This was the Indianapolis city championship game. Broad Ripple was looking to repeat as city champs. Northwest was looking for their first city championship since 2003-2004. Broad Ripple beat Chatard, Washington, and Manual to reach the championship. Northwest beat Tech, Cathedral, and Heritage Christian to reach the championship game.
This game was wild from the start. A Broad Ripple player slipped on defense in the corner allowing Dion'dre Starks to get an open look. Who knew that the slip would be a factor in the game. The floor was nearly unplayable. My theory is that the floor built up condensation because the gym was extremely warm from a packed house but the floor had been freezing from the sub-zero temperatures lately. In most situations the game likely would have been postponed. This led the officials to rule that if a player slipped/traveled because of the floor then it would not result in a turnover. That was a first for me, I'm not sure if that is legal or not.
Overall the game was played at a fast pace and high intensity. At times, the players got wrapped up in the pace and took some bad shots or committed unforced turnovers. It turned out to be a pretty fun game to watch even though it wasn't crisp. A play that exemplified the first half happened in the last 20 seconds of the half. Broad Ripple was holding for a last shot. A Broad Ripple player slipped with 5.9 seconds left. Anticipating a travel, the timer stopped the clock but nothing was called. There was a scramble for the ball, Ron Patterson came up with it and fired a 3. It missed, a Northwest player chased the ball down and made a full court attempt, the attempt was way off. Luckily Michael Jones was down on that end to catch the shot attempt and lay the ball in at the buzzer. The final 6 seconds took at least 25 real time seconds. Northwest took a 30-27 lead into halftime because of it.
The second half had much less slipping than the first. It was definitely a game of runs in the second half. Broad Ripple led by 4 going into the fourth quarter. It was a back and forth game in the fourth. In crunch time, Northwest went all one on one when they had moved the ball pretty well for the first three quarters. Starks hit two deep 3's to bring Northwest within 1 point with about 20 seconds left. After a time-out, Broad Ripple was inbounding the ball when Northwest was called for an intentional/technical foul because the player was holding a Broad Ripple player prior to the ball being inbounds. That is the correct call, but you rarely see officials make it.
Northwest never regained their composure after that. They had their chances if they would have kept their heads in the game...mainly their coaches. They were so upset at the calls that it lead to more technicals and more intentional fouls. The game was called with 1.1 seconds left since the coaches and fans were coming on to the floor.
Broad Ripple won by 6 points.
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This is the Northwest evaluations. I have made evaluations on Broad Ripple players many times, here, here, here, and here.
Dion'dre Starks 6'2 SG 2011
A shooter that has a bit of an awkward release, but it goes in a lot. His shot selection is a bit suspect at times. He isn't going to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim very often. I think JUCO would be his best option right now to develop is game more.
Lonnie McElwain 6'9 C 2011
McElwain has been on the radar for a few years now with his potential. He hasn't developed very much although he has a nice touch around the basket. If he puts on weights and is focused on developing his game, he could be really good. He moves well, extremely long obviously, has a feel for the game, and is decent from the free-throw line. He could be a good option for D2/NAIA/JUCO's.
Larry Banks 6'4 SF 2011
Good shooter from the outside. Can put the ball on the floor for a couple of dribbles. Banks is not a great athlete. D2/NAIA prospect because of his shooting ability.
Justin Baker 5'9 PG 2014
Freshmen point guard that can get into the lane whenever he wants to. Shot selection isn't very good and he isn't afraid to bomb it from really deep. He has a chance to be really good though.
Michael Jones 6'4 SG 2014
Jones is a really good athlete for a freshmen. His outside shot is pretty consistent although his footwork is terrible. His release is pretty good though. Just need to change his shooting pocket and his footwork. He can put the ball on the floor, good defender because of his length.
Akil Washington 6'2 SF 2011
Tough player that does most of his damage around the rim. Good athlete that can be a good defender. NAIA/JUCO prospect.
Donnell Minton 6'0 PG 2012
Super explosive with the ball in his hands. I haven't seen any defenders that can keep him from getting into the lane. Pretty good shooter as well. Likely a D2/NAIA/JUCO prospect next year.
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