The Recap:  Taking control early, Lawrence North never really looked back.  Ben Davis was still in striking distance as the second half started, but LN pushed their lead to 20, then 28 by midway into the fourth quarter.  

Six Takes:

• Ben Davis lost senior guard Kai Steinmann to academics, and he finally transferred out to Aspire Academy.  Not only was he BD's leading scorer, but he was also their only consistent outside threat off ball screens
  • It will put even more pressure on Bobby Fry, whose relies more on paint touches for shot creation
• DJ Hughes was impressive most of the game, especially so in the first half.  He showed a lot dimension to his game, that was starting to show signs early in the year, but last night he scored off the dribble from range, out of the mid post (back to the basket and face up) and found teammates inside and out from the mid post.  
• Understanding change of pace with the ball has transformed Tony Perkins' offensive game.  His patience allows him to find teammates, but it also allows him to make better reads with the ball.  There aren't many who finish in the paint as well as he does, not just in terms of spectacular plays, but in terms of getting to his shot under control.
• As much talent as LN has had over the years, this is their most cohesive team since the Oden-Conley days.  Much of that is the leadership of Perkins, but it's aided by how Shamar Avance plays on both ends.  He's a ball hawk on defense, and on offense he's a willing passer who can score when needed/wanted, while very much being a pass first point guard.
• As talented as CJ Gunn is, the 6'4" sophomore wing is willing to let the game come to him.  That can be an issue on teams with as much talent as LN has.
• One final note:  Omar Cooper Jr....his hops have hops!

Lawrence Central 70, Pike 55

The Recap:  No buzzer beater this time around, as LC pulled away in the second half.  

Five Takes:

• LC's shot making, especially from the obvious ones--Nijel Pack and DeAndre Davis--is what separates them in most games.  Pack's range in transition is among the best in the state, and both have a variety of finishing moves in the paint. 
• Pike had a size/strength advantage in the paint, but they are second read scorers.  Davion Bailey settles for contested shots off the dribble too much, but in fairness, they would need him to have a big game to beat LC.  He's outstanding when he gets a clean look, but once LC cut off penetration last night, Pike struggled to score.
• Pike is pretty good with Ryan Conwell is their primary ball handler.  It's not something that looks natural to him, but he makes good decisions and enters the ball into their offense.  Not sure yet about his overall scoring off the dribble, but he has shown a decent pull up shot from mid range.
• DeAnte Davis' talent is obvious, but his shot mechanics aren't where they need to be yet  for him to settle for transition jump shots.  There are times he floats when he's not getting touches.
• Pike's JJ Louden's defense is ahead of his offense, and he's willing to take to the big matchups.  

Six Takes:

• One focus around (for me at least) around central Indiana is the progression of Thomas. Last night he didn't shoot the ball as well in a couple of previous games I've seen, but the ball still looked good coming off his hands.  He's gaining more confidence in his shot, displayed in how he gets into his shots, while not taking bad shots.
  • His first basket of the night was a catch in transition at half court, getting to the basket in three dribbles for a dunk with some contact.  Further display of the physical attributes he has.
• Edmonds is really good from mid-range, has good touch around the rim and hit a 3pter last night.  He's strong enough to be effective with his back to the basket at the HS level, but his feet are better facing the basket.
• Lucas isn't afraid of taking big shots for Brownsburg, nor should he be. 
• Ben Davis couldn't get much going offensively until it was too late.  They were able to speed up Brownsburg in the second quarter and force them into turnovers, but they weren't able to turn enough of that into offense.  
  • Only later in the game did Kai Steinmann hit shots, but they relied heavily on getting to the paint, which isn't reliable against Brownsburg without more outside shooting options.
• Bobby Fry didn't have much room to operate last night, and while they do use ball screens, mostly to start possessions off sets, none appear to be random.
• Jamari London didn't play last night for Ben Davis.