This week is the first full week of December, and the Holliday season is fast approaching. We are seeing some very interesting storylines heading into this week, and conference races are starting across the entire 260, except for the NE8 boys who have to wait until next week.
Without further ado, let’s breakdown SuperSam’s Top 10 area basketball games (5 for the boys and 5 for the girls) for the rest of this week.
Girls
Wednesday
2A #4 Eastbrook (6-0) @ 3A #3 Norwell (7-2)
Series in the Last 20 Years: 6-0 Norwell
I don’t know about you, but I really, really like this game on paper. Eastbrook, located just 35 minutes southwest of Ossian, has built quite the girls basketball program over the last decade plus, and Jeff Liddick has built a program that you must respect at all times. I have tremendous respect for how they prepare their girls each and every day.
This team is gritty, tough, athletic, and they will never quit even if you think you have them to their limit. On top of that, they have really nice players. Olivia Howell is one of the best track and cross country prospects in the entire state, Audri Prater can knock down threes, and Kourtney Goff has shown to providing some energy and key contribution on both ends of the floor.
Norwell has their eyes set on Columbia City, but don’t count your eggs too early. This Eastbrook team that returns most of last season’s sectional championship team only lost by 2 to Lapel. If Norwell is going to win this game tonight, they cannot let Grace signee Sophia Morrison have a monster game on both ends of the floor, and Norwell has to win the turnover and rebounding battles. I think this game has the makings to be a widly entertaining game, and for Eastbrook, this is a big deal for that community down in Marion.
They don’t get this much exposure outside of Grant County, so they are going to be very motivated to try to pull off the “Upset Special”. Look, I have been very nice to the CIC, and to the Eastbrook faithful….but this is Norwell we’re talking about. Norwell is really, really, really good. They can have an off night shooting the ball, and they still dominate most teams.
I don’t think it’ll be a blowout though. Eastbrook is a darn good 2A program….They are going places if they can stay healthy and shoot the ball well. I say Norwell wins, but with some late-game intensity.
Players to Watch
Eastbrook: Sophia Morrison Senior Point Guard (Grace College Signee)
Norwell: Kennedy Fuelling Senior Shooting Guard (Marian Signee) and Anabelle Johnson Senior Guard
Norwell by 7
Friday
Bellmont (7-1, 1-0 NE8) @ East Noble (8-1, 1-0 NE8)
Series in the Last 20 Years: 12-8 Bellmont
The last time both teams enter this game with records this good at the same time, you have to go back to 2002-03 when they were in the NHC. Bellmont at that time was coached by Lou Konning, while Andy Ross coached East Noble.
This season, Andy Heim of Bellmont and Britiain Isaacs of East Noble have set their programs up to really make noise in what is a really good NE8. We know what Bellmont is capable of based on their past track record and the fact Hailey Cole is a really good basketball player as their active big that can do just about anything that sets in her mind.
The surprise has come with East Noble because of the emerging group of freshmen and sophomores led by freshmen Averi Amstutz and Elli Will and sophomore Addison Deming. However, it has been the way this team feels much more confident playing team basketball and being able to execute on offense and defense.
Unlike the past few seasons, I expect this one to go down the wire, but the x-factor will come down to whether EN can generate enough offense against this stifling defense. I think the Braves do just enough to earn a hard win.
Players to Watch
Bellmont: Hailey Cole Senior Power Forward (Trine Commit)
EN: Elli Will Freshman Center
Bellmont by 4
Concordia (1-6, 0-1 SAC) @ Carroll (2-8, 0-2 SAC)
Series in the Last 20 Years: 11-10
This is kind of a tough matchup to predict only because we still don’t know exactly how good these two teams really are. Judging by their records alone, you would think otherwise, but on the contrary, these teams have been tested quite well. Although Carroll’s schedule is one of the 20 strongest schedules in the entire state regardless of class.
Let’s remember that Carroll destroyed DeKalb last week, and I said that game had an upset special written all over it. While they lost by double figures to Homestead and Northridge, they were competitive in both games. Where it bodes down to with Carroll is can they find that consistent offense? I think that is where they are still working with this young, but you can see they are close to breaking out.
Concordia is a misnomer. You look at this team and you see a team with talent in multiple positions and size. This is a more experienced team than the one from a year ago, yet the defensive struggles continue. They had chances to win against East Noble, Leo, at times with Norwell, and now DeKalb. Last night, Concordia was up 37-35 going into the 4th quarter….only to score 4 points in that last quarter and lost 52-41.
It has kind of been their season up to this point as they cannot play four consistent quarters of basketball right now. That needs to change in this game. However, I simply see concerns in being able to defend Carroll’s guards and the size of Lily George in the post.
I see Carroll snapping their 2-game skid.
