Morning games have a tendency to be ugly at any level. Avon was ready to play from the tip on Tuesday morning in the first game of the Noblesville Holiday Tournament.

The Orioles used 10 first quarter points from senior guard Jack McCue to take an early advantage against Bloomington South. Avon also received a buzzer-beating three pointer from Evan Lowden at the end of the quarter. Lowden scored seven in the period and Avon led 25-13.

It was more of McCue in the second quarter. He was helped out by Shawn Moore and Antoin Clifton in the second period. The only bright spots for Bloomington South were sophomore Chance Coyle and senior guard Tucker Blackwell. Coyle and Blackwell kept Bloomington South in the game during the first half.

The Panthers started their charge in the third quarter. Blackwell and Coyle continued to play at a high level. Each time it looked like Bloomington South was going to take over the game, McCue answered. He scored 11 of Avon's 15 points in the third quarter to stave off Bloomington South.

South kept coming after Avon though. Blackwell gave South the lead early in the final period and the Panthers never gave up the lead. Blackwell and Coyle salted the game away at the free throw line for South.

Bloomington South won 78-69. They will face the winner of Crown Point and Lawrence North in the Noblesville Holiday Tournament.

Chance Coyle finished with 25 points and nine rebounds. Tucker Blackwell had 24 points. Jack McCue had a game-high 28 points in the loss. Junior Evan Lowden added 14 points in the loss.