Warren Central and Lawrence Central will meet for the 100^th Marion County Tournament title Saturday at Southport High School. (Pictured: Warren Central's Manuel Brown)

Prior to the semifinal, some spectators expected Pike to test Warren Central. Pike was coming off a win over Ben Davis and blew the doors off Center Grove earlier in the year. That was put to bed early as Warren Central raced to a 13-2 lead. Manual Brown was scoring in transition as the Warriors built a 21-7 lead in the first quarter.

The game hovered in the 14-point spread in the second and third quarters as Pike struggled to make shots against Warren Central’s stingy defense. Pike dominated the rebounding battle, but the Red Devils shot 31% in terms of True Shooting % compared to 64% for Warren Central.

Warren Central did a great job of limiting Ahmoni Jones. Each shot Jones took was contested. He entered the game averaging 21 points per game, but Warren Central held him to seven on 2-10 shooting.

Like usual, it was a balanced scoring attack for Warren Central. Brown and Isiah Moore carried the offense early then Malik Stanley and Jesse Bingham took turns lighting up the scoreboard. Bingham was aggressive out of halftime as he scored eight points in the first four minutes of the second half.

Warren Central extended the lead in the fourth quarter to coast to the 59-35 victory.

Jesse Bingham and Isiah Moore each had 15 points to lead Warren Central. Manuel Brown scored 12 and Malik Stanley added 11. Jakobie Robinson had five points, seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and two assists.

Chris Robinson had 10 points to lead Pike’s scoring. AJ White recorded nine points and eight rebounds. Ahmoni Jones finished with seven points and 10 rebounds.

If the first game didn’t provide much drama, the second semifinal was over before it started. Lawrence Central sprinted to an 11-0 lead behind D’Andre Davis and Nijel Pack. Southport stayed within 17 points in the first half by limiting possessions.

In the second half, Lawrence Central was able to push the tempo and create more turnovers. Jacob LaRavia and Wesley Jordan had big third quarters as LC stretched its lead to 30 points.

Brevin Jefferson had some moments for Southport. The junior guard finished with 12 points and four assists in the loss.

Lawrence Central cruised to the 66-31 victory.

Nijel Pack scored 13 points. D’Andre Davis had 12 points and nine rebounds. Jacob LaRavia finished with 11. Wesley Jordan tallied 10 points and five rebounds.

Warren Central and Lawrence Central will meet for the Marion County Tournament title Saturday at Southport High School, if weather permits.