Prior to their Saturday match up in the Forum Tip Off classic, the top 12 teams have had similar seasons thus far.
Each team came into the contest with one loss, Crispus Attucks lost their season opener to North Central while Noblesville’s lone loss was to conference foe and IBCA number one team, Fishers.
The Millers were on fire to start the game, shooting 50% in the first quarter to take a commanding 16-8 lead over the Tigers. Senior guard Aaron Fine scored seven of his points in the opening quarter, which paced the Millers to their big opening lead.
The second quarter was more of the same, as Noblesville kept highly touted recruit, junior Desmond Briscoe at bay with just three points and three rebounds at halftime.
Senior guard Demetius Jenkins paced the Tigers with seven halftime points, but a six point quarter by senior forward Hunter Walston kept Noblesville afloat for the 28-20 lead.
Moving into the third stanza, Crispus Attucks started to test the Millers the most they had all game.
Going on an 11-3 run, the Tigers were able to tie up the ball game at 33 before Walston led the Millers to a 7-3 run to end the quarter.
Holding the Tigers to just 11-40 shooting, Noblesville did not do themselves any favors by turning the ball over 13 times compared to just five turnovers committed by Crispus Attucks.
Entering the final period of play, each team made sure the best player could not make an impact scoring the ball. Fine has been left scoreless since the first quarter and junior point guard and leading scorer Chris Hurt has been silenced to just three points, 10 short of his per game average.
Going back and forth all quarter, Crispus Attucks got it within three once again late in the game. However, a crucial foul sent Fine to the free throw line which would ice the game in the waning seconds.
Despite Fine scoring just one point following the opening period of play, it was all Waltson for the Millers as he outdueled division one recruit Desmond Briscoe. Waltson finished the night with 20 points and 10 rebounds to pair with two blocks.
Briscoe stayed at his season average of 10 points and 10 rebounds while senior guards Demetius Jenkins and Ronnie Rutland III combined for 21 points in the losing effort.
In a high intensity, foul-heavy outing, Noblesville was able to improve their record to 5-1 with the scrappy 51-46 victory.
In a loaded 4A sectional Noblesville will have their handsful come spring time, but the emergence of Walston as a viable scoring option alongside the pre season all state selection Fine makes for a dangerous combination that not many teams will be able to compete with.