Boys basketball: Tigers off to great start in new year

The REPORTER

The Fishers boys basketball team began the new year with an opening-round victory in its tournament Thursday morning.

The Class 4A No. 1 Tigers cruised past South Dearborn 77-39. Fishers outscored the Knights in each of the four quarters, starting with a 19-6 lead after one period. Five different Tigers scored, with Jason Gardner Jr. getting five points.

Fishers increased its lead to 44-16 by halftime. Justin Kirby had seven points, while Cooper Zachary hit a pair of 3-pointers for six points. Zachary also made a 3 during the first period. Gardner and JonAnthony Hall both scored five.

It was Millen McCartney’s turn to hit a pair of triples in the third quarter, which also gave him three 3s for the game. Gardner and Justin Kirby both had five points during the third, a period where six Tigers scored and finished with a 67-32 lead. A running clock was in effect by then, and Fishers sailed through the fourth.

Four Tigers players reached double figures. Gardner totaled 18 points, scoring in each quarter. Kirby finished with 16, Hall scored 12 and Zachary had 11. McCartney’s three 3s gave him nine points. A total of 10 Fishers players scored in the game.

The Tigers are unbeaten at 10-0 and continue tournament play by taking on Chesterton in the first semifinal at 10:30 a.m. Fort Wayne Wayne and Portage will face off in the second semifinal at 12:15 p.m. The consolation game is set for 5:30 p.m. and the championship game tips off at 7:15 p.m.