Center Grove’s big win in the opener of the Johnson County tournament won’t go down as a statement game, but it should draw looks.
The Class 4A No. 4 Trojans never trailed and never gave up consecutive baskets as they dominated winless Edinburgh, 74-6, Tuesday evening in the Lancers’ gym.
Once again it was Center Grove’s dominating defense that frustrated the Lancers, causing 34 turnovers and keeping Edinburgh off the scoreboard until the middle of the second quarter. But the offense also opened it up, giving the Trojans their highest scoring output so far in this young season.
“Things went well,” Center Grove coach Kevin Stuckmeyer said. “What I’m proud about is the unselfishness of our players. I thought the girls did it the right way that allowed us to get better.”
Center Grove (4-0) hit eight 3-pointers, with six coming in the first half.
The Lancers took only one shot in the first quarter and didn’t score until the 4:16 mark of the second, when Lillie Goff hit a short jumper to make it 32-2.
The Trojans went into low gear in the second half, but it didn’t matter as their lead still increased.
Audrey Annee led the Trojans with 21 points, while Lilly Bischoff and center Rachel Wirts contributed 14 points apiece. Wirts also had a game-high 11 rebounds.
If there was one flaw for Center Grove, it was free throws; the Trojans were 2 for 9, potentially fatal in a closer game.
Despite the score, the game was very disciplined with only eight fouls called — five of them in the fourth quarter during mop-up time.
The good news for Edinburgh is that it will face a predominantly Class A schedule the rest of the way, giving ample opportunities to adjust and win.
“Edinburgh plays really hard, and they will get better as the season goes,” Stuckmeyer said. “(Lancers coach Dennis Smith) does a great job. For us, this is one step to the goals that we have. It’s a big week.”
Center Grove (4-0) now turns its focus to its semifinal opponent, Class 3A No. 1 Indian Creek (4-0).
Stuckmeyer and the Trojans know full well what Indian Creek is capable of. Last year, the Braves upended the Trojans 48-38 in the championship game.
“We control what we can control,” Stuckmeyer said. “They are the defending champs and you have to beat the best and they are a really good team. It’s going to be a semistate type game, and we’re going to have to give them our best shot.”
