It is almost time for the holidays, but that never means a pause on high school basketball. And isn’t that something special?
Who can have a last big gasp here in 2024? Lets get into it.
Lets get into it.
LAST WEEK: 11-10 (6-5 boys, 5-5 girls)
THIS SEASON: 56-25
BOYS
Westview at Lakeland, Tuesday
The two teams at the top of the NECC in the preseason, meeting this early really could be a benefit or a handicap to these two teams. Both teams have four wins and have basically handled business when they are supposed to and struggled when they were supposed to also. We find out a lot about the NECC on Tuesday. BOUNCE PICKS WESTVIEW
Woodlan at Adams Central, Friday
Another conference frontrunner game that could have big implications on the conference. AC got a late start due to football, while Woodlan has had to ride a wave of close games and some serious ups and downs already this season. ACAC title eliminator before Christmas? BOUNCE PICKS WOODLAN
East Noble at Columbia City, Friday
The Knights got their first win of the season on Monday in overtime against West Noble. Columbia City meanwhile has started off hot with a diverse array of guys getting it done for them. We won’t blame East Noble’s injury woes, but they still exist. BOUNCE PICKS COLUMBIA CITY
West Noble at Central Noble, Friday
The Chargers got a boost by taking East Noble to overtime Monday in their first county game of the year, can they go on the road again and finish it this time? Jordan Eash’s length will be something to watch for the Chargers and a possible matchup with CN’s Colt Kirkpatrick could be the difference maker. BOUNCE PICKS CENTRAL NOBLE
Westview at Angola, Friday
Another big NECC game as Angola is coming off last Friday’s win over Garrett. For Westview, we don’t know if this is a chance at a bounce back or a chance to really put a stranglehold on the conference based on what happens earlier in the week at Lakeland. What we do know is that Angola has become an increasingly difficult place to play. BOUNCE PICKS WESTVIEW
Leo at Huntington North, Friday
A fun one early in the NE8 race, Leo has Jaiyre Sampson back in the fold finally and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can become a high end scorer for the Lions. Meanwhile, Huntington North has a high end scorer already as Ethan Zahn has separated himself as one of the conference’s best scorers on a consistent basis. BOUNCE PICKS LEO
Northrop at South Side, Friday
Who would have thought this was a premiere Friday night game this early in the season. South Side has been on a roll and Northrop is finding their footing but doing it well. South gets this one, but we all leave more impressed with the Bruins than we are now. BOUNCE PICKS SOUTH SIDE
Homestead at Bishop Luers, Friday
There may not be a lot of teams in the SAC that can throw their best at Luers and have a shot. Homestead is one of those teams; they can really got loose from downtown and that could affect the pace Luers wants to play at. Expect a solid one, but…BOUNCE PICKS BISHOP LUERS
Fairfield at Jimtown, Saturday
Jimtown has become one of the better teams in the state and Fairfield will have a hard job in front of them. That said, it gets a mention because if Fairfield could pull this off, it really does open up the idea that they are going to contend for a NECC title. BOUNCE PICKS JIMTOWN
North Side vs. Lakeland, Saturday at Trine
Last year, Fairfield pulled off a massive upset during the PSM Shootout at Trine against North Side. This year, Lakeland will take a crack at a NECC over SAC upset. That said, North is younger and less experienced than the past so they still have some things to figure out while Lakeland looks to be rolling. Always a fun day at Trine. BOUNCE PICKS LAKELAND
GIRLS
Eastside at Lakewood Park, Tuesday
One of the areas best teams visits one of the area’s best scorers. This will be a game of fireworks but the kids from Butler probably have a bigger edge in this county matchup. BOUNCE PICKS EASTSIDE
Norwell at Woodlan, Tuesday
Two teams who’s conference hopes hit a bump last week square off in what is not a must win, but it is must win adjacent. BOUNCE PICKS NORWELL
Bellmont at Carroll, Tuesday
The Chargers have settled in more as of late and their depth is something to watch as we move into the new year. But Bellmont has been a team that hasn’t gotten enough respect to this point. Here is your respect: Bellmont wins big. Intrigued? BOUNCE PICKS BELLMONT
Fairfield at Fremont, Tuesday
Fremont is a team that has won 4 in a row heading into this one, but two of their three losses come to conference teams. A home win against Fairfield would go a long way in the continued growth of this program. The two teams are a combined 18-5 with nine wins each and on paper, the Eagles may have more offensive firepower, but Fairfield’s Madison Jones is in the midst of a bit of a scoring explosion herself. BOUNCE PICKS FAIRFIELD
Warsaw at Columbia City, Tuesday
Warsaw has claim to being the best team in the area; unbeaten they have wins over Norwell and Snider, among others. Columbia City does have losses, but their wins last week over Norwell and Homestead make them the team that everyone is most interested in right now. Expect a rocking crowd for a midweek game. Expect the game of the year? They make me pick em so I can’t call this one a wash. BOUNCE PICKS WARSAW
Columbia City at East Noble, Saturday
A conference game that Columbia City is favored in and for good reason. But stranger things have happened in 2:30 in the afternoon games than East Noble pulling off an upset in Kendallville. The Knights are scrappy and diverse so that is what keeps thing interesting despite the fact that Columbia City looks like world beaters right now. BOUNCE PICKS COLUMBIA CITY
Cass at Whitko, Saturday
A heavy handed Cass team comes into Whitko it what may end up being a pivotal Three Rivers Conference. Whitko has to be happy that this game is at home, where they sit 4-1 on the year. If Whitko can win this one, it puts them in the TRC drivers seat, as it would for Cass since each team in 3-0 in the TRC right now. Upset special? BOUNCE PICKS WHITKO
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