LAPEL — The 2022-23 Madison County boys basketball Tournament resembled what took place at the 2021-22 tournament, and once again, both Lapel and Pendleton Heights were knocked off by the eventual champion, Anderson.

The Arabians suffered a 79-72 overtime loss in the opening round, while the Bulldogs’ were defeated in the championship game for the second consecutive year.

Last year, Anderson defeated the Bulldogs 69-34 in the final, and in this year’s season opener defeated them 62-31.

A much improved Lapel team fell to the Indians this time just 81-60.

A 12-3 run to open the game put the Bulldogs in an early hole, and after climbing back, two 3-pointers by Anderson’s Ahmere Carson and Ja’Quan Ingram, and a three-point play by Carson increased the Indians’ lead to 24-10.

Following the opening quarter, the Bulldogs matched the Indians nearly stride-for-stride behind the ability to knock down three-point shots.

Lapel knocked down six first-half threes.

Nick Witte, Bode Judge and Brode Judge led the way for the Bulldogs with 12 points each. Jaden Cash followed them with 10.

Lapel defeated Anderson Prep 76-39 in round one, and Frankton 49-30 in the semifinal.

While the Bulldogs’ lone loss came in the final game, the Arabians’ tournament was the opposite.

After falling to Anderson in the opening round, Pendleton Heights reeled off back-to-back wins to finish in fifth place.

In the round two game, they defeated Alexandria 63-39 and in the fifth place game routed Elwood 65-23.

In the fifth-place game, Evan Mozingo had a game-high 14 points and knocked down all four three-point attempts. Josiah Gustin added 12, Aaron Cookston and Brayden Kanitz each had seven, and Issac Wilson had six.

The Arabians return to action at 7:30 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 12, at Pendleton Heights Middle School against Hoosier Heritage Conference opponent and No. 11-ranked New Palestine.

The Bulldogs are back in action at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at home against Hamilton Heights.