Though it certainly hasn’t felt much like baseball season around the Valley, it’s upon us. Terre Haute North is gaining statewide attention, ranked third in the 4A Indiana High School Baseball Association Poll. Now the question moves to their ability to keep it up. Is this Patriot baseball team really this good? There are plenty of reasons to think that it is.

For North, it starts with their lineup. When asked about the Patriots one opposing coach told me, “Their ability to hit the opposite way was phenomenal. Not an easy out in their lineup. They play the game the way it’s meant to be played.”

That’s pretty high praise from the competition, and it’s true. We all knew Sam Wolf could hit, but he’s tearing the cover off the ball. As of this writing, Wolf is hitting .558 with 2 home runs and 25 RBI. Freshman T.J. Collett looks like the next big thing to come out of the WabashValley. I’ve never seen a player with such poise at such a young age. His stat line is also a head turner, hitting .486 with 8 home runs and 32 RBI. Collett and Wolf are absolutely fearsome in the middle of the Patriot lineup.

One Patiot coach says, “Contrary to the views of some, we haven’t been a one or two man team offensively.” He couldn’t be more correct in that statement. The middle infield could stack up with anyone this season. Slick fielding Gabe Sevigny is great with the glove up the middle, and his bat has been impressive. Sevigny is hitting .455 with 20 runs scored and 7 stolen bases on the season. His middle infield mate Jonathan Eilbracht leads the team with 25 runs scored while hitting at a .333 clip this year. Another force of this lineup, 3^rd baseman Zach Milam was a little slow to get going, but he’s picked it up as of late and has his average all the way up to .356. This is a wrecking crew top to bottom.

Austin Hicks has been fantastic on the mound to lead the pitching staff. He’s 5-0 with a 2.70 ERA in more than 33 innings this season. One coach said, “Hicks has started to settle into the staff ace. He has started to find the strike zone and miss bats.” That’s a great combination for a starting pitcher.

At the end of the day, with such a powerful lineup, these Patriots don’t have to dominate on the mound. They play good defense and have an interesting roster composition. One coach says, “We have a great mix of youth (1 freshman and 2 sophomores) with great experience in our juniors and seniors. This has been a fun group to coach. (They are) always working hard and always looking to get better.”

With players like Sevigny, Hicks, and Milam coming on strong to join Collett and Wolf crushing the baseball up and down the order, I like the pieces in place for this 12-1 start to continue.

With the weather warming up and baseball getting into full swing, I found it appropriate to recognize some of the best players in our viewing area. I’ve compiled a Wabash Valley All-Star team which consists of the ten best players in the area in my opinion along with the help of some area coaches. There are some stipulations. I’m putting together a starting lineup plus a DH, so position matters. Of course, in some situations, versatility matters. If I have ten guys and I need to go win a game- the more they can do, the better. There are lots of great players in the area this year, and surely some will some pop up that aren’t on this list, but if I’m going to battle with ten players, these are the ten I want.

Starting Pitcher- Pete Lanoo, Terre Haute South

Let’s just start with number 1 on the scorecard, the guy on the bump. Pete Lanoo leads a Terre Haute South pitching staff that is deep and talented. He looked every bit the best pitcher in the area, shutting out Indianapolis North Central in a 1-0 win on Saturday. He was in the conversation for first base, but I think he’s more consistent and dominant on the hill, so lets put him there. It didn’t play a factor in making this team, but certainly worth mentioning he’s a dynamo in the classroom. Big arm, big bat, big brain, this is a guy I want.

Catcher- Preston Tofaute, Terre Haute South

The battery consists of a pair of players from Terre Haute South, it just so happens to be the first two places on the scorecard. The Braves have the most talented and deepest pitching staff in the WabashValley. That task usually means the catcher is pretty good too. Tofaute is exceptional behind the plate. He’s fantastic at keeping balls in the dirt in front of him and a strong and accurate throwing arm keeps would be base stealers at bay. Tofaute doesn’t have huge power, but he’s a really good hitter in the third spot of Kyle Kraemers lineup. He rarely strikes out, and I think he leads the world in singles up the middle. One opposing coach told me that he thinks Tofaute is the best overall player in the area. With accolades like that, he’s the guy behind the plate.

First Base- Conner Wittmer, Loogootee

This was easily the most competitive position on the diamond, when putting this team together. Much like every level of baseball, some of the games biggest sluggers reside at first base. Wittmer is a returning all-state performer for the Lions. He has tremendous power and shows the same athleticism on the baseball field that makes him one of the area’s best basketball players. The big guy is also very tough on the mound, one of his team’s best pitchers. When you only get 10 guys, you need all the quality arms you can find, but it’s his bat that got him here.

Second Base- Jeff Woods, Turkey Run

This one might surprise readers, because Woods doesn’t play second base for the Warriors. He catches and plays shortstop. I’m putting Woods at second for a few reasons: First, I had to find a way to get this bat in the lineup. Woods can run and hit, two huge positives. He knocked two out at the Banks of the Wabash Tournament on Saturday.

Second, he’s such an athlete that I think he can handle any position on the field. (I also considered centerfield) Finally, Woods is really good defensively at both shortstop and behind the plate. He’s gaining interest from different schools to play at the next level and provides tremendous versatility with his ability to move around the field. The name of the game is to find as many great hitters and pitchers as possible. This is a great hitter.

Third Base- Patrick Green, Shakamak

You watch Patrick Green step on a baseball field and he just looks comfortable. One coach told me Green’s played more baseball in his life than any kid in the Valley, and that’s apparent. He’s not terribly big or terribly fast, but it’s obvious that he’s a player. Green is also very capable on the mound. In fact, an opposing coach said, “Patrick Green of Shakamak is the best pitcher in the Valley without question. He has velocity, movement and a command unparalleled.” No doubt, Green would certainly see time on the bump for this team, but I’m in more need for his glove and more importantly his bat at third base. He plays shortstop quite a bit for the Lakers but would be more comfortable on the hot corner. He’s a gritty, competitive winner who knows how to play the game and can flat out pound the baseball. Some kids just get it; he’s one of those kids. 

Shortstop- Craig Peters, Northview

Peters spends a lot of time on the mound for the Knights, where he’s considered one of the top arms in the area. While that’s a plus for sure, he’s on this team for his ability to pick it at short. Peters has started for the Knights all four years. He’s fantastic defensively and brings a solid stick to the plate every single game. We’ve seen the Knights crank out really talented arms and shortstops in recent years. (T.J. Decker comes to mind) Peters fits the mold, he’s gritty on the mound, in the field, and at the plate. To be a really good baseball team you have to have a really good shortstop, Peters is my guy.

Left Field- Kyle Stewart, West Vigo

Every single year West Vigo has a player that can really play baseball, and this year that’s Kyle Stewart. Stewart isn’t very big and doesn’t look like your typical all-star team leftfielder, but all he does is hit. A beautiful left handed swing allows Stewart to flip the ball to the opposite field in left with ease. He stays back on the ball and drives it to all fields. He’s a good athlete in left that covers a lot of ground. This is a hitter that could literally hit in any spot in the lineup from top to bottom. He never strikes out and makes all kinds of hard contact. Stewart is a line drive machine that I want at the top of my lineup.

Center Field- Brett Yeryar, Shakamak

Brett Yeryar actually plays right field for the Lakers, along with some shortstop. He also sees time on the mound. For this team he sees time in center because I think he’s athletic enough to get the job done out there, and I want his bat in my lineup. Nicknamed “the machine” by some of his teammates and coaches, all Yeryer does is hit. He concluded the season last year for Shakamak on a 19 game hitting streak right up through the state championship games. He scorches the baseball from gap to gap and like his teammate Green, just has a feel for the game. He can hit, pitch and play anywhere in the field. Yeryar’s a fun one to watch.

Right Field- Connor Pierce, Northview

Rounding out the defensive alignment is Northview right fielder Connor Pierce. Described by one area coach as one of the top hitters in the WabashValley, Pierce can really swing it. He played a key role in the Knights sectional championship last season. He’s one of the few players on this list that is strictly an outfielder, and that speaks to what kind of hitter he is. Pierce plays right field very well and gives me a middle of the order type bat.

