In the first-ever junior all-star basketball games, Kentucky earned a split on the boys' side and the Indiana girls completed a two-game sweep Saturday night at North Oldham High School.
In the boys' game, Indiana dug itself an 11-point hole in the first half but kept punching back before the Kentucky stars pulled away in the last three minutes for an 81-71 win.
"We gave up about 50 points less than we did last night (actually 55)," said Kentucky coach Chris O'Hearn of Mason County. "But it wasn't all about our defense. On offense, we were a lot more patient. Our shot selection was much, much better."
Madison Central's Dominique Hawkins led a balanced Kentucky attack with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists without a turnover.
Ballard's LaVonne Holland added 13 points, hitting 6 of 8 shots, while Trinity's Darryl Hicks had 12 points. Bullitt East's Derek Willis chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.
After losing to Indiana 126-103 Friday night, Willis said he and his teammates were eager for a win. "We really wanted to win this game," he said.
Zavier Turner of Pike led Indiana with 14 points, while Warren Central's Devin Davis and Hamilton Southeastern's Zak Irvin added 13 points each.
"We didn't come out with a lot of energy," said Indiana coach Scott Heady of Carmel. "There was a lot of standing around."
Indiana-Kentucky girls
Indiana, down by as many as 12 late in the first half, used a 49-29 edge in the second half to storm past Kentucky.
Indiana coach Pat McKee of Columbus North said he tried to ignite his team by switching to a half-court trap midway through the third quarter.
It worked as Indiana erased a 12-point deficit with a 17-1 run.
Taya Reimer of Hamilton Southeastern, who has committed to Purdue, led Indiana with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
McKee said they tried to pay close attention to Owensboro Catholic's Becca Greenwell, who exploded for 44 points Friday night. Greenwell, who hit just 3 of 18 shots, was held to 16 points. Mercy's Whitney Hartlage added 14 for Kentucky.
"Our goal was to hold Greenwell under 25 points," said Stephanie Mavunga of Brownsburg, who has committed to play at North Carolina. "We wanted to make sure we knew where she was all the time."
Mavunga finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Kentucky coach Jennifer Parsons of Corbin said Indiana kept double-teaming Greenwell. "The thing is she's so unselfish," Parsons said of Greenwell. "She's the best (player) I've ever seen. She has everything it takes to do well at the next level."
