(Avon guard Keriawn Berry handles the ball against Southport at the 2024 FORUM Tipoff Classic. PHOTO:JT Cocherell)

The swings between Avon and Southport at the 2024 FORUM Tipoff Classic were exaggerated behind the typical peaks and valleys. In the end, Avon held off Southport for the 47-43 victory.

Avon had a thunderous start behind a couple of dunks by Kendrick Dunmore, and the Orioles continued to play well throughout the first half. Avon built a 35-23 halftime lead before the floor dropped on them.

Southport held Avon scoreless for nearly seven minutes to begin the second half. In that time, the Cardinals scored 16 points to take the lead. Jack Turner and James Kalala played a major part in the Southport success. Kalala finished with a double-double of ten points and ten rebounds, while Turner scored 14 for the Cardinals.

After Avon could not score in the third, Southport returned the favor in the fourth quarter. Avon won the final period 16-4 by getting into transition more. Jedidiah Minnett, Rohan Pearson, and Dunmore sealed the game late for the Orioles. 

(Braylon Mullins takes a contested jumper at the 2024 FORUM Tipoff Classic PHOTO: JT Cocherell)

Leading Mr. Basketball candidates Braylon Mullins and Azavier Robinson squared off at the 2024 FORUM Tipoff Classic. A fast start by Robinson, a Butler University signee, gave the Wildcats the advantage from the tip, and they never looked back. Robinson scored ten points in the opening quarter to give Lawrence North breathing room. He finished with 30 points.

Mullins faced intense pressure from Lawrence North all game. Robinson, Jamar Thomas, and Duke Karnes guarded Mullins throughout the game and rarely gave him any space. Plus, Lawrence North brought a second defender to Mullins whenever possible. He only scored four points in the first period, while other Greenfield-Central players failed to take advantage of Lawrence North's focus on Mullins. 

Kai McGrew dominated the paint. Whenever Lawrence North needed a second opportunity, it seemed like McGrew came up with it for the Wildcats. McGrew's frontcourt teammate Brennan Miller also crashed the glass and moved the ball. Miller's passing helped Robinson and Karnes get easy looks in the first half. 

The Wildcats led by 15 at the break.

Mullins broke free in the second half. He scored 25 of his game-high 36 points in the second half. However, Greenfield-Central could not chip away at Lawrence North's commanding lead. The Wildcats clicked on all cylinders against the Cougars.

McGrew tallied 18 points and nine rebounds in the 77-59 win. Miller recorded six points, sever rebounds, and five assists.

Michael Johnson gave GC 13 points in the loss.