Indiana emerged victorious in both Junior All-Star games held at Scottsburg’s Meyer Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon. The week of All-Star festivities in both states kicked off with the Hoosier team prevailing over their Kentucky counterparts.
Indiana girls Junior All-Stars dominate Kentucky
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Indiana’s girls dominated Kentucky with a resounding 111-76 victory. They showcased their exceptional shooting skills, making an impressive 52.5% of their field goals, ultimately taking complete control of the game.
Maya Makalusky, from HSE, emerged as the top scorer for Indiana, contributing 25 points to the team’s tally. The game reached its most thrilling point when Makalusky showcased her exceptional skills by sinking four consecutive 3-pointers within a span of just 2 minutes and 14 seconds at the start of the final quarter. Having already scored 11 points by the end of the third quarter, Makalusky surpassed that impressive feat within a few minutes of the fourth period.
Makalusky credited the girls for their motivation and assistance in finding her the ball. She acknowledged their continuous support, saying, “Come on, you got it. Keep going.” Makalusky also emphasized the importance of her own actions, such as rebounding and actively participating in the game, rather than solely focusing on shooting. This change in approach undoubtedly contributed to her success.
The tone was established by Jaylah Lampley from Lawrence Central and Meredith Tippner from Noblesville before Makalusky’s avalanche. Lampley and Tippner worked together to score 19 points in the first half, giving Indiana a 21-point lead at halftime. Lampley ended the game with 23 points, while Tippner contributed 18. Their impressive performance enabled a group of girls who are not usually on the same team to surpass the 100-point mark on the scoreboard.
“We enjoy a strong chemistry amongst ourselves, and it’s truly exciting to forge new connections,” Lampley expressed. “We have proven our ability to triumph despite being in unfamiliar environments and with diverse individuals. This experience will undoubtedly benefit us in college, as we anticipate a similar dynamic.”
Lampley, the winner of this year’s 4A state championship at LC, showcased her diverse skills on Sunday. In addition to her effective scoring from all areas of the court, she contributed five rebounds and four assists. This scoring versatility is a trait she aims to carry into her senior year.
Lampley, who has received offers from top schools like IU, Purdue, and other power conference schools, expressed his determination to maintain his aggressive playing style and prove himself as one of the top players in the state of Indiana. “After winning state, I believe I have a strong drive to demonstrate my skills and establish myself as a standout player in Indiana,” he stated confidently.
The juniors are eagerly looking forward to Wednesday night’s showdown against the senior All-Stars at Kokomo’s Memorial Gym. At 6 p.m., they will have the chance to showcase their skills and see how they measure up against the older girls. It’s an exciting opportunity for them to demonstrate their teamwork and abilities on the court.
Makalusky expressed her excitement and gratitude for being a part of Indiana basketball as a local talent. She believes that this experience is not only beneficial for her, but also for girls basketball in general. Makalusky enjoyed the showout and described it as a fun and enjoyable time. Playing against familiar faces, whom she has been competing against since childhood, adds to the excitement and makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Indiana Junior Boys All-Stars dominate, too
Indiana dominated the boys game, securing a remarkable 130-103 victory against Kentucky.
Julius Gizzi of New Palestine showcased his impressive shooting skills as he led his team with a remarkable 27 points. The talented guard displayed a hot hand, connecting on 10 out of 11 shots. Gizzi’s ability to find his rhythm from beyond the arc was evident as he confidently sank four three-pointers. Moreover, he demonstrated his versatility by consistently maneuvering his way into scoring positions inside the paint.
Gizzi expressed, “The guys were locating me. When I made that initial 3-point shot and witnessed it go in, I thought to myself, ‘Just enjoy the moment, it’s an All-Star game.'”
Indiana emerged victorious thanks to a well-balanced performance, as six different players recorded double-digit points, while two others fell just short with nine points each. Notably, all 11 active players contributed with at least five points on the scoreboard.
“I believe that every member of our team demonstrates a strong commitment to playing the game with integrity,” remarked Trent Sisley from Heritage Hills. “We all prioritize passing and sharing the ball, which created a positive and rewarding experience for each one of us.”
Sisley emerged as the standout player in the boys game, particularly in the second half. The talented 6-8 forward, who has received offers from IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame, showcased his skills by contributing 15 of his 20 points in the latter half, effectively widening Indiana’s lead.
“Just finding my rhythm in the second half, I knocked down a 3-pointer and that sparked a momentum shift for me. The team was really moving the ball well, which made it even better,” Sisley expressed.
Indiana’s Junior All-Stars teams showcased their dominance on Sunday, securing impressive victories over their Kentucky rivals. This outstanding performance has earned them an opportunity to compete against their fellow upperclassmen from their home state, providing an exciting challenge as they approach their final summer before entering college.
