(Sophomor JQ Roberts had a big game)

 

In a Tuesday matinee, Bloomington North (4-1) traveled to Indianapolis to take on Perry Meridian (1-1). 

 

From the start, North relied on the outside shot. Sophomore JaQualon Roberts drilled a three a couple of minutes in, and that was just the beginning. Moments later, Roberts hit again followed by a triple from Nate Toohill. The Cougars were 4-7 from deep in the opening quarter. 

 

On the other end, Butler signee Jayden Taylor carried the load. In Perry Meridian's first two games, Taylor averaged 25.5 points for a team that scored 47 a contest. He scored quick eight points to keep the Falcons in it.

 

In the second quarter, Isaac Vencel and Toohill scored seven straight for North to put them up eight points. Taylor and Perry Meridian answered right back with 11 straight to take the lead. He scored 19 points in the first half. 

 

The Cougars scored the final five points of the opening half, including a buzzer-beating three from Marco Fitch, to take a 36-32 lead into the locker room.

 

The break did not slow down Bloomington North's shooting. Toohill connected on his first two threes of the second half, then Vencel scored to push North's lead to 44-36. Midway through the third, North's lead extended to 11 after a bucket from Roberts.

 

Like most of the game, Perry Meridian answered back. Consecutive scores from Reggie McDonald, Taylor, and John Joyce cut North's lead to 47-44 late in the third.

 

North started the final period with another spurt - Tyree Rochell knocked a three quickly, followed by a steal and score from Vencel, then Nick Klaiber made a jumper. With a blink of an eye, North's lead was back to 10 points. 

 

Once again, Taylor wouldn't let PM go quietly. He had three dunks in short order to give the Falcons a chance. Perry Meridian was hanging around until Roberts put back a missed shot to give North a six-point lead with a minute to play. The Cougars were in the clear after that. 

 

Bloomington North won going away, 67-57. Roberts led North with 18 points, and Toohill added 14. Taylor scored a game-high 33 points in the loss.