Fans screaming, cheerleaders stomping and players giving it their all  — Pike vs. Lawrence North was everything but your average semi-state championship game. 

In a competitive game from the time the ball tipped off, Lawrence North took down Pike 45-44.

The storied MIC rivalry has been long dominated by the Wildcats — who as recently as Jan. 31 routed Pike 67-39 — however, with a trip to the state finals on the line things went down to the buzzer.

Pike quickly jumped out ahead to a 17-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, feeding off the energy brought by the surrounding community support. 

Junior forwards Marley Jeffers and Komari Booker helped the Devils jump out to the early lead with contributions on both ends of the floor. 


The Wildcats would not come close to folding; though, as Lawrence North leaned on the defensive intensity that got them to this point to outscore Pike 10-5 in the second quarter — taking a slim one-point deficit into halftime. 

“I have 1000% trust in our girls and everything they do,” Head coach Stephen Thomas said. “We knew Pike was going to make a run and come represent the MIC.”

Coming back from the locker rooms, it was not until midway through the third quarter that the Wildcats would reclaim the lead thanks to an emphatic and-one from senior center Jamaya Thomas. 

As both teams began playing a bit recklessly, it was senior guard Kya Hurt who remained calm through the storm to help Lawrence North hold a 32-29 lead going into the final quarter.

Getting out to a 7-0  run that went deep into the quarter, it was evident throughout the fieldhouse that the energy had shifted back toward the ‘Cats. 

Down 39-29 late in the fourth quarter, Pike started to mount a comeback — making bucket after bucket — until Thomas helped seal the win with another emphatic and-one with under a minute to play. 

“Players make plays and Pike made this one heck of a game,” Thomas said. “In 49 states it’s basketball, but here it is a way of lifestyle and I couldn’t be prouder in the way we competed.”

With the win, Lawrence North punches their ticket to a meeting against Warsaw on March 1 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 

“I’m just so happy for our kids,” Thomas said. “They’ve grinded so hard through ups, downs and losses. We are just happy to be practicing on Monday, I couldn’t be more thankful.”