Pike traveled to Rockford, Illinois to play in the 205 Tip-Off Classic once again this year. Friday night the Red Devils played Christian Negron and the Larkin Royals.

Keyvon Kyles was hot to start the game. He made three 3-pointers in the opening minutes and was also able to get two steals. His fast start gave Larkin an early 15-4 lead.

Pike's pressure defense was the catalyst for a second quarter comeback. Justin Thomas created many of the Larkin turnovers. Thomas cashed in a few of the turnovers with layups on the other end. That was the source of Pike's offense in the first half.

Larkin had 10 turnovers in the first with many leading to Pike scores. Pike only shot 12-38 from the field in the first half though which is why the Red Devils trailed 32-30 at halftime.

Larkin's sophomore post player Jalen Shaw had a solid first half. He displayed soft hands while pulling in six rebounds in the half while scoring six points. He has tremendous size at 6-foot-7+ and has good timing while blocking shots and going for rebounds.

Pike freshman Brandon Vernon provided some energy and toughness off the bench in the second quarter. He only had three points in the period, but he was physical in the paint, blocked some shots and was always around the action.

Derek Hawthorne and Durante Lee combined for 11 points in the third period to get the Pike offense into gear. The Red Devils were able to take the lead early in the third quarter and held on to it the rest of the way.

Larkin had its chances down the stretch. Christian Negron came alive in the fourth after going scoreless in the first half. Larkin committed a couple of critical turnovers with under two minutes left in the game. They could have tied or taken the lead in both instances.

Justin Thomas salted the game away from Pike with a free throw late. Pike then blocked a late second shot by Larkin that would have tied the game.

Pike won 64-61. They will play Rockford Auburn in the 205 Tip-Off Classic on Saturday.

Pike – Justin Thomas 16 points, 5 steals, 5 rebounds, Justin Roberts 8 points, Brandon Vernon 3 points, Justin Williams 4 points, Derek Hawthorne 10 points, Durante Lee points, Isiah James 6 points, Darian Porch 5 points, Elijah Pennington 2 assists

Larkin – AJ Hunter 13 points, Keyvon Kyles 16 points, Christian Negron 11 points, Jalen Shaw 10 points and 8 rebounds, Tariq Burns 2 points, Trell Mardis 2 points, Kindrell Morris 2 points, Keion Adams 5 points