The Elkhart Memorial Chargers got a tough win over Mishawaka Marian Saturday afternoon, outscoring the Knights 58-54.

Entering the matchup with an 11-2 record, the Knights were led by standout junior Jaden Ivey. Ivey is a three star recruit and ranked seventh among the 2020 class in Indiana, according to 247sports.com. The 6’2″ guard has received interest from big name colleges like Notre Dame, Indiana and Ohio State.

“Our guys played very well together. Offensively, the team just kept finding the open man and didn’t care who was doing the scoring,” said coach Kyle Sears.

Ivey was able to rack up 30 points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter, minutes after senior Hank Smith was charged with his fifth foul also.

Smith would end the game with 13 points, to go along with 16 from sophomore D’Arjon Lewis and another 13 from senior Trey Gallope.

The game would prove to be a good one, as many had expected it to be. The two teams who were both upwards of a 75% win percentage, competed neck and neck for all four quarters.

Going into halftime, the Chargers only had a two point lead, and were only able to extend that lead to six by the end of the third. But good signs of improved free throw shooting and proficient rebound all game really helped Memorial pull the win out in the end.

“Rebounding was key factor today as we talked at every timeout and chance we could about getting the first rebound,” Sears said.

Later in the second half of the game, the Chargers took a hit that may be problematic in the long run. Senior Javon Forester went tumbling into the bleachers and was helped off the court by teammates. Forester would not re-enter the game for the Chargers.

Despite the tough loss of Forester and his presence in the paint, the Chargers were still able to pull away from the Knights late.

Looking to increase their three game winning streak this Friday, the Chargers will play at home against the Northwood Panthers on Feb. 8.