The ORVC title was on the line tonight in Hanover as the host Rebels took on the South Ripley Raiders. Early on it was SR that had the momentum jumping out to small lead. The Raiders came in with the height advantage with 6'6 senior Ethan Johnson and 6'7 junior Cole Henry. It seemed as though SR was content to let it fly from the outside but water eventually found its level as the Rebels buckled down defensively and eventually hit their stride offensively against a soft Raider zone. SR tried to keep the game close and were battling to stay in it the first half but the 2nd half the Rebels were running and gunning. Despite foul trouble on both ends the Rebels depth proved to be too much as SW won going away, 70-44. Junior Raider Blaine Ward led the team in scoring with 15 while Cole Henry finished with 8 in what was a frustrating evening for the junior All State candidate.

● 6'4 Senior Jamison Lewis continues to impress for the Rebels. He is the engine for this team most nights offensively. I have discussed how he is a mismatch for most guards in this area with his size and atheltic ability. Tonight he did what he was supposed to posting smaller guards and bringing bigger defenders outside while driving to the basket. Jamison also hit the 1000 point mark in the 1st quarter for SW. He finished with a game- high 28 pts in the win. As good of a shooter he is, he may be the 3rd best Lewis brother when its all said and done. Sophomore Braxton can shoot the lights out and Quinton, who's in 7th grade can put up points in a hurry too.

● Speaking of Braxton, the 5'9 SW guard had as good of a game as I've seen him have this season. When Braxton is open from 3 it's almost automatic. He is smaller but he is a tough kid defensively. I would like to see him become more than a shooter going into next year but with as deep as SW is this year, he has a very specific role. The Rebels graduate some guys but a have a strong sophomore class as well as middle school teams so get used to SW being in the mix for the foreseeable future.

● 6'3 Rebel Brady Cook does a little bit of everything. He may be the best college prospect on the team when its all said and done with his length, shooting abilities, and drives. Cook has improved throughout the year on being a more confident player getting to the basket. He is no longer just a catch and shoot kid. He has potential on the defensive end as well with long arms and being a good height for his position. Cook is a kid to keep your eyes on if your a D3 or NAIA coach in Indiana. Brady finished with 13 pts and guarded SRs Cole Henry most of the night.

SW faces Rising Sun back home in Hanover on Feb. 9th while the Raiders host South Dearborn on the same night.

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