(JJ Craig after scoring 20 points against Riley at the 2024 FORUM TIpoff Classic)

South Bend Riley and Warren Central played a back-and-forth affair at the 2024 FORUM Tipoff Classic. Early, the Wildcats built a nine-point lead before the Warriors charged back in the second half. Warren Central used a group effort to get it done.

JJ Craig led Warren Central with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, but Ezekiel Kirby's third quarter explosion and Davion Hampton's late plays were the difference in the game. Kirby made four threes to flip the game in Warren Central's favor, then Hampton nailed the door shut with his crunch time buckets. Hampton finished with 17 points. 

After a slow start, Marvin Schindler found a rhythm for Riley. He is a four-year starter for the Wildcats, and Schindler had Riley on his back for a long stretch. His ability to make shots off the dribble applied pressure to the Warren Central defense.

Schindler scored 17 points in the loss.

Junior guard Tyrese Jones gave Riley a chance to win. The athletic guard tallied 17 points in the loss.

In the end, Warren Central had too much firepower for Riley. Sophomore Kaleb Elkins helped in every area—10 points, six assists, and five rebounds.

It was Riley's first loss of the seasoon.

Jevon Guess will be back soon for Warren Central.