Friday's Finest Faceoffs - 1/9

There are some fantastic games taking place across the great state of Indiana that are worthy of attention. Some of the state's top teams and top players will be in action tonight, and there are even a few big conference showdowns which could decide the fate of some squads. Here is a look at ten of the top tilts across the state for Friday, January 9th.

Bloomington North (4-4) vs. Bloomington South (8-0) - This crosstown rivalry game will write a new chapter tonight when the Cougars travel to face the Panthers. North was ranked in 4A earlier this season, but have since lost two of their last three games. South, the number one team in the state (and #34 nationally) will try to stay undefeated behind their trio of great guards, senior Jordan Hulls, and sophomores Spencer Turner and Darwin "Dee" Davis. Hulls is headed to IU, and the sophomores are also D1 prospects. Expect a win for South, but in these types of games, stats and records go out the window.

East Chicago Central (4-3) vs. Lawrence North (9-1) - ECC is coming off a big win at Howe, a top team in 3A. Lawrence North has won seven straight, including two big wins on the national stage in the T-Mobile tournament at Ball State. This game takes on added meaning as it is a rematch of being a revenge game for LN, since the Cardinals beat them last year in a great overtime game, 79-73. Since it's at home, and since the Wildcats have seemingly hit their stride, and since Jack Keefer basically has a college roster to work with (Ferguson, Martin, Van Treese, Chandler, Taylor), expect LN to walk away with their eighth straight.

Evansville Memorial (6-0) vs. Castle (4-3) - Another rivalry game that features two top teams from Southern Indiana. Memorial is the number-one ranked team in 3A, and Castle is looking to get back on track after two big losses at the hands of Indy teams North Central and Pike. Memorial looks too strong in this one, but again, it's a rivalry game.

Bishop Dwenger (4-1) vs. Bishop Luers (8-2) - This is a showdown of two of top team in Ft. Wayne. Dwenger is the number four ranked team in 3A, while Luers holds the two spot in 2A. There are many high profile players in this one, including 6'8" sophomore Tony Springmann of Dwenger, who was recently watched by Purdue head coach Matt Painter when Dwenger faced Carroll. Dwenger also features Notre Dame tight end recruit Tyler Eifert and a high scoring transfer from Arizona, Jordan Didier. Luers, of course, is led by top-ten nationally ranked junior DeShaun Thomas. This one is almost too close to call, but I'm going with the upset here, choosing Dwenger because of their size and strength.

Broad Ripple (4-3) vs. Howe (5-3) - This is a game that could decide the champ of the IPSAC, with the two best Indianapolis Public Schools going head to head. Howe is 2-0 in conference play, and Broad Ripple is 1-0. The Rockets are led by a 6'5" sophomore wing Steven Jamison and 6'3" freshman sensation Ronald Patterson, both D1 prospects. Howe features a squad loaded with talent, including senior sharpshooter Andre Hampton, and 5'8" sophomore point guard PJ Boutte. Their two players with the most potential may be 6'9" junior wing Jordan Manuel and 6'11" sophomore Isaiah Hill, both recently cleared to play by the IHSAA after transfers from Pike and North Central, respectively. Since the Hornets are at home and have a commanding size advantage, I expect them to win this one in a close game.

Lafayette Jeff (7-5) vs. Zionsville (8-1) - Jeff came into this season with high hopes and are currently looking to get back on the winning track. After starting 5-0, they have lost five of their last seven games, playing a few without high scoring junior guard Jesse Berry for unspecified reasons. Berry has huge potential, with several D1 schools tracking him and a reported offer from Butler. Zionsville is having a tremendous season behind 6'4" junior point guard Jack Isenbarger, son of former IU great Phil. Isenbarger is also coming on in terms of his recruitment with a reported offer from Eastern Illinois and interest from several other schools, including Evansville, Ball State, and Purdue is even keeping tabs. If Berry plays, I expect a quality road win for the Bronchos. They play a much tougher schedule than the Eagles, so they should be well prepared for this type of game.

New Albany (6-0) vs. Jeffersonville (5-2) - New Albany is one of the top teams in 4A, led by 6'8" lanky junior Donnie Hale, who is a prospect on many local college teams' radar. He reports offers from Purdue and Xavier, although there is some doubt about the offer from Purdue based on scholarship numbers and current commitments. After losing two straight to Silver Creek and Bloomington South, the Red Devils have reeled of two consecutive impressive wins against Decatur Central and Bishop Chatard. However, I think the Bulldogs, the number five ranked team in 4A, will be too much for Jeffersonville in the end.

Southport (5-3) vs. Franklin Central (10-1) - The Flashes, who are "flying under the radar," according to North Central head coach Doug Mitchell, do not get the recognition of some other Indy-area teams despite being in the top ten of 4A. Franklin Central is led by two seniors, point guard Casy Coons, a Taylor recruit, and power forward Patrick Bade, headed to Purdue. Southport has won three straight and are looking for a signature win to really boost their confidence, but it won't likely come in this one, as the Flashes are simply too good.

Warren Central (5-3) vs. Terre Haute South (9-1) -South, the only team to defeat Lawrence North this year, is at the top of their game right now. They are a guard oriented team led by high scoring point Jake Odum, and Indiana State recruit. Warren Central and coach Greg Graham will look to counter the Braves' speed and shooting prowess with the Warriors' great size and strength. Offensize lineman Ed Hazelett (6'9") leads the Warriors in scoring and rebounding, and should give South some trouble, although they have already proven that they can handle big teams. Expect the Braves, the number four ranked team in 4A, to win this one at home.

West Lafayette (5-2) vs. Tipton (8-1) - Aside from their tournament loss to Franklin Central, this may be the biggest challenge so far this season for the Tipton Blue Devils. West Lafayette, after losing their first two games to McCuthceon, has reeled off five stright wins. Tipton is led by IU-recruit and Mr. Basketball front-runner (?) Derek Elston and is the number one ranked team in 2A. I expect the Blue Devils, who are a last-second shot from being undefeated, to win this matchup in a close one at home.

There you go, hoops fans! The top ten games for this Friday. If you have a chance, get out there and see your team, or travel a ways to see one of these fierce faceoffs!