Marion County Update

There were a few great games last night, including a pair of games that have set up a titanic semifinal game. Let's take a quick look at those two games in particular.

Lawrence North 53 - Franklin Central 39 - This game was much closer than the final score indicates. In fact, the Flashes (12-2) trailed 39-34 with under four minutes to play in regulation. But LN (12-1), with so much size and talent, went on an 11-0 run from then on to seal the fate of Franklin Central. The Wildcats used their size to hold a commanding advantage on the boards. They actually had more offensive rebounds (20) than the Flashes had total rebounds (18). Lawrence North once again spread the scoring wealth and were led by Kentucky-bound junior Dominique Ferguson and Louisville-bound senior Stephan Van Treese with 14 points apiece. Van Treese also added 13 rebounds, ten of which were of the offensive variety. Another Cardinal recruit, junior Justin Martin chipped in with 13 points, including a pair of treys. Sophomores Ryan Taylor and Michael Chandler (yes, two more UL commits) added seven and two points respectively, and Purdue-bound senior Jeff Robinson played but did not register a point. Franklin Central got ten points from Taylor recruit Casey Coons and another Purdue-bound senior, Patrick Bade, added seven. All in all, a rough night for future Boilers. As a side note, Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie was in the crowd to watch Ferguson. And who will the 4A number three ranked Wildcats face off with in the Semifinals?

North Central 80 - Southport 70 - The Panthers (12-0), the second ranked team in 4A, remained undefeated on the year, using their up-tempo style to overwhelm the Cardinals (6-5). North Central was led by Purdue-bound junior Terone Johnson with 21 points. Freshman D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera continued his outstanding play, adding 15 points of his own, while senior Justin Reid had twelve. One of the other top freshmen in the area, Southport's Kellon Thomas has twelve points in the losing effort.

These two teams will square off at Southport HS on Friday at 7:30. This game should be one of the best so far this season, pitting LN's size and strength with the Panthers' outstanding guard play. The winner of this game will face the winner of the other semifinal, Warren Central vs. Brebeuf Jesuit. The finals are on Saturday, also at 7:30.