In a cross-region matchup pitting two of the top five teams in 4A, Merrillville was able to score a victory for the Region, coming away with a hard fought victory over Fort Wayne Carroll on Saturday afternoon. 

 

The game started out as though it would be an up tempo affair, as Merrillville used their quickness to pressure Carroll the full 84 feet, forcing rushed shots and creating turnovers out of their trapping defense. DJ Wilkins did most of the damage for the Pirates, hitting a pair of threes and then capping his ten point quarter with a beautiful turnaround jumper from the baseline. 

 

 

What was a fast paced opening eight minutes turned into a more deliberate pace during the second quarter, as Carroll reduced their turnovers and methodically probed the Merrillville defense. "They're so well coached and disciplined." Merrillville coach TJ Lux remarked. "Obviously they know what they're doing offensively and defensively, they execute so well." 

 

Seniors Avery Fath and Ball State signee Kyle Mallers did their damage in the midrange, splashing jumpers to pull Carroll back even. The Carroll defense tightened up in the quarter, allowing just two field goals for four points for Merrillville and allowing the Chargers to head to the locker room tied.

 

A usual starter for the Pirates, Cam Wilbon began this game from the bench. However, in the third quarter, Wilbon showed why he is one of the Pirates' most important pieces. Using his length and quickness, the junior small forward took position inside and controlled the action. "Cameron has been a little up and down, but when he plays like he's capable, he's a big time player," said Lux. 

 

He rebounded his own miss for a putback, then drew fouls on Kelham Brown and Kyle Mallers, converting three of four from the stripe. Wilbon also made his impact on the defensive end, closing out possessions with defensive rebounds in traffic, preventing any second shot opportunities for the hosts.

 

Merrillville would stretch their lead out to six thanks to a DJ Wilkins three and trip to the free throw line, where he would split a pair. Jacob Redding would score on a back door play, then beat his defender to the rim for a layin to cut the deficit to two points.

 

Cam Wilbon, however, would have other ideas. Wilbon would sneak in and get position in the post, receive a hi low pass from Jairus Stevens, and score, then race from out of nowhere to negate a Redding layup attempt. 

 

Having to foul, Carroll put Jonah Jackson on the line for the Pirates. Jackson missed the front end, giving hope to the home squad. Jacob Redding found an opening for three, but the attempt was off the mark. In the ensuing transition, Marcel Cherry would drop it off for Wilbon for an easy layin.

 

Redding would score on a driving layin, but the Chargers would be forced to foul Jairus Stevens, who made one of two from the line to give the Pirates a two possession lead and the final margin of victory.