Holding nearly 3000 fans, the gymnasium at Lawrence Central High School was packed bumper-to-bumper for the rivalry game against Lawrence North High School Dec. 6.
“There’s nothing better than an Indiana rivalry game of Marion County Schools,” fan Kyla Buckley said. “It is more than just a game. It is a community event.”
Many hometown heroes attended the rivalry matchup on the city’s Eastside, including Indiana University men’s basketball head coach Mike Woodson and Notre Dame men’s basketball head coach Micah Shrewsberry.
The Wildcats dominated the contest early and often, going on an 8-0 run in the first quarter. The Bears, oozing of turnovers, allowed the Wildcats’ lead to balloon to a 14-0 run. With every bucket, albeit the team, the fans erupted.
“The bands playing in the stands make this game feel like an HBCU game,” Buckley said.
The Bears did not drain a basket until the 4:34 mark in the first quarter. Lawrence Central capitalized on their first basket, fueling the momentum for a run, closing the gap 7-16. Minus an early three-pointer, the Bears were getting their money in the paint, courtesy of quick layups and dropsteps.
The Wildcats took the first quarter 22-13. Lawrence North’s activity on the offensive glass proved to be a difference-maker in the first quarter and throughout the entire game against the Bears.
The second quarter provided a similar atmosphere to that of the first. The Wildcats continued their assault on the offensive and defensive boards, securing several rebounds and blocked shots.
The Bears attempted to find a rhythm, but could not get the juices flowing due to the lack of ball security. The Wildcats took advantage of the turnovers, turning them into fast break points. Lawrence Central did its best to get back in the swing of things, sending the crowd into a frenzy with a couple of three-pointers.
The Bears closed the gap thanks to the heroics of forward Greg Martin, but still trailed at the end of the first half 36-30. Martin finished the contest with eleven points, six rebounds and one steal.
The Bears battled the Wildcats throughout the second half, but could not overcome their deficit on the rebounds. Turnovers and a lack of presence on the glass proved to be costly for Lawrence Central.
The Lawrence North Wildcats defeated the Lawrence Central Bears 79-61. The Wildcats obliterated the Bears on the boards, securing 32 more rebounds than Lawrence Central (58-26).
A big-time sledgehammer dunk by Kai McGrew all but sealed the win for the Wildcats. One fan, calling himself “B. Lee,” praised McGrew’s game following the contest.
“He [Kai McGrew] is a force to be reckoned with,” Lee said. “He is no gentle giant, he is a sight to see, for sure.”
Buckley also spoke about the importance of the rivalry following the Wildcats win.
“This is a real chance for community members to unite and watch the up-and-coming talent our school is cultivating in friendly competition.”
Contact multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. For more sports news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also check out the Indiana Minority Business Magazine by clicking here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
