Indiana defeats Kentucky in first Junior All-Star game

INDIANAPOLIS– As the college rivalry between Indiana and Kentucky seems to be ending, a new, younger version began at 8:15 p.m. Friday with the inaugural matchup between Indiana and Kentucky Junior All-Stars.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Indiana Junior All-Star team took the first of two games to be played this weekend, 126-103.

Although the game was fast paced, neither team generated high fast-break point totals.

“We expected them to play fast,” Devin Davis from Warren Central said. “We went to the game the other day when the Indiana (Senior) All-Stars played their (Kentucky Senior) All-Stars, so we seen in that game they played up and down.”

Davis played with high energy throughout the game. Twice in the first half he electrified the crowd with dunks. He was also a force inside, collecting 15 rebounds.

“It is just mental. I don’t let anyone try to box me out or out-hustle me,” IU commit Davis said. “When I see the ball go up, I just go get the rebound. I was just trying to play as hard as I can, doing anything I can for the team.”

Collin Hartman, a 2013 IU commit familiar with Davis’ game, said, “He is an animal. When he gets in a zone, get out of his way.”

Hartman, from Cathedral High School, said he is 3-0 against Davis and Warren Central.

“We guard each other and know each others' game,” Hartman said. “It is a great battle.”

Kentucky jumped out to a fast start and took an eight-point lead in the first four minutes of the game. Indiana fought back throughout the first half and took a 63-57 lead into halftime.

“We weren’t playing as hard as we could on defense," Davis said. "We had a problem with them on the pick and roll. We went into halftime and talked about it, then came out and executed.”

Halftime adjustments seemed to favor Indiana and they slowed down the Kentucky offense. Both teams settled into a more half court-style offense.

“Defense and energy,” Hartman said about how Indiana got back in the game. “I feel like our teammates got into the game, (the players) on the bench started supporting each other. We got after it and played like we should play all the time.”

 Davis ended with the game-high 26 points and pulled down 15 rebounds. Hartman added seven points, all in the first half.

“More people started shooting,” Hartman said about being held scoreless in the second half. “You do what you have to do. In the second half mine was playing defense, getting rebounds, talking to people and keeping people motivated, keeping the team together.”

Hartman and Davis said they understand that despite being seen as high-level college recruits and outstanding student-athletes, they both have room to grow.

Davis said he was working on every aspect of his basketball game, including his jump shot and ball handling skill.

“There is always somebody better than you so I just try to improve everything,” he said.

Hartman said he knows the college game is going to be much different than what he is used to at the high school level. He said he is currently focusing on getting strong and more athletic.

 “It is fun to represent Indiana,” Hartman said, donning an IU T-shirt. “It has been a great tradition for the seniors to play Kentucky, and now we finally get to set the bar for the juniors of how it is supposed to be. It is an honor to have Indiana across your chest.”

The teams will battle again tonight at North Oldham High School in Goshen, Ky. The girls tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys.