Saturday’s Top Performers: Sectional Finals

The championship round of the IHSAA Sectional Tournaments was full of excitement and thrills throughout the state.  We saw everything from upsets to dominating performances. Now, let’s take a look at some of the top performers across the state.

Jakylen Thomas Jakylen Thomas 5'8" | PG Marion | 2020 State IN – Marion – 2020 (35 pts)

Thomas had the most electric, most spectacular, and probably, the most surprising performance of the night as he exploded for 35 in Marion’s come from behind victory of Harrison.  Marion trailed by as many as 17 during the game, but thanks to Thomas’s 6 three’s, they were able to cut into the deficit late in the game before eventually winning it 63-62.  With the Giants missing Jalen Blackmon Jalen Blackmon 6'2" | PG Marion | 2021 State #244 Nation IN , they needed someone to step up, and Thomas may just be their guy going into Regional weekend.

    Johnell Davis Johnell Davis 6'2" | PG Gary 21st Century | 2020 State #313 Nation IN – Gary 21st Century – 2020 (33 pts, 9 rebs)

Johnell Davis Johnell Davis 6'2" | PG Gary 21st Century | 2020 State #313 Nation IN had another great game to lead Gary 21st to their fifth straight Sectional title.  The Florida Atlantic commit was 11-22 from the field for 33 points.  He also pulled down 9 boards, dished out 4 assists, and got 4 steals on the night.  Davis has been great this season, and if he continues to play at this clip, he is putting Gary 21st in prime position to make a deep run in State.

    Dillon Duff Dillon Duff 6'5" | SF Fort Wayne Snider | 2020 State IN – Fort Wayne Snider – 2020 (28 pts, 11 rebs)

The Rose-Hulman recruit had a masterful performance to lead Fort Wayne Snider to their narrow victory over Fort Wayne Northrop in the Sectional finals.  Duff finished 9 of 17 from the floor and 4 of 6 from behind the arc.  He also pulled down 11 rebounds.  Fort Wayne Snider has a winnable Regional, and with performances like these, there is no ceiling for this Fort Wayne Snider ball club.

Lane Lauderbaugh – South Decatur – 2021

Lane was outstanding for South Decatur in their win over their rivals, North Decatur.  He was 10 of 17 from the floor and knocked down 3 triples.  He also pulled down 11 boards in the victory.  Lauderbaugh has been the key to success for this team, and they have a serious chance at a Regional title if they can knock off Covenant Christian and Shenandoah this weekend.

Koron Davis – Bowman Academy – 2021

Davis put up big numbers in Bowman Academy’s victory over Gary Roosevelt in the Sectional finals.  Bowman Academy ran away with it thanks to the 27 points and 10 rebounds performance.  Davis will be the key to success for Bowman Academy this season as they are Fort Wayne Blackhawk’s biggest competition on the North side of the state.

    Lane Sparks Lane Sparks 6'2" | PG Greensburg | 2021 State IN – Greensburg – 2021

Lane Sparks Lane Sparks 6'2" | PG Greensburg | 2021 State IN was dominant for Greensburg in their Sectional win over South Dearborn.  After a 28 point performance in the semifinals, Sparks put up 29 for the Pirates on 11 of 16 shooting.  He is a natural scorer, and he has the potential to be one of the most underrated players in the state next season.

   Davion Bailey – Pike – 2020

Pike needed overtime to outlast Decatur Central in the Sectional finals, but thanks to Davion Bailey’s outstanding performance, Pike prevailed.  Bailey totaled 27 points, 8 boards, and 4 assists on the night, and he is going to be Pike’s key to success as they continue this run in the tournament.

    Simon Scherry Simon Scherry 6'2" | PG Heritage Hills | 2020 State IN – Heritage Hills – 2020

Scherry continued to be the X-factor for this Heritage Hills ball club as he put up another impressive performance against Evansville Memorial.  Already the school’s all-time leader in assists, Scherry put up 23 points, grabbed 11 boards, and even dished out 6 dimes.  He is a great ballplayer and the key to success for this very impressive ball club.  

    Luke Brown Luke Brown 6'1" | PG Blackford | 2021 State IN – Blackford – 2021

Brown put up another 20 points performance on Saturday night with 25 in their win over Tipton.  Brown knocked down four clutch threes to help Blackford extend the lead.  He also tallied 6 rebounds and 4 assists on the night.  Brown is one of the most prolific scorers in the state, and he will need to continue to play well for Blackford to move on.

    Christian Johnson Christian Johnson 6'1" | SG Parke Heritage | 2023 IN – Parke Heritage – 2023

Christian Johnson Christian Johnson 6'1" | SG Parke Heritage | 2023 IN is one of the lesser-known standouts from Saturday’s games, but the freshman was dominating.  Johnson put up 25 in the win for Parke Heritage.  Johnson was 7 of 11 from the floor and was 9 for 10 on free throws to close out the game.  He is going to be a must-watch player in the future for Parke Heritage.