Carmel traveled to Indianapolis Tech Saturday night to take on the talented sophomores that Tech has. Both teams suffered their first defeat on Friday night; Tech lost to Lawrence Central and Carmel fell to Noblesville.
Early, it was the Trey Lyles show. He had a step-back 3-pointer and a big-time spin move from the block that he finished with a powerful two-handed dunk. Lyles scored 10 of Tech’s 12 first quarter points.
Tech must have decided to ignore the scouting report in the second quarter as they left Carmel’s Sam Curts open from the outside time and time again. Curts hit four 3’s in the second quarter and six in the first half. He had 18 of Carmel’s 30 first half points.
The most surprising part of the first half was how quiet Tech’s Jeremie Tyler was. Tyler just attempted 1 first half shot and wasn’t really in the offensive flow at all. Combine that with the fact that Michael Jones sat out the first quarter. Lyles was the only scoring threat for Tech. Carmel only led 30-26 at the half though.
Both teams played extremely hard especially on the defensive end and on the glass. Tech’s core group is all sophomores so it is a good sign that they are starting to play with toughness. That is one thing Tech lacked last year.
Speaking of toughness, Ben Gardner provided Carmel with a lot of it down the stretch. The senior point guard came up with 4 rebounds in the fourth quarter and was extremely tough with the ball. He showed mental toughness when he went to the line throughout the fourth quarter and he knocked them down.
Tech just couldn’t get shots to fall when they needed them. They did have a couple of critical turnovers as well. Lyles was extremely quiet in the second half. He scored just 5 second half points.
Carmel eked out a 61-49 victory.
Tech- Trey Lyles 21 pts 7 rebs, Mike Jones- 11pts, Jeremie Tyler 5 pts
Carmel- Sam Curts 24pts, Ben Gardner 11pts, Michael Volovic 9pts, Zach McRoberts 8pts
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Tech
Trey Lyles 6’8” PF 2014 The Indiana-commit was very good in the first quarter. He showed power and finesse. In the second quarter, he started to force things and take bad shots. He wants to be a perimeter player, but for Tech to be successful they need him in the paint. His versatility is what makes him a special player. He isn’t overly explosive so his advantage on the perimeter isn’t as big as his advantage inside. He is improving though. Last year, he wasn’t willing to battle inside at all.
Michael Jones 6’4” SG 2014 Jones sat the first quarter which I have to assume was some type of discipline. Overall, it was a pretty quiet game for Jones. He got into the lane a couple times and failed to finish the play. It looks like he is buying-into the defensive end though. Solid MM prospect.
Jeremie Tyler 6’1” SG 2014 Tyler just was never in the offensive flow. This game really showed that he is a one-dimensional player right; shooter. He didn’t get many touches especially in the first half, but his game needs to expand to be a mid-major prospect or higher.
Derrick Jackson 6’5” PF 2012 Jackson came off the bench and played with energy and made an impact rebounding the ball. He is a good NAIA/JUCO prospect.
Robert Evans 6’2” SF 2012 Evans plays inside a lot even though he is undersized. He provides Tech with toughness. He is a glue guy that plays defense and rebounds.
Jerome Campbell 6’0” PG 2012 Campbell has improved his shooting. He can be a nice player for D2/NAIA programs.
Carmel
Ben Gardner 6’0” PG 2012 The most underrated characteristic in recruiting is toughness. Gardner’s best feature is his toughness. He will over-penetrate at times, but he is always going to be working his ass off. He would be great for any D2/NAIA program.
Michael Volovic 5’9” PG 2013 Volovic is similar to Gardner, but shoots it a little bit better from the outside and is a tiny bit shorter. Volovic did have a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers in the fourth quarter. He is usually extremely steady with the ball. He is right on the borderline of low-major and D2/NAIA.
Sam Curts 6’1” PG 2012 One of the best shooters in the 2012 class in Indiana. He can help any D2/NAIA program with his shooting ability. He doesn’t handle the ball much, because they have two other really good point guards so he doesn’t get a chance to prove he can handle it.
Zach McRoberts 6’5” SF 2014 McRoberts has some skill, but he is so thin that it is tough for him to be very productive. His best days are ahead of him, but he has a long ways to go.
Karl Schneider 6’5” PF 2012 Guarded Lyles all night and did a decent job. He was physical with Lyles and used his body well. He could be a candidate for NAIA/D3 programs.
Liam Duncan 6’8” C 2015 Duncan didn’t play any varsity, but the freshman big man will be one to watch down the road. It looks like he is fundamental with the ball. {/iACL}