No Gunn.  Just enough ammunition for Lawrence North to hang on vs. Noblesville.  As both teams bunkered down in a 2-3 zone a vast majority of the game, outside shooting became a premium.  EJ Smith, senior, and Cooper Bean, junior, led the way for Noblesville, while senior McCoyion Brown provided cover for LN.

In the end, it was LN's ability to get paint touches and extra possessions on the offensive that carried the night.

  • Kobi Bowles, 6'1" sophomore guard, ran the show for LN and was effective at getting to the paint.  He has a variety of finishes and great vision.  
    • His arrival to LN's varsity has been anticipated for a couple of years, as most figured he'd be a three year starter once Shamar Avance graduated.  His first start showed why.
  • A big recipient, especially in the second half, of LN's paint touches and kick outs was Brown.  The 6'1" senior guard was on fire, and the way the ball came off his hand, it looks like he'll be a weapon, much like 2021 grad, Kayden Beatty was.
  • Azavier Robinson made his HS debut for LN.  The 6'1" freshman guard is viewed as one of the top two or three PG's in the 2025 class.  He played with a lot of poise in his first varsity start.  He didn't get a ton of shots, but Bowles and he will be a strong backcourt the next three seasons.
  • The maturation of Noblesville's Smith has been evident.  He went from irrational confidence guy as a sophomore, to streaky shooter you have to account for as a junior to, last night at least, all around scorer who will penetrate and find people.
    • Smith was deadly last night, and for the most part kept Noblesville within striking distance.  Even as LN's coaching staff was yelling his number, Smith found ways to make shots and make plays. 
  • As Smith kept Noblesville in the game, when Bean got going, that carried Noblesville to a lead, and the game was a one or two possession game most of the second half.
  • While LN played without Gunn, juniors Preston Roberts and Luke Almadovar and sophomore Aaron Fine struggled with touches or finishes.  
    • Roberts, normally a wing, is Noblesville's second biggest player, and vs. LN's zone, he was their 'big'.  When the 6'5" junior was able to get touches in the middle, off ball screen action or along the baseline he was able to get to the rim.  A couple tough ones rolled out.  Rebounded well and was aggressive with the ball.
    • Almadovar won't shoot like he did last night all that often.  The 6'3" junior is a weapon beyond the 3pt line, and a sneaky, sneaky athlete.
    • Fine also will have better shooting days.  The 6'0" sophomore was still steady with the ball vs. LN, never looked rushed and didn't back down.  Like Roberts he was able to get the rim, just had a couple bound away.

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