Lake Central opened a new gym and the 2015-2016 season with a 60-51 victory over Andrean High School. It wasn't always the smoothest game with over 40 fouls called, but both teams showed some strengths that they will use all year. Here is more on the season opener for both schools.

Lake Central senior Skyler Smith opened the game with a three-pointer and he continued to play well throughout. Smith finished with a game-high 17 points by going 4-10 from the three-point line. Smith also had a few drive and kicks that drew the defense to him before passing to open teammates for outside shots.

Andrean struggled to score early in the game. There are a lot of new pieces to the 59er lineup outside of Colin Flowers and Aidan Finigan. Andrean started freshman Amari Sherrod and Valparaiso transfer Curtis Jones. Jones scored the first four points for Andrean before slowing down and finishing the game with six points.

2017 guard Jerron Tatum gave Andrean a boost in the second quarter. Tatum scored seven of his 12 points in the first half. He had an efficient and productive game off the bench for Andrean as he added five rebounds as well.

Lake Central received bench production from Norell Smith. The junior wing was a game-changer for Lake Central. He provided energy, rebounding and scoring for LC. Smith finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds by the Indiana Basketball Source unofficial statistics. That production was achieved in 17 minutes of game action by our count.

Lake Central used an 18-9 third quarter to create breathing room for the rest of the game. They were never able to land a knock out punch in the fourth quarter thanks to the play of Andrean guard Colin Flowers. Flowers ended with a team-high 13 points. The Lake Central lead fluctuated between six and eleven points throughout the final quarter and held on for the 60-51 win.

Lake Central returns to the court Saturday with its annual game against Hamilton Southeastern in Fishers, Indiana. Andrean plays Hammond Morton next Monday.