FRIDAY
CLASS 4A MISHAWAKA
Adams (9-14) vs. Mishawaka (17-7): The Cavemen escaped with a 52-50 win over Adams on February 13. Lemonz Jones accounted for three points in the Eagles’ 50-36 loss to No. 9 (Class 3A) Marian. Jackson Snyder accounted for 11 points in Mishawaka’s 50-44 win over LaPorte. Matt’s pick: Mishawaka 47, Adams 41.
Riley (20-4) vs. Michigan City (12-11): The Wildcats hung on for a 66-64 win over Michigan City on January 9. Isaiah Smoot’s 13 points lifted the Wolves to a 71-60 win over Plymouth. Payton Baird poured in 26 points in Riley’s 72-37 win over Bowman Academy. Matt’s pick: Riley 76, Michigan City 69.
CLASS 4A ELKHART
Warsaw (17-5) vs. Concord (18-4): The Minutemen posted a 56-45 win against Warsaw on January 19. Luke Yeager chipped in 14 points in the Tigers’ 62-50 win at Tippecanoe Valley. Lucas Prough paved the way with 18 points in Concord’s 50-44 win over Goshen. Matt’s pick: Concord 42, Warsaw 40.
Elkhart (3-19) vs. Penn (17-6): The Kingsmen slipped past Elkhart, 55-49, on February 16. Javeis Hines managed seven points in the Lions’ 52-40 loss to defending Class 3A state champion NorthWood. Dominic Bonner tallied 13 points in Penn’s 39-34 win over Northridge. Matt’s pick: Penn 58, Elkhart 43.
CLASS 3A TIPPECANOE VALLEY
Knox (6-15) vs. Tippecanoe Valley (15-8): The Vikings rolled to a 63-41 win over Knox on February 9. Jayden Strong had five points and five rebounds in the Redskins’ 44-36 loss to No. 9 (Class 1A) Triton. Stephen Akase racked up 28 points and 18 rebounds in Tippecanoe Valley’s 54-48 win against Washington. Matt’s pick: Tippecanoe Valley 64, Knox 49.
Bremen (10-12) vs. Glenn (11-13): The Lions clawed past Glenn, 49-36, on February 16. Chase Devine mustered 20 points in Bremen’s 58-35 win over Culver. Carson Krueger notched 10 points in the Falcons’ 47-41 win over Culver Academy. Matt’s pick: Glenn 50, Bremen 45.
CLASS 3A WASHINGTON
Saint Joseph (15-9) vs. Marian (17-8): The No. 9 Knights edged Saint Joseph, 54-51, on February 9. Jayce Lee managed nine points for the Huskies in their 57-55 overtime loss to Mishawaka. Deuce Owens amassed 14 points in Marian’s 51-47 win over Washington. Matt’s pick: Marian 63, Saint Joseph 61.
Clay (12-10) vs. Jimtown (13-10): The Colonials suffered a 60-52 loss to Jimtown on January 4. Shirron Taylor chipped in six points in Clay’s 68-64 win over LaPorte. Bishop Williams totaled 16 points in the Jimmies’ 58-50 overtime win over New Prairie. Matt’s pick: Jimtown 51, Clay 44.
CLASS 3A LAKELAND
Fairfield (17-6) vs. West Noble (8-14): The Chargers surged to a 54-46 win over Fairfield on January 26. Carson Smith’s 16 points were not enough in the Falcons’ 57-54 loss to Central Noble. Braydn Barth registered 19 points and 10 rebounds in West Noble’s 45-44 loss to Goshen. Matt’s pick: Fairfield 55, West Noble 52.
NorthWood (14-8) vs. Lakeland (17-6): The defending state champion Panthers cruised to a 76-49 win over Lakeland on February 10. Grant Miller’s eight points lifted NorthWood past Elkhart. Nate Keil contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds in the Lakers’ 55-53 win over Wawasee. Matt’s pick: NorthWood 62, Lakeland 58.