(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.