Once again, poor weather is trying to wreak havoc with the great slate of games scheduled for today, February 3rd. This first big basketball day of the new month has a lot of interesting match-ups, as well as many star players in action. Let's take a look at the games that will tip off this evening, weather permitting.
Evansville Memorial (11-1) vs. Princeton (15-0) - This one was rescheduled from last Friday after the winter storms cancelled school and called the game. IU head coach Tom Crean was supposed to be in attendance last week, so we'll see if he is able to make it down for this 3A one versus two throwdown, which has potential to be a classic. This is an old-fashioned statement game for both teams, who are each looking to stake their claim at 3A superiority. Memorial is already tournament tested, playing three of their last four games to overtime wins, great preparation for March. Their only loss came in the SIAC Tournament to the 2A number eleven ranked Mater Dei Wildcats. Princeton is led by a trio of hot sophomore prospects in point guard Jalen Packer and twin wings Dontray and Rontray Chavis. In my opinion, the only team who can beat Princeton is Princeton, and I don't see them doing that tonight in front of the home crowd. I'll take the Tigers to stay undefeated.
Leo (11-2) vs. Carroll (11-1) - Featuring two of the Ft. Wayne area's most unheralded teams, this game should be a great test for both squads. Leo is a top 3A squad who has been ranked previously this season. They are led by 6'7 senior forward Jordan Bowerman, who is one of the most underrated seniors in the state. He is averaging nearly 21 points and 10 boards a game. The Chargers have won five in a row since being beaten by Bishop Dwenger on the road, a game that was reportedly attended by Purdue coach Matt Painter. Give me Leo to pull the upset on the road.
Noblesville (8-4) vs. Zionsville (13-1) - The Eagles from Zionsville are finally getting the respect they deserve, being ranked at nember twelve in 4A. They are led by a pair of juniors, guard Jack Isenbarger and forward Chris Welker, and they have a stellar sophomore in Demetrius Lawson. They have racked off ten straight wins since losing to Brownsburg. Noblesville is a quality team with potential who is playing up-and-down right now, losing three of six. If they can put it all together behind forwards Jake Yearey and Leland Brown, they are tough to beat. I'll take the home team.
Dwenger (9-4) vs. Homestead (9-4) - Dwenger was the preseason number one in 3A, and while playing a tough schedule, they have suffered some unexpected losses. They have had injuries to deal with, most notably the back of big man, Notre Dame football recruit Tyler Eifert. However, they have a strong team led by Eifert, Jordan Didier, and 6'8 sophomore Tony Springmann, a future D1 recruit. The Saints are coming of a loss to a top-ranked 4A Snider squad. Homestead is known as a football school, but they are playing some good hoops this season, too. They recently beat Bellmont, who had knocked off former 4A top ten team Jay County. Despite being on the road, I like Dwenger, the number eight team in 3A, in this match-up.
Forest Park (8-4) vs. Tecumseh (10-4) - Forest Park is consistently one of the top teams in 2A, winning multiple State Championships in recent years. They have won four out of five and are led by 6'8 Southern Illinois recruit Jordan Myers. Tecumseh is a tough 1A squad who is on a roll, winning four in a row. This should be a good test for the Rangers, but I like their size and experience to win out in the end.
Covenant Christian (6-7) vs. Heritage Christian (11-2) - The record of the visiting team in this game is somewhat deceiving, since their best player, 6'9 center and Butler recruit Andrew Smith, has been injured for all but five games this season. When he plays at full-strength, the Warriors are obviously a different team, since Smith averages over 20 points and 20 rebounds a game. You heard me right; over 20 rebounds a game! Heritage moved up in the polls this week, going from number four to number three in 2A, trailing only Deshaun Thomas and Bishop Luers and Derek Elston and Tipton. They are led by 6'5 senior wing Tommy Eggleston, who has three 20-plus games in his last four, and 6'4 senior forward Morgan Cook, who scores around 12 points per game. They also feature one of the top freshmen in the state in 6'6 wing Joel Smith. Despite Smith's return from injury, I believe his conditioning will be only so-so, therefore, I'll take the home team to win their twelfth game.
There are other top ranked teams in action today, including Cathedral, Bluffton, South Bend Clay, Blackhawk Christian, Ft. Wayne North Side, and Batesville. Check back later to see the results from these games!
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