Boys Basketball: Andrean races past Lew Wallace

MERRILLVILLE — Lew Wallace wanted to come out with its speed and quickness and pressure Andrean into mistakes.

The game plan was solid in theory, but wasn’t successful when employed against coach Carson Cunningham’s 59ers.

“We didn’t want to come out and play on our heels tonight, so I told the guys to be aggressive and let the chips fall where they may,” Cunningham said.

“We knew they’d come out and be aggressive and try to pressure us, so the key was for us to come out and be the aggressors and not get back on our heels. The guys were ready to meet the challenge.”

The 59ers (2-0) took it to the Hornets from the opening tip — running with them — and eventually past them while emerging with a 73-54 win Tuesday night.

The 59ers’ win was their first over the Hornets (1-1) since the 2005-06 season.

“We’ve been looking forward to playing them all year,” Andrean junior guard D.J. Gonzalez said. “That’s one check off the list, but it’s just one of them.”

Gonzalez turned in an impressive overall performance against the Hornets.

“I thought D.J. had a fabulous floor game for us,” Cunningham said. “He’s really improved so much since last season. His passing and his ability to get in the lane is impressive.”

Gonzalez, who finished with 12 points, four assists and a couple of steals, repeatedly found his teammates for easy baskets or open shots.

“My mindset, my philosophy, out there on the floor tonight was not to let those guys intimidate me,” he said. “I had to think when I was out there that I can beat every one of these guys one-on-one -- because of my speed and quickness and the confidence I have in my teammates, who give me a lot of assists. I really trust my teammates.”

Josh James recorded a double-double with 16 points — 10 of those coming in the fourth quarter — and 10 rebounds.

Collin Wojcik also scored 16, tying James for team-high honors, while Nick Davidson added 15 and collected four steals.

“Josh had a great second half,” Cunningham said. “He made some nice moves in the paint as well as outside on the perimeter. He’s really a versatile player.”

The 59ers led 16-9 after one period and 38-28 at the break, before running away from the Hornets.

“We’re sharing the rock and it’s fun to watch,” Cunningham said.

Lew Wallace coach Melvin Yancey was disappointed in the loss, but liked how hard his kids played.

“They did to us tonight what we intended to do to them, but they just did it better than we did tonight,” he said. “Our kids are good kids. They work hard. They’re just green and not very experienced right now.”

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