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Jasper returned to the top of the heap, this time in Class 4A, with a 3-1 win over Fishers in the final state title game for 2020-21.

The Wildcats of long-time head coach Terry Gobert, claimed their sixth state title, but the first since winning in Class 3A in 2006. Jasper had finished as runner-up in its last four state finals appearances – 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2017 (all in 3A). All told, Jasper was making its 10th championship game appearance, which is a state record.

Jasper (31-2 with 22 straight victories to close out the season) scored all three of its runs in the third inning, taking advantage of an error and doubles by Connor Foley and Ross Peter. Peter’s two-bagger drove in the final two runs.

Grant Stratton pitched the complete game, allowing just three hits, striking out seven and walking none. He finished the season with a 13-0 record.

Fishers, coached by Matthew Cherry, plated its only run in the fourth inning. After loading the bases with one out, Dom Oliverio delivered a sacrifice fly.

The Tigers, who won the state title in 2018, finished 23-13.

Jasper’s Ross Peter named Mental Attitude recipient
Following the game, members of the IHSAA Executive Committee announced Ross Peter of Jasper High School as the recipient of this year’s Bob Gardner Mental Attitude Award in Class 4A Baseball.

Ross has been the starting catcher for Jasper for two full seasons and has earned All-Southern Indiana Athletic Conference honors. He also is a member of the Jasper football team and was senior captain in both sports. Ross was a member of the Athletic Advisory Committee, the National Honor Society and volunteers his time with St. Mary’s Church and in the special education classrooms at Jasper High School.

Ross is the son of Jill and P.J. Peter of Huntingburg, Indiana. He plans to attend Purdue University to major in Engineering.

The award is annually presented to an outstanding senior participant in each state championship game who has best demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability in baseball. This is the first year the award has been named in honor of Bob Gardner, who served as commissioner of the IHSAA from 1995-2000 and spent a total of 15 and a half years on the IHSAA Executive Staff.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA's corporate partner, presented $1,000 to the general scholarship fund at Jasper High School in the name of Ross Peter.