Chesterton (7-1) faced off with Noblesville (3-4) in the third game of the day at the Noblesville Holiday Tournament. Chesterton entered the game scoring 74.3 points per game compared to Noblesville’s 48.3. Which team would set the tone?

Freshman Jake Wadding made an impact from the start for Chesterton. He was active inside the arc for Chesterton. He scored seven points early in the game. Wadding’s most impressive play was a drive and then spin at the basket before completing the play and getting fouled.

Noblesville’s Max Flinchum was aggressive from the tip for Noblesville. He knocked down two corner threes to get the offense rolling for the Millers. Flinchum scored 10 points in the first half.

Chesterton shot well, 9-17 from the field, in the first half but turned the ball over regularly. The Trojans had 11 turnovers leading to 13 points by Noblesville. Those easy baskets gave Noblesville the 26-22 lead at the half.

Chesterton used a full court press to force Noblesville into more turnovers in the second half. Wadding was really active at the top of the press. The freshman was able to turn Noblesville errors into points.

Noblesville offense was mainly Flinchum and Corby Merlens with McGwire Plumer having spurts of playmaking. Merlens and Flinchum scored 39 of Noblesville’s 63 points in the game. They were the only consistent options for the Millers.

Austin Peterson, Chesterton’s leading scorer, did not score in the first half. His first points came in the fourth quarter on a deep three-pointer. He scored at the basket a couple moments later. It looked like he might get going on the offensive end but Peterson finished with five points.

The game was tied with a minute to go when Chesterton gained possession. The Trojans were able to milk the clock down then Ray Yagelski slashed to the basket. The senior had a good look at a layup but was unable to convert. Ky Palombizio’s last second shot from the mid-range was no good as well.

Noblesville grabbed the lead in overtime on a Merlens basket at the rim. The Millers were able to control the game from there as turnovers and missed opportunities slowed down Chesterton. The Trojans had a handful of possessions where they could have tied or taken the lead in overtime.

Noblesville used six Rico Duncan free throws to ice the game. The Millers won 63-57 in overtime.

Max Flinchum led Noblesville with 20 points while Corby Merlens tallied 19 points and nine rebounds. Freshman Jake Wadding finished with 24 points and seven rebounds to lead Chesterton. Ray Yagelski added 12 points.