I made the near 2 hour trip up to Greenfield Central on Wednesday night for 2 big time matchups. The game I came to see was #6 undefeated host, Greenfield Central Cougars against the 4A #15 Anderson Indians. The game did not disappoint and was worth the drive. Anderson started out patient on offense against the GC zone with junior all star candidate Damien King nailing 3s when given space. King even made a 3 as the halftime buzzer sounded to give the Indians a small lead going into the locker. The 3rd quarter was a rock fight with both teams defending hard and valuing each possession. The game was rough for both sides as the officials let them play for the most part. Anderson also led going into the 4th but then it became Jr. Cougar, Braylon Mullins time. He did what it took down the stretch on offense while the Indians went ice cold on their side. The Cougars grinded this game out down the stretch with a 50-44 win continuing their magical season.

● 6'5 Jr. 2 guard Braylon Mullins got face-guarded, doubled, beat up, held, grabbed, and still managed to find his average ppg tonight with 26. I've seen him for years with Indiana Elite but this is my first time seeing him play with his school- ball team. Bray took over when he needed to in the 4th quarter. The Cougars have multiple capable pieces but when it's a close game and it comes down to winning time, Mullins is tough to stop. His size enables him to see and shoot over defenses. His length and athleticism allows him to rebound well for his position while still being shifty enough to get around defenders. Bray is a legit Mr. Basketball candidate going into next season and has helped put Greenfield on the map. It will come for him but before entering college he's going to need to add some size and muscle to his frame. He's come a long way since first seeing him play in 7th grade. Bray finished with 26 pts, 9 rbs, and 3 stls.

● 6'5 Anderson wing Damien King looked like one of the better players in the entire state the first half of tonight's game. King was on fire from 3 and was totally engaged on both ends. King cooled off in the 2nd but it was obvious what he's capable of becoming. He threw down a thunderous ally oop on a fast break that brought the Anderson side to their feet. With Miami (OH) in the house looking at him (and Richmond junior, Cedric Horton the game before) King put on a show that is certain to get him more looks and offers. Damien is another kid in a talented 2025 class that is a strong candidate for a Junior All Star spot come June. The only cause for pause I noticed on King was that there were times he seemed somewhat disengaged and didn't take the initiative in the 2nd half. Damien finished with 24 pts and 8 rbs. His teammates and fellow classmate, Javon Warfield had a strong game as well with 15 pts.

Anderson concludes their season with a 18-6 record but with King and Warfield back, as well as talented 8th graders, Don and Ray Bowling the Indians wont be going away. The Cougars move to 23-0 and hope to keep the good times rolling into Friday night against a Muncie Central team who upset Richmond in the first game of the night.

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