A little more progress was made as I went 15-4 (79 percent) last week. Heading into February, my overall mark at 158-60, which keeps me at 72 percent for the season.
FEBRUARY 1
Concord (3-11, 2-3 NLC) at NorthWood (6-8, 2-3 NLC): The Panthers marched to a 51-24 win against Concord last season. Brock Troyer netted six points in the Minutemen’s 60-54 loss at LaPorte. Nick Bean’s 10 points were not enough for NorthWood in a 61-47 loss to Warsaw. Matt’s pick: NorthWood 55, Concord 49.
FEBRUARY 2
Clay (3-11, 2-6 NIC) at Bremen (7-7, 2-4 NIC): The Colonials cruised to a 78-57 win against Bremen a year ago. Josh Black tallied nine points in Clay’s 89-60 loss at No. 8 (Class 4A) Riley. David Slos was limited to two points in the Lions’ 55-48 loss to Jimtown. Matt’s pick: Bremen 44, Clay 37.
Elkhart Central (2-12) at Fort Wayne North (2-14): The Legends downed Elkhart Central, 71-57, last year. Ty Windy drained a three-pointer in the Blazers’ 54-43 overtime loss to Warsaw. Ronald Collins came up with nine points in Fort Wayne North’s 55-37 loss to Fort Wayne Concordia. Matt’s pick: Elkhart Central 53, Fort Wayne North 51.
Jimtown (9-6) at Northridge (8-8): The Jimmies are looking to avenge a 60-47 a season ago. Austin Pearison poured in 29 points in Jimtown’s 68-61 loss at Adams. Sam Vogt netted 16 points in the Raiders’ 74-37 win over Clay. Matt’s pick: Northridge 50, Jimtown 48.
Marian (11-2) at Elkhart Memorial (12-4): The No. 6 (Class 3A) Knights crowned Elkhart Memorial, 68-47, in their last meeting. Maddix Bogunia chipped in two points in Marian’s 41-24 win over Elkhart Central. Hank Smith registered 11 points in the Chargers’ 53-48 win at Goshen. Matt’s pick: Elkhart Memorial 54, Marian 53.
Michigan City (8-10) at Adams (7-9): The Wolves roared to a 62-57 victory against Adams during the 2017-18 campaign. Ray Howard recorded 23 points in Michigan City’s 74-52 victory against Portage. TeVaughn Columbus added two points for the Eagles against Jimtown. Matt’s pick: Adams 69, Michigan City 66.
Penn (13-2, 7-0 NIC) at Riley (14-2, 7-0 NIC): The Wildcats claimed a pair of wins over No. 5 (Class 4A) Penn last season, including a 60-47 decision in the Class 4A Mishawaka sectional semifinals. Drew Lutz manufactured 24 points for the Kingsmen in their 80-57 win at Goshen. Dalen Pittman managed two points for Riley against Clay. Matt’s pick: Penn 76, Riley 73.
Prairie Heights (10-4) at Concord (4-11): The Minutemen needed overtime to earn a 64-60 win over Prairie Heights last year. Brandon Christleib finished with 18 points in the Panthers’ 63-43 win over Fremont. Luke Shoemaker’s 11 points lifted Concord to a 44-41 win at NorthWood. Matt’s pick: Prairie Heights 41, Concord 40.
Wawasee (4-11) at Bethany Christian (3-12): The Bruins suffered a 45-34 loss to Wawasee a year ago. Austin Miller scored 14 points in the Warriors’ 56-37 win against Lakeland. KeShawn Smith’s 16 points vaulted Bethany Christian to a 51-44 win over Elkhart Christian. Matt’s pick: Wawasee 47, Bethany Christian 38.