North Central Tops Ben Davis in Physical Girls Basketball Battle

Ben Davis and North Central delivered a high-level, physical matchup that lived up to the expectations of one of the city's best rivalries in girls basketball.   From the opening tip, both teams set the tone defensively. Ben Davis used its length and on-ball pressure to disrupt passing lanes and force North Central into tough possessions, while North Central countered with disciplined half-court defense and strong rebounding to limit second-chance opportunities.   Offensively, Ben Davis found success attacking the paint and playing through multiple actions to create driving lanes. Their ability to move the ball and convert around the rim proved to be a key factor as the game progressed. North Central responded by spacing the floor and capitalizing on penetration-and-kick opportunities, keeping the game within reach throughout.   The contest remained competitive deep into the second half, with momentum swinging back and forth as both teams made timely plays on both ends of the floor. Ben Davis' defensive intensity helped them generate key stops, while North Central continued to battle with toughness and poise. Ben Davis was led by freshman guards [player_tooltip player_id='1291636' first='Paige' last='Jones'] and Tatum Skibinsin, along with senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='761186' first='Aleia' last='Sultzer'] and junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='751120' first='Shania' last='Curry'].   In the end, North Central's execution and defensive consistency proved to be the difference in a hard-fought win over a well-coached Ben Davis squad. North Central was led by [player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'], senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1256524' first='Nina' last='Whitehead'], and the return of senior leader [player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston'].   Both teams showed why they are considered among the top programs in the area, and the matchup served as a strong test as the postseason approaches.    I first saw Paige play at the Freshman and Sophomore Showcase in September, and now, watching her with nearly a full season under her belt, it's clear how much she has grown in both confidence and understanding of the game. She has molded into the type of player Ben Davis needs—someone who can apply constant pressure on the defense while still playing within the flow of the offense.   What stood out most was her ability to attack the rim with purpose and make smart decisions once she got there. She didn't force shots; instead, she consistently took what the defense gave her, whether that meant finishing through contact, pulling up in space, or making the right read to a teammate. Defensively, she showed improved awareness and toughness, holding her own on the ball and competing on every possession.   As a young guard, her composure and willingness to impact the game in multiple ways is impressive. With continued development and experience, Paige has the tools to become a cornerstone in Ben Davis' backcourt and should be a very good guard for the program over the next three years.     Aleia was very impressive in the way she conducted herself on both ends of the floor. She played with great energy, consistently hustling and making plays in multiple areas of the game. Offensively, she made smart decisions with the ball, never forcing the action and understanding when to attack versus when to move it.   Her mid-range jump shot stood out as a reliable weapon, especially in moments when the defense took away driving lanes or the three-point line. She showed good balance and confidence pulling up in space, and her ability to score from that area of the floor added an important dimension to Ben Davis' offense. Overall, her composure, effort, and efficiency made a strong impact throughout the game.     Curry has been the scoring leader for this young Ben Davis team, and throughout the season she has been one of the players who consistently stood out—especially during the team's run of success in the middle of the season. Her ability to score in a variety of ways has been critical to Ben Davis staying competitive, and she has shown confidence taking on a larger offensive role.   I'm excited to see her take the next step in her game, particularly in high-intensity matchups like this. As the competition and pressure increase, her continued growth in decision-making, efficiency, and leadership will be key for this team moving forward.     The return of [player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston'] was a major focal point throughout the game, and it was clear she was eager to be back on the floor competing alongside her teammates. It was exciting to see the Missouri Western commit return and immediately play at a high level.   As the game unfolded, it became evident that she has been the missing piece North Central needed to continue its success. Winston brings a valuable combination of leadership and a winning presence, along with the ability to attack the rim, knock down shots, and impact the game on the glass. Her all-around skill set and competitive edge elevate everyone around her.   I can't wait to continue watching her over the final few weeks of the regular season as she continues to round into form and lead this group heading into postseason play.     It's always enjoyable watching Nina play because of not only her abilities, but also her intensity on both sides of the ball. What stands out most about her game is how valuable she is to what North Central runs offensively. As a point guard, she controls the pace, makes sound decisions, and applies constant pressure as both a shooter and a driver who can get to the rim.   It was especially good to see her on the floor alongside [player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston']. Having those two together, along with [player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'], makes North Central extremely difficult to defend. Their combined skill sets, spacing, and ability to attack in different ways force defenses into tough decisions and elevate the entire offensive unit.     [player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'] has been one of the most impressive players to watch this season, not only for how she impacts the game on both ends of the floor but also for how coachable she is in live action. What she brings to North Central is significant—her footwork inside the paint allows her to finish efficiently in traffic, while her ability to step out and knock down shots from around the perimeter makes her a versatile scoring threat. For a junior forward, her combination of skill, awareness, and willingness to learn sets her apart and makes her a key piece of the team's success.

Ben Davis and North Central delivered a high-level, physical matchup that lived up to the expectations of one of the city's best rivalries in girls basketball.