Picks from the Pond for the Week of November 3

We are back at it again with a new season and that means fresh pickings for Bounce.

Each week, Bounce will pick (around) 10 games on the girls side and another (around) 10 on the boys side. Looking to highlight the big games and the best matchups in the area. Unlike Blitz, we can’t quite pick every game because we don’t get to only play on Fridays, am I right?

This week, and for a few more, the picks will only focus on the girls side until boys season starts up on Thanksgiving week.

If you know how Bounce picks, you know its different than that prognosticating bear in the fall. No projected scores or spreads here. Basketball is too unpredictable for silliness like that.

So lets see how I do to tip things off…

LAST SEASON: 136-66

WARSAW AT SNIDER, TUESDAY

There are 7 games on November 4 that tip off the area girls schedule, but this is by far the best on paper. This one is going to be a lot of strength on strength with some of the best guards in the state battling it out. This is a big test for Snider’s Janaya Cooper with Warsaw’s ultra talented backcourt giving everyone they play fits normally. The Panthers are poised, but this early more big game experience could be the difference. BOUNCE PICKS WARSAW

CONCORDIA AT EASTSIDE, THURSDAY

We get to answer some questions about Eastside here as the Blazers reload again with talent, but Concordia comes in with the most proven individual player. A matchup with Concordia’s Alivia Bolinger and an Eastside defensive standout, lets say Taylor Mack, could make this one really fun and tighter than some may expect. BOUNCE PICKS EASTSIDE

LAKEWOOD PARK AT CHURUBUSCO, THURSDAY

Two programs looking at rebuilding with relatively new coaches as Dawn Kock takes her second year at Busco against first year Lakewood coach Andrew Evertts. Busco can bring physicality to the table that Lakewood is likely eager to match with their returning defensive prowess. A big early season momentum game for both teams no matter the outcome. BOUNCE PICKS LAKEWOOD PARK

BLUFFTON AT NORWELL, FRIDAY

Lets get this big county battle out of the way early, eh? Bluffton is still riding the wave of dominance from last season, but will go at it needing to fill a major role left behind to graduation. Norwell on the other hand is riding a bigger wave of bigger dominance as the defending state champions. The Knights have some big tests coming – this very week – but they should role here in The Castle. BOUNCE PICKS NORWELL

DEKALB AT LAKELAND, FRIDAY

Both teams will be facing some rebuild with familiar faces just having to step into bigger roles. One of the most intriguing things about the first couple of weeks is any season is seeing how old faces do in new places. The last time new DeKalb coach Mark Pixley ran a sideline, it was winning a state title game. This may not be Indy, but a big one for the Barons to try and stake their claim to if they can slow down do-everything Dulce Canedo. BOUNCE PICKS LAKELAND

WAYNE AT ANGOLA, SATURDAY

Two first year area head coaches go to battle here and Wayne makes the trip with arguably the best returner, but Angola’s youth has a lot of hype. It is an early test against the SAC for the Hornets, but if the youngsters are really up for battle, with what Angola has coming back, the Hornets should triumph here. BOUNCE PICKS ANGOLA

EAST NOBLE AT WESTVIEW, SATURDAY

The Knights are coming off a title winning season, Westview is not. But what cannot be ignored is how well Westview played down the stretch last season, even getting into upset territory here and there. The trip up to Topeka is never for the weak of heart no matter who is playing or what day of the week. BOUNCE PICKS EAST NOBLE

NORWELL AT WARSAW, SATURDAY

Here we are at the main event. The last time we saw either team, they were on the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, but with different results. Could the 24-25 Warsaw team be built like the 23-24 Norwell team? Make it to state maybe a year early? That would build the Tigers up to be a state contender again this season, which both of these teams should be. You rarely get to see two defending state finalists just naturally playing so early the next season but expect a war.

You have to actually go back to 2021 to find a close game on the final scoreboard between these two, a 53-44 Warsaw win. In 2022, it was Norwell by 14; in 2023, it was Norwell by 23; last season, it was Warsaw by 24. Even better in all of this, the two teams could meet again December 22 at the Hall of Fame Classic. For now, just expect a dog fight with three of the best players in Northeast Indiana and several more on the cusp. BOUNCE PICKS WARSAW

CARROLL AT COLUMBIA CITY, SATURDAY

Here is another case of two teams who already have their identities set under longtime successful head coaches. Yet, with the graduation of each of their top players, there have to be a lot of returners that step up into major roles. Carroll may have the most ground to fill here but Lily George has the chance for a really strong season. Columbia City has the most back for sure, so watching how Anisa Tonkel and/or Torah Holler will step into more major roles is intriguing. This is one of the few “toss up” games in the area this week IMO. BOUNCE PICKS COLUMBIA CITY

CENTRAL NOBLE AT BISHOP LUERS, SATURDAY

Times to get to work if you are the Cougars. An early season win at an SAC school would be nice. These two teams ahve traded some nice battles over the years and this season could be another good one. Can Luers counteract what Grace Swank can do on the inside? BOUNCE PICKS CENTRAL NOBLE

These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH