(Zane Doughty as a junior last year)

Ben Davis forward Shaun Arnold scored off a controlled tip by Zane Doughty to begin the game, and the Giants displayed why they are legitimate 4A title contender as they beat Fishers 77-56.

Fishers is an inexperienced team and does not have a ton of front-court size. Valparaiso University signee Doughty took advantage of that to the tune of 10 points and four rebounds in the opening period.

Senior guard Clay Butler surprised Fishers by knocking down four of his first five three-pointers in the first quarter. His 12 first-period points matched Fishers, and Ben Davis held a 26-12 lead.

There is not an Indiana high school team that plays harder and pressures more at each position than Ben Davis. The Giants exerted that harassing defense, and it took Fishers time to get used to it. Ben Davis forced 21 Fishers turnovers.

Sophomore sensation Jalen Haralson had two early dunks, including an and-one after cutting to the rim on an early possession. Unfortunately for Fishers, he picked up three first-half fouls and saw his minutes get limited. He finished the game with three fouls.

Haralson’s classmate, JonAnthony Hall, found himself in first-half foul trouble too. Hall picked up his play in the second half to keep Fishers competitive. He scored all nine of his points after the break.

Another Fishers sophomore, Millen McCartney, scored seven in the first half. That helped the Tigers keep their head above water against the deep Giants.

Ben Davis led by 11 at the half, but Fishers hung around for most of the second half. Hall, Grant Ables, and James Stasey gave the Tigers offensive production after halftime.

The passing, defense, and paint scoring stood out for Ben Davis all game. KJ Windham and Sheridan Sharp consistently found Doughty, Butler, and others for easy looks. The two guards combined for 14 assists in the win. However, neither player scored in the first half. That changed quickly in the third quarter. Windham finished with 13 points.

Doughty was the main story for Ben Davis. His game has improved drastically since last season. He was a great rebounding and rim finisher as a junior. Now, Doughty is catching the ball in the post and making moves in addition to his offensive rebounding and dunking ability. The senior center finished with 23 points, ten rebounds, and four high-flying blocks.

Ben Davis sealed its status as a 4A state contender with the opening game victory. Don Carlisle has a team that plays hard and together.

Fishers will be a different team in February and March as the Tigers have a bunch of sophomores and other players that have not experienced the intense pressure that Ben Davis applied.

Haralson finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in his sophomore season debut.

Ben Davis plays at Zionsville on Saturday afternoon. Fishers returns to action Saturday afternoon against LaPorte.