it felt to win the sectional title. “Just to know I worked my whole life, pretty well, for this game, this moment. To finally win one,” Ethan said. “I always dreamed that I would win a sectional. It just feels great.”