Designated Hitter- Sam Wolf, Terre Haute North    

Speaking of middle of the order bats, Sam Wolf should strike fear into opponents. Wolf can flat out swing it. He’s a doubles machine that certainly has the power to lift his fair share of home runs out of the yard. Wolf also gives this squad another quality arm on the mound, he’s another 1^st basemen that’s bat was too good to pass up. This lineup could be constructed in many different ways, but Wolf would be put in the four spot, and he’s not moving.

Up and comer- T.J. Collett, Terre Haute North

I know I began this piece talking about the 10 best players in the Valley, but I couldn’t resist including North freshman T.J. Collet. He’s that good, folks. The first time I saw Collett play was against Shakamak and their ace Patrick Green, one of the area’s best arms. A glance at the box score wouldn’t be terrifically eye popping. Collett picked up a couple of singles and a couple of walks, a really solid day. It was the way he battled through his at-bats that caught my eye. Collett is beyond the ability of a freshman, and most seniors for that matter, in every aspect of the game. From the way he takes a pitch,  to the way he hits with two strikes, his plate discipline, his poise behind the plate, it’s all phenomenal. If Tofaute wasn’t so talented, Collett would be my catcher on this team as a freshman. He’s going to be a superstar for years to come at Terre Haute North.

Baseball fans enjoy! That’s my look at the best players in the WabashValley. All kinds of players could make an argument for this team, and that’s a great sign for a competitive baseball season this year. Hopefully this can spark the office debate around a baseball field near you. Until next time, I’ll see you at the field.

-Ross

All of the sudden High School basketball games are spread around the state as we enter regional play on Saturday. Sure, there is plenty of basketball to be played on the High School level. Teams like Rockville, Barr-Reeve, Clay City, Linton, and Vincennes Lincoln survived sectionals and look to make deep runs.

This article’s purpose is to take a good hard look at the Sycamores. Who are they? Rarely do you see a team that’s looked truly dominant, like mid-major world beaters one week, then drop multiple games to opponents that appear less talented. I’m a positive guy by nature, so the title of this one.

5 Reasons the Sycamores can win the MVC Tournament Title

1. #13

The biggest, and most obvious reason to believe Indiana State can make a run at the championship is the presence of Jake Odum. As Coach Lansing has fondly referred to him this year, #13, always gives you a chance to win. The Terre Haute South grad was named First Team All-MVC this week, and rightfully so. He’s the heart and soul of the Sycamores. ESPN analyst Dan Dakich told Sports 10 he thinks Odum is the best passer in the country. He makes his teammates better, and has a knack for making the game winner. With everyone’s backs against the wall in a conference tournament setting, games tend to be close. In a close game this weekend, I want #13 on my team.

2. Anybody’s Ballgame

The last couple weeks have been tough in Sycamore country, but remember not long ago this was a first place team in the conference considered an at-large lock because of the fantastic non-conference body of work. Creighton won the Valley with a 13-5 record this season. In 105 years, this is only the 4^th time the champion has finished the conference season with 5 losses, and the first time since Evansville won with a 13-5 record in 1999. The parity of the conference has never been better. Even cellar dweller, (and my alma mater) Southern Illinois has 6 conference wins and 14 wins overall. Never before has every team in the Valley had at least 6 conference wins and at least 10 overall wins in the same season. Clearly that makes the bottom of the league losses for Indiana State much more bearable, because this tournament is truly anybody’s ballgame.

3. Avoiding the Bottom

Even though Indiana State lost their last 5 league games to finish at 9-9 on the season, they still avoided the bottom half of the conference when it came time to seed the tournament. When you think the difference between 5^th and 6^th isn’t important, consider that the 6^th seed is just 2-22 in the tournament since it’s been played in St. Louis. Obviously you want to avoid the 7-10 seeds and the Thursday night game that comes with them. Only the Bradley team from 1998 has made the semi-finals of the tournament after playing on opening night. While you would obviously rather be seeded at the top, according to history 5^th sure beats 6-10.

4. Dawon and Only

Odum has been a constant force in the ISU backcourt this season, but at times the shooting guard spot has been a revolving door. We’ve seen Dawon Cummings, Lucas Eitel, and Devonte Brown rotate in and out of the lineup all season long. They’ve all brought really good things to the table at times, but recently Cummings seems to have stepped up his game.  Cummings averages 6.6 ppg on the season, but in the last five he’s cranked up his point production to 12.6 points per game. If he can be a consistent double digit scorer alongside Odum and Manny Arop that could do wonders for an offensive attack that has seemed stagnant at times this season.

5. Nothing to lose

It’s easy to look at this Sycamore team and point fingers and say they struggled down the stretch to a disappointing finish to the season. We forget that this team was actually picked 7^th in the MVC Preseason Poll. None of these guys would tell you they are happy with the way the regular season, but realistically this team is ahead of schedule. Indiana State graduates no one from the present team. Without a senior on the roster they’ve been able to put together a fantastic non-conference resume, and play .500 basketball in a league that’s as deep as it’s ever been. The pressure is completely off the Sycamores as they hit the court in St. Louis. No one expected them to win at the beginning of the year, and no one expects them to win now. Sure, Creighton and Wichita State are really good at the top of the league. Northern Iowa is playing well as the three seed, and Evansville just put it on the Sycamores to conclude the regular season. Even Illinois State looks dangerous as a six seed in this years tournament, but in 2001 Sycamore Hall of Famers Matt Renn and Michael Menser led the Sycamores to an MVC Tournament victory, as a 5^th seed. Who says lightning can’t strike twice? This team could realize next years potential eight months early, and two step their way into the NCAA tournament.

RPI: Sectional Edition

Playoff basketball in Indiana is something special. It’s do or die. It’s back to the wall. It’s lose, and go home. We’ve got some very talented seniors in the Wabash Valley who unfortunately will be done playing basketball after this weekend, and other’s that will survive to play another day as they take a step closer to the state finals. At Sports 10, we get to see so many great sectionals this time of year. It was hard to narrow it down to just five, but rules are rules. Here’s the special Sectional Edition of the RPI, in no particular order.

Mooresville Sectional

Game 1: Terre Haute South vs. Mooresville

Game 2: Terre Haute North vs. Martinsville

Here in the Wabash Valley, particularly Terre Haute, we would love to see a North-South showdown for the championship. The bracket is aligned for that to happen, now both teams just need to take care of business.

Terre Haute South plays in the opening semi-final Friday night against Mooresville.  Mooresville comes in at 10-11 while the Braves come into play at 9-13. South has lost three straight games, but all three have been to teams better than Mooresville. Indy North Central is a powerhouse, Evansville North is tough, and Rockville looks to be poised to return to Bankers Life for the title game, cruising through the year without a blemish. A season in the MIC has the Braves well prepared for this game, now they need to take advantage. The Braves start with Jeffrey Turner and he’ll undoubtedly be keyed on by the Mooresville defense. Another source of scoring will have to play hero for the Braves to advance. For much of the season, that’s been Kevaris Gregory. He’s a shot maker, and long and rangy on the defensive end.  This one will be tight, but I think the fresh legs from the bye will get South over the hump. Logan Steward, takes open shots and makes four threes on his way to a 14 point night. He’s the extra spark the Braves need to play on Saturday night.

The other side of the bracket features Martinsville against Terre Haute North. After losing three straight during a brutal portion of the MIC schedule to end the season the Patriots appear to be back. They blasted Plainfield by 23 on opening night and will try to keep it rolling against Martinsville. At 11-9 the Artesians are no slouch. When South wins the early game, North will have to focus on Martinsville first and not look ahead to their rivals the following night. North has a nice combination of size, ability and most importantly senior leadership. I look for the seniors to draw deep down into their experience from a great tournament run last year. Calvin Blank will be a matchup problem for anyone in this sectional. He plays so hard every night and will pace the Patriot offense. When teams double Blank, they can’t leave Stephen Davis. He is a sniper from long range and is long and athletic enough to get his shot off over the defense. Austin Lewis, a D-1 football recruit, provides more athleticism and Nate Jahn runs the show to perfection. I look for North to march on decidedly Friday night and meet South in the finals.

