In the week heading into the game between Lake Central and Homestead, most people were focusing on the match-up of the post players Tyler Wideman and Caleb Swanigan. Wideman is heading to Butler and Swanigan is a top recruit as a sophomore. This game was decided by the players surrounding those talents. Lake Central advanced to the state championship with a 79-57 victory over Homestead.

Lake Central exploded out of the gate, and took control of the game in the opening minutes. Senior Tyler Ross played extremely well in the opening quarter. He continued that strong play throughout the game. Caleb Swanigan had all six of Homestead's points for a good amount of the first quarter. Swanigan was swarmed by Lake Central defenders but not Wideman. LC conserved Wideman's energy and fouls by having him defend others.

Homestead came back in the second quarter behind the play of senior guard Joe Ault and Swanigan. Tyler Wideman was playing well with a couple jumpers in the middle of the Homestead zone and a power move over Swanigan. After Wideman picked up his second foul, Lake Central head coach Dave Milausnic decided to sit him for the final few minutes of the half. Swanigan took advantage of Wideman's absence. It was just a two point lead for Lake Central at the half.

Lake Central senior Tye Wilburn dominated the third quarter without scoring that much. He made hustle plays on the offensive glass and was in the passing lanes. The guard was able to get Lake Central second and third shots plus Homestead fouled a couple times trying to keep him off the boards. Wilburn gave Lake Central a huge boost in the third period.

Lake Central did a good job of taking Swanigan out of the offense in the second half. He seemed to rush his shots when he did finally get the ball. He didn't have the normal rhythm on the offensive end in the 2^nd half that he usually has and has had through the state tournament. Homestead shot just 32% from the field for the game. That is well below the 50% they averaged over the season.

Guards Joe Bannister and Matt Meneghetti were really good in the fourth quarter. Every time that Homestead cut into the deficit, they would answer. Homestead was 0 of 8 from the three-point line through three quarters. Sophomore Tahj Curry hit 3 of 4 behind the arc in the fourth quarter for Homestead, but Lake Central – usually Bannister or Meneghetti – answered each time. Lake Central scored 34 points in the final quarter.

Lake Central won going away 79-57. Joe Bannister led LC with 21 points including 7 of 7 from the free throw line. Tyler Ross had 13 points and 12 rebounds in the victory. Tye Wilburn had 15, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Butler signee Tyler Wideman added 14 points. 2016 center Caleb Swanigan had 22 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Lake Central 20 7 18 34---79

Homestead 10 15 9 23---57

LC: Tye Wilburn 15 points; Robert Ryan 4 points; Matt Meneghetti 9 points; Joen Bannister 21 points; Sklyer Smith 3 points; Tyler Ross 13 points and 12 rebounds; Tyler Wideman 14 points.

Homestead: Joe Ault 12 points (3/10 FG), 4 rebounds; Ryan Cotter 3 points; Ben Skowronek 4 points; Tahj Curry 11 points (3/8 FG); Teddy Ray 3 points; Caleb Swanigan 22 points (8/20 FG), 13 rebounds; Dana Batt 3 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks.