Week in Preview: February 9, 2015

Written by Jeff Schoenle

Our Week In Preview segment looks at ten of the best games from around the state. Pay attention to dates and times this week, as girls sectional action begins, moving the boys games to different days and times this week. Again, all times listed are eastern.

 
 
Tuesday February 10
East Chicago Central at Lake Central 8:00
Each team is coming off a victory against a quality opponent. ECC has more firepower, with junior wing Damien Jefferson in the midst of a breakout season and point guard Hyron Edwards putting together an impressive string of games at the end of his senior season. Guards Skyler Smith and Joe Bannister lead he way for Lake Central, who took the last meeting between these two schools in the sectional last season on their way to a state finals appearance.
 
 
 
Wednesday February 11
Park Tudor at Scecina 7:30
A top five matchup between 2A sectional rivals should pack Scecina's gym on Wednesday. Scecina has kept rolling with their MASH unit, missing starters Andre Jones (transfer), Gary Bonds (discipline), and TJ Henderson (foot injury), as well as key reserve Delano Coffy (knee). Stepping up has been senior guard Zach Rutland, who put up 27 points in a victory over Guerin Catholic last week. Also helping is 6'1 forward Dakwon Brooks, who has been an animal on the glass the past few weeks, putting up several 15+ rebound games. They'll get a test in top ranked Park Tudor, whose only losses have been to 4A powers Southport and North Central. Western Michigan signee Bryce Moore is the go to guy for the Panthers, and his battle with Rutland at the point guard spot should be fun to watch.
 
 
 
Thursday February 12
Columbia City at Fort Wayne Carroll 7:45
While the NHC has been a Homestead runaway for most of the season, these two conference foes are prepping for an extended March run. Columbia City has size in junior forward Brachen Hazen (6'7) and his younger brother Parker (6'6), as well as outside shooting in senior guard Mason Coverstone (46% from three). Carroll certainly has talent of their own in Toledo signee Chandler White, who had 18 point in a win over DeKalb this weekend. Kyle Mallers and Jeremy Kalonji provide support in the frontcourt.
 
 

Blackhawk Christian at Snider 7:45

There's not a lot of similarities between these two schools, other than their proximity to each other on the east side of Fort Wayne. Blackhawk Christian looks to knock off Snider, who has about seven times the enrollment. The Eagles are led by Wes Davidson and Joey Morlan, and have proven they can play with 4A schools, knocking off East Noble, Wayne, Northrop, and SAC champion North Side this year. Snider will try to use their massive frontcourt to their advantage with 6'7 Devlyn Williams, 6'7 Logan Godfrey, and 6'11 Malik Williams. Malik had a 22 point, 16 rebound performance last week.
 
 
Cathedral at Roncalli 7:30
These two traditional football powers meet on the hardwood in what is sure to be an exciting game. Jimmy King has had a fantastic season for Roncalli, averaging around 24 points per night. This matchup got much more interesting a couple weeks ago, when Eron Gordon was given eligibility. The junior guard hasn't disappointed, putting up 29 and 27 in his first two games of the year. Jordan Walker is capable of exploding for Cathedral if teams pay too much attention to Gordon.
 
 
Jasper at Evansville Mater Dei 8:00
Jasper is led by their senior backcourt of Tyler Begle and Nolan Ahrens, who are both averaging around 12 points per game. They'll take their Wildcat squad south to face Mater Dei, who has an experienced team of their own with seniors Jake Stauber and Josh Price, as well as junior Devan Straub. The Wildcats of Mater Dei have dropped their last two contests after winning 11 of the previous 12.
 
 
North Central at Pike 7:30
It seems like every week there's a huge MIC game in our preview, and this is no exception. Both teams have a nice blend of youth and experience, as talented sophomores Justin Roberts and Kris Wilkes face off alongside steady seniors Tahjai Teague and Wes Stowers. It should be a great coaching matchup as Bill Zych and Doug Mitchell. North Central is tied atop the conference with Carmel and Ben Davis, so they need to win to keep any hopes of a conference title alive.
 
 
 
Scottsburg at Silver Creek 7:30
Class 3A #3 Silver Creek welcomes Scottsburg to town looking to keep an undefeated Mid-Southern Conference season alive. Junior forward Christian Reed is a handful on the interior, and guards Nick Tinsley and Gabe Bauer must be respected in their own right. Bauer had 26 against Madison on January 30th. For Scottsburg, 6'5 senior wing Christian Evans is a jack of all trades, capable of getting to the rim, hitting from deep, or setting up teammates. These two schools could meet again in a few weeks in the very competitive Corydon Central sectional.
 
 
 
Friday February 13
Mishawaka Marian at Chesterton 7:30
Undefeated 3A #1 Marian heads west along the toll road to battle the Trojans of Chesterton. Marian is coming off a big win over Michigan power Loy Norrix this past weekend. Princeton Signee Devin Cannady is a nightmare cover for opposing guards, explosive off the dribble and a smooth stroke from deep. Forward Nick Harris provide an inside presence. Chesterton is led by undecided senior forward Chris Palombizio, who is quietly having a spectacular senior season. Palombizio is averaging 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per night. Junior guard Rhyss Lewis pours in 15 a night for Chesterton.
 
 
 
Saturday February 14
Terre Haute South at Ben Davis 1:30
While the Terre Haute schools are no longer part of the MIC, there's still plenty left in the tank between these two schools. Terre Haute South brings in sophomore guard Jaylen Minnett, averaging just under 20 points and 5 assists on the year. Freshman wing De'Avion Washington averages just under 10 a night. South shoots almost 40% from behind the arc, so expect the threes to fly from the visitors. Ben Davis won a state football title in November, and Deshon Tate and Brennan Gillis have carried over their winning ways to the hardwood. Tate was one of the best running backs in the state, and his powerful build and quickness are a tough combination for opposing guards to handle. Northern Kentucky commit Gillis has gone from catching touchdown passes to hitting threes, an improved part of his game over the past year or so.