Players to Watch
Concordia: Alivia Bolinger Sophomore Shooting Guard
Carroll: Ava Myers Sophomore Shooting Guard
Carroll by 10
Manchester (6-4, 2-1 TRC) @ Whitko (6-2, 2-0 TRC)
Series in the Last 20 Years: 13-7 Manchester
Down near the Wabash trail, we have one of the better rivalries in the 260 between Whitko and Manchester. If you would have told me a year ago that the Squires and Wildcats were going to play for a TRC championship in girls’ basketball, I would have said, let’s wait and see. I did not think BOTH of them would be looking as good as they have been lately.
Last Saturday, the Cats took down the TRC favored North Miami Warriors 57-43 behind 16 points from Braisha Harrison and 4 threes from Ariyanna Phillips. Last night, Manchester rallied from a 51-44 3rd quarter deficit to beat Huntington North 68-61 behind a career high 24 points from Emma Walker. Brookelynn Buzzard posted a career best 8 assists to add to her 18 points in that game.
Last two years ago, they combined for 9 wins. This season, they already have 12 combined wins, and we have not reached Christmas yet. Unbelievable. On paper, these two teams can score a lot of points (Manchester 50; Whitko 55).
What’s fascinating is these two teams play a completely different style of basketball. Manchester emphasizes in crashing the boards and facilitating an aggressive interior attack averaging 37 rebounds and 9.2 assists. Whitko shoots the ball well shooting 38% from 3 and averaging 11.3 assists per game.
I can see this go either way, but I think Whitko gets enough stops on defense, that I see them getting the slight edge.
Players to Watch
Manchester: Gracie Lauer Senior Power Forward
Whitko: Adriyanna Phillips Junior Combo Guard
Whitko by 1
3A #3 Norwell (7-2, 1-0 NE8) @ 4A #1 Columbia City (9-0, 1-0 NE8)
Series in the Last 20 years: 19-6 Norwell
This may very well be the NE8 Game of the Year for the 2023-24 season, and that just tells you how much hype this game truly has. It is such a good game on paper, so I don’t want to give away too many things on what I am going to talk about with this game. Stay tuned on Around the Northeast Corner for the keys to winning this game.
But obviously it is going to come down to defense, rebounding, and turnovers. We know how talented these two teams are, and especially with Columbia City since they beat Snider and went into Brownsburg and dominated Hamilton Southeaster. CC is the top ranked overall team for a reason. Like Norwell, they bring everyone back, but I think this group has a lot more talent to show for it in other areas, especially when you have two elite point guards in Addison Baxter and Kyndra Sheets.
You also have a very good forward in Molly Baker, and the Tonkel sisters: Anisa and Tessa create far more challenges for opposing offenses than I think we give them credit for. This should be a great game, but I am curious to see if Norwell has improved from a year ago against this team.
Players to Watch
Norwell: Vanessa Rosswurm Sophomore Shooting Guard
Columbia City: Addison Baxter Junior Point Guard (Butler Commit)
Columbia City by 3
Undercard
Wed. Bellmont (7-1) @ 2A #8 Bishop Luers (5-2): Bellmont by 8
Fri. Bluffton (9-1, 2-0 ACAC) @ Woodlan (6-2, 1-1 ACAC): Bluffton by 12
Fri. Leo (6-4, 0-1 NE8) @ DeKalb (6-3, 0-1 NE8): DeKalb by 2
Fri. North Side (1-9, 0-1 SAC) @ South Side (1-7, 0-3 SAC): We the South by 1 in a SuperSam Upset Special
Fri. Northrop (5-2, 3-0 SAC) @ 2A #8 Bishop Luers (5-2, 1-0 SAC): Northrop by 14
Boys
Wednesday
DeKalb (2-1) @ Snider (1-0)
Series in the Last 35 Years: 20-16 Snider
This should be a good one tonight at Kilmer Court as the Panthers already have some confidence and a win under their belt following their 60-55 win over SAC foe South Side. As for DeKalb, they picked up two pretty expected wins over Northrop and Eastside, before losing 70-57 to a really good North Side team.
We know Caden Pettis is a walking bucket for the Barons. However, the rest of this team still has a lot to prove under Marty Beasley with NE8 play starting one week from Friday. As for Snider, we know Ke’ron Billingsley was going to be a key player to watch for the Panthers. However, we have a new star emerging in freshman point guard Trell Hogue who had 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals against the Archers.
In my opinion, I believe that the Panthers have an advantage in the post, and they are too athletic for the patient, fundamentally driven Barons. Snider wins in this one.
Players to Watch
DeKalb: Caiden Hinkle Junior Power Forward
Snider: Jack Langas Senior Power Forward
Snider by 6
Saturday
Carroll (2-1) @ Columbia City (2-2)
Series in the Last 35 Years: 28-22
Anytime these two square off on the basketball court, you know there is a chance for a SuperSam Classic. Just look at what happened last season. Showtime Stratton hit a Sportscenter-worthy three-quarter heave at the buzzer to break the hearts of Carroll fans everywhere 62-60 in OT.
