In his first game with Warren Central, Jalen Hooks hit Brandon Snodgrass in the corner for a three-pointer, and the Warriors did not look back. Warren Central jumped out to an 8-0 lead on Arsenal Tech on the opening night of Indiana high school basketball, and the Titans played hard but could not hang with the Warriors. Warren Central won 90-54.

Senior forward Jalen Hooks performed at a high level from start to finish. He did everything for D’Andre Davis and Warriors with 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists, five steals, and one block. He was 9-14 from the field in his first game back after spending last year at Donda Academy in California. He spent a year at Franklin Central and Crispus Attucks too.

It was an uptempo game that saw Tech commit 27 turnovers against the Warren Central pressure. However, the Titans had a few bright spots. Darius Banks showed athleticism going to the basket. He led Tech with 17 points. Banks also tallied three assists and two steals in the loss.

Muncie Central transfer Malik Hasani banged his chin early in the game that required attention, but he battled the rest of the way. He is a smooth shooter that scored 14 points on 5-13 shooting. Hasani fouled out of the game in 19 minutes of action.

Snodgrass produced just like Hooks. The senior guard tallied 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals while committing zero turnovers. Plus, he was six of eight from the field. His ability to pressure the opponent the length of the court helped Warren Central force a high rate of turnovers.

Devaon Holman, also a Warren Central senior guard, controlled the game. He finished with 13 points thanks to his seven of eight free-throw shooting. Holman only played 16 minutes in the easy victory. Holman’s classmate, Caleb Green, provided 14 points as a reserve.

Sophomore Zeke Kirby pumped energy into Warren Central off the bench. He is a shooter that will find his teammates as well. Kirby had eight points and four assists in limited minutes.

Diggy Smith and Damien Keys provided the physicality for Warren Central.

Tech played freshmen Elexander Harris and Malik Sims. Each displayed their potential, but as freshmen in their first varsity action, they were not ready to produce against a pressuring defense like Warren Central. Harris is the younger brother of Eron and Eric Harris. Eron played at West Virginia and Michigan State.

The Titans are a team that will be much better by the end of the season than they are right now. Damon Turner has potential but inexperienced squad to mold.

Tech has a week off before playing Indianapolis HomeSchool. Warren Central faces Jeffersonville in a couple of weeks.