Irvin scores 19 as #5 HSE upsets #1 Carmel
By CRAIG DRAGASH
ISL Correspondent
CARMEL, Ind. — I saw North Central’s Eric Gordon play several times in high school, and I have contended ever since that he is the best high school basketball player I have ever seen.
After I watched 4A #5 Hamilton Southeastern’s Zak Irvin lead his team to a 52-49 upset of #1 Carmel, I believe Irvin at least belongs in the conversation.
With 6’6″ Zach McRoberts of Carmel locked in on the 6’8″ Irvin, the Michigan-bound senior earned every one of his 19 points on the night. McRoberts could not have defended Irvin any better than he did, holding Irvin under his 24.8 scoring average, but Irvin showed that he belongs as the front-runner to give HSE back-to-back Mr. Basketball winners. Irvin showed how complete his skill set is as he scored on 3-point shooting as well as on drives to the basket. And for about the last three minutes of the game, he blanketed Carmel’s point guard and leader Michael Volovic full court, in what turned into a very physical matchup between the two before it was all said and done.
McRoberts made a big steal on an inbounds play with about one minute left with the Greyhounds traling by one point. Carmel’s James Crowley missed a shot in the lane, and Tyler Jenkins hit two free throws to give the Royals a 52-49 lead. A Ryan Cline three pointer at the buzzer was partially blocked, and HSE held on for the victory.
Crowley led the Greyhounds with 15 points, followed by Volovic with 12. Ross Risley added 10 for the Royals. Carmel was an uncharacteristic 8 of 14 from the free throw line.
Carmel falls to 15-2, and they will host Warren Central on Tuesday. With the win, HSE matches Carmel’s record at 15-2, and they welcome Pike, also on Tuesday.
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