MONDAY
CLASS 4A MUNSTER
Hammond Central (24-1) vs. Munster (24-2): The No. 8 Mustangs cruised to a 65-45 win against No. 3 Hammond Central in last year’s sectional semifinals. Kenneth Grant scored 12 points in the Wolves’ 71-30 win over Hammond Morton. Nolan Kinsella’s 17 points vaulted Munster to a 56-51 win over Lake Central. Matt’s pick: Munster 49, Hammond Central 48.
CLASS 4A CROWN POINT
Chesterton (19-5) vs. Valparaiso (13-13): The Vikings suffered a 59-54 loss to Chesterton on February 17. Justin Sims racked up 16 points in the Trojans’ 59-50 win over Crown Point. Mason Jones tallied 28 points in Valparaiso’s 64-29 decision over Hobart. Matt’s pick: Chesterton 51, Valparaiso 45.
CLASS 4A LAPORTE
Michigan City (18-6) vs. Mishawaka (19-6): The Wolves posted a 67-49 win over Mishawaka on December 13. Jameer Nelson came up with 17 points in Michigan City’s 79-64 win over LaPorte. Cooper Pritchett amassed 13 points in the Cavemen’s 71-58 win over Riley. Matt’s pick: Michigan City 71, Mishawaka 65.
CLASS 4A ELKHART
Penn (25-1) vs. Northridge (15-10): The No. 2 Kingsmen crowned Northridge, 85-42, on January 17. Mookie Ward chipped in four points in Penn’s 55-37 win over Goshen. Alex Ellenson poured in 23 points in the Raiders’ 51-47 double-overtime win against Concord. Matt’s pick: Penn 78, Northridge 53.
CLASS 3A NORTHWOOD
West Noble (21-3) vs. NorthWood (23-2): The top-ranked Panthers edged No. 7 West Noble, 55-47, on February 7. Derek Slone managed nine points in the Chargers’ 57-53 win over Lakeland. Ian Raasch contributed 15 points in NorthWood’s 59-35 win over Fairfield. Matt’s pick: NorthWood 65, West Noble 56.
CLASS 3A GARRETT
Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger (11-13) vs. Fort Wayne Concordia (18-6): The Cadets needed overtime to claim a 47-44 win over Bishop Dwenger on December 16. Preston Ross finished with 22 points in the Saints’ 61-41 win over Heritage. Ben Bentz’s nine points off the bench lifted Concordia to a 58-48 win over Woodlan. Matt’s pick: Concordia 50, Bishop Dwenger 46.
CLASS 2A WHITING
Gary 21st Century (19-5) vs. Illiana Christian (19-5): Quinton Floyd posted 25 points and 11 rebounds in the No. 7 Cougars’ 68-60 win over Andrean. Luke Van Essen poured in 28 points in the Vikings’ 60-57 win over Bowman Academy. Matt’s pick: Gary 21st Century 73, Illiana Christian 69.
CLASS 2A WESTVIEW
Westview (16-8) vs. Central Noble (18-6): The Warriors went to overtime to earn a 51-50 win over Central Noble on December 10. Jethro Hostetler contributed seven points in Westview’s 50-26 win over Eastside. Sam Essegian scored 10 points in the Cougars’ 51-45 win over Prairie Heights. Matt’s pick: Central Noble 40, Westview 38.
CLASS 2A ROCHESTER
Wabash (17-6) vs. Lewis Cass (17-7): The Apaches rolled to a 73-30 win over Lewis Cass during the 2018-19 season. Grant Ford finished with 11 points in Wabash’s 48-15 win over Winamac. Tyson Good recorded 18 points and six steals in the Kings’ 54-43 win over Rochester. Matt’s pick: Wabash 41, Lewis Cass 39.