Regional: Warren Central vs. Terre Haute South
Courtesy of Jared Rigdon:
Warren Central rolled to a 30th straight win this season 83-48 over Terre Haute South in the IHSAA 4A Regional Saturday night. It didn’t take long to realize why Warren Central holds the No. 1 ranking in the State. The Warriors’ ball handling and passing is unprecedented. Six players on Warren Central average between 8 and 12 points. Dean Tate and Antwaan Cushingberry put pressure on the Braves early and did their part on offense as well, knocking down a pair of threes in the first half. Terre Haute South switched to a zone midway through the first half after Warren exploited their man to man for easy layups. The zone made no difference as Warren’s guard play continued to power through Terre Haute South and get easy buckets. Jakobie Robinson and Jesse Bingham took advantage of size and athleticism to enforce their presence in the paint. Warren took a 52-25 lead into the half and that wasn’t even half the story. Terre Haute South was never in this ballgame. Deavion Washington had trouble getting anything going against David Bell and Jesse Bingham and Terre Haute South had little production from any other players. Jakobie Robinson led Warren with 13 at the break in an offensive showcase while Cushingberry had 12. A lot of random foul calls gave Terre Haute South chances to get back in the game, but Warren consistently scored at ease all night. Deavion Washington was ejected late in the third quarter in an all around frustrating effort for the Braves. Warren rolled in this one and will now move onto face New Albany next weekend.
Best Offensive Player: Jakobie Robinson
Jakobie Robinson scored at ease all night and finished with 19 points. Cushingberry and Tate setup Robinson in good position all night. Robinson served as an athletic post presence that Terre Haute South had no response for. Whether it was right around the basket or near the perimeter, Robinson had the ability to drive and get to the basket, finishing on almost every possession. Neither the zone nor man to man could stop Robinson. The scoring and defensive pressure served Warren perfectly against a team that couldn’t match anything the Warriors had to offer.
Best Defensive Player: David Bell
While Warren’s offensive clinic sealed the 30th win of the season for Warren Central, David Bell’s defensive effort can’t be overlooked. The 6’2” junior held Deavion Washington at ease on the court frustrating him in every asset. Washington would eventually be ejected after a double technical following a block and scramble on the offensive end. Much like the regional semi-final, where Bell blocked the potential game tying shot of Ben Davis, Bell had his hands all over the Braves’ shots. Bell had two blocks in the first half and was at the bottom of many piles for loose balls. In a game where Warren led by 30+ for most of the game, Bell continued the pressure up until he left the game. Warren will need this effort badly next week as they attempt to make their first state title game.
Biggest Surprise: Antwaan Cushingberry
Make no mistake, Antwaan Cushingberry is used to immense success on the basketball court. What surprised me tonight was the assertiveness he had while doing his part in tearing apart Terre Haute South. Cushingberry did his part in jumping out to an early lead with two threes in the first half and 12 points in the first half overall. On top of that, Cushingberry showed a fiery passion for an often reserved guy. Cushingberry picked up a technical but did a good job in keeping composure and leading Warren to a victory. Cushingberry continued the effort in the second half and distanced Warren away from the Braves. Warren will need this same passion as they continue their run for state.
Top Scorers:
Craig Porter (THS)- 24 points
Jakobie Robinson (WC)- 19 points
Team |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Final |
Warren Central | 26 | 52 | 70 | 83 |
Terre Haute South | 7 | 25 | 36 | 48 |