The semifinals of the Hendricks County Tournament were held at Danville High School Thursday night. Here is a recap of the games.
Avon vs. Tri-West
Avon was tremendous from the outside early in the game as Mason Miller knocked down four three-pointers in the first quarter. Miller's shooting propelled Avon to a big lead early. Tri-West's Tyler Watson picked up his intensity in the second period to get the Bruins back into the game.
Watson and senior teammate Logan Blake had their moments, but they were never able to find a consistent rhythm. The pair shot a combined 15 of 50 from the field. That was the story of the game – Tri-West struggled to hit shots and Avon torched the nets from the outside. Avon was 10-23 from the three-point line in the game.
Despite the incredible shooting struggles, Tri-West made it a seven-point game with 3:22 left in the game. Tri-West was able to keep it close because Avon turned the ball over against pressure. Avon finished with 21 turnovers compared to Tri-West's 10.
In the end, Zach Rinehart sealed the game late with a couple buckets in the lane. Rinehart controlled the defensive glass for Avon. The 2019 power forward finished with 17 rebounds and they were all on the defensive end. Rinehart also added 24 points on 9-15 shooting.
Le'Angelo Saravia made plays and shots for Avon in the middle quarters. He plays with a fearlessness that ignited Avon for stretches. Saravia finished with 15 points.
Avon won going away 78-65.
Brownsburg vs. Plainfield
In the nightcap, Brownsburg used the early production of freshman Pierce Thomas to build an immediate lead. Plainfield had trouble with Brownsburg's pressure defense, but the Quakers shot 4-5 from the field in the opening period to keep it close.
Gavin Bizeau and Sam Siegfied provided the Plainfield offense for most of the night. The duo played really well in the second quarter. Plainfield clamped down on Brownsburg defensively as well in the period. The combination of those things led to Brownsburg clinging to a 28-24 lead at the half.
Cameron Alford imposed his will on the game in the second half. The Bulldog, by team mascot and playing style, attacked off the dribble and extended his defensive pressure. His intensity helped Brownsburg get over a lull in the game. Alford finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.
Plainfield remained in the game until late. Freshman Aiden Booher played well for Plainfield. He handled the Brownsburg pressure well then knocked down a couple of threes as well. Bizeau ended up getting seven blocks in the game to neutralize Brownsburg's production slashing to the basket a bit. Siegfried scored with efficiency all game. He had a game-high 20 points on 7-9 shooting.
Malek Edmonds provided an offensive boost off the bench. He played key minutes as Antrez Baker apparently reinjured his hand in the second half. Edmonds played really well as he probed the middle of Plainfield's zone defense. Edmonds finished with 14 points on 5-7 shooting.
Brownsburg sealed the game late with free throws to win 61-49.
Brownsburg will face Avon in the Hendricks County Tournament finals Saturday at 6 pm. The game will be played at Danville High School.