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The playoffs continued in the NCISAA, as Carmel Christian and Ravenscroft battled it out for a chance to go to the championship game later on this week. Both were looking to come out strong but it was Carmel Christian who put its stamp on the game quickly. The offense came out hot behind the play of Cade Tyson and Ben Burnham, helping Carmel get out to a convincing 18-0 lead before Ravenscroft got on the board. It stayed around that 18-point margin for the rest of the half. Carmel's defense helped lead into the offense, as they looked to push the tempo and find quality shots from inside and out. Ravenscroft got going midway through the first and in the second, especially with their rising start in 2023 Comeh Emoubor. But Carmel found themselves with the solid 48-28 halftime lead.
Carmel Christian continued to play strong throughout the third quarter, building their lead to as many as 30 points. Tyson and Burnham continued to lead the charge, as the Cougars were rolling in every way on the court. Leading 71-41 at the end of the third, Carmel started to get other players in to give them some time on the court, as this one looked to be wrapped up. In the end, Carmel Christian took home the 87-54 win.
Carmel Christian: 27 ' 19 ' 23 ' 16: 87
Ravenscroft: 9 ' 19 ' 13 ' 13: 54
Stats:
Carmel:
Cade Tyson 32 points
Ben Burnham 26 points
Glenn Bynum 11 points
Ravenscroft:
Comeh Emoubor 17 points
Jeremiah Williams 12 points
Alex Olander 7 points
Standouts:
2022 Cade Tyson (Carmel): This is the Tyson that everyone has seen and believes that he could be a star on the court in North Carolina. He was assertive and aggressive with his game and boy oh boy, was his outside jumper flowing today. He stepped into his shots, used his 6'7 body to rise right over defenders, and knock down shots from all along the outside. Whether it was the three ball or one-dribble pull-up, it was all working in this one. You could see that he was feeling it in this game.
2021 Ben Burnham (Carmel): Ravenscroft just didn't have an answer but no one really has this year for Burnham. His teammates set him up well for a few high-flying throwdowns, something he has done quite often this year, but he is deceptively quick with his moves, reaction, and bounce. He did mostly all his work around the rim, just being quicker, more athletic, and wanting it more, as he once again filled up the stat sheet.
2023 Comeh Emoubor (Ravenscroft): Emoubor is going to be a big-time talent in the state of North Carolina for a loaded 2023 class and he showed why in this game. Though down much of the game, Emoubor gave us a glimpse of his full arsenal in his game, whether it was his pull-up jumper from multiple levels, his aggressiveness in attacking the rim and strength to power through, or his athleticism at the rim or on the boards. He took tough but high-quality shots and this was a game that you could see why high-major programs are already coming his way.