The match-up of Warren Central and Cathedral looked like an even game on paper and it worked out that way on Friday night. It was a back and forth game with Warren Central making some key plays down the stretch to secure the victory.

Warren Central jumped on Cathedral with eight straight points to open the game. The Warriors were able to do anything they wanted in the first four minutes of the game. Jarron Coleman broke the ice with a three-pointer, and after that, Cathedral played much better for the rest of the quarter. The Irish came back with a 13-2 run to take the lead.

Senior Mack Smith was steady from start to finish for Warren Central. He scored 13 points in the opening half in a low-scoring affair. Smith did a really good job of finishing at the rim but mixed in a couple jumpers as well.

There were nine lead changes and 13 ties in the game. That exemplifies how close the margin was throughout the entire game. After the first minutes of the game, it was played in a couple possession window.

A big swing in the game happened with the game tied when Cathedral’s Jarron Coleman missed a breakaway dunk. Warren was able to come down the court and hit a David Bell three-pointer. Fortunately for Cathedral, senior Tra Landers was able to connect on a long distance shot, his fourth three, a couple minutes later to tie the game.

Warren Central milked the clock until Bell drove to the hoop. At first, it looked like Cathedral had blocked the shot and action would be going to the other end of the floor. The baseline official, with the play in front of him, whistled Cathedral for a foul. The call seemed slightly late, but the referee had a great look at the play. Bell made one of the two free throws.

With time melting off the clock, Coleman was able to drive from the far side of the court. Again, it looked like Warren might have stripped Coleman but a foul was called instead. That sent Coleman to the line for one plus the bonus with seven seconds left. He missed the front end.

Mack Smith was fouled after chasing down the rebound. The senior made both free throws to stretch Warren Central’s lead to 55-52 with five seconds remaining.

Cathedral rushed the ball to mid-court before calling a timeout with three seconds left. Cathedral coach Jason Delaney drew up a last second play for a chance to tie the game. But the inbounding pass was intercepted by Paul Minor to end the game.

Warren Central won 55-52 with Mack Smith scoring 23 points. Sophomore football star David Bell had 10 points and six rebounds in the win. Tra Landers led Cathedral with 18 points. Danny Goggans had eight points and 10 rebounds in 12 minutes of playing time.

Warren Central (2-0) plays Ben Davis next Friday. Cathedral (1-2) plays Chatard next Friday.

Cathedral (52) – James Franklin 4 points (1-7 FG, 0-3 3FG), 3 assists, 6 turnovers, Tra Landers 18 points (5-10 FG, 4-5 3FG, 4-4 FT), Hunter Jackson 9 points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3FG, 2-2 FT), 2 assists, 1 turnover, Jarron Coleman 6 points (2-5 FG, 1-3 3FG, 1-2 FT), Danny Goggans 8 points (2-3 FG, 4-5 FT), 10 rebounds, Austin Kendrick 2 points, 4 rebounds, Jayden Edwards 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, Ross Welch 2 points

WC (55) – Allante Harper (0-5  FG), 2 assists, Mack Smith 23 points (8-15 FG, 1-3 3FG, 6-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, Trequan Spivey 6 points, 2 rebounds, David Bell 10 points, 6 rebounds, Dean Tate 7 points, Paul Minor 9 points, 5 rebounds

Trevor Andershock can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.