Green's 15, Eldridge's 12-12 propel Wayne to 69-46 win

Fort Wayne Wayne delivered a decisive 69-46 victory over Fort Wayne Northrop in a game that highlighted Wayne's defensive intensity and interior control. LaShawn Green led the scoring with 15 points and added a career-high four steals, while Javontae Eldridge anchored the paint with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Northrop's Anthony Barnes produced a valiant effort with 16 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to keep pace.

Wayne imposed its will on both ends of the floor. Green's four steals translated into easy transition opportunities that helped Wayne build and maintain separation on the scoreboard. Eldridge controlled the glass, limiting second-chance chances for Northrop and creating extra possessions for Wayne's offense. The combination of perimeter disruption and interior rebounding set the tone for a comfortable margin.

Offensively, Wayne mixed interior scoring through Eldridge with perimeter production from Green and supporting contributors. The 69-point output reflected efficient finishing at the rim and smart ball movement that forced Northrop into contested looks. Northrop leaned on Anthony Barnes for scoring and rebound toughness; Barnes finished with a double-double, but Wayne's defense repeatedly challenged Northrop elsewhere, preventing consistent scoring runs.

Statistically, Wayne improved to 9-5 with the win, a mark that keeps the program in the mix as the season moves forward. Green's career-high in steals is notable not just as a personal milestone but as a sign of Wayne's developing defensive identity. Eldridge's double-double underscored the program's emphasis on controlling the glass and finishing possessions, fundamentals that win in tight sectional races across Indiana.

Beyond the box score, this game matters to the Fort Wayne high school basketball scene. Performances like Green's and Eldridge's can raise a program's profile with local fans and with college coaches who monitor winter schedules for late-developing prospects. For Northrop, Barnes' 16 points and 11 boards provide a building block to rally around as the team searches for answers in the weeks ahead.

The result also offers perspective on team dynamics: Wayne demonstrated complementary play between backcourt pressure and frontcourt muscle, while Northrop showed reliance on a primary scorer to carry both scoring and rebounding responsibilities. As the regular season progresses, both programs will look to refine rotations and sharpen situational play for sectional matchups and postseason positioning.

For fans in Fort Wayne, Tuesday's contest was a reminder of why Indiana high school basketball commands attention: individual milestones, physical play, and the small-school stakes that ripple through local recruiting and community interest. Wayne will take the momentum of a 69-46 win and its 9-5 record into the coming stretch, while Northrop must regroup and adjust after a competitive but ultimately losing effort.