Two of the better teams in their respective classes met up down south in Orleans on Friday night. The Bulldogs came in 19-2 and the current #3 team in 1A. The soon #1 ranked Brownstown Braves came in with a 20-4 record while only 1 of those losses was with Mr. Basketball candidate Jack Benter. From the opening quarter Brownstown completely took control of this game running on all cylinders. Their 3 pt. game was on fire and their 1-3-1 defense looked very strong. And sorry to say for the rest of 2A, senior Jack Benter looked near back to 100%. You would think seeing the score that Orleans just laid down this game. This was not the case at all. The Bulldogs played tough defense and made Brownstown hit tough shots, which they did. By halftime it was all over but the final margin. The Braves are much more than Jack Benter but make no mistake, he elevates them to championship favorites in 2A. It's not far fetched to say they are the best team South of Indianapolis this year.

● 6'5 Purdue commit Jack Benter did more Jack Benter things tonight. He hit contested shots and got to the basket, all while being played very physical. You've heard of Steph Curry making things looks Stephort-less. Jack makes things look Benter-less. His outside shots look like just a quick flick of the wrist and you think it's going to be short but more than not, seem to go in. Benter also made the best pass I've seen anyone make all year ij transition so his vision is top level as well. He did have a few unnecessary turnovers that I'd like to see cleaned up but that's nitpicking a 30 point W and 25 point game. For anyone thinking Jack will be out of his league at Purdue in the Big Ten; I would say it takes no more than a year for him to see meaningful minutes for the Boilers.

● 6'6 junior big Colby Hall had an excellent game for the Braves. In the first half he was nearly unstoppable with his spin moves inside and hitting open jumpers from the outside. Hall is not going to "wow" you with poster dunks or deep three's but this kid is very good at what he does and perfect for this team. He's not a stick figure at 6'6 either. He is a strong kid with quick flinches. He has been playing on the inside all his life so his post moves and spins come very natural to him. He was also very effective on top of Brownstown's 1-3-1 defense. What Hall has been working on is his outside shot and that has come along very nicely. In fact, on a team full of shooters I certainly wouldn't leave him open. He actually may be more suited as a stretch 4 or a small lineup 5 for a 5-out lineup where everyone can run and shoot. Colby is a legit Junior All Star candidate and I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the lineup come June. Hall finished with 16 pts and 8 rbs.

● 6'1 point guard Parker Hehman is the glue, motor, engine, whatever you want to call it for this Braves team. He rarely makes mistakes or turnovers and provides leadership for a team that is the favorites to cut down the nets in Indy next month. I saw him yell at a teammate, not in a demeaning way but to help let them know what to do and what he wanted. Parker is the definition of a coach on the floor and when you're playing for Dave Benter, that means something. He's a tough defender and strong despite only being 6'1. Everyone else on their team seems to be 6'4 or taller but he doesn't stand out as being shorter. Hehman is also a knockdown shooter that I believe could play in the NAIA level. Not sure what his status is for college ball but college coaches are missing out if they don't seriously take a look at Parker. If you're a coach and you're reading this, consider this your sign to take a look at Parker Hehman from Brownstown. Tonight he scored 13 pts with 8 asssits.

● 6'0 Orleans junior guard Rylan Crocker came to play tonight. He was unafraid of the moment and went down fighting. He is another kid despite his size is a tough kid that makes tough shots. He came in as the Bulldogs leader scorer and I can see why. He knocks down mid range jumpers and three's on a consistent basis. I imagine he has played up with this group of Orleans seniors for years and it's paying off. His scoring average should take a big jump up next season. If Orleans wants to make one good tourney run coming up, Rylan will be providing a good share of the points. Tonight he had 17.

Brownstown opens up sectional play on Wednesday against Henryville at Southwestern (Hanover) while Orleans travels to Logoottee to face off against Shoals on Friday.

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