By CRAIG ADKINS
For The Reporter
NOBLESVILLE – Senior Night always tends to be a game that’s full of emotions for the seniors that are nearing their final game on the home floor.
It took everything the Millers had on Friday night before Brownsburg was able to escape with a 60-54 win over Noblesville.
Brownsburg got off to a great start. First it was 4-0 and before the Millers could blink fast enough, the Bulldogs had jumped out to a 14-6 lead that stayed steady at 18-11 after one.
The Millers really responded in the second quarter with a 13-6 spurt of their own to cut the deficit to 20-19 on an Aiden Brewer layup.
“Brownsburg is very good. They’ve got two really, really good players and are very well-coached,” said Noblesville head coach Scott McClelland.
“I didn’t think we put up much resistance in the first quarter. I thought they kind of dictated, then you saw the true character of our team and that’s a testament to our guys. They battled back and took the lead,” continued McClelland on the Millers’ relentless play and not giving up when they were down.
Noblesville fought back in the second to outscore the Bulldogs 15-9, trailing by just one at the half.
The Millers got their first lead early in the third when Luke Almodovar found Aaron Fine for a backdoor pass, followed by a reverse layup by Fine to go up 28-27.
There were six lead changes in the third. A balanced team effort carried Noblesville to a 42-40 advantage through three.
There were another three ties and two lead changes in the fourth before Brownsburg used their size and length to force late turnovers and route to a 60-54 road win in Hoosier Crossroads Conference play.
“We showed that we can play with one of the top five teams in the state. We’ve got things to learn and grow from and get better at, but I still think this group can do that and that’s what we have to gear for, so we’re playing our best basketball in the first week of March,” said McClelland on what his team is capable of doing.
Kanon Catchings and Elhadj Diallo would combine for 14 of the 20 Bulldog points in the final period that would propel them past the Millers.
The Bulldogs keyed in on Almodovar defensively, so that left it up to junior Aaron Fine to make his presence felt offensively.
Fine scored 10 and fellow junior Hunter Walston eight in the second half to help keep the Millers in it late with chances to win.
“I think Aaron has played fairly well all year. He’s a strong kid and he makes some plays. He’s an all-conference player and he’s done what we’ve needed him to do. What’s probably impressed me the most is how many assists he’s had in the last three to five games,” McClelland praised junior guard Aaron Fine.
“Hunter continues to get better and improve. He got a couple good rebounds and baskets, missed a couple shots that were a tad short,” stated McClelland on Hunter Walston’s improved play.
Despite the outcome of the game, Noblesville’s two seniors stand out when it comes to leading this Miller team on the court.
“I’d be remiss tonight to talk about our two senior players, Luke Almodovar and Cooper Bean,” said McClelland on his seniors.
“Those guys have had really nice years and obviously not the way they wanted to end Senior Night. They’ve been solid leaders this year and have improved throughout the course of the season. I’m excited for them going into these last three games,” McClelland complementing his seniors for leading the team.
The Bulldogs were led by a game-high 21 from Elhadj Diallo and 14 from Kanon Catchings.
Brownsburg (18-2, 6-0 HCC) gets a break and plays on Feb. 17 at home against Hamilton Southeastern and finishes the regular season on Feb. 21 by hosting Center Grove.
The Millers were led by Aaron Fine’s team-high 17 points, followed by Hunter Walston (12) and Luke Almodovar (11) joining in double figures.
Noblesville (14-6, 4-2 HCC) also gets a break until Feb. 17 when it travels to Avon. Then, the Millers finish their home slate by hosting Evansville Christian on Feb. 18 and hit the road in the regular-season finale at Mississinewa on Feb. 21.
BROWNSBURG 60, NOBLESVILLE 54
Noblesville FG FT TP PF
Luke Almodovar 4 2-2 11 5
Hunter Walston 5 2-2 12 2
Aiden Brewer 1 2-2 4 2
Cooper Bean 2 1-2 7 3
Aaron Fine 6 4-6 17 2
Will Smits 0 0-0 0 0
Justin Curry 1 0-0 3 2
Luke Etchison 0 0-0 0 0
Totals 19 11-14 54 16
Score by Quarters
Brownsburg 18 9 13 20 – 60
Noblesville 11 15 16 12 – 54
Noblesville 3-pointers (5) Bean 2, Almodovar, Fine, Curry.