Things didn’t go so well as I registered a 22-8 (73 percent) record last week. My overall mark is now 56-18, which leaves me at 76 percent for the season.
DECEMBER 11
Clay (1-4) at Goshen (2-2): The Colonials are looking to make amends for a 46-41 loss to Goshen during the 1975-76 campaign. Nate Sanders’ 18 points couldn’t help Clay get past Washington, 72-61. Drew Hogan poured in 15 points in the RedHawks’ 46-41 win at Saint Joseph. Matt’s pick: Goshen 53, Clay 49.
Culver Academy (3-1) at Marian (3-0): The defending Class 3A state champion Eagles claimed a sectional crown with a 48-47 win over No. 2 Marian last season. Trey Galloway netted 18 points in Culver Academy’s 37-32 win over No. 8 (Class 3A) Brebeuf Jesuit. Coley Quinn came up with 11 points in the Knights’ 63-61 win over Adams. Matt’s pick: Culver Academy 62, Marian 59.
NorthWood (3-3) at Jimtown (2-1): The Panthers clawed past Jimtown, 56-25, a year ago. Matt Dutkowski tallied nine points in NorthWood’s 45-41 loss at Fairfield. Austin Pearison recorded 15 points for the Jimmies in their 49-46 double-overtime loss to Argos. Matt’s pick: NorthWood 52, Jimtown 45.
Riley (5-0) at Concord (0-3): The No. 9 (Class 4A) Wildcats cruised to a 64-40 win over Concord last year. Gabe Johnson chipped in 20 points in Riley’s 62-50 win at Mishawaka. Paxton Starrett had eight points for the Minutemen in their 72-40 loss to Penn. Matt’s pick: Riley 71, Concord 56.
DECEMBER 13
New Prairie (2-3, 0-2 NIC) at Clay (1-5, 0-2 NIC): The Cougars edged Clay, 51-47, a season ago. Evan Foerg registered 10 points in New Prairie’s 66-28 win against Oregon-Davis. Allan Prestly came up with 11 points in the Colonials’ 58-47 loss at Goshen. Matt’s pick: Clay 60, New Prairie 57.
Penn (4-0, 1-0 NIC) at Washington (3-2, 1-1 NIC): The Kingsmen suffered a 64-60 loss to Washington in their last meeting. Drew Lutz paved the way for Penn with 23 points against Concord. Tony Stuckey managed only six points in the Panthers’ 63-43 loss to Fort Wayne Wayne. Matt’s pick: Penn 69, Washington 54.