It was another thriller that came down to the closing minute at the Marion County Championship. But after the smoke cleared and the fight was over, it was undefeated and #1 ranked Lawrence North holding the trophy with another 51-46 victory over rival Lawrence Central.
“It feels like a blessing”, says junior DJ Hughes, who had 9 points and 10 rebounds in the championship.
The Wildcats earned every last bit of this win, and it was much tougher game than the 83-73 victory last month at Lawrence Central. Senior and Iowa commit Tony Perkins led Lawrence North with 18 points and 10 rebounds and Shamar Avance and Omar Cooper, Jr. chipped in with 12 points and 10 points, respectively. The Wildcats were missing starting sophomore wing CJ Gunn, but Cooper, who has been a starter also, filled in well and made a big 3 at the end of the fourth quarter on a pass from Perkins.
What makes this team special?
“Our confidence, our brotherhood and our love for the game”, says Perkins. Perkins continues to play his way towards the top of the conversation for Mr. Basketball leading the #1 team in the state.
Lawrence Central did not go away quietly with two Mr. Basketball candidates of their own. D’Andre Davis lead all scorers with 20 points to go with 7 rebounds and Nijel Pack tied Perkins with 18 points. In the end, it wasn’t enough, and match #2 went to the Wildcats for the county title.
“It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and it feels about 10 times sweeter than the game against LC (last month)”, says Hughes.
Both teams have stiff roads ahead playing in the MIC conference and are in Sectional 10 for the rights to move on towards a state title. Will they meet again?
