A defensive struggle in the first half gave way to a faster pace in the second, and Carmel took full advantage.  

  • Sam Orme got going early, and despite battling mild foul trouble, he didn't shy away from those moments when Carmel needed a big basket.  He shot well from 3PT, scored in the post and handled the ball in transition.  
  • Zionsville's big two, Logan Imes and Nick Richart, had a combined two points in the first half.  Both responded with better second halves, but Imes didn't get on the board until midway through the 3rd.  
    • Carmel's Jake Griffin put on a master class defensively guarding Imes, and Imes did most of his damage late after Carmel pushed the lead to 15. 
    • Imes getting downhill more opened up opportunities for Richart, who really struggled to finish around and over Carmel defenders.
  • As the second half sped up, Carmel showed they had more weapons.  Spencer White added 10 points, while Jared Bonds and Griffin both took advantage of the extra space.
  • Once in control, Carmel's spacing and movement carved up Zionsville.  However, FT shooting was a bit of a problem.  A couple of empty possessions at the line provided a bit of a window for Zionsville, but there wasn't any let up on the defensive end of the floor.  
  • Both teams have promising sophomore shooters.  Sam Couto for Carmel, Maguire Mitchell for Zionsville.  Each hit shots early but found baskets harder to come by as the game wore on.  Still...kids to look at. 

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