(Aaron Humphrey via Kent Graham of MaxPreps.com)

 

Lafayette Jeff (12-0) took a trip to Indianapolis to play Tindley (6-4). The Tigers have been playing a difficult schedule to get ready for the Class A tournament, and it showed against Jeff.

 

Tindley started hot with scores on its first three possessions. Jayden Pinkston made a three-pointer to give the Tigers a 7-2 lead, but scoring in a hurry is no problem for Jeff. Northwestern signee Brooks Barnhizer was attacking early. He entered the game averaging 34.6 points per contest, and Ashton Beaver (18.3 PPG) did not play. Barnhizer made a few trips to the free-throw line to stem the tide for Jeff, but Tindley led 20-16 after one period.

 

In the second quarter, Jeff’s defense stepped to create turnovers and contested shots on each possession. Jahsiah Kirk-Williams scored on a runner in the lane, then Barnhizer made two more free throws to give Jeff the 24-22 lead with 4:22 left in the half.

 

Tindley did not stay down for long. Jashawnn Bates made a corner three to swing the advantage Tindley’s way. Arlondo Hall followed Bates with a three of his own on the next possession. The Tigers ended the first half with a 13-2 run.

 

Even with the halftime break, Tindley did not slow down much. Pinkston slashed to the basket for a couple of scores, then Joe Glenn made an impact on the offensive glass. He had three scores in the first six minutes of the second half. Throw in a triple from Hall, and Tindley had a 15-point advantage.

 

Everything was clicking for Tindley in the fourth. Humphrey and Antonio Robinson helped pushed the Tigers lead to 25 points with two minutes to play.

 

One reason why Tindley dominated the game was its defense on Barnhizer. He was 1-17 from three before finishing 2-19. He scored 14 points in the final 3:30 to end with 34 points, but, at that point, the game was decided.

 

Tindley won 76-63 with a host of stars – Aaron Humphrey recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds; Arlondo Hall added 14 points; Jayden Pinkston added 11. Robinson, Darion Davis, and Joe Glenn had eight points each.

 

Owen Linder joined Barnhizer in double figures for Jeff. He had 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the loss.