Fab Five: Lawrence North vs. Zionsville
We went out to take a look at the scrimmage between Lawrence North and Zionsville before the season starts next Monday and there were some key things to takeaway. Despite the difference in talent Zionsville hung in there for the most part. In the final two quarters Lawrence North and their athletes became too much for the Zionsville squad.
There were plenty of high scorers led by Isaiah Thompson with 20 points for Zionsville. Antwaan Cushingberry led Lawrence North with 20 points as well. For Zionsville the only other double-digit scorer was Dominic Genco with 13. Lawrence North had Ra Kpedi with 12 and Kevin Easley with 11.
Kpedi was all over the court in this game imposing his will on the smaller Zionsville sqaud. When Zionsville brought in their 6’8 forward, Kpedi still had his way with him. Most impressive was the way Kpedi contributed without filling up the stat sheet he was all over the lane and would not let anyone in. Every basket Kpedi scored was on a put-back dunk and ended the game with seven boards.
Best Offensive Performance: Dominic Genco and Isaiah Thompson (Zionsville)
Both of these guys got to the basket really well and hit their shots they took. Both have the ability to knock it down from deep and it showed in this one. Genco shifted his way to the basket quite a bit and finished against much taller defenders while Thompson played more on the perimeter and hit some long shots.
Best Defensive Performance: Lawrence North
There was not a single player that stood out for Lawrence North defensively. Their press and then zone made a huge difference in the game. They swarmed to the ball and made everything tough on Zionsville. Everyone on the court had eyes on the ball and never really left their assignment.
Best New Name: Mike Saunders (Lawrence North)
Saunders started at the two-guard spot and he was pretty solid in his first taste of high school basketball. He scored six points both off deep longballs. He definitely has the go ahead to take these shots. He is solid defensively as well not getting beat by his man at all tonight. He will be a solid off guard for Lawrence North this year.
Best Shooter: Antwaan Cushingberry (Lawrence North)
Cushingberry showed me a very nice outside shot tonight. Even better than last year, he got set and hit a few with a guy in his face. If he can consistently do this then it will be a long year for opponents. He made five tonight.