By Mike McGraw
Executive Director
CRAWFORDSVILLE – Funny thing about a one-two punch – it usually takes both of them to knock somebody out. That was the lesson learned Dec. 22 by Class 3A No. 8 North Montgomery in its 76-63 championship game victory over Crawfordsville.
The Chargin’ Chargers feature a great combination in Purdue-bound D.J. Byrd and frontcourt mate A.J. Sutherlin. On this night, Byrd was in top form while Sutherlin struggled. It is no surprise that for most of the night, Crawfordsville loomed large in North Montgomery’s rear view mirror.
When Sutherlin arrived late in the game, however, host North Montgomery surged to victory.
It didn’t start out looking like the Chargers (7-1) would face nearly the challenge that they did. Byrd scored 15 of his game-high (and tournament record-setting) 41 points in an explosive first-quarter barrage. At the first break, North Montgomery enjoyed a comfortable 24-12 lead.
It was in the second quarter that things started to go haywire.
North Montgomery still enjoyed a 32-35 lead three minutes into the stanza when Sutherlin picked up his second foul and headed to the bench for the remainder of the half. From that point forward, the Chargers had difficulty denting the scoreboard.
Byrd’s open looks became fewer and further apart. The Chargers managed only five points in the final five minutes of the quarter, and Crawfordsville (3-5) took full advantage as the Athenians closed the gap to 37-34 at the intermission.
Sometimes it can be difficult to restart the engine after a stall like that, and that’s exactly what North Montgomery experienced at the beginning of the third quarter. Crawfordsville’s Andrew Swan hit a trey to start the action and tie the game at 37.
After another Athenian basket, suddenly North Montgomery was looking uphill. But the Chargin’ Chargers responded like good teams do.
Byrd also responded like great players do: by taking over the action. The 6’5” junior scored 10 points over the remainder of the quarter, and North Montgomery surged back out in front 56-49 at the end of three.
Crawfordsville, it should be noted, didn’t go easily.
The Athenians scored the first bucket of the fourth to cut the margin to five. Although they could not get closer, they did stay within hailing distance until the 4:06 mark. That is when, with the score 64-57 in the Chargers’ favor, both members of the Athenians starting front court fouled out within 20 seconds.
It was the last gasp from a determined squad.
With the C-ville front court on the pine down the stretch, Sutherlin came to life and ended Crawfordsville’s hopes of an upset. He scored 12 points in the quarter (en route to 17 on the night), and the final margin ballooned to 13.
Crawfordsville was led by the sharp-shooting Tylor Whittington, who finished with a hard-earned 25 points.
In the consolation game, Western Boone (6-2) easily prevailed over sluggish Southmont (2-5), 78-53. The Stars were led by the outstanding play of guard Cory MacBeht, who tallied 25 points. Running mate Drew Pearson added 24, and post man Caleb Weber fought through foul trouble to chip in 14.
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