The CHS men’s basketball team defeated Westfield 59-36 in the first round of the IHSAA Sectional tournament. Carmel jumped out to an early 9-2 lead with the help of three quick three-point shots by senior Sam Curts. At the end of the first quarter, the game was tied 11-11. Curts and fellow senior Ben Gardner both picked up two fouls early in the first quarter, causing them to go to the bench.

Spurred by good defense, Carmel went on a 21-9 run to take a 32-20 lead into halftime. Curts lead the team with 12 points at the half.

The defensive intensity continued throughout the third quarter, and Carmel lead 45-28 at the end of the third quarter.

Having a lead, Head Coach Scott Heady chose to rest many of his starters for most of the fourth quarter to give them a chance to recover for Friday’s game against Zionsville. Curts finished with a team-high 15 points.

Zionsville advanced to the next round by defeated Fishers 66-64 in overtime. The game between Carmel and Zionsville will be played Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Noblesville High School.