The University boys celebrated Senior Night in style Friday as seniors Adam Witzman, Camden Brown and Matt Jones led the Trailblazers to an easy 95-33 win over Victory College Prep.
Brown and Jones had 20 points each while Witzman had a career-high 18 as all 10 Trailblazers who saw action scored.
Coach Brandon Lafferman was effusive in praising his seniors. “I can’t say enough about this senior class and what they have had to endure throughout such a complicated year, on and off the court. I’m so proud of how they have led this team since we got going in the fall during our open gyms.”
“I am really excited for Adam Witzman and the game he had on our Senior Night. He really took advantage of the opportunity and packed the stat sheet with points, rebounds and blocked shots,” continued Lafferman. “We now turn all of our attention to trying to win our conference and preparing for our sectional.”
University came out on fire, making their first ten field goal attempts, including seven three pointers. Jones made five three pointers in the first quarter as University raced to a 31-8 lead after the opening period. The only Trailblazers missed field goal in the first quarter turned in to points as Brown scored on a buzzer beating rebound off a missed three-point shot. Brown had 10 in the first period.
University stretched their lead to 48-10 at halftime. Jones added another three-pointer in the second quarter to finish the half with 18 points while Brown added five more points.
The five three-pointers in the first quarter by Jones established a new school record while the six three pointers in a half tied the school record held by Eric Wott (2013) and Max Greenamoyer (2018). Both records are top 10 all-time Indiana marks according to the Hickory Husker Book of Indiana High School Basketball Records on hickoryhuskers.rivals.com
Witzman led the charge in the second half, scoring nine points in the third quarter and five in the fourth.
Nate Jeffrey had eight points, Mitchell Martin seven and Sabien Cain and Robert Russell six each.
University outrebounded Victory College Prep 45-8. Brown led the way 10 rebounds Witzman and Cain had seven caroms each and Jeffrey six.
The Trailblazers shot 61 percent for the game, making 36 of 59 shots. University shared the ball all night, handing out 29 assists on the 36 made baskets. Cain (seven), Kasey Ash-Simpson (six) and Jones (five) were the leading assist men for the game. Ash-Simpson had three steals.
University improves to 11-4 on the season. The Trailblazers will host Greenwood Christian Saturday afternoon in the PAAC championship game. University will be seeking its fourth consecutive PAAC title. Varsity tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on the UHSofIndiana You Tube Channel.
UNIVERSITY 95, VICTORY COLLEGE PREP 33
University FG FT TP PF
Kasey Ash-Simpson 1-2 0-0 3 2
Matt Jones 7-13 0-0 20 0
Camden Brown 7-11 2-3 20 1
Mitchell Martin 3-5 1-1 7 1
Adam Witzman 8-13 2-3 18 1
Nate Jeffrey 4-4 0-0 8 2
Sabien Cain 2-2 2-2 6 0
Robert Russell 1-3 3-3 6 1
Seth Hogg 1-1 0-0 2 0
Khami Bracey 2-5 0-0 5 2
Totals 36-59 10-12 95 10
Score by Quarters
Victory College Prep 8 2 13 10 – 33
University 31 17 30 17 – 95
University 3-point shooting (13-23) Jones 6-9, Brown 4-5, Bracey 1-4, Ash-Simpson 1-2, Russell 1-2, Martin 0-1.
University rebounds (45) Brown 10, Witzman 7, Cain 7, Jeffrey 6, Hogg 5, Martin 3, Jones 3, Russell 2, Ash-Simpson 1, Bracey 1.