This game was not as crisp or as well played as I expected it to be. Noblesville jumped out to a early lead by attacking the basket, but then Lafayette Jeff switched to a 2-3 zone which really changed the game. Noblesville wasn't getting many good looks against the zone and when they did get the looks...they weren't making the shots.
Senior guard Roddy Richardson looked to be pressing a little too much. He was 3-10 for the half and most of the shots were closely contested. Richardson did a good job defensively all-night though.
Fellow senior Jesse Berry also struggled most the night. Berry struggled to finish plays in the lane that he normally does. He did get to the foul line 14 times, but went 1-4 down the stretch that could have made the game closer. Berry ended with 23 points on the night.
In the second half, Noblesville started to attack the Jeff zone more and started to knock down outside shots as well. The Millers scored 26 points in the third quarter after they scored 24 points in the whole first half. Andrew Lively hit some big 3's and had a big second half. Jake Yeary consistently got great post position and scored down low. Yeary has very good post moves and was even better at sealing his defender. Yeary scored over bigger guys all night. Michael Deines had some very good drives to the rim and finished them each time. All of the Noblesville players mentioned are seniors.
Noblesville ended up controlling the 4th and was helped by Jeff's inability to make free-throws when it counted most. Noblesville got extra possessions by back tipping missed free-throws.
Rashad Richardson is a 6'4 sophomore small forward for Lafayette Jeff. He handled the ball, but definitely needs to tighten up his handles. He was also 1-2 from outside the arc. He looks like a potential college prospect with some skill development especially if he grows a little bit more.
Leland Brown had a very quiet night for Noblesville. He finished with 8 points and I only had him down for 3 shot attempts.