I am back guiding you through the best games on the first week of 2024. We have crucial conference races that include very entertaining matchups, and we have a slate of SAC doubleheaders that some will be included here. Let’s take a deep dive on the remaining best games of this week.

GIRLS

Tonight

2A #4 Eastbrook (13-1) @ Huntington North (9-5)

Last 20 Years: 1-1 Tie

In what should be a stellar ballgame between Eastbrook out of the CIC and Huntington North in the NE8, these are two teams that are coming into tonight on red hot winning streaks.

Eastbrook has won 7 in a row following a 30-point loss to Norwell back on Dec. 6, and they are coming off their 4th straight Grant 4 County championship. Grace signee Sophia Morrison continues to lead the way averaging 19 points and 3.4 assists per game, and as I mention continuously, she is one tough player to stop. But lately it has been the Huntington cross country and track commit Olivia Howell receiving a lot of attention. Howell in her last 6 games is averaging 19 points per game.

Meanwhile, Huntington North, in spite of some injuries creating a new challenge at their own Holiday invitational, have won 7 in a row since the 68-61 loss to Manchester back on Dec. 5. A lot of that stems from the emergence of Haiden Bailey who had 23 points in route of a 63-56 win over Warsaw. Right now, it appears that the Vikings are starting to find their stride on both ends of the floor.

However, they will need a good game taking care of the ball and making some perimeter shots against one of the state’s toughest teams to score on. Eastbrook only allows opponents to score 31.2 points per game and they’re a team that gets out and runs, which all of that is generated through their defense.

This is a coin toss game, but I like Eastbrook in a close call.

Players to Watch

Eastbrook: Olivia Howell Senior Shooting Guard (Huntington Cross Country/Track & Field Signee)

HN: Marissa Trout Junior Combo Guard

Eastbrook by 2

4A #2 Columbia City (14-2, 2-1 NE8) @ Bellmont (11-3, 3-0 NE8)

Last 20 Years: 13-7 Columbia City

This is where the fun begins as Columbia City travels to the Teepee in Decatur to face Bellmont. The Lady Eagles came away with the Hall of Fame Classic championship where they took down two state ranked teams in Indian Creek and Jennings County.

Addison Baxter just reached the 1,000-point mark during that 2-game slate at New Castle. But more importantly, this was a much-needed confidence booster. As for Bellmont, they needed their own confidence boost following 2 losses to SAC foes Bishop Luers and Concordia. Bellmont not only took down state ranked Eastside 48-34, but they snapped Bluffton’s 6-game home winning streak with a 38-28 Braves win.

Both teams’ success starts with defense, but I do think Bellmont’s defense truly needs to shine in this game. This is one of those games that if Bellmont does not play their best game on both ends of the floor, the Eagles can put this game away fast. But for Columbia City, this is a game they cannot afford to have a letdown performance, and I have a small amount of concern that this game could be tight to the finish, and this is a team that has had some trouble in these close games at times last month.

But if the Hall of Fame Classic removed any doubts they can win close games, then maybe this is a sign of good things to come. The big key in this game is can Bellmont win the rebounding battle and contain their shooters.

I see Columbia City bouncing back, but this Bellmont team is far too tough to be counted out by any stretch.

Players to Watch

CC: Kyndra Sheets Senior Point Guard (Huntington Signee)

Bellmont: Emily Bleke Junior Combo Guard

Columbia City by 5

2A #9 Eastside (14-2, 6-0 NECC) @ Fairfield (13-2, 6-0 NECC)

Last 20 Years: 22-6 Fairfield

This might be the NECC Game of the Year for girls’ basketball as Eastside and Fairfield enters this game at 6-0 in NECC play. A lot of people expected Eastside to be in this position given the return of several key players including Paige Traxler, Lily Kreischer, and Sydnee Kessler. But I think some people may be a tad surprise by Fairfield’s start under 1st year coach Kyle Hartman.

That being said, Fairfield’s continued success can be traced back to an already established winning culture, some experience off of a state championship, and the breakout emergence of Eva Herbert who is averaging over 13 points a game.

Both teams are coming off gritty close wins over rival teams. Eastside toughened up to a 54-51 win over DeKalb at Trine last night. Fairfield on the other hand came away with a 43-37 win at Garrett. In retrospect, you have the quick and physical Eastside team that gets out and dictates pace versus a team that has length and will be a disciplined team on both ends of the floor. The length aspect of Fairfield is where Eastside will be challenged in this game, particularly against Herbert. Both teams do have enough depth that it should be a pretty even matchup on paper.

