Ten Best: Indian Creek vs. Whiteland
In the semifinals of the Johnson County tournament, Indian Creek and Whiteland faced off in a game that looked like it could have gotten out of hand at times but never really did. Indian Creek got out to a quick…
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Continue ReadingIn the semifinals of the Johnson County tournament, Indian Creek and Whiteland faced off in a game that looked like it could have gotten out of hand at times but never really did.
Indian Creek got out to a quick lead but Whiteland pulled even with them at the end of the first quarter. Whiteland pulled into the lead by five after both the second and third quarters and led the entire fourth but Indian Creek didn’t make it easy.
Whiteland needed all of the 21 points that senior Michael Valle’ contributed. Valle’ sealed it late with two steals which he finished at the other end, one of which was a dunk. Whiteland won 67-63 and heads to the championship.
Leading scorers: Whiteland: Michael Valle’ 21, Aaron Gross 16, Brennan Neal 10. Indian Creek: Bryce Hogue 20, Jared DeHart 18, Tim Abel 10, Zach Pugh 10.
Leading rebounders: Whiteland: Aaron Gross 15, Michael Valle’ 8. Indian Creek: Jared DeHart 6
MVP: Michael Valle’ (Whiteland)
Valle’ pretty much dominated this one being the biggest guy in the game. He had 21 points in the game and added 8 rebounds. He had three huge blocks and had two steals and finishes at the end of the game that was key to finishing Indian Creek off. Valle’ is a big strong post and he also really shut down Indian Creek on defense.
Best offensive performance: Bryce Hogue (Indian Creek)
When Indian Creek needed a basket or big play, Hogue delivered. He scored 20 points in the game but countless came in crunch time. He hit all four free throws late and made his last five of six from the field. He really likes to get the ball at the top of the key and drive it from there. Doesn’t look like a scorer but really can get it in the basket.
Best defensive performance: Trevor Ankney (Indian Creek)
Ankney didn’t do much on the offensive side of the ball but he was really good on defense. He didn’t get lost and was tough going after the loose balls. He had four steals and was very active at the other end.
Play of the Game: Michael Valle’ throws it down
The only dunk we saw between the two games was a steal and slam by Valle’. It gave Whiteland a four point lead late in the game.
Best underclassman: Zach Pugh (Indian Creek)
Pugh is a role player at this point but does everything well. He had 10 points, four rebounds and also added in two steals. He’s a guy that will do a little bit of everything every night and we saw that here tonight.
Best under-the-radar performance: Brennan Neal (Whiteland)
Neal is a sophomore kid for Whiteland and was 4/6 from the floor in the game. He has a nice looking jumper and just didn’t get it to fall from deep tonight. We saw that he can be a potential high level player for Whiteland and will be even better game to game.
Best passer: Riley Higdon (Whiteland)
Higdon is the lead guard for Whiteland and he is a great passer of the ball. Not much scoring but he knows how to find his teammates and set them up with passes. He had five assists in the game.
Best shooter: Tim Abel (Indian Creek)
Abel was hot early scoring 10 points in the first quarter on 4/6 shooting but never scored again going 0/8 the rest of the way. Much of that was due to Valle’ guarding him but even early on you can see Abel can shoot the ball. He has a nice looking shot that he can repeat with good rotation.
Best rebounder: Aaron Gross (Whiteland)
Gross pulled down 15 rebounds in the game but 12 of those came in the first half. He is a high level rebounder who flies to the glass every time a shot goes up. He scores a lot of his points off of putbacks and had 16 points in the game tonight.
Best takeaway: Indian Creek can shoot it but struggled a bit tonight with the size of Whiteland. Both matchups tomorrow for these teams will be a little bit better with Indian Creek playing Greenwood and Whiteland facing Center Grove.