INDIANAPOLIS (WANE) - For the first time in school history, Manchester boys basketball is marching back to Wabash Co. with a state title. The Squires survived a 59-54 battle with University to win the IHSAA's 2A state title at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday. Manchester and University were neck-and-neck all afternoon, with the game including 11 lead changes and 10 ties. Gavin Betten and Ethan Hendrix led the Squires with 21 points apiece, with Betten adding 10 rebounds. Blake Gray led University with 20 points, while Max McComb added 16. Tied 21-21 at halftime, Manchester started to take control of the game with an 18-point third quarter. Betten shouldered most of the scoring load, scoring 13 of his 21 in the second half. Manchester took a 39-34 lead to the final quarter. University answered back with five straight points to open the fourth quarter, tying the game at 39-39. After Manchester quickly regained the lead, the Trailblazers countered with a 7-4 burst to take a 46-43 lead. Manchester's Kaleb Kline, who played with a torn ACL all season, drilled a triple to tie the game again at 46-46. University took the lead again on a Gray 3-pointer with 3:53 to go, but Manchester closed the game on a 13-5 run. A Betten and-one put the Squires in front for good with 1:25 remaining. Manchester made enough stops in the final seconds to secure the win. Kline was named the Mental Attitude Award winner for Class 2A following Saturday's game. Manchester wraps up a stellar season with a 26-2 record, their first state title, along with the first boys basketball state championship in Wabash Co. history. ...read more read less