Noblesville was the model of efficiency Friday night at Franklin Central.
The Millers won their first Hoosier Crossroads Conference game of the season at the Flashes’ gym by the score of 73-64. Noblesville was red-hot shooting the ball, making 23 of 34 field goal attempts (67 percent), and also draining nine of 11 3-point baskets.
The Millers got off to a fantastic start, leading 25-15 after the first quarter. Noblesville extended its lead to 41-26 by halftime. Franklin Central made a comeback in the third period, holding the Millers to five points and getting within 46-42. But Noblesville prevailed in a high-scoring fourth quarter, pouring in 27 points.
Luke Almodovar scored 20 points to lead the Millers, going 4-of-4 from 3-point range. He was one of five Noblesville players in double figures. E.J. Smith added 13 points, while Aaron Fine scored 12, including two 3s.
Noah Harris scored 11 points and didn’t miss any baskets; he was 4-of-4 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. David Lloyd added 11 points. Almodovar led the rebounds with eight, while Smith dished out six assists.
The Millers are 1-3 in the conference and 7-5 overall. Noblesville returns to The Mill tonight to host Logansport.
NOBLESVILLE 73, FRANKLIN CENTRAL 64
Noblesville FG FT TP PF
E.J. Smith 4-8 4-4 13 3
Noah Harris 4-4 2-2 11 4
Luke Almodovar 6-8 4-6 20 0
Preston Roberts 2-3 2-2 6 2
David Lloyd 3-6 4-4 11 1
Josh Durham 0-1 0-0 0 4
Aaron Fine 4-4 2-3 12 3
Totals 23-34 18-21 73 17
Score by Quarters
Noblesville 25 16 5 27 – 73
Franklin Central 15 11 16 22 – 64
Noblesville 3-point shooting (9-11) Almodovar 4-4, Fine 2-2, Smith 1-2, Lloyd 1-2, Harris 1-1.
Noblesville rebounds (23) Almodovar 8, Durham 4, Lloyd 4, Fine 3, Roberts 2, Smith 1, Harris 1.