Marion County Tournament Final Set

The Marion County Tournament was delayed by weather Friday night. The semifinals were pushed to Saturday and the finals will be played at Southport High School Monday evening. 

Warren Central will be playing Monday night after defeating Lawrence North Saturday. It wasn't the prettiest game, but it was a battle on every possession. Warren Central jumped to an early lead through offensive rebounding and forcing Lawrence North turnovers. Junior forward Jakobie Robinson tallied nine points in the opening quarter.

There wasn't much separation all game. Kevin Easley and Mike Saunders came alive in the second quarter. The duo was successful getting to the basket and finishing. Saunders had a big-time game as he finished with 21 points. He was finishing really well in the paint with layups and short floaters. Warren Central's Joe Rush matched Saunders with his own slashing. He was ultra aggressive in the second period.

In a one-possesison game, David Bell came up with his sixth offensive rebound which led to an Antwaan Cushingberry layup. If Lawrence North comes up with the rebound, the game might have had a different outcome. Bell made an impact in every area of the game as he finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. 

Warren Central won 62-58. 

Roncalli used a great defensive strategy of clogging the paint and daring Ben Davis to make outside shots. It stiffled Ben Davis early. The Ben Davis offense came to a full stop once Aaron Henry and Dawand Jones went to the bench with two fouls. Roncalli held the Giants to six points in the second quarter. That propelled the Rebels to a 24-19 lead at halftime.

Aaron Henry set the tone early in the second half as he slashed to the basket for easy looks. Henry and Ben Davis weren't getting those looks in the first half. The Michigan State-bound wing wouldn't be denied. Henry's slashing helped get Jalen Windham clean looks as well. Windhamd had a huge second half behind his shooting. He finished with 17 points on 7-9 shooting. Windham only had three points at halftime. He also collected seven rebounds.

Ben Davis outscored Roncalli 40-18 in the second half to win 59-42.

The Warren Central-Ben Davis match-up for the Marion County Tournament will be a rematch of a December 15 game. Warren Central won that game 47-39.