A rivalry game in the finals is really all we can ask for as a Terre Haute sports community. The draw made it possible and I think it happens. Blank and Turner both can put the ball in the basket, but at the end of the day I think it’s the tough defense from the North side that’s the difference. The Patriots pride themselves in defensive toughness and it’s on that end that they make it difficult for South in the title game.

Pick: Terre Haute North

North Knox Sectional

Game 1: Bloomfield vs. Sullivan

Game 2: Linton vs. North Knox

North Knox knocked off the defending champs on opening night and now will take on mighty Linton in the semis. Home court advantage works out nicely in this case.  Linton brings to the table everything 2A schools dream of. They have tons of size, the schools all time leading scorer in Dess Fougerousse. Pair him with 6’8” standout Austin Karazsia and you have one of the most dynamic 1-2 punches in the Wabash Valley. The Miners are 19-3 with losses to Sullivan, Casey-Westfied, and Clay City. They have the star power to win a title, but first have to get past the Warriors on their home floor.

After getting the lone bye in the sectional, Bloomfield now has 20-3 Sullivan in the semis. That doesn’t seem like much of a reward. The Cardinals have been solid this season and have a nice inside outside combo with Ben Hayes and Kyle Robinson. The Arrows have to be the favorite in this sectional. They haven’t lost since Rockville beat them in the Pizza Hut Classic. Since that game they’ve won 13 straight. It’s a combination of a stellar point guard in Brooks Weszely, size and strength inside with Jake Kinneman and Michael Hutchcraft, and Nate Pirtle and Max Gregory providing sparks on the wing. This is a complete lineup and they’ll be hard for Bloomfield to contain.

It’s lined up for Sullivan and Linton to meet in the championship game. The two teams have combined for a 39-6 record this season. This will be a clash of the titans. If Linton can establish Karazsia early and often inside against the Arrow bigs they have a good chance. The Miners are probably the underdogs, but I’ve got to give them the nod ever so slightly over a talented Sullivan bunch.

Pick: Linton

Loogootee Sectional

Game 1: Loogootee vs. North Daviess

Game 2: Barr-Reeve vs. Shoals

Jack Butcher Arena will be packed to the brim Friday night for the Lions to get the semis going against North Daviess. The student crowd from North Daviess travels as well as anyone and they’ll be loud and proud as the Cougars try to knock off the defending champs. Loogootee got a scare in the opener when Vincennes Rivet took them to overtime. If they don’t kick up the urgency fast, they’ll be in trouble.  Just when the Cougars had gone 2-2, midway through February and looked to be a notch below mighty Barr-Reeve and Loogootee, they knock of Eastern Greene to finish the year and are right back amongst the big boys. North Daviess plays great defense and has a phenomenal leader in Nick Crays. The Lions will run their offense through forward Conner Wittmer. Both teams will look to control tempo and this one could end up being played in the 30’s. If it comes down to a last second bucket, which is very possible, I like the Cougars. I always say great guards win in March and that’s no different here. Crays makes the difference; North Daviess gets to the finals.

The other semi features Shoals and Barr-Reeve and might not be quite as close. Barr-Reeve looks like a team to be reckoned with. They are 21-1 and won by 40 in the opening round game against Washington Catholic. Barr-Reeve has every piece you need to make a deep run. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they are playing on the last day of the season at Bankers Life. Even though the Vikings didn’t get a bye, drawing opposite Loogootee and North Daviess is a win in itself. The Vikings shouldn’t have to play nearly as tight of a game as the Lions and Cougars. They’ll march into the title game and then win a barn burner in the sectional title.

Pick: Barr-Reeve

North Vermillion Sectional

Game 1: Turkey Run vs. Rockville

Game 2: Covington vs. Attica

There really isn’t much more you can say about this Rockville team.  I talked to a class just the other day about how fun it is to see a look in a players eyes that makes you know he’s not going to lose. That’s the look Lane Mahurin has had since Christmas. I really think Turkey Run is playing so hard right now that they could’ve won a game in this sectional, then they got the bye and play Rockville, that’s tough luck. It’s the championship game that could be fun. Rockville has blasted both Attica and Covington this season, and they’ll look to do it again. Coach Dave Mahurin told me, “I don’t like Attica or Covington. If we get past Turkey Run, I’ll be excited to try to get after either team. Attica might be playing better right now. There is definitely bad blood between the two teams. It should be exciting.” Those words are coming from a coach that comes into the new season undefeated and is rightfully confident. I don’t see the Rox getting a challenge until at least the second game of regionals. A Barr-Reeve, Rockville championship game would be fantastic and would turn the Wabash Valley upside down. I think the Rox start to hold up their end of the bargain with a sectional championship.

Pick: Rockville

White River Valley Sectional

Game 1: Eminence vs. White River Valley

Game 2: Clay City vs. Shakamak

The sectional at White River Valley should be an absolute battle. I like the Wolverines to move on over Eminence in the semis, especially on their home court.  The second game is the one to watch. Clay City and Shakamak are sure to grind it out in an all out war. The Lakers have played a brutal schedule on their way to an 11-11 record. This time of year is when that pays off. If you like scorers, this is your game because Blake Cesinger for Clay City and Brodie Crowe for Shakamak can fill it up. Clay City will be the favorite, sporting a 13-8 record, but I’m going to say the tough schedule pays off for Crowe and the Lakers as they march to the finals to take on the Wolverines.

In their first meeting this season the Lakers edged the Wolverines 42-40 in Switz City. While WRV has some really nice players with Cade Hill and Luke Mowery, I think the star power Crowe brings to the table will be the difference. The Lakers move out of a sectional after knocking off Clay City and White River Valley by 5 points, combined.

Pick: Shakamak

The RPI has been a blast to debut this season. If you’re a regular reader, or a first timer, I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I’m going to try and blog regularly during the basketball offseason and possibly about individual matchups as the playoffs continue. If you have any topics you’d like to hear about email me or shoot me a tweet. Until then, I’ll see you at the gym.

-Ross

The final regular season edition of the RPI for basketball season is upon us. It’s been a fun piece to sit down and write week to week. It’s been a blast reaching out to coaches and getting their opinions on various teams and opponents because they are truly the people that know the competition and talent around the Wabash Valley best. If you’re a regular reader, thank you. I’m glad you’re at least semi- enjoying this read and tell your friends, the more the merrier. Here goes nothing, the last regular season basketball edition of the RPI.

Terre Haute South at Rockville

With the weather starting to turn hazardous with sleet and snow beginning to engulf the Wabash Valley, it’s hard to guess whether some of these games will even be played tomorrow. Let’s assume they are, and the cold weather won’t be a factor because the heat inside the Rock-o-Dome will be unmatched. At this point in the season, what else can you really say about the Rox. Lane Mahurin looks more impressive every time I see him, which is saying a lot because I’ve always been impressed. The supporting cast continues to know their role, and they’re really talented as well. Keyontre Wilkey has shown glimpses of blow by ability and two high percentage bombers flank him and Mahurin with Gary Ulrich and Jordan McFall. Standing in between the Rox and a perfect regular season are coach Dave Mahurin’s alma mater, the Terre Haute South Braves.  South is 9-12 and have lost five out of the last six, but it’s been against an absolutely brutal schedule. That lone win came against a very good Ben Davis team. That win alone shows that South is certainly capable. Jeffrey Turner leads the offensive attack scoring more than 25 per game. Every time I see South play or see highlights it seems like Logan Steward is lighting it up from long distance. The Braves will want to come in and use their depth against the Rox. The atmosphere in the Rock-o-Dome is going to be awesome. If you’re a basketball fan, this is a classic matchup you’ll want to see. South has the athleticism to matchup with Rockville but I don’t see an answer for Mahurin. He’s shown a will to win lately that can’t be denied. Rockville gets past South for the first perfect regular season in school history.

