It is time to really start counting down the girls games left on the regular season agenda as this is the last week of games before we find out Sectional matchups next Sunday, January 26.
The Bounce Traveling Trophy on the girls side stayed with Homestead again this week with a win over Snider. The boys trophy is on the move again this season, with its fourth and fifth different holders. Bishop Luers grabbed it briefly and for the first time on Friday with a win over Carroll, but they dropped the Bounce Traveling Trophy to Blackhawk Christian on Saturday.
I will again be picking five girls games and five boys games today, but you won’t see New Haven at Norwell boys, which will be previewed as the Outside the Huddle Game of the Weekend later this week.
Last week: 6-4
Season total: 88-28
GIRLS
Central Noble at Fairfield, Tuesday
After both of these teams took Angola to their limits last week in the NECC Tournament, the energy around this game has risen. These are two teams who are certainly going to be in the NECC race for some time so this is a great game for late season bragging rights and momentum. Bounce picks Central Noble
Homestead at Warsaw, Tuesday
There are some that may think Warsaw is underestimated in our area because they sit on the fringe and outside of our four main conferences. This is a big chance for them to make significant waves. The Tigers have a lot of good pieces and have some great wins over area teams, but this is the measuring stick. How good is Warsaw individually and together? Homestead was rolling before and now with coach Rod Parker back in the saddle, they are even stronger. Bounce picks Homestead
Jay County at Norwell, Tuesday
A quick ACAC Tournament loss to eventual champion Woodlan kept Jay County from showing true potential last week. They are long, active and have shown that they can keep up with great teams. Norwell is back rolling on the right track after a win over rival Bellmont and when this team is hosting in The Castle, they are arguably the best home team in the area. Bounce picks Norwell
Carroll at South Side, Friday
There are always certain bragging rights with getting second place in the SAC on the girls side. You want the trophy, but Homestead’s grip on it is unquestionable yet again. So to be the best team that isn’t the best team does mean something, at least to me. South Side has been that team, but here charges Carroll at that spot with a lot of quality wins lately. What do the Chargers, traditionally guard oriented, have for the post play of South Side? Bounce picks South Side
Huntington North at Bellmont, Friday
These two teams fell short in their shot at sharing the conference title last weekend, but now they face off for third place. These are two teams who surprised people by being in the race at the end of the season. Morgan Shifferly is having a fantastic season and is tough to defend at the rim where she has really gotten into a groove for Bellmont. I like this matchup a lot, but one team may still be a year away. Bounce picks Bellmont
BOYS
Columbia City at Homestead, Tuesday
This used to be quite the matchup every season when it was in conference, but hasn’t been much since. The Spartans have great depth and Saturday’s shorthanded win showed that with Alec Grinsfelder leading the way. Homestead’s key is to find a way to stop Mitchell Wilson, who will be looking to make a major impact. Bounce picks Homestead
Bishop Luers at Lakewood Park, Tuesday
Is there a hotter team in the area than the Knights? They’ve won four of their last five and the loss was a narrow one to Blackhawk Christian. They are playing well and with energy and enthusiasm. They take a fun trip to Lakewood Park where the Panthers have pieces to surprise a lot of teams. Bounce picks Bishop Luers
Woodlan at Prairie Heights, Tuesday
The ACAC Tournament champions versus the runner up of the NECC Tournament. This is a very tough road test for Woodlan and will be a good measurement of how well they can or cannot retain momentum. Unfortunately, they run up against a Prairie Heights team that is going to be a little angry after their loss on Saturday night. Can Woodlan slow Elijah Malone, Mike Perkins AND Brandon Christlieb? It takes a lot to get by the Panthers, that’s why it has only happened twice. Bounce picks Prairie Heights
Churubusco at Angola, Friday
With the NECC regular season wide open, every game is important. Angola is not one of the teams tied at the top of the conference, but their win over Prairie Heights shows they can slow teams up enough to win any game. This is a rematch from last week where Churubusco was victorious, so what has either team learned since this game? With Noah Wolfe possibly back for this game, that gives the Eagles just another weapon. Bounce picks Churubusco
Northrop at Wayne, Friday
Wayne was the top seed in the SAC Tournament when they went one and out thanks to Northrop. Here is the chance for revenge and another chance for Wayne coach (and former Northrop assistant) Byron Pickens to one up one of his coaching mentors. Expect this to be as good of a game as you’ll get this season from teams outside the SAC title race because of the pace and emotion both these teams play with for 32 minutes straight. Bounce picks Wayne
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