Bounce’s Picks for January 28

The basketball is spread out wide this week because of girls postseason play, with a lot of boys games scarce through the week but some fun Saturday afternoon games.

With the girls heading into Sectional play on Tuesday, Bounce’s Picks for the week will be exclusive to the boys side and I will go ahead and take a look at six different games.

Because of the girls Sectional round, there will be no ‘Game of the Weekend’ preview this Friday.

Last week: 6-5

Overall: 87-40

HERITAGE AT ANGOLA, TUESDAY

The Patriots have been the model of consistency among chaos for most of this season. They play a frantic pace but they always play hard. They always have different offensive and defensive leaders, but they always lead in coach Adam Gray’s vision. Which Angola will they get? The team ready for a proverbial slugfest or the one who struggles to score in critical moments?

Bounce picks Heritage

CARROLL AT HUNTINGTON NORTH, WEDNESDAY

There certainly aren’t enough crossovers of the best teams in the Summit Athletic Conference and the best teams in the Northeast 8. This is going to be the best boys game of the week and Carroll continues to show their high worth when they can finish off close games against quality opponents like they did last Friday at Snider in overtime. Huntington North is looking for that marquee local win and having the ability to host this one is important.

Bounce worries that the weather may play with my emotions and ruin this game. But until then, lets just assume we are lucky enough to get to see some of these fun matchups. A four game winning streak or a five game winning streak will end on Wednesday night. Just a question of who Bounce has more faith in.

Bounce picks Carroll

NORWELL AT COLUMBIA CITY, THURSDAY

Weather permitting, Bounce is hoping to take this trip on Thursday to see two of the area’s best juniors (state’s best juniors) when Will Geiger takes on Mitchell Wilson, even if they likely won’t get too near each other. These two are both dynamic in different ways and making an impact opposite the other’s team would be a nice feather in their cap. Is home court important here? The teams have basically split their wins between home and away with the Eagles winning three at home and Norwell winning four away from Ossian.

Bounce picks Norwell

BELLMONT AT EAST NOBLE, THURSDAY

East Noble has earned the sole lead of the NE8 and now they need to be able to close out just two more conference contests to clinch a title. This is the first of those and it presents them with their second toughest single player challenge of the NE8 season in Kade Fuelling, who has broke out huge in his junior season. The Knights have been able to play deep lately and this could be no different.

Bounce picks East Noble

BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN AT SOUTH SIDE, THURSDAY

The Braves will play South as the second of a three game week. They certainly won’t get any breaks in the week where the girls take center stage. If you read Bounce’s thoughts last Tuesday about Blackhawk Christian or my power poll tomorrow, you’ll know I am high on the Braves. There is no reason to think their loss to Homestead was anything more than an anomaly. But the SAC games really seem to bring out the best in them and the crowd at South Side, even on a Thursday, could bring out the best in anyone. The Archers proved a lot in their win over Bishop Dwenger. They are still worthy even if we have not mentioned them as much.

Bounce picks Blackhawk Christian

LAWRENCE CENTRAL AT BISHOP DWENGER, SATURDAY

I pick this game because it is a big chance for the Saints to make a statement. We know this team is capable. We know they are good. Wins over the likes of Homestead or Marion prove that. They could score a huge win when they welcome former Harding and New Haven coach Al Gooden back to town. Lawrence Central is 15-3 but hold a statewide wake up call win over Warren Central. If Dwenger can catch the Bears, notice will have been served to remind everyone how good Hayden Smithey, Brenden Lytle and Jared Lee have been playing even with a 7-6 record.

Bounce picks Lawrence Central

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