Pick: Rockville

Barr-Reeve at Bloomfield

Barr-Reeve is at it again. They once again are having a phenomenal year and have climbed all the way up to #3 in Class A. The Vikings put an impressive 19-1 record on the line in a tough environment at Glover Gymnasium. Bloomfield has lost 2 in a row but still have an 11-9 record. Those two losses both came on the road. I’m excited to see two matchups in this one. The first one comes in the post. Addison Wagler leads Barr-Reeve in scoring and rebounding and the sophomore is establishing himself as one of the best players in the area. Bloomfield will counter Wagler with Kyle Robinson. Robinson doesn’t put up the obnoxious statline quite like Wagler but he’s just as steady. Robinson is long and athletic in the post and is like a pogo stick off the block. He’s a tough player. Ben Hayes leads the Cardinals backcourt against a plethora of talented guards for the Vikings. If Hayes is hot he’ll light up anyone. The stingy Barr-Reeve defense will almost certainly be focused on taking him away. I’m continually impressed with the maturity of Vikings point guard Logan James. He doesn’t score a ton, because he doesn’t have to.  Micah Bullock compliments Wagler in the post by scoring more than 12 ppg. James, Bradon Wagler and Jacob Bledsoe round out the scoring punch of this balance team averaging between 6 and 7 ppg apiece.  For Bloomfield to knock off the Vikings, they’ll have to play mistake free basketball and win the battle on the boards. They only game Barr-Reeve has lost this season came at the hands of their biggest rival the Loogootee Lions. The winning trend continues here.

Pick: Barr-Reeve

Eastern Greene at North Daviess

The recipe has been fairly simple for North Daviess this season, score 40 points and win almost every time. The Cougars are 14-6 this season. In the six losses they’ve scored 46, 42, 14, 39,26, and 34. I’m throwing out the 42 because it came in two overtimes against Barr-Reeve. You see numbers there like 14, 26, and, 34 and see that sometimes for one reason or another the Cougar offense just doesn’t show up.  You know you’re going to get good defense with a North Daviess team and they are certainly going to play hard. When they score, they are one of the best teams around. Eastern Greene comes in at 13-7. In Levi Carmichaels first year the T-birds have been good. If you throw out a 5 game skid right after the New Year, they’ve been great. Tyler Brough is one of those players that’s worth the price of admission. He can range from anywhere and he’s long and athletic enough to get his own shot in traffic or rise above the defense from the perimeter. How the tough Cougar defense treats Brough should be interesting. North Daviess counters with Nick Crays who seems to be playing well through a thumb injury and Wes Lengacher, another inside-outside scorer. The Cougars last two losses have come on the road and they’ll be ready to play for the season finale. When it’s all said and done, I think Eastern Greene will push the pace and use their physicality to edge the Cougars headed into the sectional.

Pick: Eastern Greene

Robinson vs. Newton (Regional Championship game)

Two days ago I would’ve said Robinson clearly rises above anyone in this regional, then I watched Dylan Davidson put on one of the best individual performances I’ve seen in the area this year. In the semi finals against Casey-Westfield, Davidson put up 27. The beauty of it may have been the fact that I didn’t see a bad shot or a poor decision from the straw that stirs the drink for the Eagles. Newton will come out make the regional title game a tough environment for Robinson to come into and win. Keep in mind, Newton was the only LIC team to beat Robinson this year when Davidson erupted in the conference tournament.  Luke Stone provides more scoring spark. He’s got some size on the interior and can also step outside and drill the three. A key player if Newton is going to pull another upset is Keith Butler. Butler is big and strong on the interior and will have to contend with the talented bigs of the Maroons. In the Casey game Davidson was driving and leaving open 10 footers for Butler and he was knocking them all down. If he shoots it that well again, Newton will be tough to beat. Robinson became one of the darlings of the year when they burst onto the scene with some head turning performances during the Pizza Hut Classic. On paper, the Maroons have every single element you need to not only win the regional, but make a deep run towards Peoria. They have a young fiery coach in Mack Thompson who gets the most out of his kids. On the floor, I’m a believer that it starts at the point guard position and Aaron Siler gives the Maroons one of the best around. I’ve not seen Davidson as much as Siler this season, but the way Davidson played Wednesday night this could be an incredible matchup of the floor generals. Inside Drew Nicholas and Michael Akande have been good all season long. The few occasions Robinson has ran into trouble this year has been when one or both of their bigs have been in foul trouble. That’s not a coincidence. Both players are physical and hit the boards hard. If Akande and Nicholas stay on the floor, Robinson won’t lose this ballgame. Sweet shooting off-guard Cory Blount and Mr. Hustle Brayden Scott round out the starting lineup that boasts all kinds of winning ingredients. Newton has a lot going for them in this one. They’ve beaten Robinson, so they know it can be done. The game is on Newton’s home floor in front of what’s sure to be a potent crowd. Dylan Davidson looked like a truly elite player in the semis against Casey. Robinson, though, just has too many pieces to try and take away. In this high octane environment the Maroons will be focused and move on to the Greenville Sectional, but it won’t be without a fight.

Pick: Robinson

Defiance vs. Rose-Hulman

For the first time in it’s young history a college game makes it way into the RPI. I usually focus solely on the high school matchups, but with Rose-Hulman the top seed hosting the HCAC tournament, lets address the buzz that is Engineers basketball. First things first, I can’t see a reason to give Defiance a chance in this one. Rose-Hulman is on their home floor; they are leading the country in defense only giving up 50.4 ppg, and have a 1-2 scoring punch that is out of this world. Julian Strickland is one of the best D-3 players I’ve ever seen in person. His silky smooth ability to attack a defense or knock down a jumper is uncanny. The junior leads the team in scoring at more than 14 points per game. Point guard Austin Weatherford can also fill it up. He runs the offense well and scores when he needs to. Weatherford picks his spots nicely, and you can usually count on him to bury a big three at an even bigger time in the ball game. The Engineers compliment their star guards with a 6’6” duo inside. Jon Gerken and Brent Balsbaugh both have ability to score some on the interior and hit the glass hard. They defend the post well and fit nicely within the elements of this basketball team. Nate Gissentanner provides serious spark off the bench,coming in and averaging nearly 8 ppg. Gissentanner is the team’s third leading scorer. Rose won the conference championship outright this season for the first time since 1999. They won’t be done yet folks. With the conference tournament at home I see the Engineers rolling over Defiance and claiming a conference tournament championship over Transylvania or Hanover on Saturday night.

Pick: Rose-Hulman

The next RPI released will feature sectional breakdowns for our high school teams in Indiana. Feel free to weight in with your opinions at anytime. Until then, I’ll see ya at the gym.

-Ross

Last week the RPI featured girl’s sectional predictions, this week we get back to the boys game. I correctly predicted 1 out of 5 sectional champions in the Wabash Valley. Congratulations to the Sullivan Lady Arrows for proving me right, also to Shakamak, North Vermillion, Greencastle, and Mooresville for proving me wrong. Needless to say 20% isn’t a terribly high success rate, so it’s time to get back on track this week. Here goes nothing.

Attica at Rockville

Rockville enters play this weekend just two wins away from a perfect regular season. They are 20-0, ranked tops in the state, they’ve beaten good teams from bigger schools, and look like an invincible machine this season. Attica comes to the Rock-o-dome Friday night and bring with them an 8-8 record. The Red Ramblers are a conference foe, so you better believe the Rox will be focused and pumped up for this one. With a game against Terre Haute South looming as the season finale next week, it would be easy for Rockville to overlook Attica. I just don’t see that happening. Lane Mahurin has taken his game to the next level. The biggest difference I see from Lane is the improved ability to beat defenders off the dribble consistently. He’s scoring at will, and has such a feel for the game to find talented teammates when the opposition doubles or even triple teams him. The possibility of a trap game helps Attica, but not enough. Rox keep rolling in this one.

Pick: Rockville

Bloomfield at North Knox

The Bloomfield Cardinals travel to North Knox Friday night winning four of their last five, however that loss was in their last game to a really tough Sullivan team. Matt Britton’s team is getting better as the year goes on and more threats develop alongside standout guard Ben Hayes. North Knox is 7-13 and lost three of their last four including an overtime battle against Wood Memorial. With Eastern Greene, Linton, and Sullivan all looming in Sectional 47, it’s going to be very competitive, but Bloomfield is moving into that upper level with the way they are playing right now. With a sectional that deep it could come down to the draw. I think Hayes and Kyle Robinson combine for 35 in this one and Bloomfield continues to win.

