Avon lost 10 straight games prior to its regular season finale. The Orioles beat Martinsville in that game last week to end the regular season 6-17. Avon did not look like a six-win team on Tuesday night. 

There was a lid on the basket for both teams for the first couple minutes of play. Once Avon cracked the seal, they played really well. The Orioles were able to create turnovers and quickly convert the turnovers into points in the first quarter. Avon was led by the play of junior guard Andrew Short early in the game. He scored seven points in the opening period. 

After leading 17-7 heading into the second quarter, Avon stepped on the gas even more. Andrew Griffin and Hayden Crowder jumped into the action by knocking down three-pointers. Avon's lead ballooned to 16 points midway through the second stanza. North did a good job to stop the bleeding as the teams went to the locker room for halftime. 

Avon's leading scorer, Jack McCue, was held to two points in the first half. He changed that quickly in the second half. He scored nine points in the third quarter with much of it coming in the first few minutes of the period. McCue's efforts helped Avon extend its lead to 40-20. McCue finished with 16 points.

The saving grace from a complete disaster for North was senior wing Casius Bell. He had 16 points through three quarters for North including four three-pointers. Without him, North would have had no offense for the first three quarters of the game.

Avon's advantage was 15 entering the final period. The lead was pushed back up to 20 points with just over six minutes left to play. It looked like Avon was going to cruise to a victory without being challenged. North showed resiliency in the final six minutes.

90 seconds after Avon's lead reached 20 points, Terre Haute cut the deficit to 12 points. After Casius Bell connected on two more three-pointers, North was within nine points. As things started to look shaky for Avon, senior guard Jordan Peterson splashed three three-pointers to end the hopes of Terre Haute North. Peterson scored 12 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ensure the Avon victory. 

Avon won 77-61. The Orioles advance to play Plainfield in the second semifinal at Terre Haute North on Friday.

Avon was led by McCue's 16 points. Antoin Clifton had a strong game with 10 points, six rebounds, two blocks and three steals. 

Senior wing Casius Bell finished with 27 points on 7-12 shooting from three-point range. Keshuan Sandifer added nine points in the loss.