On paper, it looked like Crown Point (6-0) and Columbus East (2-3) would be a lopsided game. That was not the case in the fourth opening round game of the Noblesville Holiday Tournament.

Max Nolting, a junior guard, started quickly for Columbus East. He scored eight points and was helping the Olympians move the ball against Crown Point’s defense. The Olympians played really well early in the game.

Nolting wasn’t alone, Jonathan Foster contributed in a big way as well. He had a perfect first half as he went 6-6 from the field for 14 points. Behind Nolting and Foster, Columbus East built a six-point lead at its high water mark.

Sasha Stefanovic had a slow start for Crown Point. The Bulldogs used Dominic Tomich for its scoring punch in the early portion of the game. The senior guard slashed into the lane well then finished in the six to 10-foot range.

Crown Point started the second half with a spurt in the first four minutes. The lead went from three points at the half to nine points during that stretch. The Bulldogs had everyone involved and playing well. The ball was moving really well all game for Crown Point. Overall, the Bulldog offense was clicking on all cylinders. By my count, Crown Point had an offensive rating of 131 in the game, which is really good.

Stefanovic had a much more productive second half for Crown Point. Each time Columbus East cut Crown Point’s lead to five or six points, Stefanovic would make a play to push the lead back up. He scored 18 of his 26 points in the second half. He was also active on the defensive end and on the boards. It was a strong overall game for Stefanovic.

Crown Point won going away, 72-61. The Bulldogs had an eFG% of 71% in the game. It’s hard to beat a team shooting like that. Dominic Tomich finished with 17, Ken Decker 14 and Andrew Kenneally had 12.

Jonathan Foster ended the game with 20 points on 8-11 shooting. Chaz Painter added 11 while Matthew Frost had 10 for Columbus East.