NORTH JUDSON, IN. - Being focused and an ability to answer mini-runs by Hebron were crucial to LaVille's opening round game at 2A Sectional #34 from North Judson-San Pierre High School. Coach Michael Edison's team shot nearly 50% from the field and used scoring balance to pick up a 70-47 victory over Hebron at 'The Nest'. LaVille was able to open leads of 6-2 and 11-5 before back-to-back baskets by the Hawks narrowed the gap to 11-9. Sophomore Collin Czarnecki drilled a 3-pointer to start a 15-5 run that was also aided by senior Ryan James and junior Lucas Plummer. Plummer had the hot hand torching the Hebron defense for 1o of his game-high 22 points during that stretch. "I felt our entire team was extremely focused and ready to go against Hebron," Edison explained after watching his team win its fifth straight game. "It was one of our best overall games of the season. Several of our guys had outstanding games. Getting off to a good start and being able to answer Hebron every time they went on a min-run was super critical to our success. "There were a lot of keys during that 15-5 run we had," continued Edison. "We had several deflections and steals which led to transition opportunities for us. We had several guys step up and hit some big shots from deep. We were able to control the tempo of the game and do what we wanted on offense while keeping them out of the paint on defense." Edison's crew was consistent with pressure defensenand limited several possessions to one shot in order to push the ball up the floor for quick or easy scores. "I think our guys just reacted to what Hebron was doing on defense," Edison noted of the transition back up the floor. "There were many times we were able to break their press or traps and look up ahead and find the open man. Also, there were a few times where we rebounded the ball and were able to pass it quickly ahead. Our guys did a very nice job at finding the open man." Edison was quick to praise his squad for stepping up and making key contributions throughout the contest. "I thought at different times all of our guys stepped up on defense and had some big plays for us," Edison noted of the effort. "Michael Good was fronting their big man. Owen Smith, Collin Czarnecki, and Lucas Plummer really did a good job at anticipating and getting deflections up front. Ryan James played extremely hard and ran the baseline in our defense guarding their shooters in the corners. Collin Allen played an all around good game both on offense and defense. Lucas Plummer had some nice shots from 3 point range, shooting the ball with confidence, as well as having some nice drives. Collin Czarnecki hit his normal big time shots and really helped keep Hebron at bay. Ross Wagoner came in and gave us some good minutes playing solid defense as well. It was an all around good effort by our entire team." Another key stat line that was crucial to the success by LHS was 70% from the free throw line. "Getting to the foul line and being able to capitalize in a game is so key to success," Edison said after watching his team outscore Hebron 14-6 from the charity stripe. "Our guys really attacked the basket hard and we were rewarded with some free throws. I feel many of our guys are shooting their free throws knowing they are going to go in. Getting to the foul line will continue to be important if we are to have success in the tournament." Plummer led all scorers with a career-high 22 points on 7-10 from the field and 5-6 from the line. He also added four rebounds and three assists. Czarnecki dropped in 18 points and was perfect in four trips to the foul line. He also added six assists and three steals. Smith had a solid stat nline of 12 points, six rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. Good added key baskets, including a slam dunk to open the fourth quarter. He also led the Lancer rebounding effort with eight to go with five assists, three steals and a charge taken. Allen gave solid minutes off the bench and chipped in with eight points, three rebounds, two blocked shots and a charge taken. James kicked in six points, four rebounds, two assists and a charge taken. "We need to continue to shoot the ball with confidence and try to take high percentage shots," said Edison after hearing that his squad hit 49% from the field. "Our intensity, focus, and ability to knock down shots were key in our win over a well coached Hebron team." LaVille was able to avenge a regular-season loss to Hebron with the sectional victory and now has a rematch with Career Academy. "They will be very tough for us the second time around," said Edison. " (Tyvon) Henry, #4, leads them in every category averaging 21 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 5.5 apg. He is their best free throw shooter and has the ability to get to the hoop when he wants to. They have some solid senior leadership in Henry, (Jacary) Spates (a 4 year starter), and (Eli) Winston. They play very hard and are a resilient team, pushing the ball up the court, and pressing whenever possible." LaVille, who improved to 14-9 overall, defeated CASB 75-59 on January 24 in South Bend. IHSAA 2A SECTIONAL #34 LaVille 70, Hebron 47 At North Judson Score By Quarters LaVille 21 34 49 70 Hebron 12 22 35 47 LaVille – Lucas Plummer 22, Ryan James 6, Owen Smith 12, Ross Wagoner 0, Collin Allen 8, Collin Czarnecki 18, Michael Good 4, Cody Allen 0, Avery Garrett 0, Brayden Schwitz 0, Braedyn Foster 0. Totals: 25 14-20 70 Hebron – Trever Roy 11, Aiden Bowgren 0, Ben Kenda 7, Peter Socci 15, Josh Kenda 10, Dakota Zimmer 0, Seth Weaver 4, Skylar Martin 0. Totals: 18 6-11 47 3-point field goals: LaVille 6 (Plummer 3, Czarnecki 2, Smith), Hebron 5 (Socci 5). Total fouls (fouled out): LaVille 12 (none), Hebron 17 (Roy). IHSAA 2A SECTIONAL #34 At North Judson-San Pierre High School Tuesday's Results Game #1 - North Judson-San Pierre 59, Wheeler 30 Game #2 - LaVille 70, Hebron 47 March 3, 2023 Friday's Schedule Semifinals Game #3 - South Central (Union Mills (5-16) v. North Judson-San Pierre (21-3), 6:30 p.m. ET Game #4 - Career Academy South Bend (10-12) v. LaVille (15-9), 8 p.m. ET March 4, 2023 Saturday's Schedule Championship Game #3 Winner v. Game #4 Winner, 8 p.m.