Avon hasn't had much luck against Ben Davis recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Avon Orioles will take on the Ben Davis Giants at 6:00 p.m. Avon has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.
Avon is likely headed into the matchup with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against Bloomington South on Tuesday. Avon fell to Bloomington South 60-56.
Avon might have lost, but man, Aniah Smith was a machine: she posted 16 points in addition to eight steals and six assists. Kaylii Williams was another key player, putting up ten points.
Meanwhile, Ben Davis hadn't done well against Carmel recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. Ben Davis skirted past Carmel 46-43. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Giants have posted since December 12, 2024.
Ben Davis found their leader in sophomore Shania Curry, who went 8 of 11 on her way to 20 points and seven rebounds. Another player making a difference was Aubri Ingram, who earned ten points.
They weren't the only one working in the assists department: Ben Davis was working as a unit and finished the game with 14 assists. That's the most assists they've posted since back in November of 2024.
Ben Davis pushed their record up to 12-11 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. As for Avon, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-12.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Avon has been crashing the boards this season, having averaged 28 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Ben Davis struggles in that department as they've been averaging 29 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Avon and Ben Davis were neck-and-neck in their previous matchup back in January, but Avon came up empty-handed after a 41-40 loss. Can Avon avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
