Mishawaka Marian traveled to Fort Wayne Luers Saturday night after an emotional game against South Bend Riley Friday night. There was a lid on the bucket for Marian in the first half. Marian had 9 points at half. They missed about 5 or 6 high percentage shots right at the rim. Luers came out energized and ready to put on a show. Drelyn and Dereon Truesdale made their Bishop Luers debut coming over from Carroll. Luers was up 15 plus points most of the 1st half but Marian’s Zion Rhoades got it going in a hurry in the second half. Rhoades ended with 23 and 19 in the 2nd half. Marian got it under 10 a few times in the 2nd half but couldn’t get over the hump.

* Mishawaka Marian will be a factor in the 3A north again. They still play their 2-3 zone and it is tough for some teams to crack. Zion Rhoades ended with 23 for Marian and was doing it inside and outside. Paxan Sullivan is a drive-first guard that makes winning plays for Marian. Junior forward Deuce Owen’s provides another interior scorer to go along with Zion Rhoades. Senior guard Jordan Maust showed the ability to make plays on the perimeter as well.

* Junior guards Drelyn and Dereon Truesdale had a nice debut for Luers. Drelyn ended with 18 points and Dereon ended with 10. Both of them create havoc defensively. They get a lot of deflections with their length and athleticism. Offensively, they both can hit shots from the perimeter and both are relentless attacking the paint. I want to see them continue to add strength and tighten up their handle. Sometimes they can be a little too loose with the ball. Both were trying to do too much at times in this one as well which makes sense in their first home game. Both tried dunking in traffic a few times when a layup would have been an easy 2, but overall they both impacted the game like always and they are poised to have big years. Should start seeing some offers roll in at some point this season.

*2026 guard Carmani Davis is going to be a fan favorite at Luers this year. Carmani is a zone buster and that’s exactly what he did Saturday night. Carmani splashed in 5 3s and got fouled on another and hit all three free throws. What I love about Davis is his confidence. He hit 2 3’s in a row and the next time down he pulled one from the volleyball line. He missed it but shows how much confidence he has and how much confidence Coach Coffing has in him to give him the green light.

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