Class A Title Game: Tindley vs. LCC

Category: 2016-2017 High School
Written by Trevor Andershock

There were only 14 points scored in the fourth quarter of the class A state title game. Each of those 14 points were dramatic as Indianapolis Tindley and Lafayette Central Catholic fought for the class A championship game.

 

The fourth quarter was a roller coaster of emotions and plays by both teams. Freshmen Sincere McMahon and Carson Barrett answered each other for their respective teams. Barrett hit a layup to put LCC up two points with under four minutes to play. McMahon answered with a clutch three-pointer. With Lafayette Central Catholic down two, Barrett drove the baseline with under 40 seconds left. He was fouled on the play. He hit the first, but missed the second.

 

With the game tied, Tindley worked for the last shot. The ball ended up in Hunter White’s hands as the clock ticked down. White struggled for most of the game, and barely played in the second half because of foul trouble. Despite that, White had the confidence to drive and score in the lane with three seconds left.

 

Eric Hunter stole the inbound pass to seal the game for Tindley. The Indianapolis school captured the class A title with the score of 51-49.

 

It didn’t look like the game was going to be low scoring with the way LCC started the game offensively. Barrett set up the first couple of buckets for the Knights, and the shooting looked good in the first quarter.

 

Avery Denhart was huge for LCC. His play in the third quarter kept the Knights in the game. He scored nine of the 16 LCC points in the frame. Denhart showed quickness off the dribble, and touch once he got to the lane. Denhart finished with a game-high 17 points.

 

Tindley’s star Eric Hunter never found his shooting rhythm. He had a dunk off an alley-oop and a three-pointer in the first quarter. He only made one basket in the final three quarters. It was surprising that Tindley was able to beat LCC with Hunter going 3-12 from the field.

 

Tindley and LCC found unlikely sources of production. Jacob Page, averaging six points per game, scored nine points in the first half. Chris Murff, averaging 4.7 points, led Tindley with 13 points. Then the most surprising stat of the game, 5-7 Joe Johnson came down with seven rebounds.

 

Tindley –  Eric Hunter 8 points (3-12 FG, 1-3 3FG, 1-2 FT), 10 rebunds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 3 steals; Hunter White 5 points (2-5 FG, 1-3 FT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists; KJ Coleman 6 points (3-5 FG), 1 turnover; Tyler Young 2 points, 3 blocks; Joe Johnson 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 1 steal; Chris Murff 13 points (5-11 FG, 0-1 3FG, 3-5 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 turnovers; Sincere McMahon 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-5 3FG) 2 assists, 1 turnover, 2 steals

 

LCC – Avery Denhart 17 points (6-12 FG, 1-3 3FG, 4-5 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals; Ben Tharp 9 points (3-11 FG, 0-5 3FG, 3-4 FT), 2 rebounds 2 assists, 1 turnover; Carson Barrett 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-2 FT) 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 turnovers, 1 block; Thomas Gothard 0 points, 1 rebound; Jacob Page 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turnovers; Tyler Powers 3 points; Grant Schrader 3 rebounds, 1 turnover