Oh, what a night of great basketball for the state of Indiana. Here is a rundown of some key matchups:
Warren Central vs. Lawrence Central
This is easily the game of the night with #2 and reigning 4A State Champion Warren vs. #2 Lawrence Central. The shame of it all is that someone has to lose tonight this early. The Warriors won the county championship over the Bears only to turn around and have Lawrence Central steal a win at Warren 4 days later to break their 47-game winning streak. Tons of talent on both sides with leading scoring senior Jake LaRavia and juniors Nijel Pack and DeAndre Davis for LC and David Bell (pictured), Isiah Moore, Jesse Bingham and Jakobie Robinson for WC. Either team winning would not be surprised. My pick? The pressure is the greatest tonight. I think Warren escapes in OT – 67-64.
Hamilton Southeastern vs. Carmel
It’s been 5 years since HSE was able to win this sectional against Carmel, a sectional that the Greyhounds have ruled. John Mulloy and Kirstan Windlan lead Carmel. HSE will be without Indiana Wesleyan commit Noah Smith, who was injured last night. That is a huge loss on the ball handling and leadership side. Who will step up for the Royals. Toledo commit Aaron Etherington is capable of going off and will need to tonight. 7’0″ junior center Mabor Majak is a load inside as well. Still, I like Carmel to take this one – 64-56.
Other Picks:
Zionsville over McCutcheon 68-59
Ben Davis over Decatur Central 72-65
Center Grove over Franklin 51-46
Attucks over Ritter 66-60
Howe over Shenandoah 65-61
University over Indy Met 58-50
