What looked to be an easy Lake Central blowout turned into one of the best games of the season up north in the Region. LC came into this game 12-0 and ranked #8 overall in the state. Valpo came in with a respectable 11-3 record themselves. LC jumped out on fire from 3 and took a commanding 28-12 lead halfway through thr 2nd quarter. The Vikings zone defense gave Indian shooters wide open looks that they took advantage of often. The 3rd quarter saw a minor shift of momentum as Valpo played with LC evenly through the quarter going into the last frame down 44-29. The final quarter was really remarkable for the Vikings and saw them stage an unexpected comeback. It seemed like the Indians played more not to lose and drain the clock more than they should have in thr last frame. That on top of missing numerous important free throws brought Valpo right back to within one possession. Valpo finally tied the game with 15 seconds left but LC senior Xavier Thompson went down low for the strong And 1 to give thr Indians a 3 pt lead. Valpo could only muster up a turnover off an inbounds and the win was sealed for LC, 63-58

● 6'6 senior big Jake Smith led the Indians tonight offensively with  22 pts. When things seemed to be going south for LC they looked to Smith to hit a big shot. Jake is a nice stretch big that will step outside and hit 3s. He's not a "big" at the next level if that's what his future holds but he will be able to play the 4 easily at a D3, possible NAIA level. On a team full of good solid players, Smith was the man for LC tonight.

● Speaking of the man for LC, 5'11 senior Iowa running back football- commit Xavier Williams hit the biggest shot of the game. That And 1 in thr last few seconds proved to be the game winner for the Indians. The kid is obviously football-strong and can battle despite hit shorter stature on the court. Williams finished with 15 on the game. LC is just full of guys you would want on your team.

● 6'2 junior guard Jack Smiley led the Valpo comeback in the 4th. Held in check most of the game Smiley came to life in the last quarter hitting a four pt play, getting to the basket, and pull up jump shots. He has the ability to shoot over smaller defenders which is why I was surprised it took him so long to get going being guarded by LC's 5'11 Cam Thompson. He is obviously the leader of his team and as he goes, so do the Vikings. Smiley is a legit junior all star candidate and D1 prospect with an offer already on the table from his hometown Valpo University. Thr Vikings have had a long line of special players such as Roger Harden, Bryce Drew, Tim Bishop, Robbie Hummel, Scott Martin and Jack looks to be thr next in line. When he gets cooking, watch out. He finished with 23 pts, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.

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