Indy defeats LaVergne, advances in state basketball tournament

Independence enjoyed its best offensive performance of the season in the opening round of the state tournament.

The Eagles scored a season high in points in an 88-74 win over LaVergne in a Class 4A quarterfinal at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center on Wednesday.

“It was an offensive game, for sure, tonight and thankfully we came out on top,” Eagles coach Mark Wilkins said.

Jett Montgomery, a Mr. Basketball finalist, led Indy (31-6) with 26 points on 10 of 17 shooting and six assists.

Indy’s career scoring leader said he wasn’t discouraged about losing the Mr. Basketball award to Cordova junior Emerson Tanner on Tuesday.

“Props to that guy that won, Emerson,” Montgomery said. “He’s a great player, but more importantly, I want to win a gold ball instead.”

The Eagles are two wins away from that after taking second behind Memphis Overton last season.

Indy will face Rossview (25-9), a 64-43 winner over Morristown East, in Friday’s 11 a.m. semifinal.

Guard Tylan Lewis fouled out with 20 points and Korben Wallings scored 16 for the Eagles, who shot 60% from the floor.

Houston Hicks, a 6-foot-8 center, posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

LaVergne (23-12) led 21-20 after the first quarter, but Indy outscored the Wolverines 27-14 the next eight minutes and the Eagles led by at least 12 the rest of the way for their 15th consecutive win.

“We got some better shots and took care of the ball,” Wilkins said. “Our guys’ willingness to share the ball was probably the difference. We got a few stops and they shot the ball really well.”

LaVergne shot 53% from the field, tying its second most points of the season.

Steven Sherman, a sophomore guard, led the Wolverines with 27 points.

Xialin Lenoir added 22 points and six assists and Landon Bryant scored 15.

Both teams made nine 3-pointers.

“I was worried about our shooting because we weren’t able to get into any [bigger] gyms,” Wolverines coach Anthony Rutland said. “Coming from me playing in college and pro, I know shooting depth perception is different. Seventy-four points for us and still lose by 14 is credit to [Indy].”

Daunte White,  a senior forward, led LaVergne with 11 rebounds.

The Wolverines were 12 of 16 from the floor in the first half, but still trailed by 12.

“They made more shots than we attempted in the first half and you can’t beat a team that’s used to firing the ball and making it,” Rutland said. “They’re a veteran team and they’ve been here before.”

Bryant hopes LaVergne will use the season-ending loss as motivation for next year.

“We have to let this loss burn in our heart and motivate us to make it back here next year,” Bryant said.

Rossview lost three of its top six players early in the season, but the Hawks have overcome it with gritty toughness from their seniors.

“They’re similar to LaVergne,” Wilkins said. “They’re quick, they can shoot it. That’s what you’re going to get in the final four: high-caliber teams. I think it’s going to be one of those up-and-down games Friday.”