I went to the Noblesville/Carmel game Friday night at Carmel. Noblesville controlled most of the first half, but Carmel ended the half well and was only down 24-23 I believe. Noblesville really attacked A.J. Hammons in the first half and if they didn't finish the first attempt they got a lot of put-back points.
In the third quarter, Carmel dominated and took a 49-37 lead into the 4th quarter. Carmel used a 2-3 zone and looked to run when they got the ball which led to lay-ups for Carmel. Scott Laskowski finished a bunch of shots in the lane in the second half.
The fourth quarter was a completely different story. Noblesville chipped away and had a 3 point lead with 9 seconds left. Laskowski ended up taking and hitting an open 3 from the wing as time expired. It would have been a great spot to foul for Noblesville, but they elected not to just like Memphis elected not to against Kansas in the 2008 National Championship game.
Overtime was back and forth until it was tied with 3 seconds left when Noblesville took a shot that was rebounded and tipped towards the rim by Daniel Purvlicis that missed, but there was a foul called on the play. Purvlicis rolled the first free-throw in and missed the second on purpose so Carmel couldn't throw an inbounds pass long.
Leland Brown was very impressive for Noblesville. He was the main Noblesville player attacking the rim and Hammons. Brown was taking body contact and finishing over the 6'10 Hammons. He also knocked down a couple of 3's and really got after rebounds. I would rate Brown as a low-major/D2 recruit.
A.J. Hammons did not get many touches in the post, but when he did...good things happened. He showed some very good post moves and good touch around the basket. He also passed well out of double teams. Carmel just didn't look for him enough for my liking.
Robert Kitzinger is a 6'5 senior wing for Carmel. He showed the ability to put the ball on the floor but he didn't finish well in the lane especially if there was any contact. He is a good shooter, but not an elite shooter from what I have seen. Probably a D2/NAIA prospect.