Semistate week is upon us and we don’t have any representatives from either the Summit Athletic Conference nor the Northeast 8. It happens, people; nobody needs to panic. Having Bishop Dwenger and Snider in the same class was assuredly going to nudge at least one of those tradition-rich programs from the conversation. Beyond that, our other big dogs were beaten by one another (Homestead, East Noble, Churubusco and South Adams come to mind), upset (Bishop Luers) by another talented local squad (Eastside), or beaten fair-and-square by a better team (Westfield over Carroll last week). Leo’s 1-point loss to Northridge (the Raiders are still alive in 4A) is the one outlier, but these things happen.
THE SWAMI SCALE
- CARROLL (10-2): Despite the loss to Westfield, I’m leaving the Chargers atop Mount Swami.
- LEO (11-1): Hard to believe, but I actually vaulted the Lions a spot last week though they didn’t play.
- BISHOP DWENGER (7-5): The Saints slid one slot after getting spanked in Zionsville last week.
- NORWELL (11-2): Junior-led Norwell will be a bonafide Class 3A and NE8 contender in 2022.
- SNIDER (8-2): A disappointing end to an otherwise successful season leaves Snider in the 5-hole.
- EASTSIDE (13-0): The Blazers are one game shy of reaching the 2A state-title game. Let’s go, ES!
- BISHOP LUERS (10-2): This is not how it was supposed to end for the SAC tri-champion Knights.
- HOMESTEAD (6-4): Feels like Sparty hasn’t played since before Halloween. Because it hasn’t.
- ADAMS CENTRAL (12-1): As I’ve said all year long, the Flying Jets are the best team in Class 1A.
- NORTHROP (3-7): Somebody has to get this final spot, so why the Bruins? They’ve got ballers.
CLASS 6A
MERRILLVILLE (12-0) at WESTFIELD (11-1): Merrillville has Popeye’s, but Westfield has Popeye Williams.
SWAMI SAYS: Westfield by 10
BEN DAVIS (7-5) at CENTER GROVE (12-0): The Trojans are nationally ranked for a reason. CG by three scores.
SWAMI SAYS: Center Grove by 22
CLASS 5A
ZIONSVILLE (8-5) at MICHIGAN CITY (9-3): If it comes down to a kick, I’m going with a Vinatieri all day long.
SWAMI SAYS: Zionsville by 3
NEW ALBANY (9-3) at CATHEDRAL (12-1): The Irish are the second-best team statewide, regardless of class.
SWAMI SAYS: Cathedral by 31
CLASS 4A
NORTHRIDGE (9-4) at NEW PRAIRIE (11-2): Coach Casey’s Cougars are at home and playing some great “D.” SWAMI SAYS: New Prairie by 9
MOUNT VERNON (12-1) at EVANS. MEMORIAL (11-2): This one literally could go either way. I like the Marauders.
SWAMI SAYS: Mount Vernon by 1
CLASS 3A
BREBEUF JESUIT (11-2) at MISH. MARIAN (10-3): An intriguing parochial pairing, give me the Knights at home.
SWAMI SAYS: Marian by 4
GIBSON SOUTHERN (12-1) at TRI-WEST (11-2): The Titans’ lone loss came vs. Kentucky power South Warren.
SWAMI SAYS: Gibson Southern by 14
CLASS 2A
ANDREAN (10-3) at EASTSIDE (13-0): There’s no way I’m jumping off ES’s bandwagon now. Let’s go Blazers!
SWAMI SAYS: Eastside by 6
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (11-2) at INDY SCECINA (10-3): This one’s being played in Beech Grove. I like Scecina.
SWAMI SAYS: Scecina by 2
CLASS 1A
ADAMS CENTRAL (12-1) at NORTH JUDSON (9-3): Nothing is slowing down the Flying Jets, especially Bluejays.
SWAMI SAYS: Adams Central by 24
TRI (11-2) at INDY LUTHERAN (13-0): Tri as they may, the Titans don’t have a shot in this one vs. the Saints.
SWAMI SAYS: Indy Lutheran by 36