Pick: Bloomfield

Clay City at Northview

This Clay County battle features a great one on one matchup. Blake Cesinger for Clay City and Craig Peters for Northview will be fun to watch in this one. Class A Clay City picked up a marquee win this week with a 3 point win over Linton this week. The Miners are extremely big and talented and the Eels knocked them off. Cesinger is the real deal. He’s athletic and can shoot it. He has a nose for the basketball and seems to put himself in the right place to collect loose balls and rebounds. For Northview it starts with Peters at the point. He can really shoot it. After a great start to the season, Northview is 2-11 in their last 13 ball games. If theirs anything to get pumped up about, it’s a county rivalry and the Knights will be there to play. Credit the fans, Northview always has a brimming student section that creates a great environment to play in. Rivalry games always seem to come down to the wire, and this one will be no different. I think Cesinger makes a play to win it down the stretch for the Eels and Clay City keeps the momentum rolling.

Pick: Clay City

Shakamak at Eastern Greene

Shakamak makes the trip to Eastern Greene also peaking at the right time. With a 4-2 record in their last six the Lakers losses came to Barr-Reeve and in overtime to Clay City, certainly not losses to be ashamed of. What really makes the Lakers tough is the fact the Brodie Crowe has proven night after night that he can go for 30 at any point. The T-Birds counter with a standout of their own. Tyler Brough has great elevation and a quick release on his jumper. When Brough gets one to go, lookout, because more 3-point bombs are coming. Watching these two snipers go back and forth Friday night should be fun because both can absolutely light it up. The T-Birds are 12-7 and have a physical presence to go alongside Brough’s ability to fill it up. They lost to Edgewood last week and will be hungry to get back on the winning side of things. I wouldn’t want to see either one of these teams on opening night in sectionals, and this is a tough one to call so I’ll go with the home team. Eastern Greene comes out on top on their home court.

Pick: Eastern Greene

Robinson at Oblong

9.2 miles of pavement on Route 33 in Illinois separates these two communities. Both have a star and energy will be high when the Maroons go on the road to visit the Panthers. Anthony Johnson leads Oblong. He’s a big guard that’s athletic and can range from deep. Johnson is probably the most likely local player in this year’s class to play at the Division One level. He’s got the frame and the game to play at that level. To date, Aaron Siler put on the performance of the year, at least that I’ve been able to witness. He couldn’t miss during the second round of the Pizza Hut Classic, and turned lots of heads on the big stage of the popular tournament. Robinson creates all kinds of matchup problems for Oblong with their size and physicality. Siler is the player everyone knows, but he’s not the only contributor to this Robinson team. All five starters are capable of double figures in the scoring department on any given night. Derrick Nicholas provides toughness in the post while Braden Scott gets on the floor after 50-50 balls as well as anyone. Robinson has a serious chance to make a run in the Illinois playoffs and they’ll prevail in this matchup Friday night.

Pick: Robinson

RPI: Special Girls Sectional Preview Edition

With the playoffs kicking off, it seemed fitting to release a special sectional edition of the RPI for girls basketball.  Here are the five most intriguing sectional matchups with local interest.

4A Terre Haute South, Sectional 12

Terre Haute South hosts Sectional 12 this year, and the Braves look to be one of the major contenders.  The Braves are 14-7 on the year, and coach Cara Stuckey has her team playing well at the right time.  South has won four of their last five including a 30-point blowout of Carmel and an overtime win over cross-town rival Terre Haute North.  The only loss in that time-frame came to fellow sectional contender Mooresville: a game in which the Braves turned it over entirely too much and still only lost by two.  With Tasia Brewer and Emily Bell, along with the scoring spark Labrea Joyner has brought to the table: lookout.  Brewer is shooting better than 60% from inside the arc.  She’s incredibly athletic and getting better every day. With the draw they got, I can’t see the Braves bowing out before Saturday night.

The other side of the bracket is more interesting as 16-4 Mooresville awaits the winner between Terre Haute North and Martinsville. I like the Patriots to win their first game. Nicole Anderson is a tough player. She is headed to Miami of Ohio to play at the next level and can do it all. She averages more than 14 points and six rebounds per game. Defenses will key on Anderson, but the Patriots have more talent with Adrienne Pritchard on the interior and guard Layne Curley. Pritchard averages nearly ten points and nine rebounds per game while Curley also scores nearly ten per contest. Curley has the ability to take over a game before you realize it if people are paying too much attention to Anderson. Senior Lindsay Clark only averages four points per game, but shows ability to score with a nice mid-range jumper. If the Patriots make a deep run, I’m guessing Clark out-produces her average.

I like North to upset Mooresville in the semis and give Terre Haute a North-South Sectional Championship at THS. That’s when the tough draw catches up to the Patriots; they run out of gas in the fourth quarter and once again Brewer proves to be the X-factor. The Braves win the sectional on their home court.

Pick: Terre Haute South

3A Brown County, Sectional 28

At 15-6, Owen Valley seems to be the darlings of the Brown County Sectional with a record that seems surprising, considering they only managed nine wins last season. The Patriots have a rivalry game Tuesday night in the opening round against Edgewood.  The Mustangs are led by Vanessa Brown, a 5’10” scorer than can do it all. Brown can light you up from outside and is one of the best players in the sectional.

Awaiting the winner of that one is Evansville commit Sasha Robinson and Brown County. The six-foot-tall post player has been on a tear lately and clearly creates matchup problems for other teams in the sectional. Five-foot four-inch point guard Alicia Wilson leads Owen Valley. She dictates an offense that features many high screens, pick and rolls, back doors, and weave action sets. Just a junior, Wilson is averaging 18 points per game to go along with more than five assists and six steals per contest. The pesky guard is getting looks from several Division II schools.

For the Patriots to win the sectional, six-foot-tall center Megan Eldridge needs to play well. The schools career leader in blocked shots could go a long way to neutralize Robinson in a potential matchup with Brown County.  Shelden Williams averages nine points per game and is the team’s best three-point shooter. If she’s making shots, that gives Wilson even more room to maneuver and makes the Patriots really tough to beat.

It will be interesting to see how much the Patriots can get out of a third scoring threat, Hannah Corder, who’s coming back from a broken nose the last game of the season. She’ll be in a mask Tuesday night, but she’ll be suited up.

Owen Valley beat every team in the sectional during the regular season, though most of those games were very tight.  They have a tough road to go with Edgewood and Brown County out of the gate, but I like the best point guard in the sectional to prevail in tight ball games. The Patriots dream season continues at least another week.

Pick: Owen Valley

2A Sullivan, Sectional 47

The unique seven-team sectional at Sullivan features all seven teams from the Wabash Valley. North Central gets the ticket to the semis with a bye, while the other six schools have to play their way there.

At 19-2, the Sullivan Lady Arrows come in as the heavy favorite, but North Knox looms on the other side of the bracket with upset plans of their own. They return all five starters that lost to Sullivan in the sectional finals last season. Junior Maria Gugliotta leads the way for Steve Meurer’s squad. Gugliotta is averaging more than 15 points and ten rebounds per game. She’s turned it up a notch since Christmas averaging more than 20 points per game since the holiday. Sullivan is ranked 3^rd in the state in Class 2A. The Arrows have their eyes on a trip to the Hulman Center and have good reason to be optimistic.  Indiana State recruit Rhagen Smith is one of the most dominant players in the area. With opposing defenses keying on her all season, Smith still has managed 22 points and ten rebounds per game in her senior season. She’s tough as nails on the block, and makes nearly 80% of her free throws when teams send her to the line.

Four other senior contributors, including point guard Caelen Jones, flank Smith.  Jones has a tremendous basketball IQ, and Julie Meeks offense runs through Jones at the point. She scores 12 points per game along with more than four assists and four steals per contest. Cobie Harrison, Jaleigh Gilham, and Sydney Chapman all play their roles to perfection making the Arrows look like an unstoppable force. This team scores more than 60 points per game, but hang their hat on defense. The Lady Arrows are giving up only 32 points per game.

