Two programs looking for successful seasons in class 4A began their journey on Tuesday night, with Carmel using a big third quarter run and timely foul shooting down the stretch to pull away from Zionsville.

The visitors started off the game with a bang, thanks to sophomore sensation Isaiah Thompson. The guard had eight of Zionsville's first 11 points as the Eagles' 2-3 zone caused problems for Carmel. Sterling Brown would calm the home folks with six points in the opening quarter as Carmel trailed by five.

Adjustments made between quarters started to pay off for the Greyhounds as a pair of seniors took over. The aforementioned Brown would knock down a pair of triples early in the quarter, which forced the Zionsville defense to extend. That in turn opened up the baseline for senior forward PJ Baron to operate, on his way to seven first half points. Zionsville would maintain a three point advantage as the halftime buzzer sounded.

The third quarter was all Carmel, as the hosts used their methodical offense to go on a 6-0 run over the first four minutes of the third period. Sophomore forward John Michael Mulloy used his 6'10 frame to establish position down low and draw fouls on Zionsville post defenders, then converted at the free throw line, going six for six from the stripe in the quarter. On the other end, the Eagles would struggle to establish anything, as the suffocating Greyhound defense forced turnovers and contested shots. Dominic Genco would score four of his team's six points in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Carmel gradually pull away as fouls for both sides began to mount. Timely free throw shooting from Brown and Alex Falender would close the game out for the Greyhounds.

Zionsville 15 8 6 21 - 50
Carmel 10 10 17 29 - 66

Zionsville: Isaiah Thompson 17 points (5/19 FGs, 2/11 3Ps, 5/5 FTs); Dominic Genco 16 points (5/11 FGs, 6/7 FTs), 5 rebs; Tyler Leedy 7 points (3/5 FGs, 1/2 3Ps), 5 rebs; Riley Bertram 6 points (3/6 FGs), 5 rebs; Will Alcock 2 points

Carmel: Sterling Brown 26 points (7/14 FGs, 5/9 3Ps, 7/10 FTs), 5 ast; PJ Baron 13 points (5/7 FGs, 3/6 FTs), 5 rebs; John Michael Mulloy 8 points (6/6 FTs), Alex Falender 7 points; Jalen Whack 5 points; Cole Jenkins 2 points, 4 ast; Mike Pitz 2 points; Luke Heady 2 points; Eddie Gill 1 point