The key is going to be: Can the Blazers have a better start shooting the ball than in the Bellmont game? It could simply come down to that, when they make the trip up north to Benton (near Goshen). I have Eastside in a tight one.

Players to Watch

Eastside: Lily Kreischer Junior Combo Forward

Fairfield: Kaylee Dillon Senior Combo Guard

Eastside by 1

Northrop (10-3, 5-0 SAC) @ 4A #6 Snider (14-2, 5-0 SAC)

Last 20 Years: 24-9 Snider

Across the St. Joe River, Snider and Northrop will meet in a varsity doubleheader at Kilmer Court. But it is the girls’ game that all eyes will be on this game. You have the explosive talent of Snider led by Jordyn Poole and Nae Nae Donahue against a veteran Northrop team with a lot of size, some depth, and maybe peaking at the right time of the season.

All season long, Northrop has been somewhat overlooked compared to the likes of Homestead and Snider, but this Bruins team has seen breakout performances out of IUPUI signee Destini Craig, Khala Williams-Thomas, and sharpshooter Niya Bell. It’s a team that shoots 34% from 3 and averaging 30 boards per game.

If Swynn Jackson can regain her form following recovery from a offseason shoulder injury, Northrop is even more dangerous. But this is going to be a great task for this Northrop team to slow down an elite backcourt that helps contribute to 45%shooting from the floor, and defensively, Snider averages 14.4 steals and 5.1 blocks per game.

Again, it’s really going to bode down to whether Northrop’s height can balance the playing field, contain Snider’s athleticism, and which team can knock down their shots, which both teams are coming off of long breaks. Northrop hasn’t played a game since the Trine Holiday shootout before Christmas and Snider hasn’t played since the Noblesville Tournament a week ago.

However, both teams won’t make any excuses. I’ll take Snider however in a good one.

Players to Watch

Northrop: Destini Craig Senior Forward (IUPUI Signee)

Snider: Tia Phinezy Senior Forward (Missouri Volleyball Signee)

Snider by 3

Saturday

4A #11 Northridge (17-1, 3-0 NLC) @ Warsaw (8-7, 3-0 NLC)

Last 20 Years: 18-8 Warsaw

We don’t talk a lot about the NLC, but while technically Warsaw is not considered an area school, they are close enough to be in this conversation. And in this game, it’s pretty much for the NLC championship, no offense to the NorthWood fans who are watching a red-hot Panthers’ team, but they’re definitely not a title contender yet. What’s interesting here is you have two teams experiencing two different starts.

For Northridge, graduation led to preseason challenges on whether they would be able to sustain a sectional championship season. However, in Northridge fashion, the Raiders continue to find ways to win games. Northridge’s success lies within a balanced offense, sharing the basketball, playing great defense, and this is a team that makes a lot of 3’s. Keep in mind that this team did beat Norwell way back in early November 54-53.

As for Warsaw, they have went through a much tougher schedule to begin their season as they enter this game with losses in 5 of their last 7 games. But don’t panic Warsaw fans, this team has a lot of talent in their own right with Ball State commit Brooke Winchester, and sophomore studs Brooke Zartman and Joslyn Bricker. This team is going to turn it around soon, and having a Top 20 schedule statewide will greatly benefit their preparation in championship level games.

While Warsaw should be able to shoot the ball pretty well, they’re going to be challenged quite a bit against Northridge’s  athleticism and a pesky defense. Rebounding has been an issue lately for Warsaw aside from Brooke Winchester. They’re going to need both things to go in Warsaw’s favor to have a shot at upsetting Northridge.

The good news is Warsaw is hosting this game, which should be a big boost, but Northridge is a much different animal from your usual opponent. I’ll give a slight edge to the Raiders.

Players to Watch

Northridge: Morgan Cross Senior Combo Guard

Warsaw: Brooke Winchester Junior Combo Forward (Ball State Commit)

Northridge by 4

BOYS

Concordia (4-4, 1-1 SAC) @ 2A #7 Bishop Luers (8-1, 2-0 SAC)

Last 35 Years: 26-15 Concordia

Another interesting SAC varsity doubleheader will take us to Bishop Luers where the Knights host two pretty solid Concordia teams in their own right. While the girls’ game in itself has intrigue, there’s no doubt the boys game has more potential to be a SuperSam classic.

The Cadets have honestly played beyond anyone’s expectations this season and I don’t think this team will be counted out by any stretch of the imagination in both the SAC race and in sectionals come March. Junior Avery Cook has been cooking up some all star performances this season, and Cole Hayworth is having a breakout senior season as a future Grace Lancer.

