By GREG MENGELT

Silver Creek has had some serious challenges in its first ever season as reigning state champions.

Charlestown (9-2) rolled into Sellersburg and left with one of its two losses this season. Corydon Central (11-1) came to town and left with its only loss of the season to date. Then there was the back-to-back wins over the areas 4A programs Jeffersonville (7-6) and New Albany (4-8) by a combined 29 points.

And don’t forget about the weekend the Dragons drove three hours to beat Kentucky’s fifth-ranked team at Bowling Green (still the Purples’ only loss this season), drove a few more hours to Evansville and beat a very good North (5-2) team the less than 24 hours later.

But Thursday night’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night at Bedford North Lawrence (10-1) is the biggest challenge yet. The Stars are 10-1 with a 1-point loss to Illinois power Fremd as their only defeat. BNL won state championships in 1983, 1991, 2013 and 2014 and this Stars’ team appears to be on par with those great squads.

“A blue chip program,” Silver Creek coach Scott Schoen said of BNL. “Well coached and disciplined.”

The Stars are led by sophomore Chloe Spreen and junior Karsyn Norman. The duo combines for 31 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 4.5 assists per game.

“A very good all-around team with two special players in Carson Norman and Chloe Spreen,” Schoen said.

Bedford has been the area’s measuring stick for about a decade now. The Stars were Silver Creek’s only opponent to win in Sellersburg last season. BNL prevailed 59-54 on Jan. 14.

“It’s a great barometer for where we are as a team,” Schoen said. “Win or lose, this game doesn’t figure into what we ultimately want to do. Tough game for us because it’s sandwiched between Scottsburg and a road game to Brownstown. Also during finals week. Dumb scheduling on my part, but it will resemble a sectional type week with three good opponents.”

After all they’ve accomplished in the last 15 months — and the hurdles they’ve cleared already this season — it would be silly discount the defending champions. Silver Creek goes to Bedford with the state’s best record (tied with Franklin) at 12-0 and easily the state’s longest winning streak at 22 games.

“Our overall team is playing very well, sharing the basketball, not worried about who is scoring, unselfish,” Schoen said. “Defensively, Syd Sierota and Emme Rooney have stepped their defensive awareness up. Em being able to match up with size and strength, Syd with speed, allows Kynidi (Mason-Striverson) and Lacey (Tingle) to go do their things.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
SILVER CREEK (12-0) AT BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (10-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: BNL Fieldhouse (595 Stars Blvd., Bedford)
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (167-108 in 12th season at Silver Creek)
BNL — Jeff Allen (165-35 in eighth season at BNL)
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 9 IBCA (single class); No. 2 AP (Class 3A).
BNL — No. 6 IBCA (single class); No. 5 AP (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 26, No. 6 Class 3A
BNL — No. 10, No. 9 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Defeated Scottsburg 72-50 (Dec. 14)
BNL — Defeated Brownsburg 44-32 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: BNL 2-0.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 14 — BNL 59, at Silver Creek 54.
• News & notes: BNL handed the Dragons one of their three losses in 2020-21. It was Silver Creek’s only loss in Sellersburg all season. … Silver Creek has the longest winning streak in the state at 22 games. Class 4A No. 2 Franklin has the second-longest streak at 12 games. The Dragons and Grizzly Cubs are tied for the state’s best record at 12-0. … The Dragons outscored Scottsburg 29-8 in the first quarter of Tuesday’s 72-50 MSC triumph. … The Dragons will face host Hammond Morton (3-9) at 2 p.m. and Hammond Noll (2-5) at 6 p.m. on Dec. 28 in the Hoops 4 Pink Invitational at Noll. Silver Creek’s final game in the tournament is Dec. 29 against Detroit Edison (3-1), Gary West (6-2) or Indianapolis HomeSchool in the final round. The fifth-place game is scheduled for 3 p.m., the third-place game at 5 p.m. and the championship game at 7 p.m. on Dec. 29. … Sophomore Chloe Spreen had 19 points and junior Karsyn Norman added 16 in BNL’s 64-26 victory over Seymour. … In the win, which makes the Stars 4-0 in the Hoosier Hills Conference, the new running-close mercy rule was implemented. The score was 48-13 when the clock automatically began running late in the third quarter. … The BNL defense forced 20 turnovers against Seymour. .. As good as its defense was against the Owls, BNL was just 2 for 17 from behind the 3-point arc, according to Justin Sokeland of WBIW.com. … The Stars held Brownsburg to 23.5 percent from the field in a 44-32 home victory on Dec. 11. … Former BNL star Kristin (Pritchett) Messmore was indicted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame on Dec. 14.
• John Harrell prediction: BNL 53, Silver Creek 42.
• Sagarin projection: BNL by 13.
• Outlook: Even on the road, don’t be surprised if the Dragons pull this one off. It’s silly, at this point, to continue to doubt them.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 66, BNL 64.

