The REPORTER
The Fishers boys basketball team took down last year’s Class 4A state champions on the road to begin its season Tuesday.
The Tigers defeated Ben Davis 74-61. Fishers put together a tremendous defensive effort in the first quarter, leading the Giants 17-8. Senior Keenan Garner, one of the key returners for the team, scored six points in that period.
“We played with a ton of energy and effort,” said Fishers coach Garrett Winegar. “That was our focus night one. The first quarter, our defense was really solid, held them in check.”
In the second quarter, the Tigers poured in 23 points for a 40-24 halftime lead. Garner added another six points. Senior Taden Metzger, another returner, and Cooper Zachery, who started as a freshman, both made two 3-pointers in the first half, one in each quarter.
“After Keenan got us going, we knocked down some outside shots,” said Winegar.
Fishers extended its lead to 57-37 after three periods. Ben Davis cut into that lead during the fourth quarter, but the Tigers stayed comfortably in front.
Three players reached double figures: Garner scored 21, Metzger had 13 and freshman Jason Gardner Jr. came off the bench to also score 13. Zachary and JonAnthony Hall both added nine points.
“That’s going to be our strength this year,” said Winegar. “Our depth and our balance. We can be a team that’s hard to prepare for, because we have nine or 10 guys that can hurt you.” The coach said the team’s goal is to be unselfish and focus on who gets the best shot.
Fishers plays Saturday afternoon at La Porte.
FISHERS 74, BEN DAVIS 61
Fishers FG FT TP PF
Taden Metzger 4 2-2 13 0
Millen McCartney 2 0-0 5 3
Cooper Zachary 3 0-0 9 2
JonAnthony Hall 4 1-2 9 3
Keenan Garner 8 5-7 21 5
Jason Gardner Jr. 4 5-6 13 0
Jon Kirby 0 0-2 0 1
Parker Perdue 0 0-0 0 0
Nathan Baker 2 0-0 4 4
Logan Sigler 0 0-0 0 0
Totals 27 13-19 74 18
Score by Quarters
Fishers 17 23 17 17 – 74
Ben Davis 8 18 11 24 – 61
Fishers 3-pointers (7) Metzger 3, Zachary 3, McCartney.