Bounce’s Picks for the Week of Feb. 11

This is a busy week of games with major games that could help decide or flat out decide title pictures in the SAC, NECC and NE8.

The Bounce Traveling Trophy on the boys side stayed with Blackhawk Christian again as they beat South Side last week.

What you will see today is 10 total games on the boys side. What you won’t see is me talking about Snider at Bishop Luers, which could determine the SAC on Friday and will be our Outside the Huddle Game of the Weekend.

Last week: 7-2

Season total: 109-38

BOYS

Snider at Blackhawk Christian, Tuesday

This one should be really interesting to watch. Neither team is losing unless they play really top level competition. So you can basically consider each other top level. Like with most BC matchups, this keys in on who can slow Caleb Furst inside. So far, that’s not been easy. Snider will need to throw some different looks at him to try and keep Furst off balance. Bounce picks Blackhawk Christian

Homestead at Wayne, Tuesday

Two teams that are treading water in a few ways and are looking to get some footing as possible Sectional opponents not too far down the road. Wayne is known for being able to challenge for and pull upsets in their own building but Homestead’s length is very strong still. I’m hoping for a shootout. Michael Redding, Luke Goode and Patrick Raudenbush trading triples? Bounce picks Homestead

Leo at Angola, Tuesday

Angola’s game last week was one of my misses. I don’t blame the Hornets or myself; who knew they’d be operating with an interim coach when they played Concordia? This is a tough road test for Leo, but the Lions have a more diverse lineup of scorers than most to fight with the stingy Angola defense. Here is a trend this week: length matters, so look for Zack Troyer and Dyer Ball to slug it out down low. Bounce picks Leo

Prairie Heights at DeKalb, Tuesday

Did someone say length? Best test for DeKalb’s young post Connor Penrod so far? I like this matchup for DeKalb if they can hit their shots. The concept of Penrod and Elijah Malone battling at the rim is fun and if it opens it up for someone like Cole Richmond to get hot, things could get fun. I don’t do this often, but…upset special? Bounce picks DeKalb

Whitko at Central Noble, Tuesday

Have I seen two hotter shooting teams than Central Noble and Whitko? This thing could get lights out and if that happens, expect Whitko to find themselves in another shoot fight. This has all the makings of being another classic. Central Noble doesn’t want that since Whitko proved to be able to overcome a lot of obstacles on Saturday in a win. I won’t lie, before last week this pick would be easier. Bounce picks Central Noble

Bishop Dwenger at East Noble, Wednesday

The kings of the Wednesday game, Dwenger makes a tough trip to The Pit where both teams are playing underrated basketball. The Saints just played Snider very tough and East Noble is able to contend with or beat some of the NE8’s best. I’m looking at a big game from Gage Ernsberger, who impressed me in large parts of a recent loss to Norwell. Bounce picks East Noble

East Noble at New Haven, Friday

Turnaround is quick here for East Noble in a big road game on a fun night in the NE8. Can they contend with the New Haven speed and pressure? Hayden Jones is going to have to pick up a lot of slack playing at that speed, especially since the Bulldogs need a win to hope for a share of the conference title. Then again, if Thomas Latham continues his pace, it won’t matter what else happens. Bounce picks New Haven

Norwell at Huntington North, Friday

A win gives Norwell an outright title in the NE8 if they can beat the Vikings. This game comes down to pure will. Both Will Geiger and the will to stand alone atop the conference. Huntington North will need to pressure the perimeter as too many teams will key on Luke McBride and leave Geiger or Eli Riley as shooters. Norwell makes you pay if you don’t pay enough attention. Bounce picks Norwell

Westview at Prairie Heights, Friday

This is major in the NECC with the title still very much up for grabs. Their first matchup in the NECC tournament was a battle and don’t expect for this to be any less of one. Ultimate decision maker for me is this: Westview is going to want to avenge that first one a lot and with Charlie Yoder on the cusp of 2,000 career points, there will be motivation to get him the ball. It’s possible neither team can afford a second conference loss, so expect this to be one of the best games of the season. Bounce picks Westview

West Noble at Columbia City, Saturday

One of the final games you will ever be able to see in the current Columbia City High School will see the return of first year West Noble coach Ethan Marsh, a former player and assistant coach with the Eagles. Marsh’s return is a fun storyline but so will be the physicality of this one. Don’t expect either of these teams to take a break from aggression. Bounce picks Columbia City 

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