Big Games on Wednesday and Thursday

In the midst of the in-season tournaments and a loaded Friday docket, there are some interesting matchups happening today, January 21st, and tomorrow. Here are a solid seven games of note for the two upcoming days.

Wednesday, January 21st

Carmel (7-3) at Pike (6-4) - This matchup of Indy-area teams features contasting styles and some excellent young players. Carmel is coming off a heartbreaking overtime home loss to Cathedral in which they led by double digits most of the game. They feature 6'4" senior do-it-all forward Morgan Newton, headed to Kentucky to play quarterback, and 6'5" junior forward Scott Laskowski. They also have one of the most intriguing prospects in the state in 6'10" freshman center AJ Hammons. Pike is loaded with young talent, most noteably sophomore point guard Marquis Teague. Louisville, Wake Forest, and a host of Big Ten teams are on his trail.

Center Grove (5-7) at Franklin Central (12-2) - The Trojans are playing much better of late, losing by one to Carmel and then notching back-to-back wins against Indian Creek and Whiteland. The Flashes have had a week of to regroup after being handled by Lawrence North in the Marion County Tournament. Franklin Central is led by seniors Casey Coons (Taylor) and 6'8" versatile forward Patrick Bade (Purdue).

Southwood (5-3) at Whitko (7-3) - Southwood has won four out of their last five, including their most recent win over 2A power Oak Hill. Whitko has already played three overtime games this season, winning their last two of that kind. They feature sophomore guard and D1 prospect Zac Van De Water, a 6'3" shooter who can score in bunches.

Thursday, January 22nd

Northridge (10-0) at Penn (3-6) - Northridge is one of the biggest surprises of the season, with an undefeated mark and the number eight ranking in 4A. They have quality wins over South Bend Riley, Goshen, and 4A number-14 Warsaw. Penn features Valpo-bound point guard Tommy Kurth and are hoping to have a good showing at home.

South Bend Clay (10-3) at South Bend Washington (8-2) - This is a matchup of teams from the northwest part of the state. Clay features dynamic scoring guard George Jones, who is headed to Indiana Wesleyan, one of the top NAIA teams in the nation. Washington counters with junior shooting guard Kennis White.

City Tourney Games

Arlington (6-6) vs. Howe (8-3) - Arlington is playing well, with recent IPSCA wins over Broad Ripple and Tech. They feature senior guard Phillip Freeman, who is a potential college player. Howe is loaded at all positions, with D1 prospects like Jordan Manuel, Isaiah Hill, and Andre Hampton.

Ritter (9-1) vs. Broad Ripple (6-5) - Ritter is looking to gain some respect for their record and validate their new top-15 rank in 2A. They are led by guard Tyrone Walker, a long 6'1" guard who can score in a variety of ways. The Rockets are looking to string together back-to-back wins with a high-powered offense sparked by freshman Ron Patterson, sophomore Steven Jamison, and junior Howard Stevenson.

Check back tomorrow and Friday for the results of these games!