The Recaps:  Lafayette Central Catholic gain control early, as Carson Barrett, 6'5" senior point forward, was finding open cutters most of the early portion of the game.  As McCutcheon started to shut down off ball options, they started climbing back into it causing issues with their athleticism.  LCC gained back part of their lead late, but three late turnovers kept the door open for McCutcheon, which was able to force OT and win 64-58.

Game two was West Lafayette physicality and offense centered around Yanni Karlaftis, 6'4" senior center who is committed to Purdue for football vs. Covington's shooting and constant penetration&kick.  Didn't stay for second half action, but the first half was back and forth.  West Lafayette prevailed 57-56.

Five Takes:

  • The only thing that keeps Barrett from being a no-brainer D1 prospect is his outside shot, and he was unable to get his shot going tonight.  His mechanics are such, however, that's not a big gamble.  Defensively he's a 3, so any offensive facilitation would come as a point forward.  Once he really focuses his body and training on basketball (good baseball player too) full time, his game will jump. 
    • Very much like Ethan Morton, 6'6" senior, who is committed to Purdue.
  • LCC played this game without two starters due to the success of their football team, including Clark Barrett, 6'5" sophomore forward--Carson's brother.
  • Senior guard, James Mallett, hit some big shots for McCutcheon in the second half, but their best playmaker is freshman guard Dravyn Lawhorn.  The 5'11" point guard didn't start, but didn't really come out once he was in.  He was sound defensively, was able to convert some in traffic and hit the game tying shot to send it to OT.
  • Covington lived up to their 3pt barrage mentality.  They are in love with the baseline drift too, and they made some beautiful reads underneath--passes which were dropped, however.  
  • West Lafayette most skilled perimeter player is Braeden Shrewsberry, 5'10" freshman guard.  They have a ton of physical toughness, but they don't really have any perimeter shot makers other than Shrewsberry.  Karlaftis is impressive inside though.  His footwork is tremendous, and while he lacks the touch of various ways to make shots, he gets the extra space he needs by being stronger and smarter than his defender. 

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