Tuesday's Top Tips: 12/9

Here are some of the top games on the statewide docket for Tuesday, 12/9. It is somewhat of a down day in terms of marquee matchups due to the fact that many top area teams are playing in the Circle City Classic at Southport on Saturday, so they are taking today off. Here are some of the top statewide games, with players of interest:

Elwood (0-3) at Tipton (3-0): This game is featured, obviously, because of 6'8" IU recruit Derek Elston, playing like a Mr. Basketball candidate early on. He is coming off a 30 point, 14 rebound performance in Tipton's last game against Delphi, and is averaging over 21 points and 13 boards a game so far. They play a struggling Elwood squad who was recently blown out by Guerin Catholic 91-37. Should be a nice stat-padding game for Elston, if he gets to play past the half.

Ft. Wayne Blackhawk (2-0) at Eastside (0-2): This game features junior star sharpshooter, 6'7" Russell Byrd of Blackhawk. Byrd, a Michigan State verbal commit, is having a nice season so far for the Braves, giving coach Tom Izzo a lot to look forward to from his next in a long line of redheads.

Norwell (2-1) at Ft. Wayne Dwenger (0-0): This is the opener for Dwenger after their opener against Southwood was postponed due to weather. The Saints feature 6'8" sophomore Tony Springmann, a rebounding machine with some nice post moves for a youngster. He is one to keep an eye on, and local schools have expressed early interest in the big man.

Heritage Christian (1-0) at Columbus East (1-2): The visiting 2A #7 ranked Eagles face off tonight against a tough, experienced 4A Olympian squad, fresh off a nice performance in an overtime loss to Patrick Bade and the 4A #6 ranked team, Franklin Central. Heritage won their opener 63-46 over Speedway, but they are still shaking off the rust, as their two top players, seniors Tommy Eggleston and Morgan Cook return from the football State Championship. One to watch in this game is 6'6" freshman guard Joel Smith of Heritage, who went for 9 points, 7 boards, and 3 assists in his varsity debut. Also playing in this game for Columbus East is IU wide receiver commit Duwyce Wilson.

There are some great games coming up this weekend. I will be at the Circle City Classic at Southport, scouting the LN-Luers and the North Central-Lafayette Jeff games, and hopefully talking to coaches and stars of the games.