Any team with this much talent, that plays defense like the Lady Arrows are going to get my pick not only to win the sectional, but also to advance deep in the tournament. I think Sports 10 could have Rhagen Smith highlights from the Hulman Center before she ever puts on an Indiana State uniform.

Pick: Sullivan

1A North Vermillion, Sectional 53

Aside from a hospitality room stocked with some of the best pulled pork you’ll ever run across, the basketball at Sectional 53 this year should be outstanding. Two of the top seven teams in Class A start their tournament runs at North Vermillion High School. Sixth-ranked Riverton Parke and 7^th ranked North Vermillion are on opposite sides of the bracket so we should have a showdown for the championship on Saturday night.

The draw really intrigues me in this one. Riverton Parke will have to play twice to make the finals, but probably has an easier road to the championship, opening with 2-14 Turkey Run then playing 8-12 Rockville. On the other hand, the Falcons get a bye, but will likely play a tough 14-6 Attica squad in the semis. I like North Vermillion to win that one setting up another re-match with Riverton Parke in the finals.  These teams are quite familiar with one another, splitting two games already this season. The Falcons are 21-2, while the Panthers are 17-3.

The best player in this sectional leads Riverton Parke, and depending on who you’re asking, she could be the best player in the Wabash Valley. Evansville bound Sarah Dickey averages 24 points per game and does it in every way you could imagine. She’s great from beyond the arc, she converts layups off turnovers, and she can beat you off the dribble and drop buckets in traffic. Dickey is truly exceptional, but she’s not a one trick act. Paige Yando scores 17 a game while pulling down 8 boards, and consistent point guard Makenzie Pollard leads the team in assists and steals per game while running the crisp, aggressive Panthers attack.

If this game turns into a track meet, it certainly favors Riverton Parke. North Vermillion counters with a combination of balance, size, and terrific defensive presence. Coach Naylor’s Falcons didn’t win 21 games this season by accident. For the Falcons to win, Darby Martin has to have a big game on the interior. She’s averaged double figures in the rebounding column the past two seasons and provides a mismatch inside against the Panthers. Taylor Turchi is kind of a do it all point guard who can get in the lane and make open shots from the outside. Seniors Kylee Karr and Mikayla Kinneer are also versatile scorers who knock down open looks, but can also be effective in the post depending on the look the defense gives them.

To beat a team like Riverton Parke who brings back most of their team that went to semi-state last year, an unsung hero has to show up. This year that unsung hero might be freshman Rhiannon Grubbs. Grubbs can flat out shoot it from three. If she’s left open, she’ll bury it. If Grubbs gets a couple to go early, that might put some pressure on Riverton Parke.

At the end of the day North Vermillion is too good not to win a sectional, but I’m afraid with the draw they got, it might not happen. This Riverton Parke team has been playing together for a long time. They have postseason experience from last year’s deep run, and they’re playing for something bigger. Assistant Coach Sarah Norton continues to battle breast cancer, and scheduled surgery so she wouldn’t have to miss sectional games. That is a perfect representation of the heart and dedication of this Panthers team.  North Vermillion is really, really good; but stars win championships and Sarah Dickey is a flat out star. This is the first of many trophies the Panthers chalk up for Norton.

Pick: Riverton Parke

1A Barr-Reeve, Sectional 63

The Barr-Reeve sectional features three of the top 15 teams in the state in Class A. Vincennes Rivet leads the charge ranked 4^th in the state. The Lady Patriots also got a fantastic draw receiving a bye, and sitting on the opposite side of the bracket from the Vikings and Cougars. Tim Young is no stranger to success, bringing home a state championship in 2011 with a 28-0 squad.

This year’s team hasn’t been quite that dominant. At 17-4 they have been beatable at times. Young plays ten players and has four that average double figures. Allyson Wehrheim can fill it up and Bailey Dreiman is a fantastic point guard who played a significant role on that championship team as a freshman. Junior Lauren Herman and Freshman Kelsey Ivers also average double figures for Rivet.

North Daviess squares off with the hosts on Tuesday night. Both teams come in at 16-4 and this is truly anyone’s ball game. North Daviess can dominate you on the defensive end. They are second in the state in defensive average, giving up just 29.4 points per game. Sometimes the Cougars have a little bit of trouble on the offensive end. They only average 40 points per-game; so tremendous defense is the key to success.

The Cougars have capable scorers. Sabra Smith and Meghan Knepp both average 12 points per game, while Larynda Keith averages six assists per game. This team has tremendous heart and truly believes they can beat anyone. It’s worked so far this season for the Cougars seeing they’ve won 80% of the games they’ve played.

North Daviess opens against a Barr-Reeve team that has battled injury woes all season and still managed to go 16-4. They have been missing at least one starter in 11 games this season. They have one of the best players in the sectional with Junior guard Jenna Knepp. She can be a game changer averaging 15 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists per game. You won’t find a player that fills up the box score much more than Knepp.

Head Coach Mark Holt said, “If we can finally get healthy, and that is still a big if, we feel we can still contend for the sectional championship.” With the typical home court atmosphere that Barr-Reeve provides, I tend to agree with Coach Holt. Knepp leads the Vikings to a sectional title over two very tough teams.

Pick: Barr-Reeve

Good Luck to all of the teams playing to continue their season starting Tuesday night. Hopefully we’ll see some of these teams playing for all the marbles at the Hulman Center on March 2^nd. Until then, I’ll see you at the game.

-Ross

RPI: February 1^st

The RPI hits the presses this week following the first perfect predicting in it’s history. Congratulations to Terre Haute North Boys, Terre Haute South Girls, Barr-Reeve, Loogootee, and Casey-Westfield for living up to my predictions with wins last week.  I’ve got to say, this was probably the toughest week to date to narrow the field down to just five games. I had a tough time not including Clay City vs. Shakamak in this one, or Eastern Greene and White River Valley but rules are rules and here’s my top five games of the week.

Indy North Central at Terre Haute North

We’ll start with Terre Haute North. Coming off of a win against their bitter rivals, Terre Haute South, the Patriots head to Indianapolis to take on 10^th ranked Indy North Central. The Panthers have won three straight, the most recent a seven point victory over Warren Central.  North Central has a terrific cast of talent led by Eron Gordon who’s young, but incredibly talented. The matchup I’m looking forward too most is a battle of beef in the post. Two incredibly talented D-1 football recruits go at it on the basketball floor. Calvin Blank and Darius Latham will duke it out in the lane. Blank will go to Ball State while the 6-5 270 pound Latham is committed to the University of Indiana. Blank needs to get the better end of that battle for the Patriots to have a chance, and I think he will. Make no mistake, a Terre Haute North win in this game would absolutely be an upset, but I think they have the ingredients to pull something off that no ones expecting. To make the unexpected come true North will need a stellar shooting performance from Stephen Davis and/or Casey Vickers. Both are very capable from long range, and shots falling from deep would go a long way in the upset. The Patriots will always defend, which puts them in every game. Blank comes up large and Davis goes for 20. Terre Haute North comes up with a 4-point win.

Pick: Terre Haute North

Vincennes Lincoln at Washington

The oldest rivalry in Indiana continues Friday night when Vincennes Lincoln travels to Washington.  The Zellers are long gone, with youngest Cody making his mark as one of the top players in the country at Indiana, but make no mistake this one will be tight. The Hatchets come into this contest at 6-9 on the season, and are led by big man Cullen Arnold. He’s 6-7 and brings a nice skill set to go along with his size in the post.  Vincennes comes in at 11-5 and will be the favorites in this one. The Alices have surprised some folks with the high level of success already this season and to take it to the next level they need to take better care of the basketball, but this team is made up of some really nice pieces. The centerpiece is big man Avory Mickens. The powerful post presence averages 17 points per game. He can score with his back to the basket and use to the dribble to take bigger defenders to the hole.  His interior teammate Josh Sprinkle provides another tough matchup inside for the Hatchets. Lincoln’s junior stands at 6’5”, he’s averaging over 12 points per game and has really stepped up his game of late. There’s no doubt the strength of this Vincennes team is on the interior, but guards Patrick Toole and Cole Claycomb do a fantastic job of making open shots and forcing defenses to pay close attention. I really like the makeup of Vincennes Lincoln. I think they have the roster to win a sectional, and even with Arnold and legendary coach Gene Miiller, the Alices get the better end of this one.

