Elkhart Christian drew the host school, while Bethany Christian drew a first-time entrant to the IHSAA boys basketball state tournament when pairings for the Class 1A Hamilton Sectional were made Sunday afternoon, Feb. 17.

The Eagles (13-5) meet Hamilton (5-14) in a first-round game Tuesday, Feb 26. ECA routed the Marines 83-51 early in the regular season.

On Wednesday, Feb. 27, Bethany (3-15) faces tourney newcomer Lakeland Christian (6-14). Those teams did not meet during the regular season, and LC’s arrival grows this sectional to eight teams.

CLICK HERE for the entire Class 1A sectional brackets from the IHSAA

The Eagles, entering their ninth year in the IHSAA tourney field, and Lakewood Park (13-5) are tied for the best record in the sectional, and each team is also 6-1 against intrasectional opponents. Lakewood defeated host ECA 79-64 three weeks ago.

Fort Wayne Canterbury (11-7) is 4-0 against the field and is the defending champion, beating then-host Fort Wayne Blackhawk 53-49 in last year’s final.

Class 1A Hamilton Sectional

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Howe (1-16) vs. Lakewood Park (13-5), 6 p.m.

Elkhart Christian (13-5) vs. Hamilton (5-14), follows

Wednesday, Feb. 27

FW Canterbury (11-7) vs. FW Blackhawk (6-14), 6 p.m.

Bethany Christian (3-15) vs. Lakeland Christian (6-14), follows

Friday, March 1

Tuesday’s winners, 6 p.m.

Wednesday’s winners, follows

Saturday, March 2

Championship, 7:30 p.m.