(Aurora, IN) – South Dearborn turned a fast start from East Central into a statement win Tuesday night, pulling away for a 58-36 victory in Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference play.
The Trojans came out with early energy, fresh off a big win over Franklin County this past weekend, and forced the Knights to work through some early possessions. But South Dearborn’s defense settled in quickly, and once the Knights began consistently getting into the lane, the game started to tilt.
South Dearborn head coach Brad Moorhead loved what he saw on the defensive end.
“We stepped up,” Moorhead said. “We made a lot better effort plays. … I love when we play good defense. Maybe it’s not super flashy, but God, it makes me happy.”
The Knights’ offense followed, led by senior point guard Scout Gray, who finished with 16 points and repeatedly created opportunities for teammates as South Dearborn stretched the lead.
“He’s got great vision,” Moorhead said. “When he gets downhill, you have to respect his pull-up jumper… he sees guys out there that I don’t even know are open yet… and he makes winning plays.”
Wyatt Adams delivered the biggest second-half punch. After scoring just two points in the first half, Adams exploded for 17 points after halftime and finished with a game-high 19.
“It’s just like, Wyatt, we need you out there,” Moorhead said. “We know what you can do. … A lot of times he just kills you with the cuts to the basket… I’m just really proud of the Rivertown Classic MVP. He played like an MVP tonight.”
South Dearborn’s attack rarely relied on the perimeter, taking only one 3-point shot all night while consistently driving into the paint.
“We talk about teams have a hard time keeping us in front of them,” Moorhead said. “If you just start by shooting 3-point shots, you don’t make those teams have to guard… those shots are always going to be there…”
The Knights also cleaned things up at the free throw line, going 6-for-6 in the second half after a 6-of-12 start at halftime.
East Central was led by Liam Rogers with 16 points, fighting through foul trouble and a changing role as the Knights adjusted defensively. Keaton Beck added two points, while Liam Coffman scored six and Aiden Hallahan finished with five as the Trojans struggled to find consistent rhythm against South Dearborn’s pressure.
In addition to Gray and Adams, the Knights got eight points from Tyler Christian and two each from Ben Shorten and Mason Lane.
The win moves South Dearborn to 10-3 on the season and 2-2 in the EIAC, while East Central falls to 6-8 and 2-1.
South Dearborn is scheduled to face Switzerland County at home this Saturday, weather permitting. East Central is back in action next Friday, Jan. 30, when the Trojans play at Columbus East.