Other than jumping out to an early lead, Warren Central had its textbook postseason victory in the 2018 4A State Championship. Warren Central came from behind in the second half to beat Carmel, 54-48.

Unlike some other recent games, Warren Central jumped out to a 7-0 lead to begin the game. Dean Tate buried a long two-pointer to get the scoring underway. It didn’t take too long for Carmel to answer. The Greyhounds went on an extended 20-0 run from the first quarter deep into the second. It wasn’t until 1:26 left before halftime that Tate broke the drought.

John Michael Mulloy had a very good game, and it started early in the game. He had a height advantage and used it frequently. Carmel worked the ball through him, especially in the first half. He scored eight points during Carmel’s 20-0 run.

Free throw shooting was huge in the first half. Carmel shot 14 free throws to zero for Warren Central. Part of the free throw disparity was the post touches of Mulloy. Dean Tate and David Bell spent some time on the bench in the first half after picking up multiple fouls. Bell went scoreless in the half.

Carmel had a 13-point lead in the first half, and it was eight points at the half. Warren Central didn’t waste much time closing the gap in the third quarter. The Warriors did it in a fashion familiar to their opponents throughout the season. Warren Central forced six turnovers in the stanza. Antwaan Cushingberry did most of the scoring. Carmel struggled to handle the ball with Luke Heady on the bench with three fouls for a major stretch in the quarter.

Once Warren Central took the lead with 5:17 left in the fourth quarter, the Warriors didn’t give it up. The Warren Central defensive pressure continues to build throughout the game. It came to a boiling point in the fourth quarter. Carmel committed seven turnovers in the fourth and 13 in the second half. It was a challenge for Carmel to get the ball into the half court.

It’s a similar spot that New Albany found itself last week and a handful of throughout the season. Warren Central opponents thought they were going to end the Warriors’ undefeated season, but Warren Central’s toughness and defensive pressure overcame the deficit and obstacles.

Warren Central converted 17-22 free throws down in the fourth quarter to keep Carmel at an arm’s length. The closest Carmel came was when Jalen Whack hit a three-pointer with 16 seconds left. The Greyhounds were out of timeouts, and Warren Central wisely took their time taking the ball out. With the clock continuing to run, Carmel players hit the ball multiple times. The last time was by Luke Heady after the ref had thrown it back to Warren Central. It resulted in a technical foul and effectively putting the game out of reach.

Warren Central won its first boys basketball state title, 54-48. Dean Tate led all scorers with 22 points including 13-14 from the line. Antwaan Cushinberry added 10. Jakobie Robinson had five points and five rebounds.

John Michael Mulloy had a great game in the tune of 21 points and eight rebounds. He was 6-7 from the field and 9-12 from the free throw line. Cole Jenkins and Eddie Gill each scored eight points for Carmel.

The win capped off a perfect 32-0 season for Criss Beyers and the Warriors. The Warrior mascot is perfect to symbolize the type of basketball team the 2018 Warren Central squad was. From top to bottom, there are few high school teams have been as tough as Warren Central.