First time seeing Fort Wayne Luers this season. Fifth time this season seeing North Central (Pike report, Southport, Hamilton Southeastern, Bowman Academy).
This game was basically over before it began. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera came out firing and hit three first quarter triples on his way to 11 points in the period. Luers just couldn't match-up with North Central. North Central moved the ball really well against the Luers zone. Ronnie Johnson also had a strong first quarter for North Central as he had 8 points. The North Central lead was 13 after one quarter.
The second quarter was much of the same thing. James Blackmon Jr. (Indiana University commit) could not get open looks against the pressure defense of Patrick Ingram. Blackmon is not explosive or strong enough to get by the strong, quick defenders that North Central puts on the floor. Blackmon would end the night with 8 points on 2-11 shooting from the field.
One bright spot in the second half for Luers was the play of Evan Blackmon. Blackmon only had 8 points in the first half, but scored 18 in the second half to finish with a game high 26 points. He played off the ball more in the second half and that is where he is much better.
The game was never in doubt after the first quarter though and North Central rolled to the 91-56 victory.
D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera finished with 24 points, Ronnie Johnson had 16 points, Patrick Ingram added 9 points for North Central.
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James Blackmon Jr. 6'2 SG 2014 Luers
Blackmon is basically one-dimensional right now against good competition. He doesn't have the explosiveness or strength to get to rim. Blackmon also turned the ball over a few times both because of his handles and off his passes. Once he gets stronger and a better handle against tough pressure, he will be very good. I don't think he will keep his top 10 national ranking though.
Evan Blackmon 6'1 SG 2011 Luers
Blackmon is an undersized shooting guard. He is a good shooter off the catch and inconsistent off the dribble. Ball handling and decision making are not good enough for him to be a point guard at the next level right now. If he were able to handle it better than he would be a LM prospect.
Jaylon Smith 6'3 Forward 2013 Luers
Smith looks like he could be a player to watch down the road. 6'3, good build, finished well inside. He will have to grow or continue to develop his perimeter skills in order to be a college prospect.{/iACL}
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