SALEM (6-3, 2-1 MSC) AT NORTH HARRISON (8-4, 2-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison H.S. (1070 Hwy. 64 N.W., Ramsey)
• Coaches:
Salem — Jerry Hickey (143-68 in ninth season at Salem)
North Harrison — Jamie Kolkmeier (20-10 in second season at North Harrison)
• Rankings:
Salem — No. 14 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Salem — No. 56, No. 11 Class 3A
North Harrison — No. 117, No. 33 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost at Corydon Central 48-44 (Dec. 10)
North Harrison — Defeated Providence 38-25 (Dec. 9)
• Last 20 years: North Harrison 16-9. Salem has won 4 in a row in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 19, 2020 — At Salem 73, North Harrison 45.
• News & notes: The Lions shot 15 for 35 from the field and made 8 of their 10 free throws in Friday’s 4-point MSC loss to Corydon. … Seniors Diana Burgher and Ali Saunders combined for 33.7 points, 12 rebounds, almost 5 assists, 4.4 steals and almost 2 blocks per game. There might be a better duo in Southern Indiana but there aren’t many.
• John Harrell prediction: Salem 56, North Harrison 43.
• Sagarin projection: Salem by 8.
• Outlook: The Lions should bounce back to a big MSC win.
• Greg’s pick: Salem 60, North Harrison 48.

NEW ALBANY (4-8) AT PROVIDENCE (2-9)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Larkin Center, Our Lady of Providence (707 Providence Way, Clarksville)
• Coaches:
New Albany — Shelby Gliebe (10-24 in second season at New Albany, 14-43 in third season overall)
Providence — Brad Burden (161-157 in 14th season at Providence)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Albany — No. 148, No. 60 Class 4A
Providence — No. 314, No. 78 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
New Albany — Lost at Jennings County 53-43 (Dec. 11)
Providence — Lost to Austin 60-40 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: New Albany 17-3. The Bulldogs have won 4 of the last 5 against Providence.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2020 — At New Albany 60, Providence 23.
• News & notes: Providence will hold Alumni Night on Thursday when the Pioneers host New Albany. The alumni will be recognized between games and tours will be given of the remodeled locker rooms, the Hall of Champions and Koetter Gym. … The Bulldogs led Jennings County 25-22 at the half before being outscored 31-18 in the final 16 minutes of Saturday’s 10-point road loss. Taylor Treat led New Albany with 16 points and Maleea Roland added 13.
• John Harrell prediction: New Albany 58, Providence 31.
• Sagarin projection: New Albany by 23.
• Outlook: New Albany needs a win … and they get a big one.
• Greg’s pick: New Albany 55, Providence 30.

FLOYD CENTRAL (3-7, 0-2 HHC) AT SEYMOUR (5-6, 0-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour H.S. (1350 W. Second St., Seymour)
• Coaches:
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (22-54 in fourth season at Floyd Central)
Seymour — Jason Longmeier (117-98 in 10th season at Seymour, 151-148 in 14th season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Floyd Central — No. 160, No. 63 Class 4A
Seymour — No. 142, No. 58 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Floyd Central — Lost at Bloomington North 45-39 (Dec. 11)
Seymour — Lost at Columbus North 60-48 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Seymour 16-9. The Owls have won 6 of the last 7 in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 19, 2020 — At Seymour 44, Floyd Central 37.
• News & notes: The Highlanders led Bloomington North 31-22 after the third quarter before being outscored 23-8 in the fourth period of Saturday’s 6-point loss. … Floyd attended the Louisvlile-Kentucky women’s basketball game as team at the KFC Yum! Center on Sunday. Louisville was victorious 64-58. … The Owls have lost four straight on the heels of an earlier 5-game winning streak.
• John Harrell prediction: Seymour 48, Floyd Central 46.
• Sagarin projection: Seymour by 7.
• Outlook: This will probably be the most competitive game of the night.
• Greg’s pick: Seymour 44, Floyd Central 41

