Speedway at Lawrence North
Speedway senior forward Desean Hampton is averaging a double-double on the year, but at just 6'4, he'll be at a distinct size disadvantage against 6'7 Ra Kpedi of Lawrence North. Guards Andrew Fritz and Chris Valentine are also double figure scorers for the Sparkplugs, but going up against the backcourt of Mike Saunders, Antwaan Cushingberry, and Dexter Shouse is too much to ask of them. Look for LN to run away with this one.

Warren Central at Lawrence Central
One of the main surprises in the entire state is Warren Central, who enters the tournament with an unblemished 9-0 record. The Warriors are coming off a weekend sweep of Lawrence North and Hamilton Southeastern. An athletic yet small lineup led by senior guards Mack Smith and Trequan Spivey plus Dean Tate and David Bell can pressue opponents defensively and has toughness up and down the roster. Lawrence Central brings a talented pair of senior guards as well with Daveon Bell and KJ Davis. Sophomore forward Wesley Jordan could be an X-factor in this matchup for the Bears.

Brebeuf Jesuit at Ben Davis
The Braves will have to find an answer for 6'5 Ben Davis forward Aaron Henry and the rest of the larger and more athletic Giants lineup. Brebeuf has the depth at the guard spot to contend with Ben Davis in Simon Banks, Myja White, and Malachi Rice. They made a game of their earlier meeting this year with Ben Davis coming away with a four-point victory. If guards Datrion Harper and Jalen Newsom can push the pace, Brebeuf might struggle to keep up in the scoring column. Rebounding will be one stat that Ben Davis looks to control in this matchup.

Southport at North Central
Two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum in this tournament. North Central enters as the prohibitive favorite with Mr. Basketball favorite Kris Wilkes, point guard Mateo Rivera, and perhaps the most improved player in the state, Emmanuel Little. The 6'5 Little has been on a path of destruction recently as he records 20-10 games early every game. He gives the Panthers another dimension with his physicality around the rim and ability to stretch defenses from behind the arc. Southport, on the other hand, has just one win on the season and is undergoing some growing pains as their young roster gains valuable experience this season. Sophomore Harold Bennett might be their most talented player, but this team's heart and soul is senior guard Blake Evans. One of the best athletes in the area, Evans plays with a confidence and fearlessness that makes Southport play at a different level.

Franklin Central at Beech Grove
A battle in the southeastern portion of the county could come down to guard play. The host Hornets have good guard play in Chase Andries and Dylan Allen and Kenny Washington and Jayln Curry in the frontcourt. They have close losses to 4A Roncalli and 3A Manual as well as wins over Hendricks County champ Tri-West and defending 2A state champ Lapel. Franklin Central enters with a veteran team that won over 20 games last year. Grant Pedigo, a 6'6 forward, averages just under 20 points per game while fellow senior Mason Hardimon is a quick slashing point guard that averages 12 a night. The Flashes top seven scorers are all seniors, so they will be looking to make some noise in their final Marion County tourney.

Roncalli at Perry Meridian
Another south side battle in the opening round. Perry Meridian made a surprise run to the semifinals last year before falling to eventual champion Pike. In order for a repeat, the Falcons will need a special effort to beat Roncalli. These two teams met back in late November with Roncalli coming away victorious by a 66-41 score. Perry is led by 6'6 senior forward Nate Mills, who recently went over 1000 points for his career. Roncalli counters with Marian signee Christian Stewart at point guard. Stewart is averaging a shade under 20 points per game. He's flanked by 6'3 wing Bryson Meek and 6'6 post player Collin Sonderman.