New Albany came through a tune-up weekend no worse for the wear and with just what the doctor ordered: victories over two smaller regional rivals with upsets on their minds.
After a narrow road win at Madison on Friday, the Dogs returned to the Doghouse on Saturday to defeat Scottsburg, 48-33, behind a big night from Jordan Thomas.
The 6-foot-7 junior center, who’s been coming off the bench since Julien Hunter returned from injury two weeks ago, personally outscored Scottsburg 12-4 as the Dogs surged to a 24-10 lead in the second period. Thomas’ streak included a dunk, reverse two-handed tip-in, and an acrobatic tip off a lob from Kaden Stanton.
He wasn’t done. After Scottsburg outscored the Dogs 11-5 in the third quarter to draw within six points, Thomas scored three straight baskets to open the fourth quarter — on another lob from Stanton, a dipsy-do drive, and a tip. New Albany won going away.
“They really didn’t have an answer for Jordan down low,” New Albany coach Jim Shannon said. “When you can go down low and get layups, that really opens up your perimeter game. And I thought we got some good high-low play.”
Shannon said New Albany (8-5) wanted to take Scottsburg’s measure early and adjust accordingly. This year’s Warriors are tested, with four prior games against 4A competition, including a win over Evansville Harrison and losses to No. 6 Fishers and No. 9 Columbus North.
After Scottsburg scored early on driving layups by Treyton Owens and Hayden Cutter, the Dogs turned up their defensive pressure and made life more difficult. Scottsburg ended up with 17 turnovers.
“I thought we got into Scottsburg, picking them up, not from get-go but after three or four minutes,” Shannon said. “We wanted to feel them out on their speed and quickness. In their half-court offense, they got a couple layups, driving … They’d just back us and beat us to the rim, and we didn’t get any help. I said we’re gonna go get ’em, maybe get some other kids to turn it over. We forced them into hurrying up a little more than they wanted.”
Thomas led New Albany with 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting. Tucker Biven added 11.
Aside from slow second half starts — Shannon said it’s been an issue — the coach was largely pleased with his team’s effort.
“I liked our intensity. It was much better than it was (Friday) night against Madison,” Shannon said. “Jordan obviously gave us a huge lift. I thought Maddox Schmelz really hustled. He was on the floor a lot and got his hands on a lot of deflections. I thought everybody really played well. .. I told the kids, hey, we won by 15 — it’s been a while since we won by that. We need to celebrate. These little small steps are huge in building confidence. We’ve gotta keep doing that.”
The Dogs will spend this week prepping for a trip to 3A No. 1 Silver Creek on Friday. (4A No. 18 Evansville Reitz visits the Doghouse on Saturday.)
The defending state champion Dragons (13-1) are coming off a 70-64 win at Bloomington North, and their only loss to came to 4A No. 3 Lawrence Central, 63-31 during a holiday tourney.
“The preparation won’t be any different,” Shannon said, “but when you talk about teams like Jeff and Floyd Central, you’re talking about Silver Creek. They’re right there. They’re really good.”
