GAHANNA, Ohio -- Pickerington North (13-2, 6-0) changed up their lineup on Friday night, and in the process dominated Gahanna (12-3, 4-2) to the tune of an 81-57 victory. The Panthers went with senior Corey Baker in the main rotation instead of super freshman Jack Sawyer, who still ended up with a team-high 16 points. 

Gahanna pulled out to an early 15-14 lead through one quarter, although Indiana-signee Jerome Hunter got going early for Pickerington North, chipping in 6 of his 15 points during the frame. Gahanna scored by committee, and did a great job of taking care of the ball, as they led through the first eight minutes.

In the second quarter, the Panthers started to settle in to their new pressure defense as they started to reek havoc. Gahanna had trouble holding on to the ball as a result, leading to easy transition points for the Panthers. Pickerington North also received a huge morale boost from 6-foot-9 senior Ross Ryan, who played extremely well in limited minutes. Ryan finished with seven points, five rebounds, two assists. That second quarter was big for the Panthers, who outscored the Lions 22-13 in the second quarter to take a 36-28 halftime lead.

The second half would just be an encore of the second quarter, as Pickerington North intensified its pressure going up 52-34 in the third quarter. Gahanna showed a brief sign of life as they went on a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter, but it would be much ado about nothing as the Lions could not get the margin underneath 11 the rest of the way.

Despite the loss, senior big man Mike Reeves had a really impressive showing as he totaled a team-high 11 points against a stellar North frontline. Reeves only played limited minutes due to foul trouble, but was consistent while on the floor.

This game could be a defining moment for the Panthers pursuit of a state championship, as they completely changed their style of play. This pressing run and gun style suits them well, and the Panthers will look to continue their winning ways as they take on Shaker Heights in a huge match-up at the Dunk4Diabetes Classic on Sunday.

The Lions will look to bounce back tomorrow, as they take on the Africentric in the Jared Sullinger Play-by-Play Classic.