Pick: Vincennes Lincoln

Rockville at Fountain Central

The question remains “Can any team beat Rockville?” At 18-0, the Rox seem invincible this season. The toughest test they’ll see in the conference comes Friday night when they travel to Fountain Central. The Mustangs enter the game at 14-2. If we’re just looking at records, this should be a good one, but I don’t think it’ll be that close. Rockville is just in a different league this year. For instance, one of the Mustangs loses came against Covington. The Rox beat Covington by 21 points. This team is built perfectly against star forward and recent Indiana-Wesleyan signee Lane Mahurin. We all know about sharp shooters Jordan McFall and Gary Ulrich, who just signed with Wabash College. Lately, tiny point guard Keyontre Wilkey has been getting his name in the paper more often as well. If Wilkey’s turning turnovers into layups, you can forget about beating the Rox. With the top of the conference at stake, I don’t see Rockville feeling bad about a blowout. Rox win by 25.

Pick: Rockville

North Daviess at Bloomfield

Let’s just start with giving props for an electric environment at Glover Gymnasium. The Cardinals student section is awesome. They showed it off Tuesday night with Sports 10 cameras rolling. The Cardinals team is pretty impressive as well. Matt Britton’s squad is 10-7 on the season and they’re riding a three game winning streak heading into Friday night. Everybody knows about Ben Hays, but Kyle Robinson has been playing well of late for Bloomfield.  He’ll need to continue that trend to beat North Daviess. Another key to Bloomfield’s win streak is freshman Brandon VanSant. Like any freshman playing at the varsity level, he’s getting better as the season continues. VanSant has a nice face up game from mid-range and can even knock down the three if you leave him. He’s aggressive in the post, and really hits the offensive boards. VanSant should have a nice career for the Cardinals. North Daviess has been through the gauntlet of their schedule this season. The matchup between their star guard Nick Crays and Bloomfield standout Ben Hays will be worth the price of admission.  Crays is smart enough at the point to handle the pressure that Bloomfield will certainly try to use. Bloomfield is coming along nicely, but the Cougars are ranked 10^th in the state for good reason.

Pick: North Daviess

Newton at Robinson

Newton shocked the Maroons in the semi-finals of the LIC tournament when they sent Robinson packing a round before expected. You can bet Coach Mack Thompson hasn’t forgotten that meeting and I’m sure he’s reminding his team of it every day leading up to the rematch.  The Maroons got good shots deep in the paint the first time around, they just didn’t get all of them to fall. On the other hand, Newton shot it well; they were unconscious from beyond the arc. (9-17) When it comes down to it the Maroons are very physical inside and should dominate the boards.  They have Aaron Siler who is typically the best player on the floor when the Maroons play anyone. Newton neutralized Siler in the first win that may be tough to repeat. Uncharacteristically, Robinson turned the ball over 17 times in the first meeting between those teams. Credit Newton’s defense for that, but I think Robinson will be ready this time around. The Maroons got a taste of defeat in the LIC Tournament, and I don’t think they liked it. They’ll be on a mission during a big weekend that includes a tough game Saturday night against Castle (Indiana). Robinson will take care of business behind 23 from Siler.

Pick: Robinson

Here’s hoping for 10 in a row. Good luck to all the teams going at it on Friday night. I’ll see you at the game.

-Ross

RPI: January 25^th

The RPI saw a down week last week. At least more were right than wrong, but 3-2 is never a record to brag about. It was certainly a week of not showing off, but not falling behind. Loogootee, Sullivan, and Rockville proved me right. Shakamak and Linton emerged victorious to prove me wrong. The Lakers find themselves back in the RPI this week, so without further ado:

Terre Haute North vs. Terre Haute South (Boys)

Expect an epic battle at the Hulman Center Friday night between Terre Haute North and Terre Haute South. On paper North has to be the favorite in this one, but in a North-South game, anything can happen. The Braves have lost two straight, but they’ve been tough road games against Class 3A 11^th ranked Guerin Catholic and Class 4A 2^nd ranked Carmel. The Braves will run their offense like they always do. Jeffrey Turner will score, and they will shoot lots of three’s. If the Braves are making shots they have a chance to pull the upset and move to 9-9 on the year. South will probably try and use quickness to negate the Patriots size advantage inside. Look for the Braves to run and jump the ball handler and use pressure to force North into turnovers. That all sounds great, but the Patriots are a very savvy, disciplined basketball team. Nathan Jahn has incredible basketball IQ at the point and he’ll be tough to turn over. At 9-6 Terre Haute North isn’t quite where they want to be from a record standpoint, but the pieces are there. Now that Austin Lewis is back from a knee injury, they have another element of size and athleticism on the interior. He’s a matchup problem for South. I look for Lewis and interior teammate Calvin Blank to combine for 40 as North handles the pressure and gets buckets under the rim to lead the Patriots to win number 10. They keep the shoe for the fourth straight year.

Pick: Terre Haute North

Terre Haute North vs. Terre Haute South (Girls)

For the first time in the brief history of the RPI, a Friday night girl’s game makes the cut. It’s the cross-town showdown between Terre Haute North and South that’s the opener for the boy’s game at Hulman Center with a 6:30 tip. Last year the Braves took the Crown back to the South side led by a 17 point quarter from Tasia Brewer.  The Lady Patriots are probably the favorites this season. Led by division one recruit Nicole Anderson they come into this game at 13-6.  Adrienne Pritchard gives the Patriots a very tough post presence, but a true point guard has eluded North this season, forcing Anderson into the role often. Even with point guard duties on her shoulders, Anderson has scored at a high rate and continues to show she’s one of the best players in the area. At 12-7 South has won 2 of their last 3, and it very easily could have been 3 straight. Against, a tough Mooresville team this week the Braves turned it over 32 times and only lost by 2.  Senior Tasia Brewer who can score in waves paces the Braves. Brewer is as dynamic of a player as there is in the area. If you leave her open, she can drill a three. She handles the ball well enough and slides to the rim with ease on the drive.  South will need a big game from Brewer to win. Another senior Emily Bell is great on the weak-side boards and makes a living in the paint. Terre Haute North beat Terre Haute South in the Terre Haute Savings Bank tip-off tournament, but I think the Braves have gotten better since then, I think it comes down to a Brewer bucket to win it, bringing the Crown back to the South side.

Pick: Terre Haute South

Shakamak vs. Barr-Reeve

Hats off to the Lakers for playing anybody, anywhere, anytime. Shakamak is 7-8 on the season but their schedule has been brutal and that will definitely pay off during tournament time.  The only loss to a 1A school in Indiana came at the hands of North Daviess and the Cougars are ranked 9^th in the state. Barr-Reeve’s inside duo of Addison Wagler and Jacob Bledsoe could give Shakamak fits. Wagler is a load inside and averages 14 points and 6 rebounds per game.  The Vikings are ranked 3^rd in the state and are 14-1. You don’t get their by being one dimensional, and this team is no different. Complimenting the inside duo are Micah Bullock and Brandon Wagler on the wings. Those two can both fill it up shooting better than 40% from deep. The Vikings offense is ran by a freshman, and a really good one. Logan James will be a player to keep an eye on as he moves up through his career at Barr-Reeve. The Lakers are playing good basketball, but this match-up is just too tough. Barr-Reeve comes away with a win at home.

