2019-2020 High School Season
Lawrence North tops Lawrence Central again
Category: 2019-2020 High School Season Written by Jeff Schoenle
In the nightcap of Sectional 10, Lawrence North completely dominated the first half and then did just enough to hang on as a furious Lawrence Central rally would fall short. It completed a three-game sweep of Lawrence North over their township rivals this season.
Shamar Avance scored 18 of his game high 25 points in the first half as the Wildcats used a 22-0 run over a nine minute stretch from the first quarter to the second quarter to turn a 7-6 deficit into a 28-7 lead.
The Lawrence North lead would reach a peak early in the third quarter at 41-14 before Lawrence Central would begin their climb back. The Davis brothers would combined for 17 of LC's 23 third quarter points as the Bears shaved 11 points off their halftime margin.
Lawrence North did no favors for themselves in the second half, turning the ball over multiple times on their way to 18 total turnovers. They also struggled at the foul line, shooting 16-32 and missing multiple front ends in one and one situations.
The Lawrence North lead would never seriously be threatened, and the Wildcats kept a safe distance between them and their rival to win by 11. Avance led the way with 25 while Iowa signee Tony Perkins posted a double double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He also added five helpers. Dorean Hatton hit three triples on his way to 11, while DJ Hughes just missed a double double of his own with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Sophomore Tae Davis was outstanding in the loss for LC, leading the way with 19 points. Brother Dre had 16 while Nijel Pack poured in 12 in their final high school games. Dre Davis and Nijel Pack combined to shoot just 7-27 from the field, including 2-13 from three point range.
Lawrence Central finishes the year at 22-3 with all three losses coming to Lawrence North. The Wildcats will face Attucks in a semifinal on Friday night as they take their record to 23-2.
Lawrence North 19 18 12 19 - 68
Lawrence Central 7 5 23 22 - 57
Lawrence North: Shamar Avance 25 points (9/13 FGs, 2/5 3Ps, 5/8 FTs), 3 asts; Tony Perkins 13 points (4/9 FGs, 5/11 FTs), 11 rebs, 5 asts; Dorean Hatton 11 points (4/5 FGs, 3/4 3Ps); DJ Hughes 10 points (3/8 FGs, 4/9 FTs), 9 rebs, 3 blks; Donaven McCulley 4 points (1/2 FGs, 2/4 FTs), 4 rebs; CJ Gunn 3 points (1/1 3Ps), Omar Cooper Jr 2 points (1/1 FGs), 3 asts, 4 stls
Lawrence Central: Tae Davis 19 points (8/13 FGs, 3/5 3Ps), 5 rebs; Dre Davis 16 points (4/12 FGs, 1/4 3Ps, 7/10 FTs), 2 stls, 2 blks; Nijel Pack 12 points (3/15 FGs, 1/9 3Ps, 5/6 FTs), 6 rebs; Greg Jenkins 6 points (3/6 FGs), 3 rebs; Javien Bigbee 4 points (2/2 FGs), 5 rebs