South Bend Clay entered Wednesday night's game against Plymouth with a record of 8-15. Clay beat Elkhart Memorial and then took Valparaiso to double overtime before losing to close out the regular season. Plymouth played many of its toughest games of the year down the stretch. The Pilgrims were on a four game losing streak as sectional play began.
The game started with Plymouth turning the ball over frequently. Those turnovers led to run outs by Clay specifically Jahmyr Johnson. He had 10 points and three steals in the period. Two of Johnson's points came at the buzzer as he stole the ball and got to the basket while getting fouled. There was a long discussion by the officials before deciding that the score was before the quarter ended.
Plymouth's offense looked much better in the second quarter led by senior Cam Eveland. He scored 10 points in the second period after not scoring in the first. As a whole, Plymouth took care of the ball much better in the second quarter. Clay was getting most of its offense through Pilgrim turnovers. Plymouth turned the ball over seven times in the first quarter and only once in the second.
Plymouth was able to spread Clay out and get to the basket off the dribble in the third quarter. Clay offered no help side defense on most of the drives and Plymouth converted at a high rate around the basket. Eveland, Josh Anders and Nick Felke pushed Plymouth to a six point lead going to the final quarter.
Jahmyr Johnson was all over the floor to start the fourth quarter. His play and toughness led Clay back and his basket with under six minutes remaining gave Clay the lead. A few lackadaisical plays by Clay allowed Plymouth to take the lead right back.
Eveland's layup with 1:55 left gave Plymouth the 60-54 lead. Clay was never able to cut it to a one possession game the rest of the way. Part of the reason that Clay couldn't cut into the Plymouth lead late was the Pilgrim free throw shooting. They hit 11 of 14 free throws in the final quarter.
Plymouth won 68-63 to advance to the semifinals behind 24 points from Cam Eveland. Nick Felke added 16 and Josh Anders chipped in 14 points.
Clay was led by Jahmyr Johnson's 19 points and seven rebounds. Jimmy Beane added 14 points in the loss. Tysean Sheppard had 11 points.
Plymouth will play South Bend Washington on Friday in the semifinals.