(Last year's LC-LN sectional game)

The second night of the opening round of the 2021 IHSAA boys basketball tournament takes place tonight. Indiana Basketball Source breaks down the top games and provides stream information for each.

All streams are $10.

No. 3 Cathedral vs. No. 4 Lawrence North (Stream)

Since the draw, this game was circled on Indiana high school basketball fans’ calendars. Throughout the year, the Fighting Irish and Wildcats have been near the top of the 4A rankings. Air Force commitment Vincent Brady had a great senior year for Cathedral. He easily could have won the city’s player of the year award. Cathedral’s Tashawn Comer also had a strong season – 15.0 points, 6.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds per game. Lawrence North is led by Shamar Avance, CJ Gunn, and DJ Hughes. Avance is one of the top unsigned seniors in the state. He has been the most consistent scorer for Jack Keefer’s squad this season. Gunn is a junior guard committed to Indiana. A couple of weeks ago, he knocked down nine threes against Fort Wayne Snider. Hughes is signed with Butler. He patrols the paint and finishes at the rim for LN. This will be a great game.

Lawrence Central vs. No. 5 Warren Central (Stream)

Overshadowed by the Cathedral-LN game, this one should be a barnburner as well. Warren Central is a deep and talented team led by Tae Davis (Louisville commitment), Malik Stanley, Donald Coates, Chandler Jackson, and Gabe McNary. The Warriors are a balanced team that can be led in scoring by any one of those players on a given night. Lawrence Central lost a lot to graduation and Tae Davis from last year’s team, but the Bears had a strong season. Greg Jenkins, Dameriz Meriwether, and Josh Mickens are the main player for LC. Jenkins emerged as the go-to player for the Bears after being a role player last season.

2A No. 5 Central Noble vs. Westview (Stream)

These 2A teams are quite familiar with each other. Central Noble has one of the best shooters in the state – Connor Essegian, along with Sawyer Yoder and Logan Gard. Early in the season, Westview was a surprise team. Much was not expected from the Warriors after the graduation of Charlie Yoder, but Westview continues to win. In January, Central Noble beat Westview, 43-48, but Westview won the early season game, 60-54. That was the only loss on the season for Central Noble.

New Palestine vs. Greenfield-Central (Stream)

Another surprise team, New Palestine, makes the Wednesday night list. New Palestine lost Maximus Gizzi to graduation but did not miss a beat as Blaine Nunnally and Steele Brasfield stepped up for the Dragons. Both are averaging over 17 points per game. The Cougars are led by a sophomore and junior combo as well – Dylan Moles and Gavin Robertson. New Pal won the regular-season meeting by ten points.

Monroe Central vs. Frankton (Stream)

This one should go down to the wire at Elwood. Monroe Central is led by junior Jackson Ullom with 19 points and six assists per game. He is flanked by Gavin Smithson-Burciaga and Luke Jones. Frankton is led by Ayden Brobston and Harrison Schwinn. Last month, Monroe Central beat Frankton, 55-48. I don’t expect this one to be high scoring.

Western vs. West Lafayette (Stream)

Speaking of low scoring, Western has no problem with a game in the 40’s or 50’s. Michael Lewis has a defensive-minded team, and they are going to need to be locked in to stop sophomore Braeden Shrewsberry. The sophomore guard can fill it up from anywhere on the court. His shooting could push West Lafayette to the upset win if Western cannot slow him down.

Danville vs. Crawfordsville

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Danville likes to put up points in a hurry. Kobe Ward posted great numbers as a season and had Danville around the top ten in 3A most of the year. Crawfordsville’s Jesse Hall has the size and skill to bother Ward in the paint. Hall averaged 19 points and 6.6 rebounds this year. Ty Lynas also scored 18 a game for Crawfordsville. This one could be a track meet.

Owen Valley vs. Brownstown Central (Stream)

These teams have not met in the last 35 years, per John Harrell’s website. The two teams match-up well on paper. Brownstown Central freshman Jack Benter hit ten three-pointers in a game this season on his way to 40 points. It will be interesting to see if he can break loose in a sectional game.