The top two teams of sectional 34 squared off on Saturday at Michigan City Marquette. Winamac entered the game with a record of 13-2 with losses to Twin Lakes and McCutcheon. Marquette Catholic was standing at 11-5 on the season. It looked like it was going to be a close game.
A close game was not meant to be, Marquette took no time asserting its control over the game. 2019 guard Colin Kenney excelled as a playmaker in the opening quarter. He racked up four assists in the first quarter to help Marquette jump out to a large lead. 2016 guard Cameron Hall was his favorite target. Hall scored eight points in the period. Marquette held a 20-6 lead after the first eight minutes of play.
The game wasn't decided yet, though, Winamac showed life in the second quarter. Winamac's star Derek Dotlich was able to break free for a couple baskets. Dotlich entered the game scoring nearly 24 points per game while shooting a high percentage from the field. He shot just 1-6 from the field in the first quarter. Marquette forced Dotlich to work for every shot attempt.
Behind Dotlich's play, Winamac inched back into the game. Junior Luke Pugh converted a few mid-range shots towards the end of the half. Pugh and Dotlich combined for 15 of Winamac's 19 points in the first half..
The game quickly went downhill for Winamac in the second half. Marquette came out of the halftime break and erased all hope from Winamac. Marquette started the second half with a 14-5 run that effectively sealed the game. Michael Langston and Caleb Carnes led the way for the Blazers. The duo scored 10 points in the quarter as Marquette's lead expanded from 14 points at halftime to 25 after three quarters.
Marquette coasted in the fourth quarter to an easy victory. The Blazers improved to 12-5 with the 67-38 win. Marquette had balanced scoring throughout the game. The Blazers were led by Caleb Carnes' 11 points. Cameron Hall, Tyler Paholski and Michael Langston each finished with nine points. Colin Kenney had eight points in the win. Kyren Miller chipped in seven points. Tyshaun Smallwood added six points, while Jon Andershock tallied four points.
Winamac was led by Derek Dotlich's 13 points, but it took the senior 20 shots to accomplish that total. Luke Pugh and Maverick Schultz finished with seven points each.