The Marion County Tournament is one of the most anticipated tournaments of the hoops season, and for good reason. Many of the state's top teams are part of the 16 school field. It also features schools in all four classes, giving small schools an opportunity to knock off their larger counterparts. The tournament starts with opening round games on Tuesday, quarterfinals on Wednesday, with the semifinals on Friday and championship on Saturday night. Tuesday and Wednesday games will be played at school sites while Friday and Saturday will be held at Southport.
Opening Round Games (All 7:00pm tipoffs)
Lawrence Central at North Central
This is the biggest first round game on the slate, and the winner will have knocked out a serious title contender in the first round. LC has a pair of dynamic guards in Kyle Guy and Mekhi Biffle, but has struggled finding a dependable third scorer. North Central is undefeated and ranked #1 in 4A behind the stellar play of junior wing Kris Wilkes. Wilkes scored his 1000th career point in a blowout win at Ben Davis last weekend.
Roncalli at Southport
It will be a short road trip for Roncalli, but they'll be underdogs against the Cardinals of Southport. Collin Sonderman will have a big matchup against Butler-bound post Joey Brunk and Christian Stewart will have to have a big night scoring against Paul Scruggs if the Rebels plan on advancing.
Warren Central at Brebeuf Jesuit
Both these teams are having success without the big names. Warren Central relies on the three guard combo of Bishop Smith, Trequan Spivey, and Mack Smith. Paul Minor will be tasked with slowing down Brebeuf's Matthew Broderick, who can go for a double double any night. Freshman guard Simon Banks gets his first Marion County Tournament action for the Braves.
Decatur Central at Lawrence North
Decatur Central makes the trip around 465 to face off against Lawrence North. It will be an uphill battle for Antoine Divine and the Hawks. Their large sophomore class will have to play older than their years if they want to make it to the second round. Ra Kpedi, a 6'8" forward, has been playing well as of late for Jack Keefer's Wildcats. Sophomores Antwaan Cushingberry and Kevin Easley have experience from last year's tournament to fall back on.
Beech Grove at Ben Davis
Beech Grove relies on a pair of juniors in guards Dylan Allen and Chase Andries. While a bit smaller in stature, these guards more than make up for it with skill and moxy. There's only one senior in the main rotation for the Hornets. Ben Davis is also undergoing a youth movement after the graduation of five starters. Juniors Jalen Newsom and Josh Brewer provide outside shooting for the Giants. Sophomore Aaron Henry can cause some matchup difficulties with his athleticism.
Pike at Lutheran
One of the largest schools travels to the smallest school in the field. Pike looks to have too much quickness in this one with Justin Thomas and Justin Roberts. Derek Hawthorne provides the Red Devils with a scoring minded wing. Lutheran will try to slow the tempo and hope senior guard Tommy Miner can get going from behind the arc.
Park Tudor at Franklin Central
This game looks to be a very competitive matchup. Franklin Central has been one of the big surprises this year in central Indiana, and the main reason has been the play of senior guard Marcus Burk. The 6'2 Burk has been torching the nets this year from deep, averaging 23 points per game. Point guard Jimmy Weinke and forward Grant Pedigo also give a spark for the Flashes. Park Tudor has a pair of talented juniors in guard Kobe Webster and forward Jaren Jackson. This game could come down to who makes the fewest mistakes.
Perry Meridian at Speedway
Plainfield transfer Nate Mills gives Perry Meridian a target on the block, while guard TJ Comer can put up points from the perimeter. The Falcons have won five of their last seven coming into the week. Speedway relies on undersized forward Shannon Hall and sophomore point guard Chris Valentine. The Sparkplugs have been feast or famine this year, as only one of their nine games has been decided by single digits.
The Marion County Tournament is one of the most anticipated tournaments of the hoops season, and for good reason. Many of the state's top teams are part of the 16 school field. It also features schools in all four classes, giving small schools an opportunity to knock off their larger counterparts. The tournament starts with opening round games on Tuesday, quarterfinals on Wednesday, with the semifinals on Friday and championship on Saturday night. Tuesday and Wednesday games will be played at school sites while Friday and Saturday will be held at Southport.