In a competitive outing, South Bend Adams was able to put away Mishawaka on Friday by a score of 68-60 to advance to the sectional championship game. It was a physical game the entire way through, with a couple of nasty falls and more fouls than you want to see. Both teams were in the bonus early in the fourth quarter.
Adams started fast and hard, using their pressure defense and energy to outwork their opponent, especially in the second quarter.
After trailing 35-22 at halftime, Mishawaka came to fight in the third quarter, cutting the lead to seven behind 12 points in the quarter from junior guard Sacario Thomas.
The fourth quarter would see Mishawaka’s senior star Trent Johnson trying to turn it on, but in the end, Adams was simply the better team. Their balanced, senior-led attack that has been the story all season now has them one win away from a sectional title.
Adams faces its crosstown rival, South Bend Riley for Saturday's sectional title. Riley beat
Michigan City in the first game, 91-76.
Player notes
Brayden Saxton-ADAMS
Big guy with incredible energy. Did great work on the offensive glass and the interior defensively. Good athlete that moves well. Caught an alley-oop dunk off of a turnover in the second quarter. Teammates and bench would notably get fired up when he made plays. Doesn’t look like a comfortable perimeter shooter, but knocked down a big 3 in the fourth.
Sidney Jeffries-ADAMS
Solid scoring wing that played with good pace. Didn’t force the action and scored a couple of nice buckets in transition. Finished with 11 points.
Quentez Columbus-ADAMS
Seemed to be his team’s best creator. An athletic and smooth guard that can get his own shot. Fast in transition and active defensively. Finished with 12 points.
Lynn King-ADAMS
Unique blend of a big body and some perimeter skill. Didn’t have a very productive outing, but looks to have a decent perimeter touch and is comfortable handling the ball. Will have some upside as he works on his body and keeps developing his shooting range. Finished with 7 points.
Sacario Thomas-MISHAWAKA-Jr.
Wiry and explosive guard that was Mishawaka’s best offense. Created his own shot effectively, going on a much needed 12 point run in the third quarter. His handle and quickness gave Adams problems all night as he repeatedly got inside and drew fouls. Finished with 21 points.
Trenton Johnson-MISHAWAKA=
Good size for a guard and three-level scoring ability. Didn’t have it going from the perimeter but stayed on the attack in the paint. Finished with 18 points.
Brendan Williams-MISHAWAKA-Jr.
Appears to be a stretch big at this point. Decent mix of perimeter touch and interior toughness. Will be interesting to see how he develops heading into his senior year. Finished with 8 points.