It was a strong matchup in the semifinals of the  Huntington Holiday Hoops Tourney as Merrillville took on South Bend Riley. Merrillville entered the game at 8-0 while Riley was 10-1 on the season.

Fast pace from the start, it was back and forth for most of the first quarter. Jairus Stevens scored a couple of baskets to get the ball rolling for Merrillville while sophomore Shamar Dillard and Reontre Lawrence sparked the early Riley offer.

2018 shooting guard Damezi Anderson heated up in the second quarter. He hit two three pointers out of the gate and scored 10 points in the period to push Riley ahead. Maurice Scott picked up his scoring in the second quarter as well.

2016 point guard Marcel Cherry provided energy and an offensive punch off the bench. He was one of the main creators of the Merrillville offense in the first half along with Mileek McMillan.

Merrillville only scored 27 points in the first half, but the offense started to click in the third quarter. Junior guard Jonah Jackson hit a couple three pointers to open the half and the flood gates opened for Merrillville. The Pirated scored 26 points in the quarter to tie the game going into the fourth period.

The Pirates stepped up the pace another notch in the fourth quarter. Merrillville started the final period by going on a 13-0 run. Merrillville kept the double digit lead throughout the fourth quarter. DJ Wilkins was key for Merrillville in the fourth. He had just one point in the first three quarters then scored 12 in the fourth.

Reontre Lawrence was a steady scoring option for Riley. He finished with 20 points.

Merrillville won 79-68 with Jairus Stevens scoring 19 points. Damezi Anderson scored 15 points for Riley before fouling out late in the game.

Merrillville had five guys in double figures – Stevens (19), DJ Wilkins (13), Marcel Cherry (14), Jonah Jackson (11), Mileek McMillan (10) then Cameron Wilbon had eight points and four boards.