North Central handled adversity just fine Saturday morning, topping 5th-seeded Pike 79-73 in front of about 9,000 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Without the services of their best player, D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, NC had a strong second half to propel them into the regional finals Saturday night against Hamilton Southeastern who knocked off Center Grove 69-64.
Before the game, there was madness outside for tickets. The line was nearly 200-plus running from door two, all the way to the end of the east parking lot. And there was also a catch at the door—you were required to purchase the full-day, $9 ticket and no option for the morning session.
Pike got off to a strong start with an early lead. Both teams were a little testy, turning the ball over and missing on some easy points in the paint. The Red Devils lead 34-29 at halftime thanks to a 7-2 run to close the half.
The second half belonged to North Central. Ronnie Johnson hit some big threes and also used a quick crossover to get around his defender and either lay it up or pass off to an open teammate.
The team ball NC demonstrated stood out completely. For the Panthers, it wasn’t about the individual but competing as a team for a great cause. Even though Smith-Rivera was suspended for the game, he sat on the bench in a nice suit and help give insight to his teammates. How often do you see that? Multiple times guards Tim Bass and Ronnie Johnson came over to him during free throws or a timeout. A selfless act for the good of the team.
Johnson exploded scoring a game-high 25 points and was named the Vype Player of the Game. Sophomore center Darius Latham also stood out for the Panthers as he was an unstoppable inside presence scoring 14.
Some college is going to get a steal if they sign Johnson. He is a flat-out winner with strong fundamentals and good ball-handling.
Everyone talks about Kentucky-signee Marquis Teague and how he is the best player in the state. After seeing him play once again, I continue to argue that point. Finishing with 20 points, his attitude would keep me away from the senior. After fouling out with a couple minutes to play, Teague kicked over the first chair on the bench in disgust. Unlike Smith-Rivera, he nor none of his teammates were cheering or supportive on the bench. After the game, he waited until about half of the line was done shaking hands before he finally got up. Sure he has potential but I wouldn’t want anything do to with him because of his attitude and he is not a winner.
In the second game, No. 5 Hamilton Southeastern downed No. 6 Center Grove 69-64 behind junior standout Gary Harris’s 22 points.
Zak Irvin added 18 and Jacobby Bledsoe tallied 17 in the Royals victory.
Illinois head coach Bruce Weber and Michigan State’s Tom Izzo were in attendance.