The 2nd game at Chesterton saw the Crown Point Bulldogs take on the Valpo Vikings. Both teams came into this one as highly regarded throughout the state. The first quarter saw CP come out in control. Valpo seemed to rely on junior Jack Smiley a little much and CP took advantage leading by 3 after one. An Elliot Swan basket put the Bulldogs up by 3 going into the break at the buzzer, 27-24. Schofield opened the 2nd half with an And 1 and the Bulldogs were off and rolling until Shaw picked up his 3rd foul and Viking Jack Smiley got going. His 3 gave Valpo a 34-31 their first lead in a long time midway through the quarter. Sr. Bulldog Jack Svetich came up big to end the quarter with a basket and open 3 at the top and took the 42-38 back into the 4th.The 4th quarter was intense and CP coach Clint Swan grinded the game down to a halt. Crown Point locked in their zone defensively. Mason Darrell came up with a big steal with 3 minutes left to go but Valpo came back with a huge 3 to cut the CP lead to 2 with 2:35 left. A crucial no call with a minute left gave CP thr ball but then a questionable jump ball was called that gave Valpo back the ball. The Vikings had a chance to cut it to one but a missed layup and foul sent Shaw back to the free throw line. After two makes Valpo hit a jumper to cut the CP lead to 3 with 18 seconds left. Valpo got the steal off the trap but turned it over and sent CP back to the line and the coaches son sealed it. CP came out on top 55-51 and will play Chesterton Saturday night for a sectional championship. Alot of credit for Coach Swan's game plan in this one.

6'6 CP sophomore Dikembe Shaw scored from inside, outside, and even distributed the ball well tonight. Alot of what CP does goes through Shaw. I am certain after watching him tonight he's a top 5 kid in the c/o 2026. There's some talented kids that classbut he keeps getting better every time I see him play. He reminds me of a young Tre Coleman that played at Jeffersonville and is currently playing for Nevada in college. When Shaw goes out of the game CP is a completely different team. He went out with his 3rd foul early in the 2nd half and couldn't find a rhythm on offense. Shaw was by far the best athlete on the floor and took Valpo junior Jack Smiley to the basket and was just too big and strong. Shaw finished with 15 points.

● 6'2 CP senior Jack Svetich did everything well for CP tonight. When the game was on the line, the ball found Jack's hands to make clutch free throws. He handled the ball and controlled the game for the Bulldogs. He showed the ability to hit the outside shot and convert on his drives. Svetich will be a kid that ends up playing D3 or naia level ball (if he hasn't already committed to a school) and make a huge difference. Crown Point's team defense was good all night and their senior is the Bulldog leader. Tonight he finished with 20 pts.

● 6'4 Valpo junior guard Jack Smiley carried a big load for the Vikings tonight. Smiley is a near lock for the junior all star team come June. He's a smooth lefty with good size for his position and is an underrated passer. I cant remember him forcing many shots tonight. Everything he got he earned against multiple defenders that game planned to limit him. He a really skilled player and seems like a perfect fit for Valpo at rhe next level and become a hometown hero. Tonight he finished with 23 pts. The Viking team is young and with their experience this year, they'll be back and even better next year.

It's Bulldogs v. Trojans in Chesterton Saturday night for a sectional crown. Chesterton is looking for the 3 peat in Sectional 2 while CP is looking for their 1st sectional title since thr 2015- 2016 season.

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