Clash of the Titans on Saturday

The single biggest game of the early hoops season is undoubtedly the Hamilton Southeastern at North Central game set for this Saturday night. The Royals (4-0) will be playing their second game in two nights, as they host Zionsville on Friday. If they are able to get past the Eagles, which is likely, HSE will come into the game at 5-0 with the #1 ranking in the 4A class. The Panthers (4-1) lost a tough road game at Carmel last week which dropped them to #2 in 4A. Assuredly, North Central will be chomping at the bit in this game, eager to get the bad taste left by the Greyhounds out of their collective mouths.

The play of Royals Gary Harris, Zakarie Irvin, and Jaccobby Bledsoe has been nothing short of impressive thus far. Harris (MSU) is playing at a Mr. Basketball level, Irvin (Michigan) is making a strong case for best in 2013, and Bledsoe is running the show in an effective way, making things easy for his teammates. Through four games, Harris is scoring 20.5 points per game and pulling down seven rebounds, to go along with nearly five assists. Irvin is pouring in 17.8 points a game, and Bledsoe scores 14.3 points a game, with just under five assists as well. Depth is provided by Paul Furlin, a junior who averages just under ten points a game.

The Panthers are led by Purdue recruit Ronnie Johnson, another Mr. Basketball contender. He is scoring 20 points a game and dishing out over five assists to his capable teammates. A major beneficiary of Johnson's passes is 6'3 combo guard Patrick Ingram, an Iowa commit. Ingram is scoring 15.6 points a game. Big man Darius Latham chips in 12 points per game and over six rebounds. Depth is provided by John Murry, Perry Poindexter, and Jimmy Miller.

What a game this should be! The two top teams in the state battling it out for regular season bragging right and a serious confidence boost. The game could also be a possible preview for the Sectional 8 Champioship, the winner of which will be a favorite for the state title. Enjoy the game, folks!

Other Great Games

Noblesville (2-2) vs. Hamilton Heights (2-3)

Lafayette Central Catholic (1-3) vs. Cathedral (3-1)

Park Tudor (5-1) vs. Triton Central (3-2)

Penn (1-2) vs. Munster (4-0)

Northrop (4-0) vs. Canterbury (3-2)

FW Luers (2-1) vs. Indianapolis Howe (2-1)

And remember to check the post two below to see which teams are going full tilt tonight!