Lawrence North has been the most impressive team in the state to begin the year. The Wildcats rolled to a 90-66 victory over Marion.

Key Stretch

The Marion players looked like deer in headlights during the first possession that Lawrence North put on its full court press. Marion turned over the ball 10 times in the first quarter. The Giants were never comfortable against the pressure of Lawrence North.

Standout Players

Kevin Easley recorded his 1,000^th career point on a four-point play in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 30 points for game-high honors. He was 8-18 from the field and 11-14 from the free throw line. He also had six rebounds.

Jared Hankins continues to shoot and play well. The 2019 guard scored 27 points on 9-17 shooting including 5-10 from three-point range. He is 14-25 from three-point line in the two games and scrimmage this season.

JK Thomas was the bright spot early in the game. He scored 16 points but struggled from deep.

Freshman Jalen Blackmon had his moments while scoring 20 points. The youngest Blackmon has many of the mannerisms of his older brothers, James and Vijay. Marion will need him to score a lot this season.

Surprises

Heading into the game, it seemed like Marion might be able to handle Lawrence North’s pressure with JK Thomas and other athletes. That was not the case as mentioned before.

Next Up

Lawrence North has rival Lawrence Central Wednesday. Marion faces Homestead Saturday.

Stats

Mike Saunders 11 points (3-7 FG, 5-8 FT), 2 steals, 2 rebounds; Jared Hankins 27 points (9-17 FG, 5-10 3FG, 4-6 FT), 3 rebounds; Tony Perkins 11 points (5-7 FG), 7 rebounds, 2 assists; JP Carroll 2 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds; Jackson Moulton 4 points; DJ Hughes 1 rebound; Kevin Easley 30 points (8-18 FG, 3-8 3FG, 11-14 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists; Joel-L Hedrick 2 points

Jalen Blackmon 20 points (6-15 FG, 5-12 3FG, 3-3 FT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 turnovers; Tyrese Cobb 6 points; Dre Aguilar 3 points, 7 rebounds; Latrell Simpson 8 points (3-7 FG); JK Thomas 16 points (7-18 FG, 0-6 3FG, 2-3 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 steals; Tytavion Whitfield 4 points, 3 rebounds; Zach Randolph 5 points

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