Sectional 58: Tindley vs. University

The focus of Sectional 58 has been on the Tindley-University match-up since the tournament draw was decided. These two teams were among the top teams in class A all season.

University’s game plan was to control the ball and throw the ball into the post in order to take advantage of its height advantage. The Trailblazers had some success when Emerson Halbleib and David Howard received the ball in the paint.

University accomplished a low-possession game in the first half, but the Trailblazers turned the ball over on six of their 18 possessions. They didn’t shoot a high percentage, either. That put University in a hole.

Early in the game, leading scorers Eric Hunter and Hunter White were quiet for Tindley. It was Sincere McMahon and Chris Murf that gave Tindley a scoring boost in the opening quarters. It was a back and forth game before Tindley went on a 10-0 run to end the first quarter and start the second.

Tindley played a patient game as University controlled the ball even while behind. The pace did not frustrate or fluster Tindley. The Tigers played great defense all night as University couldn’t get any easy looks.

Eric Hunter and Hunter White asserted themselves in the game more in the second half. The two scored 35 points on a combined 12-18 from the field. The highlight of the game was a baseline drive by White after he escaped a double team then threw down a two-handed dunk plus the foul.

After the first basket of the second half, Tindley’s lead never dipped into single digits. It was an impressive performance as Tindley cruised to the 52-33 victory.

Tindley (18-5) moves on to face Indiana Math & Science (15-8) on Friday in the second game. Bethesda and Indiana School for the Deaf play in the other semifinal.

Tindley – Hunter White 15 points (5-8 FG, 5-7 FT), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 4 steals; Tyler Young 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal; KJ Coleman 5 points (1-3 FG, 0-2 3FG), 1 turnover; Eric Hunter 20 points (7-10 FG, 3-6 3FG, 3-4 FT), 7 rebounds, 3 turnovers, 1 steal; Chris Murff 5 points, 5 rebounds; Joe Johnson 1 rebounds, 1 assist; Sincere McCMahon 5 points, 1 turnover

University – David Howard 6 points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3FG, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers; Ethan Sickels 3 points; Zack Hodgin 3 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnover, 2 steals; Josh Watson 9 points, 2 rebounds; Emerson Halleib 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover; Josh Alford 3 points, 1 rebound; Foster Flamion 2 points; Ben Glazier 2 points