Crispus Attucks and Brownsburg began their seasons with blow-out wins but figured Saturday’s game would be a test. Attucks passed the early exam to win the slugfest, 54-49. (Pictured: Jaiquan Edwards)

There were 12 lead changes and eight ties throughout this battle. Jaiquan Edwards hit a mid-range jumper to begin the game, and after Tyran Lewis added another point for Attucks, Ryan Wiggins hit a top of the key triple to tie the game. That was a sign of things to come. The largest lead of the game was when Brownsburg went up six points late in the third quarter. A lead that Attucks quickly erased.

Sophomore Pierce Thomas was solid from start to finish. He hit an early three-pointer off the dribble then completed a vicious dunk over an Attucks defender at the end of the opening period. He finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.

The game featured two power forwards that played at a high level – Jaiquan Edwards (Attucks) and Malek Edmonds (Brownsburg). Edmonds missed the summer due to a knee injury, but he is fully healthy and ready for a huge junior year. He’s a big, strong forward that steps out and has a textbook jumper from behind the arc. His versatility to rebound and battle inside then step out to the perimeter makes him an attractive college prospect. Edwards progresses by the moment. He has long arms and big hands which allow him to play bigger than his 6’5” height. He controls the ball in traffic so well because of his hands then finishes with touch. Edwards and Edmonds exchanged blows throughout the game.

Since it was a low-possession game, the outcome was decided on a few plays. Senior guard Harold Bennett scored six of his 13 points in the final two minutes. He was big for Attucks down the stretch. Bennett’s free throws pushed the Attucks lead to 52-49 with 17 seconds. Brownsburg missed a three-pointer then Bennett added two more free throws for the 54-49 victory.

In the second half, Brownsburg struggled from the free throw line. It played a major role in the loss. After halftime, Brownsburg only connected on 5-13 from the line. When the poor free throw shooting is combined with costly turnovers, Brownsburg made it difficult on itself to win the game.

Attucks (54) – Tyran Lewis 1 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Jaiquan Edwards 18 points (7-11 FG, 4-4 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks; Sincere McMahon 12 points (3-15 FG, 0-7 3FG, 6-7 FT), 1 assists; Harold Bennett 13 points (4-7 FG, 0-1 3FG, 5-7 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers; Donavon Barnett 4 points (2-3 FG), 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Jaylen Carson 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 turnovers; Jason Hall 22 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals; Javon Barnett 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 turnover; Jaden Tyson 3 rebounds

Brownsburg (49) – Cameron Alford 10 points (2-8 FG, 0-2 3FG, 6-10 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 turnovers, 2 steals; Pierce Thomas 13 points (4-7 FG, 2-2 3FG, 3-5 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 turnovers; Malek Edmonds 17 points (7-12 FG, 2-3 3FG, 1-5 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 block; Ryan Wiggins 7 points (3-5 FG, 1-2 3FG) 2 rebounds; Luke Lacy 2 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists; Jakobi McGowan 2 turnovers; Connor Lucas.