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Muncie Burris continued its winning tradition, taking home the school’s 13th consecutive state championship with a 25-9, 25-8, 25-16 victory over the Southwood Knights (33-6).  This year’s state championship was the 21st overall for the Owls (40-0), who entered the match with a No. 2 national ranking in the ESPN Rise Fab 50 poll.

The game saw only one lead change, while Burris stayed in control with a team hitting percentage of .333 to an opposing -.08.

The Burris offensive attack was lead by the trio of senior Taylor Unroe, sophomore Taylor Morey, and junior Chelsea Toth, who were each credited with 10 kills.  Both Unroe (10 kills, 10 digs) and Morey (10 kills, 13 digs) finished the night with double-doubles, while Toth totaled an impressive .600 hitting percentage.  They were helped by senior setter Allyson Morey who turned in a match high 37 assists.  Senior Taylor Harnish also came up with 15 digs.

The Knights were led by junior Meghan Binkerd’s eight assists and six digs, while senior outside hitter Mallory Harnish added 10 digs of her own.  Harnish was also the recipient of the 2A Mental Attitude Award.

Coached by Tom Finicle, the Southwood Knights advanced to the championship match with an 18-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-18 victory over the Fairfield Falcons.  Muncie Burris, coached by Steve Shondell, took a 25-14, 25-14, 25-9 victory over the Brownstown Central Lady Braves in the other semifinal match.

SOUTHWOOD'S MALLORY HARNISH NAMED MENTAL ATTITUDE AWARD WINNER
Mallory Harnish of Southwood High School was named winner of the 2009 Mental Attitude Award for Class 2A volleyball by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.

The award is presented annually to a senior in each classification who demonstrates excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability.

Mallory is a three-time varsity letterwinner and a two-time sectional and regional champion. She was named Second Team All-Conference and First Team Academic All-Conference last year. She also is a member of the girls basketball and softball teams.

Harnish is a member of the National Honor Society, the Biology II Student of the Year, a four-year member of the High Honor Roll and the recipient of the Metropolitan School District of Wabash County Academic Award this year.

Harnish ranks fifth in her senior class at Southwood. She is undecided on her college choice but is considering studying business.

She is the daughter of Greg and Lori Harnish of Wabash.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA's corporate partner, presented a scholarship check for $1,000 to Southwood High School in the name of Harnish.