Warren Central used three-point shooting and defense to beat Lawrence Central in the first round of the Marion County Tournament Tuesday.

Key Stretch

Lawrence Central held the lead for most of the first half. That was until Dean Tate knocked down a few three-pointers and Antwaan Cushingberry connected on his own. The short barrage of triples put Warren Central in the lead late in the first half and the Warriors never looked back.

Standout Players

Dean Tate and Antwaan Cushingberry went 10-18 from the field including 5-8 from three to lead Warren Central. Cushingberry finished with 16 while Tate had 14. Tate and Cushingberry were the offensive spark that Warren Central needed.

David Bell and Jakobie Robinson each had three assists. Bell added nine rebounds and five points as well. Robinson contributed eight points.

Donyell Meredith was comfortable against Warren Central’s pressure defense as he only had one turnover. He was 4-6 from the field for 12 points. The 2018 guard snagged six rebounds as well. He is putting together a strong senior season.

Wesley Jordan is getting his quick leaping ability back. He was a spark in the second and third quarters for Lawrence Central. He finished with six points.

Surprises

Lawrence Central has handled the ball well against Ben Davis and Lawrence North. The Bears were loose with the ball against Warren’s relentless pressure. Lawrence Central turned it over 19 times Tuesday night. That combined with poor shooting, LC didn’t have much of a chance to win the game.

Next Up

Warren Central advanced to play Pike in the second round of the Marion County Tournament Wednesday night. Pike is looking for its fourth straight Marion County Tournament championship. Lawrence Central will be off until January 19. They have a rematch with Warren Central that day.

Stats

Warren Central – Antwaan Cushingberry 16 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3FG, 2-2 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover; Dean Tate 14 points (4-7 FG, 3-4 3FG, 3-3 FT), 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 assist, 1 turnover; Jesse Bingham 13 points (4-12 FG, 0-1 3FG, 5-8 FT), 2 rebounds 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover; Jalen Moore 1 point, 1 steal; Joe Rush 4 points (2-5 FG), 1 rebound, 1 steal; David Bell 5 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal; Jakobie Robinson 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

Lawrence Central – Donyell Meredith 12 points (4-6 FG, 1-1 3FG, 3-3 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover; Jaden Terry 8 points (2-8 FG, 1-5 3FG, 3-4 FT), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 5 turnovers; D’Andre Davis 4 points (2-6 FG), 5 rebounds, 4 turnovers; Xavier DelReal 2 points (0-5 FG, 2-2 FT), 2 rebounds; Jacob LaRavia 3 points; Nijel Pack 5 points (1-3 FG, 1-2 3FG, 2-2 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 4 turnovers; Wesley Jordan 6 points (3-6 FG, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover; Tyler Andrews 4 points, 4 rebounds