And it just keeps running and running and running. The weeks are flying by past but we have some more really intriguing games on the plate this week.
Each week, Bounce will pick 15 or more games in the area that draw his interest.
This week, we will NOT include Saturday’s Champions of Character Classic for the boys at Grace College. We will preview and predict that day in its entirety later this week.
*Unlike Blitz, we aren’t picking spreads here…just winners
LAST WEEK: 11-3
2021-22 RECORD: 50-21
BOYS
DeKalb at Bishop Dwenger, Tuesday
It is going to be fun all year to see Marty Beasley coach against SAC schools. But outside of that surface note, we should be paying more attention to the Barons after they upset Fremont last week. This will be a fun game where we are just starting to learn about both of these teams. BOUNCE PICKS DEKALB
Leo at Northrop, Tuesday
A major test for both teams and anyway this shakes out is going to send a major message. This is probably the best boys game of the week, save for those played at Grace on Saturday. Leo has tenacious defenders but can Ayden Ruble and Xavier Middleton shut down Jalen Jackson enough? That is going to be a tough task for anyone all year. And if they can’t stop Jalen, does the rest of rest of the Bruin crew have what it takes to isolate the Leo bigs? This one could be razor close. BOUNCE PICKS LEO
Woodlan at East Noble, Tuesday
Joe Reidy sits seven points from surpassing Lloy Ball as the best scorer in Warrior basketball history. Stopping him from getting there is going to be difficult, but the Knights do still have a chance to win this. Reidy and Chris Hood have a very different set of styles to battle at the rim, so this comes down to who can get hotter shooting the ball. BOUNCE PICKS WOODLAN
New Haven at Wayne, Wednesday
Two teams looking for their first win of the season, which is a bit surprising seeing as they both have really high motors from top to bottom of their rosters. Experience wins out. BOUNCE PICKS NEW HAVEN
Angola at Westview, Friday
Two teams that want to stay in the NECC conversation. This is Friday night at Westview though. Whistler, big crowd, lots of noise and too many Yoders to stop. BOUNCE PICKS WESTVIEW
Central Noble at West Noble, Friday
This one is good because its a county rivalry. It is good because it features two high end NECC teams. But it is great because it puts the two best scorers in the conference (and two of the best in the area) against each other in Connor Essegian (30.2) and Austin Cripe (25.8). Expect a dogfight between those two, but if Logan Gard continues his high percentage play inside, it won’t matter for the Chargers. BOUNCE PICKS CENTRAL NOBLE
DeKalb at Norwell, Friday
Norwell has won three straight and DeKalb is starting to find a bit of a groove. Right now though, the Knights have far more consistent playmakers. BOUNCE PICKS NORWELL
Snider at North Side, Friday
The Legends are in the wi n column and that should do wonders for their confidence. With that and the fact that Snider has still played just one game this season, you have to wonder who has the most momentum. Actually, no you don’t, North has the momentum. But can they carry it over when Snider is going to be so hungry to get back on the court? Aidan Lambert dunk prediction: 5. BOUNCE PICKS SNIDER
Huntington North at Leo, Friday
This may actually end up being for the conference title in the NE8 when all is said and done. Leo wants to run, Huntington North wants to walk. Which pace wins out? BOUNCE PICKS LEO
GIRLS
Warsaw at Columbia City, Tuesday
A second straight big test for Warsaw’s girls. This is what we ask for though right, Warsaw to play the power teams from the four main conferences in the area. These games are what really test the Tigers for us and they gave Carroll a great run last week. Columbia City though is on a higher level and I don’t see the Eagles’ unbeaten season taking a loss yet. BOUNCE PICKS COLUMBIA CITY
Woodlan at Norwell, Tuesday
A Woodlan team freshly ranked in 3A. A Norwell team with a lot to rebound from. This will be fun. BOUNCE PICKS NORWELL
Angola at Lakeland, Wednesday
Angola gets a reprieve from their middle of the week non conference woes, but just in time for a conference opponent that can really score. Faith Riehl has hit her midseason form and it makes for a tough matchup. This one probably comes down to who can make the last run in a game of runs. BOUNCE PICKS ANGOLA
Fairfield at Northridge, Thursday
Northridge has won six straight and are 3-1 against area teams. They are a team that lost to Homestead by just 11 and beat Carroll in overtime. A win by the Falcons here would really show us they are on a high level tier. Are they? May eat my words. BOUNCE PICKS NORTHRIDGE
Garrett at Bellmont, Thursday
Underrated versus powerful. It always leads to potential upsets. Right now though, I am on board with any team that Morgan Ostrowski is on. She is looking like the best player in a loaded NECC this month. BOUNCE PICKS GARRETT
Bishop Luers at Homestead, Friday
The Knights have taken some great shots at some solid teams. Homestead isn’t just solid though, they are terrific. Can we get that Ayanna Patterson dunk? BOUNCE PICKS HOMESTEAD
Fairfield at Snider, Saturday
See above about Fairfield. Another big test for them outside of the NECC. Can they actually beat a ranked 4A team? If Fairfield wins Thursday, I think they win here too. But, you saw what I am going with on Thursday. BOUNCE PICKS SNIDER
South Adams at Jay County, Saturday
Is the ACAC up for grabs here? This is probably Jay County’s last big ACAC regular season challenge. The Starfires, if healthy, are not an easy out. BOUNCE PICKS JAY COUNTY
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