![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0ImRle_0rawG8xH00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0ImRle_0rawG8xH00)
PRINCETON, Ind. — LaMar Brown didn’t want to tip his hand.
Princeton lost at Heritage Hills on Feb. 20. It resulted in a share of the Pocket Athletic Conference title. Brown obviously prefers winning to losing but also understood the importance of what was coming. The blind draw gave them a rematch just eight days later. Therefore, the Tigers kept everything generic in the first meeting.
There was no holding back on Wednesday.
Princeton defeated No. 2-ranked Heritage Hills 57-52 in the Class 3A sectional. It’s the first postseason win for Brown in five years with the Tigers and eliminated a major obstacle in the way of a possible sectional title.
“You’re only right if it works,” said Brown. “We thought they were going to struggle defending us on the perimeter."
Princeton (17-7) spread the floor in an attempt to make Heritage Hills guard its athletic wings. Edwin Holmes had 11 points in the first half to put the Tigers up 25-21. Jace Jenkins took control in the second half, notably three straight buckets in the fourth quarter. Holmes and Jenkins both had 17 points.
Reginald McIntyre added 12, a significant boost after struggling in the regular season matchup. Heritage Hills never got within three down the stretch or had an attempt to tie.
“They show up every night,” said Brown. “(Jace) took it upon himself late to get a bucket. Edwin is a Swiss-army-knife. With those two guys, I like our chances of competing with anybody in our area. I’d be remised if I didn’t give compliments to Reginald McIntyre and the defensive job he did."
The real difference in the rematch arguably came at the other end. Trent Sisley, the 4-star recruit who had Purdue coach Matt Painter in the house to watch his play, had another monster game for Heritage Hills (19-5) with 27 points and 10 rebounds. A third-quarter 3-pointer pushed him ahead of Murray Becher for the most career points in program history.
How Princeton defended the rest of the lineup earned it a spot in the semifinal. A week ago, the Patriots' guards had too many easy layups. The Tigers stayed in front and forced them into jump shots this time. Peyton Gray had 14 and Hunter Meredith knocked down a trio of threes. The rest of the roster combined for two points.
“We really played all 32 minutes and locked in on the defensive side,” said Jenkins. “Our goal is we can’t let Sisley get multiple assists. When he gets his teammates involved, it’s a hard time beating them. You have to know where Sisley is at and build a wall.”
Princeton last won a sectional title in 2019. Even as the presumed favorite going forward, nothing is guaranteed against this field. Two more complete efforts are required to add another number to the banner hanging on the east wall of the gym.
"We have two conference championships in the case in my five years," Brown said. "That sectional one is going to be really sweet if we get it accomplished.”
Pike Central 62, Washington 59: Both games on Wednesday were must-see as the Chargers advanced to the semifinal with a tough win over the Hatchets. The lead for both teams never extended past two possessions.
Drew Dawson scored the go-ahead bucket with 90 seconds remaining for Pike Central (13-11). Following a Washington miss, the junior grabbed the rebound and was fouled. Julian Gish got free on the ensuing inbounds for a slam. Quade Morton and Gish led the Chargers with 15 points, while Jiles Mason added 13.
Washington (13-10) had five players in double figures with Chris Meredith pacing the lineup with 17. The semifinals on Friday are Southridge vs. Vincennes Lincoln and Pike Central vs. Princeton.
Follow Courier & Press sports reporter Kyle Sokeland on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland.
Comments / 0