The MIC Network Game Of The Week features the clash of two titans midweek as #4 state ranked Lawrence North heads crosstown to meet rival and #1 ranked Lawrence Central. It’s anybody’s ballgame with both having highly regarded players and huge season expectations. THIS game will show what’s really going on and who is for real.
Names You Should Know
Lawrence Central has two Mr. Basketball candidates in 6’0″ PG and Kansas State commit Nijel Pack and 6’6″ wing DeAndre Davis, who is headed to Louisville. Davis comes in sizzling with a gaudy 24.5 points scoring average after two games with Pack not far behind with 17 points and 6 assists. There is not a better tandem in the state of Indiana. Not far behind is the twosome of Iowa commit Tony Perkins, a 6’5″ wing, and 6’7″ junior DJ Hughes, who has several mid major offers, including from Ball State and Toledo. These 4 players know each other well and will be ready to play. Perkins will be looking to use this game to put himself into the Mr. Basketball discussion.
The X-Factors
Sophomore D’Ante Davis (younger brother of DeAndre) is a 6’6″ wing with tons of potential but only 2 varsity starts. He already has offers from Louisville, Xavier and Butler. He’s capable of leading LC in some games even as a sophomore. Lawrence North has its own top sophomore wing in 6’5″ CJ Gunn. Gunn lead LN in scoring with 20 points off the bench in a big overtime win on the road vs. then #4 Jeffersonville on Saturday. A repeated effort would be huge for the Wildcats. Another x-factor for them is the point guard play from junior Shamar Avance. He is capable of getting hot. When he is on his game, LN is hard to stop.
And The Winner Is?
The last two years, Lawrence Central has owned Lawrence North winning the last 3 contests. It will take a great effort for Lawrence North for them to come into Lawrence Central’s gym and get the win. You know the 4 stars veteran stars will show up. Who will get the most from the x-factors? Both teams also have some solid guys coming off the bench with LN having Gunn and/or Omar Cook as well as David Batie and LC with Pike transfer Jasen Graves and Shawn Hart. While Lawrence Central has 4 state title banners hanging in their gym, Lawrence Central is looking for their first. This is their best team yet, and they know it. I look for them to show that they mean business in this one and cruise in the 4th quarter – 74-65 LC.
