Previewing their Jan. 24 top-15 showdown, Lawrence North and New Palestine have each experienced different forms of dominance.
For Lawrence North, their record remained spotless through 15 games. A consensus top two squad in the state, the Wildcats have had their fair share of close games with a one point win against Crispus Attucks and most recently a two point victory over conference foe North Central.
On the other hand, New Palestine have just continued to find ways to win with four single digit victories throughout the season. The Dragons suffered their worst of three losses on the season to Franklin Community heading into the showdown against Lawrence North.
Both teams started off blistering hot from the field with junior guard Julius Gizzi getting things going for New Pal with a pair of free throws before exchanging long range shots with a plethora of Wildcats.
By the end of the quarter the Dragons held a slim 18-17 lead, Gizzi sat at 9 points while star Lawrence North guard Azavier “Stink” Robinson accumulated 7 of his own.
The second quarter was more of the same as teams exchanged buckets before Gizzi penetrated to the rack two possessions in a row to extend his total to 13 and the Dragon lead 22-19 midway through the second stanza.
Flexing their muscles, New Pal was able to extend their lead to a 26-21 lead that feels larger than it is.
Gizzi largended his point total to 17 while the Dragons began looking like the best team in the state rather than Lawrence North.
As the second half matured, both teams were off to another hot start shooting as Gizzi continued to shine for New Pal.
Playing every minute of the contest and taking a bulk of the shots, it was no surprise Gizzi sat five points shy of his season average with two minutes left in the third.
Continuing their team-oriented style of basketball the states top team refused to go down without a fight, keeping pace with every bucket scored by Gizzi.
With the final chapter unfolding in this tight contest, Robinson started to make his presence felt by using his athleticism to get to paint and finish through contact.
Gizzi continued his dominance, even making one Wildcat fan get up and leave prematurely as he yelled, “I am not about to watch this dude drop 40.”
Despite the doubts, the Wildcats regained the lead with just over three minutes left in the ball game as Robinson extended his point total to 17.
As the final period of play continued, the madness only got crazier.
Robinson willed his team to a lead late, but the Wildcats simply could not hit any free throws down the stretch.
However, New Pal simply could not get a defensive rebound down the stretch. Eventually, up two points late, Robinson would miss two free throws and give the Dragons a chance to ice the game.
Despite the golden chance, a rushed lay up on the fast break gave the Wildcats a fast break dunk, then a steal on the next possession gave them yet another one.
With the stadium rocking, the life was sucked out of the Dragons and the Wildcats realized they would remain perfect on the season.
Robinson finished with a team high 21 for the ‘Cats, just above his season average of 20 points. While Gizzi finished the night with 36 points in the losing effort.
Overall, this was a game where New Pal looked and felt like the better team for all but about six total minutes despite losing 57-48 on the road.
With the impressive shooting stroke of Gizzi and a supporting cast just as good as anybody in the state, the Dragons are more than capable of making a run come tournament time. However, they can very well be a one-and-done team if they do not begin finishing games.
As for the Wildcats, despite the lack of clutch free throws, inefficient stretches and missed defensive assignments. They found a way to win relatively big against a good opponent.
That is what great teams do and there is no doubt in my mind that they will be playing in Gainbridge soon.
The ‘Cats take on the only team that is challenging them for the “best team in the state” title in a couple weeks when they take on Fishers.