PREDICTED CHAMPION: EASTSIDE
The Blazers are one of two unbeaten teams on the girls side of the NECC and are winning games by an average of 27.8 points per game this season. They have essentially run through everyone with the exception of a close loss to Bellmont and their nine point win over Fairfield last weekend. Prior to Eastside’s last three games, they had scored in the 70s for five straight games including twice hitting 78 points.
As Eastside looks to defend their NECC Tournament title, they have some of the same structure as last year’s tournament team with a little bit more firepower and experience.
Lily Kreischer has been a dominant force for the Blazers as one of the top players in the area and NECC. Her high scoring output has been a hallmark of some dominant wins but the Blazers have such a deep core. Last Tuesday’s win in the old Eastside gym was led by 22 points from Paige Traxler and we also know how well Sydnee Kessler, the recent Indiana Tech commit, can score from all three levels also. Lucy Kitchen, Taylor Mack and even Adelaide Elden have gotten in on the heavy scoring load.
TOP CONTENDER: FAIRFIELD
It is likely that we see these two rivals do battle again in the tournament final, just as they did a year ago and just as they did this past weekend with Eastside pulling out a 44-35 win.
Fairfield technically sits third in the NECC with one conference loss, but their 12-3 overall mark is second behind just Eastside. Eva Herbert continues to be a pretty diverse player for the Falcons, but it feels like she has a different kind of help this season. The emergence of Madison Jones, who has had some hot games, has really helped the Falcons. She can get to the rim and she can shoot the ball well, making her a tough matchup for a lot of teams.
Adding Mykayla Mast has been crucial for the Falcons’ offensive depth and she is coming off a 17 point, 5 rebound effoert last Tuesday in a 53-38 win over Garrett.
BEST FIRST ROUND GAME: ANGOLA vs. GARRETT
There are some de facto reasons why this game should be the best in Tuesday/Wednesday’s known games with Central Noble/Lakeland and Eastside/West Noble expected to be blowouts. Despite the fact that Garrett is last in the NECC, recent injuries to Angola could keep the Railroaders in this game.
Garrett also is coming off a really close battle last Friday against NECC unbeaten Central Noble, where their five early three pointers helped them open up a 15 point lead. The Cougars chipped away and eventually won the game, but it has to give pause to those who think Garrett is an easy out tonight.
Angola has shown some strengths through the season in an 8-7 start. They have though lost 2 of their last 3 following up a five game win streak. How will key injuries effect the Hornets or do they girls ready to step up into more significant roles?
THE UPSET TO WATCH FOR
Fremont over Fairfield, Quarterfinals
The Eagles open Tuesday with Churubusco but are expected to be opposite Fairfield on Wednesday in the quarterfinal round.
Fairfield won the first meeting of the two teams, 37-31, on December 17 in what is currently Fairfield second closest win of the season. Fremont outscored Fairfield by two points in the final three quarters of the game, but it was the Falcons racing out to a 13-5 lead after one that was the actual difference in this game.
Madison Jones scored 15 and Eva Herbert had 11 in the Falcon win, while Eva Herbert had four steals and Haddee Herbert had three steals as part of the 11 takeaways for Fairfield. Fremont was paced by seven points each from Grace Scharlach and Hailey Heller and Mya Turner had eight rebounds.
PLAYERS TO MAKE NOISE
Abby Pliett, Central Noble
Leading the Cougars at 10.7 points per game and it has helped them to a 7-0 start in the NECC and in the drivers seat should they find their way by Eastside on January 24. She has nine double digit scoring games this season.
Taylor Mack, Eastside
Mack is coming off one of her best performances of the season against Fairfield last week. She was fiesty to say the very least as her 13 points led the Blazers. But it was Mack’s defense and ability to get into passing lanes and be disruptive that was her biggest strength.
Eva Herbert, Fairfield
Herbert leads Fairfield as a top scorer and has been an effective rebounder all season. She was the one to lead the Falcons in their pursuit of a tournament title last season and even though Fairfield fell short, she will continue to be who coach Kyle Hartman leans on in critical moments.
FULL BRACKET
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