Pike and New Albany was one of the most anticipated games of the early season. Both programs are rated as top ten teams in class 4A. It lived up to the billing.

2018 high-major prospect Romeo Langford had a quick start. He set the tone for New Albany. New Albany jumped out to a big lead early in the game. Pike's Justin Roberts helped turn the tide late in the quarter. Roberts scored 10 points in the period to keep Pike in it.

The second quarter was the Josh Jefferson show. He scored 13 points in the period. Jefferson was 3-4 from the three point line in the first half. Pike didn't back down though. Justin Thomas started to get into the passing lanes to get Pike's offense some easy baskets. Thomas had six points and four assists in the first half. New Albany led 39-31 at the half behind Jefferson's exploits.

The game slowed down a bit in the third period. Pike did a good job of forcing Langford into taking tough shots instead of letting him get to the paint where he could use his length and athleticism.

Pike tied and had a chance to take the lead with about six minutes remaining, but Isiah James missed the free throw. The ties and lead changes were just starting. It was back and forth for the last half of the fourth quarter.

The quickness of Pike really showed late in the game. It even forced New Albany into a zone. That is something that was unexpected from New Albany.

“We might have practiced it (a zone defense) for five minutes this week,” said New Albany head coach Jim Shannon.

It was a move that coach Shannon thought they had to make in order to keep Pike out of the lane. Thomas, Roberts and Justin Williams stepped up down the stretch for Pike.

Langford and Josh Jefferson finished with 55 of New Albany's 68 points. Jefferson was held to just six points in the second half.

Thomas was a main catalyst for Pike throughout the game. If he wasn't scoring, he was creating havoc with his driving ability. He helped Justin Williams get going. Williams scored 13 points with a majority coming in the second half.

Justin Roberts finished with 24 points and five assists. Justin Thomas had 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and knocked home all five of his free throws. Durante Lee had 8 points, Isiah James also had 8 points. Darian Porch had 2 points and four rebounds.

Romeo Langford was tremendous with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and two blocks. Josh Jefferson had 25 points on six three pointers.