Now, this game shifts to the Eagles’ Nest. While the Eagles have Fuller back as a junior, they are a different team from a year ago, and I don’t think it is a bad thing either. Matthew Mulligan has proven to be a big time gamer already for C. City. Aiden Denning can run the point very smoothy for the Eagles, and Brady Hartman competes hard for all four quarters. They have some nice sophomores that are starting to get some varsity minutes led by Owen Marshall.
However, Carroll on paper is just a really good basketball team. Obviously, it starts with their two best players in the Bowling Green commit Jaxon Pardon and the Grace College commit Cannen Houser. When those two get hot, it is really hard to stop this Carroll offense that can shoot the three and attack the glass effectively. But Ryan Abbott is also getting a lot from these other guys on that team including Jaiyre Sampson and Paxton Crane.
This has the makings of a solid game, but if CC is unable to defend their length and talent, Carroll will have the edge in this one.
Players to Watch
Carroll: Cannen Houser Senior Combo Guard (Grace College Commit)
Columbia City: Matthew Mulligan Senior Guard
Carroll by 8
New Haven (1-2) @ Homestead (1-1)
Series in the Last 35 Years: 33-13 Homestead
Another former NHC rivalry takes place at Spartan Arena where Sparty opens their home slate following a 3-game road trip. The good news is Will Jamison has progressed so well from his injuries that occurred from his car accident a few weeks ago. Also, good news: Homestead has managed to stay competitive basketball despite the adversity that hit them.
Would they love to have gotten that Warsaw game back? Sure, but I think they are going to learn so much from that game, and Warsaw is a really good basketball team. It’s a team with a lot of athletes with Alex Graber, Payton Rhinehart, Owen Smith, Aidan Good, and Michael Raudenbush. Homestead is a team that is going to defend well, and they have the athletes to beat anyone on any given night.
New Haven is a younger team with a lot of athleticism and talent but perhaps does not quite have the depth needed to beat these types of teams yet. With that in mind, Ajani Washington is a really good player for New Haven averaging 20 points and 9.3 boards per game. If Ajani has a monster game, New Haven is 100% in this game. Unfortunately, Homestead is tough to beat at their place.
Players to Watch
New Haven: Ajani Washington Senior Combo Guard
Homestead: Michael Raudenbush Junior Shooting Guard
Homestead by 9
Westview (2-1) @ Central Noble (3-0)
Series over the Last 35 Years: 50-12 Westview
This is the NECC Game of the Week over at Around the Northeast Corner, and it is one of the best rivalries out of that conference. Last season, these two went head-to-head for a sectional title where Westview won 78-65. Historically, Westview has absolutely owned the Cougars, but the rivalry has been far more competitive over the last 8 years.
This is the type of game that could either be a shootout or a tight low-scoring game. These two are that much even with each other. Westview has a game tomorrow when they host NorthWood, and that is going to be a huge measuring stick game playing against the defending 3A state champions. I will talk more about this game later this week.
Man, this is a tough one to choose, especially with it being in Albion where that homecourt advantage at the Jungle could be a huge boost for the veteran Cougars. In the end, however, I got the Warriors in this one since they are still the projected favorites to win the NECC.
Players to Watch
Westview: Kaden Grau Sophomore Combo Guard Westview
CN: Drew Pliett Senior Point Guard
Westview by 3
Woodlan (3-2) @ Leo (1-2)
Series in the Last 35 years: 32-17 Leo
Over the last couple of years, Woodlan has had Leo’s number including a dramatic 68-63 2OT win over these Lions. Leo has been battle-tested losing by double figures to Wayne and Bishop Luers. It’s hard to say how good either truly is yet, but it is obvious that both teams have the talent to win a lot of games as major contenders in their respective conferences: Woodlan with the ACAC and Leo with the NE8.
Braden Smith, Trey Yoder, Trey Hiteshew, and Jackson McGee. Those four players by themselves can constitute themselves as an all-star team in their own right. Woodlan has struggled to play four consistent quarters of basketball, and more specifically generating a more consistent finish in offensive execution.
Leo’s issue so far has been the turnovers and defense. If those two areas can get cleaned out, they will win several games, but right now Leo has some work to do in order to become the ideal NE8 contender.
Nevertheless, this will be an excellent basketball game. However, I got the Upset Special. Leo beats Woodlan in dramatic fashion.
Players to Watch
Woodlan: Braden Smith Senior Combo Guard
Leo: Jackson McGee Senior Combo Guard
Leo by 1 in a SuperSam Upset Special!!
Undercard
Wed. New Haven (1-2) @ Wayne (1-1): Wayne by 10
Thur. NorthWood @ Westview (2-1): NorthWood by 6
Fri. Concordia (1-0) @ Carroll (2-1): Carroll by 14
Fri. Homestead (1-1) @ Bishop Dwenger (0-1): Homestead by 7
Fri. North Side (2-0) @ South Side (1-2): We the North by 8
