A big time DAC matchup took place on Tuesday in Crown Point as the Bulldogs played host to the Merrillville Pirates. The Pirates came into this game 7-4 while the Dogs were at 8-3. Like I expected this game was fairly evenly matched and was close the entire game. No team really ever seemed to seize control fully. I'm the 2nd quarter Crown Point's zone defense seemed to give Merrillville fits and slow the game to a halt, which benefited the Bulldogs. The Pirates like to run and gun with their super senior Preston Saia who averages just under 14 ppg, but was held in check tonight on the offensive end by up and coming sophomore, Dikembe Shaw. The Pirates looked to have the game won, up 6 with under 15 seconds left but a CP 3 and Pirate turnover game the Dogs new life and a chance to tie. Sophomore Kingston Rhodes had a pretty good look but it was just out of his range as the ball clanked off the back of the rim. Merrillville escapes with a huge conference road win, 60-57.

● 6'6 senior Pirate big, Keonta McKinney was the man offensively tonight for Merrillville. He was a load to handle inside and hitting 7-8 foot jumpers. I imagine he's a football kid but he showed a soft touch around the basket and was aggressive attacking the glass. On a night where Preson Saia struggled to find his rhythm offensively, McKinney picked up the slack. He finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds.

● 6'6 Dikembe Shaw for Crown Point is an obvious star in the making up north. Easily considered a 2026 Indiana all star candidate Shaw showed a fluid game handling the ball, hitting the jump shot, and crashing the boards. Shaw is still developing his game like most every sophomore but the writing is on the wall. When things get tough for Crown Point he is already the guy they look to for a basket. At the moment I see mid majors such as MAC teams getting involved soon with thr possibility with progression of power 5s in his future. He's long enough to guard the 3, athletic enough, and is on his way to becoming a good shooter. Tonight Shaw finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Merrillville hosts Portage on Friday night while the Bulldogs stay at home and face Chesterton the same night.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR