It’s hard to believe, but I am entering my 15th campaign choosing boys’ high school basketball games. In the early going, I will concentrate on Northern Indiana Conference and Northern Lakes Conference contests. My goal is to improve on last year’s mark of 394-96, which was good for 80 percent. Records are final from 2024-25 season unless noted,
TUESDAY
Marian (15-10) at Fort Wayne Blackhawk (24-4): The No. 10 (Class 3A) Braves opened last year with a 51-38 triumph at Marian. Senior Prescott Horvath came up with 12.7 points a contest for the Knights. Senior Briggs Pardon netted 10.8 points and handed out 2.9 assists per game for Blackhawk. Matt’s pick: Blackhawk 59, Marian 50.
New Prairie (6-18) at Mishawaka (5-18): The Cavemen clubbed New Prairie, 53-37, a season ago. Former Penn and Bethel standout Drew Lutz replaces Ben Wiginton as the Cougars’ boss, while Will Coatie takes over for Bodie Bender at Mishawaka. Senior Dylan Bishop totaled 5.4 points a game for New Prairie. Senior Landon Johns is back for the Cavemen. Matt’s pick: New Prairie 48, Mishawaka 45.
Northridge (21-4) at Elkhart (5-18): The Raiders eliminated Elkhart for the Class 4A playoffs a year ago with a 49-34 in the sectional semifinals. Bodie Bender has replaced Will Coatie as the Lions’ top man. Senior Brady Scholl is one of the go-to guys for Northridge. Elkhart will look to junior Frankie Willis for production and leadership. Matt’s pick: Northridge 65, Elkhart 54.
Riley (22-5) at LaPorte (16-10): The Wildcats claimed a Class 4A sectional title last season with a 55-39 win over LaPorte. Senior Tyrese Jones will be one of the leaders for Riley. Junior Griffin Ott-Large is one of the unsung heroes for the Slicers. Matt’s pick: Riley 71, LaPorte 64.
Wawasee (6-17) at Fairfield (13-10): The Falcons slipped past Wawasee, 46-43, to commence the 2024-25 campaign. Joe Luce takes the place of Lou Lefevre on the Warriors’ bench. Sophomore Jack Shoemaker returns to help Wawasee. Sophomore Parker Smith tallied 9.6 points a contest for Fairfield. Matt’s pick: Fairfield 44, Wawasee 40.
WEDNESDAY
Plymouth (9-14) at Glenn (3-20): The Pilgrims rolled to a 66-34 win against Glenn in their last meeting. Senior Parker Bagley will be counted on even more this year for Plymouth. Senior Matt Pearish is one of the returners for the Falcons. Matt’s pick: Plymouth 51, Glenn 43.