Lawrence North looked like the best team in the state for the first couple weeks of the season. After a couple of loses, the Wildcats beat a tough Cathedral team Wednesday night, 58-52.

Key Stretch

After struggling to make shots in the first half, Lawrence North found itself down 10 points at halftime. LN wasted no time to chip away at the deficit in the second half. It was quickly a two possession game thanks to Lawrence North's zone defense. The Wildcats forced turnovers and contested threes then attacked the basket on the offensive end. The big stretch for Cathedral came after Armaan Franklin received a technical foul for taunting after a dunk. It was his fourth foul. Moments later, Jarron Coleman picked up fourth foul on an offensive foul. With Franklin and Coleman out of the game, Lawrence North took full advantage to tie the game.

Mike Saunders Jr. had a strong game. His driving bucket gave Lawrence North for the first time in the second half midway through the fourth quarter. It was back and forth from there. After a quiet first three quarter, Jared Hankins had a couple big plays down the stretch. He had a strong baseline drive and finish at the rim. Then he had an offensive rebound and putback to give Lawrence North a four point lead. 

Standout Players

This was the best that I've seen Mike Saunders Jr. play during his sophomore season. He scored 10 points, four rebounds and 3 assists. He was under control while looking to attack. It was a strong showing for Saunders.

DJ Hughes had four points, six rebounds and two steals. Those aren't huge numbers, but he only played 22 minutes off the bench. His three offensive rebounds all seemed big for Lawrence North. Hughes is the only post presence for Lawrence North this season. He was the tallest player in the game and the freshman played like it.

Armaan Franklin was steady throughout the game. He tallied 22 points on 8-13 shooting. He added six rebounds, three assists and one huge block. Lawrence North's zone helped slow down Franlin in the second half. Indiana assistant coach Bruiser Flint was on-hand to watch Franklin.

Jarron Coleman didn't have a good shooting game, but he helped create good shots for his teammates, especially in the first half. He finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Surprises

Lawrence North's zone flipped the game. With the shooters of Cathedral, it didn't seem like Cathedral would struggle against it. There was no rhythm to Cathedral's shooting and it showed. Tony Perkins and DJ Hughes were able to get multiple deflections and steals in the second half.

Next Up

Lawrence North faces Warren Central Friday. Cathedral will play Roncalli Friday.

Stats

Cathedral - Armaan Franklin 22 points (8-13 FG, 2-6 3FG, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists, one block, one turnover; Grant Taug; Jayden Edwards 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assists; Justin Hensley 9 points (3-8 3FG), 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Jarron Coleman 15 points (6-16 FG, 1-5 3FG, 2-3 FT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 4 turnovers; Jacob Ball 2 steals, 2 turnovers; Ross Welch 2 points; Haven Montefalco; Dorion Collins 1 point, 1 rebound

Lawrence North - Mike Saunders 10 points (3-5 FG, 0-1 3FG, 4-5 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover; Jared Hankins 13 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 3FG), 6 rebounds, 5 turnovers; Dexter Shouse 8 points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3FG), 3 rebounds; Tony Perkins 6 points (2-5 FG, 2-4 FT), 2 rebounds, 2 steals; JP Carroll 1 rebounds; DJ Hughes 4 points (2-3 FG), 6 rebounds; Kevin Easley 17 points (3-16 FG, 0-6 3FG, 11-13 FT), 7 rebounds, 3 turnovers