Carmel was the last undefeated boys basketball team standing in Class 4A as of Friday night.
On Saturday, the Greyhounds fell for the first time. Second-ranked Carmel was stunned by a five-point run in the final minute from Brownsburg at the Eric Clark Activity Center, with the Bulldogs sending the ‘Hounds to a 52-50 defeat.
The game was the only one played Saturday in Hamilton County due to the snowstorm, and among the very few played in Central Indiana. The decision to play was left up to Brownsburg, and the Bulldogs were obviously happy they chose to play.
The ‘Hounds had built a 43-37 lead after three quarters thanks to some solid shooting. Through the third, Carmel had drained eight 3-pointers, with Luke Heady making all four of his long-range shots. Karsten Windlan and Andrew Owens both had two 3s.
But Brownsburg wouldn’t go away, and was still within 50-47 with a minute to go. Reis Thomas then made his own 3-pointer to tie the game at 50-50. Carmel held the ball looking for a final shot, but Cameron Alford made a steal with seconds to go, ran down the court and laid the ball in to seal the victory.
“They were more physical with us tonight,” said Greyhounds coach Ryan Osborn. “We didn’t respond very well to their toughness and I don’t think we made very smart decisions down the stretch.”
Carmel led 18-11 after the first quarter, during which Heady made his first two 3-pointers. The second period was a little more defensive, but the ‘Hounds still led 24-20 at halftime. The Greyhounds then used a 19-point third quarter to stay in front, with Heady scoring eight points and making his other two 3s.
Heady led the Carmel scoring with 16 points, while Owens contributed 10 points. John Michael Mulloy had nine points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.
“I think you go through the season expecting to win every game,” said Osborn. “Hopefully we understand that there’s not a night on our schedule we can just show up and play.”
The Greyhounds are now 11-1 and will host Anderson on Tuesday.
Brownsburg 52, Carmel 50
Carmel FG FT TP PF
Karsten Windlan 3-6 0-0 8 3
Peter Suder 2-5 1-2 5 0
Luke Heady 6-9 0-1 16 1
Andrew Owens 4-6 0-0 10 1
Robert Fry 0-0 2-2 2 1
John Michael Mulloy 3-6 3-5 9 2
Conner Gioia 0-0 0-0 0 0
Totals 18-32 6-10 50 8
Score by Quarters
Brownsburg 11 9 17 15 – 52
Carmel 18 6 19 7 – 50
Carmel 3-point shooting (8-13) Heady 4-4, Windlan 2-5, Owens 2-2, Suder 0-1, Mulloy 0-1.
Carmel rebounds (19) Mulloy 9, Windlan 2, Suder 2, Heady 2, Owens 2, Fry 2.