Merrillville is coming off a 22-2 season but the Pirates graduated three key players in Jairus Stevens, DJ Wilkins and Marcel Cherry. It doesn’t look like Merrillville will miss a beat after its convincing 72-47 victory over Hammond. (Photo: Cameron Wilbon throwback)

Merrillville wasted no time setting the tone on Wednesday night. The Pirates jumped out to an 11-0 start powered by Cameron Wilbon. The senior forward finished with 17 points and nine rebounds as he was all over the floor for Merrillville.

Hammond was shaky against Merrillville’s zone especially early in the game. Many simple passes resulted in turnovers as Merrillville played the passing lanes. Johnny Bernard and Jalen Sherwood created turnover after turnover for the Pirates.

Bernard was really good in the first half. He did a good of setting up his teammates by finding open teammates. Bernard was solid as an outside shooter as well. The junior guard finished with 17 points and six assists.

Caleb Coleman is the star for Hammond. Merrillville’s zone did a good job of keeping him contained. He was able to break out in transition for, at least, six of his 13 points in the game. Merrillville length and athleticism kept him out of the lane for most of the night.

Merrillville held a 10-15 point lead for most of the first three periods. Hammond was able to find somewhat of a comfort zone in the second and third quarters where they held Merrillville’s offense in check for the most part. Hammond’s offense was never able to get easy looks consistently.

2018 guard Malik Miller was a bright spot in the second half for Hammond. The small guard was able to hit outside shots and get into the Merrillville defense off the dribble. Miller’s 20 points weren’t enough to help Hammond get back into the game.

Merrillville cruised in the fourth quarter to the 25-point victory.

Merrillville – Mileek McMillan 15 points (5-8 FG), 2 rebounds; Cameron Wilbon 17 points (7-10 FG), 9 rebounds;  Jalen Sherwood 3 points, 3 steals; Johnny Bernard 17 points (4-9 FG, 6-7 FT), 6 assists, 4 turnovers; Jonah Jackson 11 points, James Kirklen 2 points; Kameron Jackson 3 points; Nolen Thomas 2; Daniel Carey 2 points

Hammond – Dwayne McClendon 4 points; Senior Lindsey 6 points; Caleb Coleman 13 points (6-18 FG, 1-4 3FG), 10 rebounds, 3 steals; Malik Miller 20 points (8-17 FG, 2-7 3FG); Jalen Schleicher 6 points.