It was a rough start to the Al Gooden era at Lawrence Central this year. The Bears lost their first seven games and nine of their first ten. Things are turning away for Gooden and his team. Entering Tuesday's game, Lawrence Central had won four of its last five games. Noblesville surprised people with an 8-1 start to the season. The schedule has taken a toll on Millers. Noblesville was 11-9 before the Lawrence Central game.

It was a tight game through the first three quarters of play. Junior forward John Kiser provided the offensive punch for Noblesville while Lawrence Central had a balanced attack by Kyle Guy, Mehki Biffle and Mario Nalls. After Noblesville started the game 7-0, it was played with a margin of two possessions for the first three quarters.

Lawrence Central took control in the fourth quarter. The lead stretched to 12 points at one point in the period. Noblesville pressured Lawrence Central as much as they could. Noblesville forced some key turnovers late in the game, but most of the time Lawrence Central took a trip to the free-throw line.

In most games where a team comes back in the final minutes turnovers and missed free-throws are the reason why. Lawrence Central actually made its free-throws though. The Bears were 28-34 for the game. Lawrence Central was careful with the ball for the most part as well. It was just a couple turnovers in a row that cost them.

Jake Mills hit a couple late three-pointers for Noblesville including the game-tying '3' at the buzzer. He finished the game with 14 points.

In overtime, Lawrence Central showed resolve after squandering the fourth quarter lead. The Bears quickly built a seven point lead in the extra frame. Noblesville demonstrated signs that it was ready to make another comeback, but it was unable to get over the hump in overtime. Lawrence Central won 73-64.

Virginia-bound guard Kyle Guy led all scorers with 23 points. John Kiser led Noblesville with 22.

Lawrence Central ends the regular season next Tuesday at Broad Ripple. Noblesville plays at Avon on Friday.

Noblesville: Sean Wilson 5, Jake Mills 14, John Kiser 22 points (11-18 FG, 0-1 3FG, 0-2 FT), 8 rebounds, David Cory 2, Josh Gentry 2, Joey Herron 5, Joey Brewer 4, McGwire Plumer 10.

Lawrence Central: Kyle Guy 23 points (6-9 FG, 0-1 3FG, 11-12 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, Mehki Biffle 13 points, Daveon Bell 5, Marty Clayton 4, Mario Nalls 9, Marlon Sam 9, Nash Griffin 10