Now thats what I call an electric atmosphere for high school basketball.
The stands were packed, extra security loomed as the top ranked squad in Class AA CPA welcomed three-time defending DII/Class AA state champion Ensworth into the Lions Den.
Jake Allsmiller (CPA) came out of the gate red hot. The junior shooting sensation finished with 22 points as CPA bested Ensworth 76-70 in front of the packed house complete with coaches from Purdue and Tennessee on hand.
A close affair throughout the first half saw CPA push ahead slightly 32-28 at the half behind the solid play of Allsmiller and Thomas Richard (CPA).
Corn Elder (Ensworth), who slightly tweaked his ankle in warm-ups, was none the worse for wear as he closed the half strong for the Tigers.
CPA made their move with the game knotted at 45 with little over 2:00 to play. Sophomore Parker Howell (CPA) converted a three point play, the old fashioned way, followed by a bucket from junior Jalen Lindsey (CPA) forcing the Ensworth timeout. Lindsey knocked down a three after the brief stoppage as CPA went into the fourth quarter up 53-45 and never looked back.
The Tiger narrowed the gap to 64-60 with 2:17 remaining behind buckets from Elder, DeAndre Ferby (Ensworth) and Andrew Fleming (Ensworth). Lindsey responded with a momentus baseline drive and slam before Allsmiller locked the door with another bucket from deep.
Allsmiller finsihed with 22, followed by Lindsey with 18. Richard and Braxton Blackwell (CPA) each finished with 10. Braxton Bonds (CPA) finished with 6 assists for the Lions.
Elder took game scoring honors with 25 followed by Fleming who added 18.
