Behind the efficient scoring of Julien Hunter and playmaking of Landon Sprigler, New Albany traveled to Indianapolis Friday evening and picked up a win against Pike.

The Red Devils know a thing about quick starts. They jumped on Center Grove 18-0 a couple weeks ago. The script was flipped on them Friday as New Albany built a 14-4 lead to begin the game. The Bulldogs took the action to Pike as Sprigler slashed to the lane and Trey Hourigan scored from inside and outside. The Red Devils were on their heels as New Albany stretched its lead to 22-7 in the first quarter.

To stop the bleeding, junior Davion Bailey hit a shot late in the opening quarter then hit a three-pointer to begin the second-period scoring. After a 7-0 run, Pike increased its defensive intensity.  New Albany’s struggles against the Pike full-court press began in the second quarter. It was a difficult task for New Albany to inbound the ball after the first period.

Along with the improved defense, Pike leaned on Chris Robinson. The senior guard was the main scoring source for Pike in the second quarter. He scored 11 of Pike’s 26 first-half points.

New Albany led 34-26 at the half.

Pike continued its comeback bid to begin the second half. Elijah Yarbro connected on a three-pointer on the first possession then Chris Robinson hit another following a turnover from New Albany.  Pike was suddenly within two points of New Albany.

As things started to slip away from New Albany, Julien Hunter scored five straight points to give the Bulldogs breathing room. Hunter was tremendous from start to finish for New Albany. He was 12-14 from the field on his way to a game-high 26 points.

The New Albany lead remained in the four to seven-point range the rest of the third quarter.

Ahmoni Jones is one of the breakout seniors in the state. He’s averaging 17.6 points per game, but he only had eight points in the first three periods. Jones took over the fourth quarter. He scored from the block through multiple defenders. He hit mid-range shots as opponents contested his shot. He was able to get to the free throw line as well. Jones scored 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Although New Albany struggled to get the ball up the court, the Bulldogs were able to get good scoring opportunities once the ball was in the half court. Hunter had a dunk then a layup to stretch New Albany’s lead to eight points with 2:40 left in the game.

A key sequence happened Derrick Stevenson fouled out on an offensive foul. Seconds later, Chris Robinson fouled out as he was called for a charge. That took two major players out of the game in a matter of moments.

But Pike didn’t go away. Jones scored an and-1 then converted a free throw after a New Albany turnover. Pike was able to get the New Albany lead down to three points with 1:40 to play, but the Red Devils never made it closer. Chris Johnson and Landon Sprigler were able to seal the game from the free throw line.

New Albany won 76-73 as Ahmoni Jones hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

Julien Hunter recorded 26 points and eight rebounds. Landon Sprigler added 18 points on 7-9 shooting. Chris Johnson scored 13, while Trey Hourigan had 11 points and eight rebounds. Derrick Stevenson had seven points and 12 rebounds before fouling out. Kaden Stanton added one point.

Ahmoni Jones tallied 23 points and nine rebounds in the loss. Chris Robinson scored 22 and grabbed four rebounds. Davion Bailey scored nine, while AJ White contributed eight points. Elijah Yarbro had seven points. Jasen Graves and Jalen Johnson each had two points.