Marion County Tournament: Lawrence North and Pike Power Into Championship After Dominant Semifinal Performances

SOUTHPORT — The Marion County Tournament delivered everything you’d expect from one of the state’s premier stages on Friday night. Four teams entered Southport High School with hopes of advancing, but by the end of the evening, the favorites — Lawrence North and Pike — proved why they were expected to meet in the championship.

Lawrence Central arrived riding the momentum of a comeback win over Ben Davis earlier in the week. At the same time, Park Tudor entered as a potential dark horse capable of disrupting the bracket. But the night belonged to the two heavyweights who imposed their identity from the opening tip of their respective matchups.

Lawrence North Locks In: Wildcats Roll Past Park Tudor to Reach County Final

Park Tudor opened the first semifinal with confidence, matching Lawrence North shot for shot in the early minutes. Keylan Smith set the tone for the Panthers, scoring six of their eight first‑quarter points, including a strong finish inside following a corner three from Duke Karnes.

But once Lawrence North settled in, the game shifted quickly. The Wildcats closed the quarter on a 9–0 run fueled by their defensive pressure and balanced contributions. Cameron Webster sparked the surge with steals and transition playmaking, Davis Baker knocked down a three, and senior Brennan Miller added a block as LN took a 14–8 lead after one.

The second quarter belonged entirely to Lawrence North. Their stars took control, with Miller dominating the paint on both ends — grabbing four rebounds and swatting two shots — while Webster added five points and two assists. LN strung together runs of 9–0 and 8–0, overwhelming Park Tudor’s offense and building a 36–19 halftime advantage.

Park Tudor refused to fold, responding with an 8–0 run in the third quarter and shooting efficiently from the field. The Panthers hit 80% of their attempts inside the arc and 50% from deep in the period, trimming the deficit to 45–33 entering the fourth. But Lawrence North’s defense continued to generate turnovers, forcing six in the quarter to maintain control.

The closest Park Tudor would get in the final frame was 10 points. Miller delivered the exclamation point with a put‑back dunk, sealing a 61–48 victory and sending the Wildcats to the championship.

Lawrence North Leaders:

• Cameron Webster: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals

• Duke Karnes: 14 points, 3 rebounds

• Brennan Miller: 12 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks

Park Tudor Leaders:

• Keylan Smith: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

• Carlos Lopez: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists

Pike — A Statement From Start to Finish

The second semifinal featured a Pike team that looked nothing like the group that started flat the last time we saw them against Fishers. This time, the Red Devils came out firing.

After LC’s Gavin Petty opened the game with a three, Pike responded with a 9–2 run led by Jahari Miller, who scored five quick points, including three free throws and a strong finish at the rim. The Red Devils followed that with a 10–2 burst, and their defensive anchor, Isaiah Hill, completely changed the game’s tone. Hill recorded six blocks in the first quarter alone, erasing shots and igniting transition opportunities.

Pike poured in 25 points in the opening period, shooting an impressive 9‑for‑11 on two‑point attempts.

The second quarter brought more of the same. Pike opened on a 10–0 run to stretch the lead to 35–14, and from there, the Red Devils never looked back. They scored 26 points in the third quarter and 23 more in the fourth, maintaining their energy and physicality throughout. They went on to defeat Lawrence Central 91-53.

Hill delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances of the season, finishing with a triple‑double — a rare feat at any level — powered by 13 blocks.

Pike Leaders:

• Jahari Miller: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals

• TJ Davis: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists

• Isaiah Hill: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 13 blocks

• Landon Lampley: 12 points, 7 rebounds

• Collin Washington: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Lawrence Central Leaders:

• Caleb Wells: 15 points, 3 rebounds

• Gavin Petty: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Championship Outlook: Lawrence North vs. Pike

With both teams advancing convincingly, tonight’s championship sets up a compelling clash of styles and strengths. Several key questions will shape the outcome:

• How will Lawrence North handle Pike’s pressure and length when the Red Devils turn up their trapping defense?

• Will Pike bring the same early energy that fueled their semifinal blowout?

• Who steps up for Lawrence North beyond stars Brennan Miller and Cameron Webster?

• How will each team respond when the other inevitably goes on a run?

Two teams with elite talent, contrasting rhythms, and championship expectations now meet with the county title on the line. If Friday was any indication, the final should deliver a memorable finish to an already electric tournament.

Credit to Travis LaCross for the picture and here the link to gallery for the games on Friday: https://www.indystar.com/picture-gallery/sports/high-school/2026/01/16/see-photos-as-lawrence-north-boys-play-park-tudor-marion-county-semifinals-ihssa/88217808007/