The Best Games for Tuesday 1/6 and Wednesday 1/7

Hey hoops fans! With Christmas Break now over, P-Hoops will once again be regularly, most often daily, be bringing you the best in breakdowns, scouts, information, and recruiting nuggets on Indy-area and state hoops. There are some fantastic games starting off the second school semester. Here is a look at a few of the games for early this week that should feature some of the best players and be highly competitive.

Tuesday 1/6

Center Grove (3-5) at Bloomington South (7-0) - This is a game that will likely be a good contest despite the disparity in records. Center Grove has quality wins, and most of their losses were close and to quality opponents, including a one-point double OT loss to Bloomington North, and a single-digit loss on the road to Terre Haute South. Bloomington South, the number one team in 4A who is also nationally ranked, is riding high, coming off blowout wins over two quality teams, Evansville Harrison (5-2) and Jeffersonville (5-2). They are, of course, led by IU recruit and Mr. Basketball candidate Jordan Hulls, a senior point guard who is capable in all areas of the game. Also starring for the Panthers are a pair of sophomore guards, Darwin Davis and Spencer Turner.

Indianapolis Northwest (5-3) at Cathedral (5-1) - In this inter-city matchup, the Space Pioneers are looking to upset the Irish, the number nine team in 4A. Northwest has received a boost in play thanks to the transfer of 6'5" junior guard Ronald Ross, who left Indianapolis Washington earlier this year. They also have a quality senior point guard in Eric Prather. Cathedral is led by double-double machine Errick Peck, a 6'6" brute who is receiving D1 interest thanks to his play this year. They also feature Purdue-bound swingman Kelsey Barlow, who is under-performing this season.

North Montgomery (6-2) at Lafayette Central Catholic (5-4) - North Mont is coming off of a big win against Winchester, the number eight team in 2A. They are led by 6'4" bullish senior guard DJ Byrd, who will take his scoring and toughness to Purdue next year. LCC's record belies their quality, as they play a brutal schedule, including losses to Carmel (5-2) and Zionsville (8-1). They are led by senior guard Dru Anthrop, who recently scored 38 points in an upset win over Cathedral.

Franklin (3-5) at Franklin Central (9-1) - Don't discount the Grizzly Cubs' chances in this one as it is a big-time rivalry game for these two schools. The Flashes are the heavy favorite with only one loss and the number eight ranking in 4A. They are led by two senior standouts, Patrick Bade, a 6'8" post headed to Purdue, and Casey Coons, a floor general bound for Taylor. Bade recently struggled against IU recruit Derek Elston in the Hall of Fame Classic at New Castle, going two for seven and scoring seven points in the Flashes one point win. Look for Bade to right the ship in this one.

Wednesday, January 7th

Carroll (6-0) at Bishop Dwenger (3-1) - Carroll, the number 14 team in 4A, is coming off a hotly contested overtime win against Plymouth, remaining undefeated on the season. They will face the number four team in 3A in this one. Dwenger is led by stud transfer Jordan Didier as well as senior Joe Kosiarek. Also starring for Dwenger is 6'8" sophomore Tony Springmann, a division one recruit.

Oak Hill (8-1) at Marion (6-1) - This matchup of ranked teams should be a great one. Oak Hill is the number five team in a loaded 2A class, while Marion is the number seven team in 4A. Marion features the more well-known players, including 6'6" shooter Scott Wood, headed to NC State.

Avon (5-3) versus Danville (8-1) - This matchup in the Hendricks County Tournament will feature some great players and great play. Avon is led by a pair of sensational sophomore guards, Kendall Griffin, who is receiving major D1 interest, and JuJuan Sarver. Danville is the number three-ranked team in 3A, and are coming off a tough stretch in which they lost to Marion by two and then struggled to beat Matt Kenney and Mooresville, 47-46. The Warriors are led by 6'9" junior big man and Purdue recruit Travis Carroll and senior guard Nate Rigdon. I will be in attendance for this one and hope to get a great scout on both teams, as well as interviews with coaches and players.

Check back later this week for results on these games!