This game really did end up being a good one. There were a lot of guards on display in this one, all of which I could see playing at the next level. The game had a good pace and was back and forth for a lot of the second half before Penn took a final lead midway through the 4th quarter, led by junior Markus Burton and Joey Garwood. CP senior Drew Adzia did his best to keep the Bulldogs in this one, but it just wasn't enough. When CP is hitting outside shots at a high rate, like most teams, they'll be tough to beat. Shots just weren't falling in this one, and that had a lot to do with Penn's defense. Penn is a team trending up for me.

  • Penn junior guard Markus Burton did his thing. He had 16 in this one but the 10 assists really were the difference. When he wasn't able to get himself in position to score, he was able to find others. Probably an underrated distributor, he found himself in spots where his teammates knocked down shots. There was a few minutes in the 3Q where he might have been forcing the point a little but all in all it was a solid outing. Wanted to be the one to win this one for his team. Was in attack mode all night. Got to the rim fairly easy. Showed some dog which is something I hadn't really seen from him before. Only took 1 or 2 outside shots. Needs to take more because he has a nice shot. Will only help his game. Willing defender. Ceiling is high. NAIA-D2-LM D1
  • Sticking with juniors, CPs AJ Lux was quiet in this one. Had 10 (3 in the 2nd half) but added 5 rebs and 4 asts, so he's not a one trick pony. This is a kid who can shoot the lights out, we know that. At 6'4"/6'5" he has great size, with a quick shot, and the motor is there. He'll be a D1 player at the end of the day, but this just wasn't his night. Great attitude and is very coachable. Had a great summer with Indiana Game and will only get better. Add some strength and just a little more consistency and his stock will skyrocket. Kid I really like.
  • Crown Point senior point guard Drew Adzia is tough. D3 coaches dream as he does anything you ask and with a high motor. Trustworthy and can run the offense. Great competitor and even better kid. Excellent free throw shooter, and great outside shot. Handles it well. Can attack the basket and finish, dish it, or can knock down the pull up jumper. Someone who should be getting some looks at the next level.
  • Penn junior guards Joey Garwood (6'1) and Joe Smith (6') were excellent in this one. Both defended really well. Garwood is someone who has gotten taller and improved his game. Great from the line and has a smooth outside shot. Smith can shoot it as well, although he wasn't relied on to score in this one, but he is definitely capable. Both guys to keep some eyes on if your'e a D3-NAIA coach.
  • Crown Point's Keaton Buuck had a great second half and he came out of the break with a purpose. The 6'6 forward turned it on in the 3rd where he picked up the scoring for the Bulldogs. Kept them in the game. Battled on the boards and played some solid defense. Lots of energy and grit. D3
  • Lastly Penn senior big man Cole Wojciechowski, who stands at 6'9 and 250, is a solid big. Rebounds it and is good around the rim. Alters shot on the other end and is someone capable of playing at the college level based on skill level for his size alone. Just a name for schools to keep an eye on if you're in need of a big late in the process. D3

UP NEXT

PENN: Tuesday, Dec. 7 @ New Prairie - 7:30 EST

CROWN POINT: Tuesday, Dec. 7 @ East Chicago Central - 8:00 EST

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