It was a battle of the titans in this one, as two state title contenders looked to end a great day of basketball. Carmel Christian hit the home court and welcomed in JL Chambers and there certainly wasn’t a lack of talent on the court. Both teams came out looking to make a statement; early on it was 2023 Jaylen Curry was taking over early, getting to the line and using his speed to help Chambers earn an 18-13 first-quarter lead.

But came back Carmel Christian in the second quarter, hitting some big threes to get them back in the game and take a lead in the second quarter. From then on, both teams made strong plays as we were all tied up at 33 at halftime.

Carmel Christian came out strong in the second half behind the play of Cade Tyson and 2023 Kaleb Siler, showing a nice inside-out presence that helped give them their first double-digit lead with just under three minutes to go in the third quarter. WIth Carmel Christian holding the lead heading into the fourth, it was the defense of Chambers and the guard play that got them back into the game and eventually retaking the lead.

2023 Nick Dorn and company hit some big shots from deep to give themselves the late lead. Chambers eventually went up five with 20 seconds to go and a late turnover ultimately sealed the win for them on the road. In the end, JL Chambers won 67-60.

Stats:
JL: Jaylen Curry 22pts, 5asts / Nick Dorn 12pts / Kendall Smith 9pts, 6asts, 5stls
CCS: Cade Tyson 17pts, 6rebs, 7asts / Kaleb Siler 10pts, 5rebs / Logan Threatt 11pts

POB’s Eye Catchers:
Chambers:
2023 Jaylen Curry: There wasn’t a player that could stay in front of Curry, as he was weaving through the defense, getting downhill and at the rim, or getting to the line consistently. With his speed, Curry is such a tough matchup for any defender and his ability to be a playmaker is why so many HM schools are coming his way.

2022 Kendall Smith: I have to give it to the senior… Smith stepped up, played hard on defense, and really made his impact in the second half. He made some big plays, scored some big baskets, and finished well. Really made some big baskets in critical moments for his team.

2023 Nick Dorn: Just like Smith, Dorn stepped up when it counted. He knocked down one three in the first half but came alive and made multiple big shots for his team, especially showing his confidence from behind the arc.

Carmel Christian:
2022 Cade Tyson: There is a reason why he is looking to be one of the candidates for POY in NC. It took a quarter but Tyson started to come on and let the game come to him. He moves so well without the ball and has a knack for finding the open spots and at 6’8, rising right over defenders. He isn’t afraid of the big shot and when he starts going, it just seems that the entire team starts finding success. And let’s not mention some impressive blocks as well in transition.

2023 Kaleb Siler: Siler really started to make his presence known in the second half, ceiling off the defenders well, using his body and frame to his advantage, and gaining terrific position in the paint. It allowed him to showcase his touch and score easy baskets down low, making a nice inside-out presence for this team.