Games of the Day - Wednesday, November 23

Many teams have already begun their seasons, and the day before Thanksgiving is chock-full of even more exciting tip-offs. Here are P-Hoops' profiles for the top three games of November 23rd.

1. Lawrence North at Lawrence Central

Let's not waste any time, boys, huh? An intense rivalry game on the first week of the season? Yes, please! Jack Keefer and his Wildcats travel across town from Hague to 56th Street to meet JR Shelt and his up-and-coming Bears for this early season clash of the titans. North boasts two of Indianapolis' best guards in 6'3 SG Eron Harris (West Virginia) and 6'1 PG Petey Balls (Northern Illinois), both seniors. The Bears counter with stud small forward and IU signee Jeremy Hollowell, an Indiana All-Star front runner. Central also boasts dynamic play maker Tyler Corley, a 5'10 senior. This should be a close one, a real back-and-forth affair. Hollowell's size (6'8) and versatility may end up being the deciding factor in this one.


2. Pike at North Central

Another titanic tilt in Indy to start the season! The Red Devils, behind the leadership of coach Bill Zych, travel to the home of Doug Mitchell's Panthers in what should be an exciting match up. Pike lost Indiana All-Star Marquis Teague (Kentucky) to graduation, but the pieces are still in place to be a 4A contender. RJ Hunter, a 6'6 senior and Georgia State recruit, will look to up his output of over 14 points a game from last season as the new leader of the team. Alongside of him is 5'9 junior point guard Zavier Turner, who can score and distribute. A transfer should also provide serious help for Pike this season. Jamie Rutherford, a 6'5 junior, is a transfer from powerhouse Bowman Academy and should step in and start. On the other side, North Central is loaded and ready for another deep run in 4A. Leading the charge is 5'10 senior and Purdue commit Ronnie Johnson, a do-it-all point guard. Flanking him on the wings will be 6'3 senior guard Patrick Ingram, an Iowa commit, and 6'7 sophomore Perry Poindexter, who is loaded with potential. Patrolling the paint is 6'5 junior Darius Latham, a D1 level football recruit who also has soft hands and nice post moves. Should be a great game.

Lebanon at Hamilton Heights

Albert Hendrix's Tigers are looking to repeat last year's success, but this time have it translate to the postseason. The Tigers started last season 10-0 before faltering down the stretch and being upset by Danville in the first round of Sectionals. This is a senior laden squad led by Trey Hendrix, who scored over 24 points per game last season. Lebanon has lots of shooters and depth. Heights lost 6'6 forward Austin Etherington to IU, but a lot remains for another successful season. They, like Lebanon, had major regular season success, but postseason glory also eluded them. Leading the way will be 6'6 younger brother Alex Etherington, a double digit scorer and D1 level recruit. This one has potential to be a look at early season 3A favorites.

3 Other Top Games
4. Brebeuf Jesuit at Zionsville
5. Western at Kokomo
6. Manual at Tech