In a game that saw two upper tier 4A teams battle it out, the home Lions took the W. It was a back and forth game for most of the night, seeing multiple lead changes, and never a lead greater than 6 until the final whistle. This game also saw two rising stars from the class of 2023 in Valparaiso's Mason Jones, and Elkhart's Damarion Anderson. Both of which turned in fine performances. Both teams also each had three players in double figures and showed a lot of balance. I would give both of these squads early chances to win their respective sectionals. The Lions might be rounding the corner now as they were able to close this game out. Elkhart snapped their 3 game losing streak while going through the gauntlet in their schedule. Valparaiso's 3 game win streak ended.

  • 2023 6'7" Mason Jones had a nice game. Finished with 16 points 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Very smooth around the basket, has great footwork, and was able to finish through contact a couple times. Showed his range and he hit a 3 and about 15 footer. Ball handling is improving as well as that outside shot. Tremendous length.
  • Sticking with the class of 2023, Elkhart has their own sophomore standout in 6'4" Damarion Anderson. He scored at least 4 points in every quarter. Finished with 18 and 5. Some big hustle plays, and can lock down on D. Has good size now and can finish at the rim. Sky is the limit if he can expand his game to the perimeter.
  • Both teams had seniors step up in this one. Valpo guard 6'2" Colton Jones had himself a nice game, as well as did Elkhart guard 6'5" Luke Teich. True leaders on the floor and left it all out there. Jones finished with 13 points and 3 steals, while Teich had 19, with 8 of those coming in the final frame. He hit some big shots at some big times!
  • Valpo roll players 2022 5'11" guard Breece Walls (8 points 10 asts), 2020 6'6" wing Grant Comstock (7 points 6 rebs), and 2020 Goshen College commit 6'6" wing Clayton MacLagan (9 points) all had solid games and will be key pieces for the Vikings moving forward. Add in IU football commit Cooper Jones (11 and 6) and this is a tough squad.
  • Elkhart has their own bag of tricks behind Anderson. Senior 6' guard D'Arjon Lewis went off in the first quarter with 14 points with four 3's. He finished with 17 after Valpo made some adjustments to limit his touches. Juniors Malachi Emmons (9 points) and Cam'Ron Daniels (7 points) had some key buckets and played great defense as well.

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