First time watching Pendleton Heights this season. They are led by junior Kellen Dunham; who is verbally committed to Butler. Pendleton Heights point guard Kendall Waters received bad news last week about his back needing surgery. His career on the basketball court is uncertain. We wish him the best in his recovery! Sixth time seeing North Central this season and 7th if you count their scrimmage. Check out my previous game reports against Luers, Pike, Southport, Hamilton Southeastern, and Bowman Academy. North Central point guard D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera recently picked up offers from Texas and Florida.

On paper, the game looked like it would be a blow out in favor of North Central with Pendleton Heights missing Kendall Waters. Kellen Dunham played well from the start though. Dunham had 8 first quarter points. North Central lacked their killer instinct tonight. They weren't totally flat, but they weren't sharp, attacking, or focused on the defensive end. Pendleton Heights led 15-14 after one quarter of play.

North Central coach Doug Mitchell usually uses his bench liberally, but tonight he went to it earlier and ever more often. Part of that is the fact North Central plays Brownsburg Tuesday night, but also because his starters weren't performing at a high level. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera got off to a slow start. His outside shot wasn't falling and he wasn't getting to the rim. DSR only had 8 first half points. Kellen Dunham continued to play well in the second quarter. He did most of his damage from the free-throw line where he went 10-10. Dunham scored 22 first half points and only missed 1 shot from the field. Pendleton Heights led 32-30 at halftime.

First time seeing the Justin Gant led Terre Haute North squad this year. Fourth time seeing Cathedral this season. Check out their previous game reports against Roncalli, Northwest, and Broad Ripple.

Chandler Thomas started off the game by hitting a 3. Thomas hasn't played on the perimeter much at all this year and only did so to start the game tonight because of senior night. I wanted to see Thomas go against Indiana State-bound Justin Gant in the paint and he did for most of the game. Gant picked up two fouls in the first quarter because of Thomas taking it right at him, but played the half nonetheless. Cathedral held a slim 12-10 lead after one quarter.