Merrillville opened the season with a surprising victory over Southport and has remained unbeaten ever since. East Chicago Central began the season with a surprising loss to Gary Roosevelt. The Cardinals rattled off five wins in a row entering Wednesday's game.

Merrillville controlled most of the first half. East Chicago Central was only within a few possessions, but Merrillville had the lead for the majority of the half. Senior forward Jairus Stevens was a big reason for Merrillville's advantage. Stevens used his athleticism to make plays around the basket. He was highly productive throughout the game.

Damien Jefferson was not a factor in the first three quarters of the game. He received two fouls in the first quarter then sat until the final three minutes of the first half. Once he returned to the court, he struggled to be produce at his normal pace.

Jermaine Couisnard was the main scoring option for East Chicago Central. He played really well in the second half and especially in the third quarter. He scored nine points in the third quarter including a three pointer before the buzzer to bring ECC within five points.

Junior wing Cameron Wilbon was Merrillville's best rebounder against East Chicago. He was a force on the offensive glass all night. He finished with 17 points and 15 rebounds.

The fourth quarter was a wild one. Jefferson picked up the pace for East Chicago, but he wasn't the difference maker. It was mainly Keyshawn Lewis, Alyion Stubbs and Couisnard making the plays. Lewis had a big steal and layup to pull East Chicago wthin one point with under two minutes left.

Stevens and Wilbon continued to score in the paint for Merrillville. The Pirates were sparked by Marcel Cherry. His speed and attacking style put pressure on the East Chicago defense. He scored nine points and assisted on four plays in the second half.

Jefferson came up huge when his team needed him most. He had a baseline drive and finished with a finger roll outside of the lane to tie the game with under a minute left.

Merrillville held the ball for the final shot. Cherry missed an attempt from the outside with about seven seconds left. Jefferson elevated for the rebound, but fell to the ground for a travel. Merrillville had the ball out of bounds under the basket with four seconds left, but could only get a desperation three attempt off before the buzzer.

To begin overtime, it looked like Merrillville was content to hold the ball for one shot. The Pirates stalled for over 90 seconds before Wilbon took a contested shot in the lane. Couisnard knocked down a deep two pointer to give East Chicago the lead.

The East Chicago lead was short lived as Stevens answered with an and-1 to take back the advantage. Merrillville did not surrender the lead the rest of the way.

It looked like Merrillville had sealed the game with a free throw from Wilbon with 16 seconds left and ahead by four points. That was not the case as Jefferson was fouled and sent to the line for two free throws. He made the first and missed the second. The rebound went out of bounds off of Merrillville which gave the ball back to East Chicago. Jefferson then buried a deep three pointer with nine seconds left.

Merrillville, up one points, couldn't get the ball in bound and had to call a timeout with five seconds left. DJ Wilkins was able to break open after the timeout to get the ball and he was fouled. He made both free throws before East Chicago tried a desperation half court shot to tie the game. It was off the mark.

Merrillville moved to 6-0 with the 84-81 overtime victory. Jairus Stevens led Merrillville with 27 points and eight rebounds. Cameron Wilbon had an impressive 17 points and 15 rebounds.

East Chicago was led by Jermaine Couisnard's 22 points. Keyshawn Lewis added 17 points and Damien Jefferson finished with 15.

Merrillville – Jonah Jackson 5 points, DJ Wilkins 9 points (2-12 FG), 4 rebounds, Cameron Wilbon 17 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 FT), 15 rebounds, 3 turnovers, Mileek McMillan 8 points, 4 rebounds, Jairus Stevens 27 points (10-15 FG, 1-4 3FG, 6-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 turnovers, Marcel Cherry 13 points 4 assists, 1 turnover, James Walters 3 points

East Chicago – Damien Jefferson 15 points (5-11 FG, 2-4 3FG, 3-5 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 turnovers, Alyion Stubbs 9 points, Edwin Wilson 10 points, Keyshawn Lewis 17 points (8-11 FG, 0-1 3FG, 1-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 turnover, Charlie Cleveland 8 points, 8 rebounds,