The first week of 2024 started well as I posted a 14-4 (78 percent) record. My overall record is now 131-44, which leaves me at 75 percent for the season.
TUESDAY
Bowman Academy (6-7) at Adams (4-6): The Eagles soared to a 63-52 win over Adams last season. Nickolas Black managed 20 points in Bowman Academy’s 53-51 win over St. Francis de Sales (Ill.). Lemonz Jones came up with four points in the Eagles’ 60-43 loss to Merrillville. Matt’s pick: Adams 63, Bowman Academy 60.
Clay (5-5) at Oregon-Davis (2-7): The Colonials cruised to a 73-25 win over Oregon-Davis a year ago. Tyrese Jones had 23 points in Clay’s 60-52 loss to Jimtown. The Bobcats limited West Central to five points in the second quarter of their 56=48 win. Matt’s pick: Clay 57, Oregon-Davis 50.
Riley (12-3) at Michigan City (7-5): The Wolves edged Riley, 65-63, a season ago. Marvin Schindler accounted for 12 points in the Wildcats’ 68-50 win at Elkhart. Allen Briggs had nine points in Michigan City’s 85-43 win over Kankakee Valley. Matt’s pick: Riley 80, Michigan City 70.
Triton (7-1) at Glenn (4-6): The Falcons rolled to a 56-22 win over No. 7 (Class 1A) Triton in last year’s Everwise Bi-County Tournament semifinals. Jacob Pitney managed seven points in the Trojans’ 61-29 loss at Jimtown. Joey Shouse’s nine points helped Glenn to a 67-46 win over New Prairie. Matt’s pick: Glenn 46, Triton 44.
Warsaw (7-2) at Penn (7-2): The Kingsmen posted a 50-40 win over Warsaw in their last meeting. Robbie Finlinson tallied 13 points in the Tigers’ 54-53 win at Northridge. Ethan Good recorded two points in Penn’s 47-44 loss to Valparaiso. Matt’s pick: Penn 61, Warsaw 58.
THURSDAY
Clay (6-5, 1-4 NIC) at Marian (4-8, 1-1 NIC): The Knights crowns Clay, 69-44, in the 2023 Class 3A Jimtown sectional opener. Noah Fernandez racked up 12 points in the Colonials’ 72-40 win over Oregon-Davis. Jackson Horvath accounted for five points in Marian’s 70-54 loss to No. 5 and defending Class 2A state champion Fort Wayne Blackhawk. Matt’s pick: Marian 63, Clay 62.
Concord (9-2, 1-1 NLC) at Plymouth (5-6, 0-2 N:C): The Minutemen slipped past Plymouth, 44-41, a season ago. Parker McCuen scored four points in Concord’ 47-22 win over Goshen. Caleb Bowling accounted for three points in the Pilgrims’ 45-44 loss to Tippecanoe Valley. Matt’s pick: Concord 46, Plymouth 41.
New Prairie (2-10, 0-5 NIC) at Riley (13-3, 5-0 NIC): The Wildcats pulled away for a 65-48 win against New Prairie last year. Devan Kalicki mustered seven points in the Cougars’ 53-32 loss to Concord. Brandon Williams netted eight points in Riley’s 66-64 win over Michigan City. Matt’s pick: Riley 74, New Prairie 55.
Northridge (10-2, 1-1 NLC) at NorthWood (8-3, 2-0 NLC): The No. 10 and defending Class 3A state champion Panthers managed a 51-46 win over Northridge last season. Brady Scholl tallied 11 points for the Raiders against Warsaw. Owen Roeder totaled three points in NorthWood’s 56-53 win over Wawasee. Matt’s pick: Northridge 69, NorthWood 65.
FRIDAY
Jimtown (3-6, 2-2 NIC) at Penn (7-3, 4-0 NIC); The Jimmies suffered a 94-40 loss to Penn last season. Bishop Williams’ seven points vaulted Jimtown past Clay. Casey Finn had three points for the Kingsmen against Warsaw. Matt’s pick: Penn 71, Jimtown 56.