INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—To be in the conversation for national rankings it’s imperative that teams make the effort to compete on the big stage and line up against the top tier of talent on the scholastic level. Some teams seek out the toughest schedule possible to plead their case while others sit home with expectations of inclusion despite taking little risk. Then again, there are some programs whose hands are tied by state association scheduling and travel guidelines…like Indiana.
While Blue Star Media generally doesn’t cover individual games, on occasion, specific situations call for at least a quick look. Lawrence North in Indianapolis and Bedford North Lawrence (Keep them straight!) have both been receiving attention nationally and came into Friday night’s match up undefeated and ranked one – two in the Hoosier State’s polls. While neither team is quite on the same tier with the likes of Incarnate Word (Missouri), champion of the Naples Holiday Shootout or Mater Dei, Nike Tournament of Champions winner, both provided evidence why folks are taking notice and a rematch should be in the making come tournament time.
In the end North Lawrence came away with a deceiving but much deserved 59 – 49 win. Things were still in doubt with 2:32 remaining in the contest but back to back offensive fouls kept BNL from closing a two point 51 – 49 gap and led to the inevitable procession to the free throw line and a final 10 point margin. North Lawrence held the critical edges in both rebounding and turnovers. Leading the way on the glass 37 – 32, the Wildcats snagged 18 on the offensive end of the floor compensating for coming up short in field goal percentage. The 16 – 10 edge on miscues and the ability to convert 15 more points were critical in the win.
In the win the Wildcats got 21 points from Cincinnati bound 5-5 guard Ana Owens, 16 more from athletic junior Jordan Hankins and nine from fellow 2015 and Purdue verbal commit, Lamina Cooper. Scoring from the perimeter, off the drive and from the line, Owens was a challenge to contain. A wiry build and quick feet allowed her to navigate at will creating her looks as well as adding three assists. Hankins demonstrated an inside – out effort as well that included two three pointers as well an impressive high flying floater. The left handed Cooper’s assertive attack and willingness to take things into traffic has her well suited for the next level and Big Ten.
Despite coming up short, Coach Damon Bailey’s squad got a stellar effort from Indiana signee Jenna Allen. The 6-3 post utilized a textbook low post game to score virtually at will for the Stars. Her final tally of 24 points came on an 11 of 18 performance from the floor that combined with 11 boards for a double – double on the night. Purdue junior commit Dominique McBryde was productive early and also shot the ball well coming in at a 7 for 11 clip while playing the entire game. The 6-2 swing player showed off some versatile skills and an attack from both sides of the floor. Another effective junior, 5-7 Alexa Bailey, got deep in the paint both in the halfcourt and transition but struggled to finish ending the game with a frosty 2 for 11 effort.