Pick: Barr-Reeve

White River Valley vs. Loogootee

A rematch of last year’s upset when White River Valley knocked off eventual state champion Loogootee, you can bet the Lions remember that. This year the Wolverines travel to Lion country, and they bring a tough team with them. JB Neill’s team is 8-5, but they’ve lost 3 of their last 4. Cade Hill is such a tough player at the point and he’ll have to be the difference maker in this one for the Wolverines to knock off the champs for the second year in a row. Loogootee keeps getting better and better as the year rolls on. Conner Wittmer had a double double last week against Bloomfield with 20 points and 12 rebounds, and then followed it up the next night with 21 against Northeast Dubois. That same night Matt Mathies had a career-high 26 points.  Wittmer fouled out in the loss to White River Valley last season, the only game he fouled out of all season. Cam Wagler is coming off a back injury, if he is 100% and Wittmer and Mathies keep playing at this level, not many teams have a chance to beat the Lions.

Pick: Loogootee

LIC Championship Casey vs. Newton

Newton shocked the area knocking off a great Robinson team Tuesday night in the semi-finals of the Little Illini Conference Tournament. In that game Dylan Davidson was unconscious from beyond the arc scoring 24 points while dishing out 9 assists. Luke Stone added 12 points in the win and those two will once again be key if Newton is going to knock off Casey. The Warriors return Jordan Brandenburg to the lineup. He started the first four games of the year before breaking his foot. Friday night will be Brandenburg’s first game back, and his athleticism slowly working back in the rotation could be something for the Warriors to utilize to take the next step forward.  Newton likes to play up-tempo and push the pace, so an added body in the rotation will be key for Casey. Newton is 20-2 on the year, and one of those losses came at the hands of the Warriors.  Casey beat Flora on the way to the championship game, which was a huge step because of the way they won it. I’m impressed less by the score, but the fact that Casey won a low scoring grind it out game. When the Warriors commit to the defensive end like they did against Flora they can be really good. We all know they can score with anybody, adding Brandenburg and becoming well rounded on both ends could make them one of the elite teams in the Land of Lincoln.

Pick: Casey-Westfield

Best of luck to all the teams playing on Friday, as we prepare for the post season everybody continues to try and peak at the right time. As always, let me know what games you’re looking forward to next week. Until then, I’ll see you at the game.

-Ross

RPI: Friday January 18^th

This week’s edition of the RPI continues the search for a 5-0 week. Last week’s 4-1 was pretty solid, just short of perfection.ClayCitypicked up a big home win against Eastern Greene, giving me the only blemish on the slate last week. Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South,Rockville, and Robinson all picked up wins in last week’s game. The Maroons did get a scare fromMarshall. In the Paint will feature 16 games across theWabashValleythis week. Here are my thoughts on five of them.

Bloomfield at Loogootee

The Lions come into this one on a high, coming off their biggest win of the season against then second ranked Barr-Reeve. Loogootee emerged victorious in a slugfest between two of the top 1A schools in the state. After a 4-0 start to the season, Bloomfieldhas dropped 4 of their last five. South Knox knocked off the Cardinals at the buzzer last Friday, and Bloomfieldnow sits at 7-6 on the season. You can bet Bloomfieldwill be bringing it on the road against the Lions. This Loogootee team is 11-2, and the defending state champions. They’re continuing to gel and come together after losing Bryant Ackerman to graduation following the state title. Replacing one of the best players in the storied history of Loogootee is tough, but the Lions still there are more than capable. This week in the polls, Loogootee is up to 4^th, giving the Wabash Valley 4 of the top 5 teams in the class. Loogootee boasts one of the best players in the area in Conner Wittmer. The Lions big man can really shoot it, and gets tougher on the interior every time I see him. Matt Mathies brings more scoring punch to the table. They connect the dots perfectly between these two scorers with heady point guard Colin Nelson, tough, physical, forward Will Nonte, and skilled big manCam Wagler.Bloomfield will want this one bad, but I just don’t see enough firepower to knock off the mighty Lions.

Pick: Loogootee

Linton at North Daviess

Quite possibly the game of the night this Friday, 2A 8^th ranked Linton travels to 5^th ranked 1A North Daviess. Both of these teams have only lost twice this season.North Daviess dropped one to Tecumseh when their star Nick Crays couldn’t go in the second half because of an injury. Both of the Miners losses came in the Pizza Hut Classic when they fell to two tough teams in Sullivan and Casey. Linton features size that you usually don’t see in 2A. Dess Fougerousse brings terrific size to the perimeter for the Miners at 6’5”. When he’s got the motor flipped on he can play with anyone, and we saw that potential realized when he became the MVP of the Greene County Invitational. On the interior, Austin Karazsia stands 6’8” and is as fundamentally sound as it gets. He understands post position and uses his size and strength to put up huge scoring and rebounding numbers.North Daviess counters with Crays and company. As a sophomore Nick Crays proved he was big time, leadingNorth Daviess to a semi-state appearance. He needed knee surgery mid-season last year and the Cougars couldn’t make it out of the state’s toughest Class A sectional. This year he’s back and so are the Cougars. The key in this one will be Kelby Byrer on the interior. He doesn’t necessarily have to score; Crays and Wes Lengacher can do plenty of that. Byrer will probably get the task of neutralizing Karazsia on the interior. He has the size and strength to hang with the Linton star, but can’t get in foul trouble. I think this one will be an absolute classic, but lean on the theory that great guards come out on top in close games. Crays is a great guard, and this is a great win for the Cougars.

Pick:North Daviess

Eastern Greene at Sullivan

Sullivan is playing great basketball right now. Picking up a close win over a really good Vincennes Lincoln team on Saturday has propelled the Golden Arrows all the way up to 13^th in the class 2A polls. Brooks Weszely continues to play well at the point, while the Arrows bring good size to the paint. Nate Pirtle can heat up in an instant, and when he’s on this team is really tough to beat. Eastern Greene has fallen to 19^th in 2A, losers of 3 straight. 6’4” Tyler Brough is a really talented player who can shoot it. Nathan Sparks is physical at the guard spot and will matchup well with Weszely. The Thunderbids could use a win to stop the skid, but going to Sullivan isn’t an easy task. The student section is as rowdy as it gets, the fan base will be on hand, and you can bet Sullivan hasn’t forgotten who ended their season last year. Jeff Moore’s squad continues to improve and they make it four straight Friday night.

Pick: Sullivan

Shakamak at White RiverValley

The Lakers are 5-8 on the season, but they’re much better than the record shows. Just last weekend they dropped games to Marshall and North Daviess, two really tough teams in the area. Their other 6 losses come at the hands of Linton (twice), Terre Haute North, Northview, Sullivan, and Bloomfield. The Lakers don’t have a bad loss on their schedule. White RiverValleybrings an 8-3 record into this one. Linton is the only team that has managed to beat White RiverValleyat home in the championship of the Greene County Invitational. The Wolverines are led by Cade Hill, a playmaking guard that can shoot it and get to the rack. Luke Mowery’s presence on the inside has enabled shooters to get open on the wings. J.B. Neill has a good thing going in SwitzCity, and right now his Wolverines are probably the favorites to win sectional 57, especially since they host it. Steve Brett has the Lakers playing pretty well, much better than the 5-8 record indicates, but I like the Wolverines to keep racking up the wins at home.

Pick:White RiverValley

Rockville at North Vermillion

Rockvillecontinues to look like the best Class A team in the state, while North Vermillion continues to be an enigma. The Falcons have lost 4 straight, and are 3-6 on the season. On Friday night they got beat handily by a 2 win Turkey Run team, then turned around on Saturday and took a solidWest Vigosquad to overtime. So who shows up against the Rox? Brayden Woodard is a special athlete, butRockvillecounters with Joel Whittenmeyer, a strong guard who takes pride on the defensive end, and should because he’s lockdown. The Rox have everything you want in a Class A title contender. Lane Mahurin has been on a mission lately. Not many teams in the Valley have a player to contend with him, so the Falcons shouldn’t feel bad that they don’t either. The Rox went to play a 7-3Covingtonsquad last Friday and drilled them by 21. They continue to impress and come together and I don’t see North Vermillion being able to derail the train.

Pick: Rockville

As always if you want to hear my take on a game in the coming week, just let me know. Give me a shout through email at rrowling@wthitv.com or on twitter @rossrowling1. Until next time, I’ll see ya at the game.

-Ross