My quest to reach the 80 percent plateau hit a snag last week as I went 18-6 (75 percent) in the regional round. Heading into Saturday’s semistate finals, my overall record is 280-86, which keeps me at 77 percent for the year.
MARCH 17
CLASS 4A LAFAYETTE
Riley (26-0) vs. Carmel (20-7): The No. 2 Wildcats are coming off their first regional crown since 2015, while No. 10 Carmel’s last title was in 2013. Rylen Grundy netted eight points in Riley’s 75-68 win over Elkhart Memorial in the Michigan City final. Jalen Whack tallied 13 points for the Greyhounds in a 54-42 victory defending state runner-up Fort Wayne North at Logansport. Matt’s pick: Carmel 67, Riley 65.
CLASS 4A SEYMOUR
Warren Central (30-0) vs. New Albany (25-1): The top-ranked Warriors celebrated their first regional championship since 200, while No. 3 New Albany is back in the semistate for the first time since 2016. Jakobe Robinson recorded 19 points in Warren Central’s 63-48 victory against Terre Haute South at Southport. Romeo Langford racked up 39 points in the Bulldogs’ 69-56 decision over Center Grove at Seymour. Matt’s pick: New Albany 70, Warren Central 66.
CLASS 3A LAFAYETTE
Culver Academy (21-6) vs. New Castle (27-2): The No. 4 Eagles’ last regional title was in 2011, while top-ranked New Castle returns to the semistate for the first time since 2006. Amari Curtis came up with 10 points for Culver Academy in a 50-43 win over No. 9 West Lafayette in the LaPorte finale. Mason Gillis contributed 30 points in the Trojans’ 77-70 victory over host Marion. Matt’s pick: New Castle 63, Culver Academy 58.
CLASS 3A WASHINGTON
Danville (22-4) vs. Evansville Bosse (24-4): The No. 7 Warriors claimed their first regional since 2010, while No. 3 Evansville Bosse earned its third consecutive crown. Dillion Ware picked up 17 points in Danville’s 57-45 win over Lebanon at Greencastle. Jaylin Chinn posted 23 points for Evansville Bosse in its 81-55 triumph over Silver Creek in the Southridge final. Matt’s pick: Evansville Bosse 59, Danville 53.
CLASS 2A HUNTINGTON
Westview (28-1) vs. Oak Hill (24-5): The No. 2 Warriors earned its first regional championship since 2014, while No. 6 Oak Hill’s last title was in 2001. Elijah Hales finished with 14 points for Westview in a 59-55 victory over Andrean at North Judson. Spencer Ballinger ended up with 23 points for the Golden Eagles in their 60-45 victory against No. 8 Tipton in the Lapel finale. Matt’s pick: Westview 66, Oak Hill 62.
CLASS 2A WASHINGTON
Indianapolis Scecina (19-9) vs. Forest Park (24-4): The Crusaders are making their first semistate appearance, while Forest Park returns for the first time since 2011. Manuel Brown paved the way with 20 points for Scecina in a 58-52 win against Cloverdale at Greenfield-Central. Sam Englert had 21 points in the Rangers’ 70-49 decision over Austin at Paoli. Matt’s pick: Forest Park 55, Indianapolis Scecina 51.
CLASS 1A HUNTINGTON
Fort Wayne Blackhawk (26-2) vs. Southwood (24-3): The No. 1 Braves earned a semistate berth for the first time since 2005, while No. 3 Southwood claimed its first regional since 2010. Frankie Davidson chipped in 18 points in Blackhawk’s 100-62 victory over No. 7 Gary 21st Century in the Culver final. Matthew Nose tallied 20 points for the Knights in an 82-64 win against Seton Catholic in Frankfort. Matt’s pick: Fort Wayne Blackhawk 67, Southwood 58.
CLASS 1A SEYMOUR
Morristown (26-2) vs. Barr-Reeve (24-4): The No. 4 Yellow Jackets’ last regional came in 1998, while No. 5 Barr-Reeve returns for the first time since 2015. Hayden Langkabel netted a career-high 46 points for Morristown in an 82-64 win over No. 7 and defending state champion Indianapolis Tindley at Martinsville. Gabe Gladish racked up 17 points for the Vikings in their 48-47 win against Christian Academy in the Loogootee final. Matt’s pick: Morristown 71, Barr-Reeve 68.
