The energy and excitement for the Lawrence North-Lawrence Central game is always incredible. Even with Lawrence Central coasting to a blow-out win, the air never left Lawrence North’s gym.

Lawrence Central junior D’Andre Davis turned in a special first half performance. After Lawrence North junior guard Tony Perkins set the tone with his aggressiveness early, Davis took things to new heights. The Nebraska commitment attacked off the dribble, hit the glass hard, and made shots from all over. Despite picking up two fouls, Davis ended up playing a great half. He scored 16 points in the opening half.

Lawrence Central senior forward Wesley Jordan matched Davis’ aggressiveness as he crashed the offensive glass. He showcased his athleticism as he battled in the paint. Jordan also stepped out for a couple mid-range jumpers to display his skill set.

Lawrence Central’s lead was ballooning in the second quarter before Jared Hankins got hot from deep. The Indiana State signee hit his last four shots of the half including three triples. Hankins scored all 12 of Lawrence North’s points in the third quarter.

After trailing by nine at intermission, Lawrence North opened the second half with an 8-0 run. Hankins scored five of those points along with a layup by Perkins and a free throw from Shamar Avance. That made it a one-point game midway through the third quarter.

With Lawrence North charging, Nijel Pack asserted himself into the storyline. Pack turned his aggressiveness through the roof as he penetrated the defense each time he touched the ball. The junior point guard scored the next six points to push Lawrence Central’s lead back to seven points. Pack scored 14 of his 19 points after halftime.

Once Pack and Lawrence Central pushed the lead back to seven points late in the third, Lawrence North never got back into the game. Tony Perkins made some plays to finish with 14 points and Hankins continued to shoot well, but it wasn’t enough to compete with LC’s production. Jacob LaRavia had a strong second half slashing to the basket. Wesley Jordan continued to make plays in the paint. It was too much for the Wildcats.

Lawrence Central won 72-55 behind 24 points from D’Andre Davis. He also had eight rebounds. Nijel Pack recorded 19 points. Wesley Jordan and Jake LaRavia each had double-doubles. Jordan finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. LaRavia had 14 points and 10 boards.

Lawrence North was led by Jared Hankins’ 27 points. The Indiana State signee was 6-9 from three-point range. Tony Perkins was the only other Wildcat in double figures with 14 points.