Basketball Recap: Merrillville Finds Playoff Glory Versus Valparaiso

It's playoff time, and Merrillville had no trouble coming through when it counted. They narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past the Valparaiso Vikings 45-42. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Pirates have posted since December 10, 2024.

Kelvion Brown

Rebounds

03/04/25 vs Valparaiso	9
02/28/25 vs Penn	4
02/22/25 vs Hobart	6
02/21/25 vs Michigan City	8
02/14/25 vs La Porte	5
+ 10 more games

Leading Merrillville to victory were Kelvion Brown and Charles Hardiman. Brown almost dropped a double-double with 14 points and nine boards, while Hardiman posted 15 points and four steals. That's the most rebounds Brown has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Rodrick Durant-Hicks, who scored five points and three steals.

Valparaiso's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Julian Stokes, who had seven points in addition to five boards and three steals. Maddux Wagner was another key player, putting up eight points along with six rebounds and three blocks.

Merrillville's record is now 6-18. As for Valparaiso, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 10-15 record this season.

Merrillville will take on Hobart at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Hobart has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last four games. Valparaiso does not have any more games scheduled as of now.