Warren Central against North Central in the Marion County Tournament semifinals is one of the most anticipated games in the Indianapolis area to this point in the high school season. Here is a breakdown of Friday night’s game.

Warren Central Keys

In order for Warren Central to beat North Central, the Warriors need to play a great game on the defensive end. Warren Central’s toughness as a team is one of its biggest strengths. Here are the main three keys for Warren Central against North Central.

Contain Kris Wilkes

Kris Wilkes can win a high school game by himself. He’s capable of great spurts on both ends of the floor. There is a reason why he is the runaway favorite for Mr. Basketball this year. His dunks and plays in transition often give his teammates energy and confidence. Here is what Kris Wilkes has produced in the five games that Indiana Basketball Source has statted.

Slowing Emmanuel Little

Limiting Kris Wilkes is not the only thing that opponents have to do in order to beat North Central. Emmanuel Little is having an Indiana All-Star-type of senior year. He has been incredible in nearly every game for the Panthers. Warren Central will have to find a way to slow down Little. That is a major task especially since Warren Central is not a big team.

Defending North Central’s Outside Shooting

If Warren Central slows down Wilkes and Little, the Warriors will still need to run North Central off the three-point line. North Central has made nine three-pointers per game in the five games I’ve recorded stats. The Panthers are shooting 40% from the three-point line this season. If Warren Central is double teaming Wilkes and Little, North Central will have open shooters from the three-point line. That has not worked out well for North Central opponents to this point.

North Central Keys

Stopping Mack Smith

North Central’s defensive game plan will start and stop with defending Mack Smith. The senior is scoring 19 points per game on excellent shooting. North Central has to contain Smith and make him shoot with a hand in his face on every attempt. North Central can pressure Smith away from the basket and funnel him into Wilkes and Little at the basket. Little is a tremendous shot blocker. If North Central limits Smith’s offensive production, Warren Central will be fighting an uphill battle.

Limit Warren Central’s Offensive Rebounds

The Warriors don’t have much, if any, size on the roster. Despite that, Warren Central has done a good job of crashing the offensive glass when I’ve seen them. If North Central overextends its defense then goes to block shots, the offensive boards could be open to the Warriors. That would be a game changer for Warren Central.

Force Turnovers

Doug Mitchell always likes to pressure opponents full court. Will Warren Central be able to handle North Central’s pressure? Dean Tate and Allante Harper will have to protect the ball from Mateo Rivera, DJ Johnson, Ty’Riek Johnson and others for North Central that thrive in pressing situations.

Summary

Warren Central is 11-0 on the season. They have been playing great all year. Despite that, North Central has been head and shoulders above the competition to this point. Can Warren Central make it a physical, slow game? Will North Central have a rare poor shooting game? Will Mack Smith be able to produce against North Central’s defense? Those are the things to look for Friday night.