(JonAnthony Hall takes a jumper against Crispus Attucks. Photo: JT Cocherell)

In the nightcap of the 2024 FORUM Tipoff Classic, overall No. 1 Fishers defeated 3A No. 1 Crispus Attucks 70-55. Attucks never led, but sophomore guard AJ Jones led Chris Hawkins' team back from an early deficit. In the end, Fishers proved why they are the top team in Indiana. Jason Gardner Jr. put the game away by scoring 18 points to lead the Tigers. Garrett Winegar's squad also had Cooper Zachary, Justin Kirby (Miami of Ohio), and Nathan Baker score 11 points.

Fishers won the 2024 4A state title, and the early-season signs point to them repeating. The Tigers have been dominant to begin the year. In fact, the 15-point win at the FORUM Tipoff Classic was the smallest winning margin of the season for them. 

Attucks played without Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball candidate Dezmon Briscoe. He was in a walking boot at Southport High School on Saturday. Plus, Attucks played its third game in three days when they faced Fishers. They battled the loaded La Lumiere team on Thursday before beating Warren Central on Friday.

Fishers does not have much size outside of Nathan Baker, but they have athtleticism, skill, and toughness in an abundance. JonAnthony Hall (Stanford football), Kirby, Gardner, and Zachary will apply as much defensive pressure as any core group in the state. And, Millen McCartney took multiple charges against Attucks.

Chris Hurt (IU-South Bend) and Kayden English helped Jones, but Attucks did not get much offensive production from the rest of the lineup. Hurt has played well to begin his senior year. He finished with 15 points, three steals, and three rebounds. English added 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals. No other Attucks player scored more than five points.