(Jalen Washington turned in a great performance)

 

Gary West Side dominated Elkhart in the morning game, 68-34. After Jalen Washington and Quimari Peterson made early three-pointers, it looked like the Cougars might do the same things to South Bend Riley. But the Wildcats had a game plan to contain West Side and executed it to perfection.

 

Each team struggled to make shots in the first half outside of Phillip Robles and Peterson. Robles started the game on fire as he scored ten first-quarter points. Peterson nearly matched him for West Side with seven points.

 

The second quarter was highly competitive and energetic, but few shots went down. Riley led 18-15 after one, but there was only a total of 15 points scored in the second period. Wesley did not find a shooting rhythm in the first half but did a great job of playmaking for others.

 

Washington saw got opportunities in the first half, but the talented 2022 forward could not get many to fall. He still recorded six points and six rebounds in the first half while making defensive plays.

 

In the third quarter, the game’s volume turned up. Wesley started to feel it from deep. Peterson buried a few triples, and Washington started to take over the game.

 

With Peterson and Washington clicking, West Side turned a five-point deficit into a four-point advantage in a hurry. Chrishawn Christmas helped the Cougars keep the momentum into the fourth quarter. The senior made hustle plays all night. He tallied 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals.

 

West Side’s grip tightened on Riley in the fourth. Washington knocked two three-pointers and a thunderous dunk to seal the game. He finished with 21 points and ten rebounds. His second half showed his incredible potential.

 

Riley only scored five points in the fourth and three of those were on Wesley free throws. West Side won the second half, 36-17.

 

Peterson ended with 16 points and three assists. Paris Roberson added six points, three assists, and three rebounds. Parion Roberson did not score but was active defensively and came up with six rebounds.

 

Wesley finished with 23 points and ten rebounds. Robles ended with 15.

 

West Side will play Carmel in the semi-state round.