On Luers’ end, however, it has truly been a revelation for the Knights under Seth Coffing, and it helps that the Knights brought in the Truesdale twins to compliment an already talented roster on Calhoun St. But Luers has athletes beyond those twin star players with Isaac Zay, and Danny Kelly to name a few.

But the challenge with Luers is pretty notable, playing 4 quarters of consistent basketball because this is still a pretty young team that has to learn how to sustain that success over the course of the season. Now every team has taken notice of their success.

The Concordia-Luers games have always been a tossup over the years, and I don’t expect much to change in this one. Concordia must take care of the basketball and limit Luers to one shot per possession if they want to have a good shot at winning a quality road SAC game.

Otherwise, I like Luers to continue their start in SAC play.

Players to Watch

Concordia: Cole Hayworth Senior Forward (Grace Signee)

Luers: Dereon Truesdale Junior Guard

Luers by 6

4A # 11 North Side (9-3, 2-0 SAC) @ Wayne (7-2. 2-0 SAC)

Last 35 Years: 29-17 North Side

The boys section of the North Side-Wayne doubleheader at Wayne may very well decide the SAC as a whole, although don’t count your chickens before they hatch. These two teams have elite talent, veteran varsity experience, and these two teams compete at a high level.

Obviously with Wayne coming off a trip to Semistate a season ago and being the defending SAC champions, the Generals have the resume to win it again. It helps that the Generals have a plethora of versatile and electrifying talent led by the deadly backcourt of Jevon Lewis and Chase Barnes, and Mr. Double-Double machine HJ Dillard who’s averaging a nearly double double per game in his career.

On North Side’s end, the Legends under Gary Andrews have a strong senior class and some interesting underclassmen that provide a sense of depth and future talent to look forward to. North’s success starts with Jaxon Fugate and Eugene Young Jr. They are North’s top scorers, top shooters at all 3 levels, top rebounders, and they can defend quite well. Simply put, these two ballers set the tone for the Legends, even though this team is still quite talented.

North’s athleticism should help them match punch to punch with Wayne’s own talent offensively. The challenge begins with the defensive side of the floor. Unfortunately for North Side, they only have two sometimes three players reaching double figures on a consistent basis, whereas Wayne has 4 players averaging double figures. How do you stop a Wayne team that has that much scoring balance?

It’s not just their ability to shoot the basketball, this team is really good at attacking the glass at a rate of 38 boards per game and shooting 63% from 2-point range. By the way, they are shooting 41% from 3.

I just don’t know if North Side has enough to contain Wayne’s very explosive team, and I still think they are the best the SAC has to offer, which I’ve stated this from day 1. I do think Wayne needs to be careful with this matchup because a Gary Andrews team can beat anybody if they can get hot, but it’s hard not to like Wayne on paper.

Players to Watch

North: Jaxon Fugate Senior Combo Guard

Wayne: Jevon Lewis Senior Combo Guard

Wayne by 8

West Noble (4-5, 3-1 NECC) @ Lakeland (5-3, 3-1 NECC)

Last 35 Years: 32-23 Lakeland

An interesting NECC matchup will see two rivals square off between defending conference champion West Noble and an improving Lakeland team in LaGrange. Just over a week ago, Lakeland went into Westview and pulled off the upset special in a 58-47 Lakeland win followed by a 1-1 spilt at the Trine Holiday Invitational.

Meanwhile, for West Noble, it’s been a learning process for the Chargers as they have been challenged by some very tough competition in both the Elkhart and Fort Wayne areas, yet they remain 3-1 in conference tying Lakeland and Westview.

With West Noble, the talents of Bradyn Barth in the post and a successful zone-press defense are a vital part to what the Chargers are right now under Ethan Marsh. So, for West Noble to be successful, it’s going to come down to a collective team effort on both ends the of the court.

For Lakeland, this is a young but charismatic team that is entertaining but also learning how to win each game. It helps that Lakeland has experience in their favor which starts with senior guard Nate Keil who is averaging 18.5 points per game. Aside from him, almost everyone else is either a sophomore or a junior. Many of them you might have heard from football such as Keyan Arroyo, Levi Cook, and Keegan Merrifield, but you also have some basketball standouts with Justin Carlson and Kyle Hartsough.

Obviously, Lakeland will have a big task in containing Barth, but I also do think the Lakers must win the turnover margins in this game because of how successful West Noble is at frustrating talented teams when their press is working.

