In an entertaining game, Indianapolis Howe forced Heritage Christian into turnovers and converted them for points in overtime for the 69-61 victory. (Pictured: Howe's Kycia Washington)
The game was played at a breakneck pace in the first half. To begin the game, Andrew Williams and Harrison Eckel were cutting and slashing to the lane for easy buckets. Howe raced the ball up the court on makes and misses to match Heritage Christian with quick scores of its own. Early on, Kycia Washington and Jalen Stamps were producing most of the points for Howe.
After a combined 38 points in the first quarter, the pace and scoring only slowed slightly in the second period. Heritage Christian leaned on Eckel and Jackson Pauwels for scoring. Eckel turned in a great performance as he took advantage of Howe’s lack of size. Dashon Scott added outside shooting for Howe to keep them close at the half.
Early in the second half, Howe used an 8-0 run to take the lead 45-38. It was a balanced offensive attack that gave the Hornets the lead. Heritage Christian bounced right back to pull within two points heading to the fourth quarter.
In the fourth period, the pace came to a halt. With a lead, Howe was patient against the Heritage Christian zone. Like many times before, Eckel found Williams on a cut for a bucket in the paint to pull the Eagles within one late.
With the game tied, Howe had a good look for Creshaun Brown, but it did not go down as the clock expired.
In overtime, Howe jumped in front of a few passes to get extra opportunities. The Hornets did a great job of taking the turnovers and immediately scoring. Ky Washington and Jalen Stamps combined for nine points in the extra frame.
Howe moved to the Indianapolis City Tournament semifinal with the 69-61 win. Ky Washington and Jalen Stamps each scored 18 points. Dashon Scott added 14. Creshaun Brown had 12 points and eight rebounds.
Andrew Williams had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in the loss. Harrison Eckel recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Eckel had no turnovers in the game. Will Christie scored 10 points off the bench.
Howe plays Attucks Saturday at Indianapolis Tech. Ritter and Cathedral is the other semifinal.