Two traditional Indiana high school basketball powers met at the Noblesville Holiday Tournament Tuesday morning – Bloomington South and Pike.

Early on, it was Pike’s shooting was the difference in the first half (5-11 3FG) especially sophomore Brandon Vernon going 3-4 from three-point range. He broke out for 15 points and three rebounds in the half. Pike has had hot shooting spurts so far this season; ask Crown Point. The Red Devils have not been consistent from beyond the arc, though. That showed in the second half.

Chance Coyle and Josh Hall, a DePauw-bound forward, were the only South players that looked comfortable on the offensive end in the first half. The duo combined for 16 of South’s 19 points. Coyle was an uncharacteristic 1-4 from the free throw line in the opening half.

Pike used a 20-7 second quarter to build a 35-19 lead at the half.

Pike went cold in the second half as the three-point shooting dried up. Bloomington South didn’t light up the scoreboard but climbed back into it. They had a couple chances down the stretch to tie or take the lead but couldn’t get shots to fall.

Pike’s free throw shooting gave South extra possessions with the ability to tie or take the lead. Coyle took most of the shots late and was able to get decent looks, but the shots didn’t go in. He had a game-high 17 points but he had to take 20 shots in order to get them.

Pike escaped with the 51-47 victory. Darian Porch was 6-6 from the field for 14 points for Pike. Justin Williams and Vernon led Pike with 15 points.

Josh Hall finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. His athleticism and overall game has shown improvement in the last year. He should be a solid contributor for DePauw.

Pike will face Fishers in the semifinals on Wednesday morning.