On paper, Lakeland will be favored, but these games tend to be a lot closer than one would expect. That being said, I do see Lakeland coming away with a quality conference win.

Players to Watch

WN: Bradyn Barth Senior Power Forward

Lakeland: Keegan Merrifield Sophomore Power Forward/Center

Lakeland by 6

Saturday

Jay County (2-6, 1-0 ACAC) @ Adams Central (5-1, 1-0 ACAC)

Last 35 Years: 10-3 Jay County

A pretty underrated matchup down at the Hangar as the Jets host Jay County in the battle of the ACAC’s unbeaten teams. Jay County defeated Woodlan 55-42 back on Dec. 1, while the Jets held on for a 77-70 road win over Woodlan back on Dec. 15.

These two teams play very different styles of basketball. Jay County’s record is deceiving because they play a tough schedule, and this is a team that takes a lot of pride on defense. As for Adams Central, while they also want to be good on defense, this is a team that definitely emphasizes in being aggressive and attacking the basket, thus leading to many scoring opportunities.

From a talent standpoint, AC is clearly superior, but Jay County should not be overlooked here. However, their numbers are super underwhelming on paper in comparison to the Jets’. Jay County has to play an exceptional game with better offensive finish and defensively must keep the ball out of AC’s most dangerous players as often as possible.

In other words, this has to be an ugly game, and this isn’t a Bellmont scenario where they can match their offensive chances. I just don’t like this Jay County team on paper in comparison to AC.

Players to Watch

Jay: Liam Garringer Senior Combo Guard

AC: Isaac Schultz Senior Power Forward (ONU commit) averaging 25 points per game

J-E-T-S JETS by 8

3A #9 Bellmont (10-2, 1-0 NE8) @ Columbia City (7-6, 0-1 NE8)

Last 35 Years: 24-17 Columbia City

Saturday night will feature an NE8 boys’ matchups, and much like Friday’s girls’ contest, Bellmont and Columbia City have the potential of having the best conference game of the week in the NE8.

Bellmont is having a season that Braves fans have not experienced in nearly 20 full years led by Jack Scheumann’s 19 points per game that only trails Leo’s Jackson McGee in NE8 scoring, the dynamic forward in Kord Fuelling, a shutdown defender in Andrew James, power forward Dylan Velez, and sharpshooter Gavin Krull. This is a team we knew could be very good, but Coach Selking’s squad is playing at a level that this generation of fans has never seen before out of Bellmont. As a result, the payoff has been rewarding so far.

Meanwhile, for Columbia City, it’s been a wild start to the season. This Eagles’ team has experienced a roller coaster of emotions. This is highlighted by two close losses to Whitko and Warsaw to open the season, a buzzer-beating comeback win over Carroll, a gritty 50-49 win at defending 2A state champion Blackhawk Christian, losing a double-digit lead in a loss to Concordia at the Delta Holiday Tournament, and a tight 45-41 loss to defending 3A state champion NorthWood Panthers.

This is a very talented team in their own right led by Aidan Denning who is averaging 14.6 points per game, and they have solid performers in Brady Hartman, Matthew Mulligan, and Stratton Fuller who are all averaging double figures. It’s a senior-heavy team for the most part, but it’s not necessarily athe most experienced team from a varsity standpoint, and that’s the interesting loop with Columbia City.

They’re good enough to win the NE8 on talent alone, but can they play consistently play well enough to win the NE8? And so far, it’s hit and miss (with them already starting 0-1 in NE8 play in the 59-56 loss at East Noble). You don’t know what is going to happen each time this team steps on the floor, and that’s not a bad thing.

That said however, this Bellmont team is something else. If they can beat Adams Central and New Haven, they can beat a lot of teams. I like the Braves in a tight one.

Players to Watch

Bellmont: Jack Scheumann Senior Combo Guard

CC: Aidan Denning Senior Point Guard

Bellmont by 2

Undercard

Girls

Thur. Bethany Christian @ Lakewood Park: Bethany by 3

Fri. Bluffton @ Jay County: Jay County by 10

Fri. Carroll @ Bishop Dwenger: Carroll by 7

Fri. Concordia @ Bishop Luers: Luers by 12

Fri. Huntington North @ East Noble: Huntington North by 6

Boys

Fri. Carroll @ Bishop Dwenger: Carroll by 5

Fri. East Noble @ Huntington North: East Noble by 3

Sat. Blackhawk Christian @ Concordia: Concordia by 1

Sat. Leo @ Norwell: Leo by 10

Sat. New Haven @ DeKalb: New Haven by 3

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