Game Recap: George Washington vs. Shortridge

Brandon Ramsey February 20, 2025 @ 09:30 PM

Prep Hoops Indiana would have had boots on the ground coverage from this matchup regardless of the additional storyline. Getting to watch two the top junior scorers in the, George Washington's [player_tooltip player_id='1988137' first='Roosevelt' last='Franklin'] and Shortridge's Eli Wilson, was the primary reason for wanting to be in the gym. However, the dedication of George McGinnis Gymnasium made it an extra special night. McGinnis led the Continentals to an undefeated season and 1969 IHSAA State Championship before going on to star at Indiana, the ABA, and the NBA. He is now inshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The ceremony of the gym at George Washington being renamed in his honor was worth the trip before the game even tipped off.   Once the game did finally get underway, we were treated to a back and forth affair between these two historic Indianapolis Public Schools. Eli Wilson struck first with a big opening period that culminated in a three-point shot from beyond the volleyball line at the buzzer. He scored 10 points in the first quarter as the Blue Devils led George Washington 17-10. Then, the Continentals flipped the script in the second quarter. Big man [player_tooltip player_id='2625521' first='Camryn' last='Brewer'] found some success inside, Darius Vandever was active slashing to the basket and scoring in the paint, and [player_tooltip player_id='1988137' first='Roosevelt' last='Franklin'] knocked in a big triple to tie the game up at the half 31-31.   Gavin Lowery and sophomore forward TJ Davis led the way for Shortridge in the third quarter as the pace slowed down just a touch. Lowery scored seven points in the third while Davis did the dirty work around the basket. Ultimately, the Blue Devils led 45-43 heading into the final eight minutes of play. That is when Franklin decided to take over the game for George Washington. The talented, high-scoring junior guard rattled of 12 points in the final period and dominated the offensive glass to bring the home team from behind and secure a 62-57 victory on a special night for the George Washington High School community. The win improved the Continentals record to 9-11 while the Blue Devils fell to 9-14 with the loss.   [player_tooltip player_id='1988137' first='Roosevelt' last='Franklin'] led all scorers with 23 points to go along with 9 rebounds in the win for George Washington. He has emerged as one of the top scorers not just in the Indianapolis area, but in the state as a whole. [player_tooltip player_id='2625521' first='Camryn' last='Brewer'] added 14 points for the Continentals while Darius Vandever chipped in 10 points. Meanwhile, in the loss for Shortridge, junior guard Eli Wilson led the way with 18 points and Gavin Lowery finished with 16 points.

Prep Hoops Indiana would have had boots on the ground coverage from this matchup regardless of the additional storyline. Getting to watch two the top junior scorers in the, George Washington's Roosevelt Franklin Roosevelt Franklin 6'1" | PG George Washington | 2026 State IN and Shortridge's Eli Wilson, was the primary reason for wanting to be in the gym. However, the dedication of George McGinnis Gymnasium made it an extra special night. McGinnis led the Continentals to an undefeated season and 1969 IHSAA State Championship before going on to star at Indiana, the ABA, and the NBA. He is now inshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The ceremony of the gym at George Washington being renamed in his honor was worth the trip before the game even tipped off.