NEW WASHINGTON (5-6) AT EASTERN (7-3)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Eastern H.S. (1100 N. Eastern School Rd., Pekin)
• Coaches:
New Washington — Kirsti Hollway (60-89 in seventh season at New Wash)
Eastern — Michael McBride (226-118 in 15th season at Eastern)
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 12 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Washington — No. 242, No. 32 Class A
Eastern — No. 126, No. 24 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
New Washington — Defeated Southwestern 37-36 (Dec. 9)
Eastern — Defeated West Washington 52-15 (Dec. 9)
• Last 20 years: Eastern 14-6. The Musketeers have won 8 in a row vs. New Wash.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 19, 2020 — Eastern 50, New Washington 23.
• News & notes: Eastern junior Kyia McKinley outscored West Washington by herself with 20 points in the Musketeers’ 52-15 victory. … Eastern outscored the Mustangs 15-0 in the third quarter of Thursday’s win. … Eastern will begin the Niehaus Lumber Classic at Vincennes Rivet with an 11:30 a.m. contest on Dec. 28 against Evansville Mater Dei (6-4). Later that day, the Musketeers will face either Lafayette Central Catholic (7-2) or the host Patriots (8-0) in the second round later that evening (at 4 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.). Corydon Central (11-1), Tecumseh (5-4), Evansville Memorial (6-2) and Jasper (2-7) are on the other half of the bracket. The final round is set for Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. (seventh-place game), 2:45 p.m. (fifth), 5 p.m. (third) or 7 p.m. (championship). All 12 games will be played at Vincennes University.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 52, New Washington 34.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 21.
• Outlook: The Musketeers are quietly having another really good season.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 63, New Washington 49.

AUSTIN (3-8) AT CLARKSVILLE (2-10)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Coaches:
Austin — Jared Petersen (234-172 in 17th season at Austin)
Clarksville — Amanda Carmichael (10-26 in second season at Clarksville, 70-120 in ninth season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Austin — No. 228, No. 54 Class 2A
Clarksville — No. 372, No. 96 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Austin — Won at Providence 60-40 (Dec. 14)
Clarksville — Lost at Paoli 68-14 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Austin 19-5. The Eagles have a 16-game winning streak vs. Clarksville.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2020 — At Austin 57, Clarksville 45.
• News & notes: Austin has won two of its last three following a 7-game losing streak. … The Generals’ 16 points Tuesday against Austin tied a season-low. They also scored 16 in a season-opening loss to West Washington.
• John Harrell prediction: Austin 56, Clarksville 23.
• Sagarin projection: Austin by 29.
• Outlook: Austin is a better team than its record suggests.
• Greg’s pick: Austin 49, Clarksville 27.

WEST WASHINGTON (7-4) AT HENRYVILLE (2-6)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Furnish Gym, Henryville H.S. (213 N. Ferguson St., Henryville)
• Coaches:
West Washington — Matthew Myers (15-19 in second season at West Washington)
Henryville — Tuesday Guernsey (17-33 in third season at Henryville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
West Washington — No. 287, No. 47 Class A
Henryville — No. 340, No. 86 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
West Washington — Won at Orleans 39-23 (Dec. 14)
Henryville — Lost at Charlestown 72-19 (Dec. 9)
• Last 20 years: Henryville 13-5. The Hornets have won 3 of the last 4 in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 8, 2020 — Henryville 37, at West Washington 29.
• John Harrell prediction: West Washington 43, Henryville 30.
• Sagarin projection: West Washington by 8.
• Outlook: There are probably going to be a lot of blowouts Thursday night. This doesn’t appear to be one of those.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 47, Henryville 42.

SCOTTSBURG (7-5) AT MITCHELL (10-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Mitchell H.S. (1000 West Bishop Blvd., Mitchell)
• Coaches:
Scottsburg — Carrie Daniels (15-20 in second season at Scottsburg, 118-76 in seventh season overall)
Mitchell — Tim Haworth (21-8 in second season at Mitchell)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Scottsburg — No. 110, No. 30 Class 3A
Mitchell — No. 150, No. 31 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Scottsburg — Lost at Silver Creek 72-50 (Dec. 14)
Mitchell — Won at Shoals 68-23 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 8-1.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2020 — Mitchell 52, at Scottsburg 48.
• News & notes: Scottsburg will play twice on Tuesday, Dec. 28 in the first day of the Cheatham Classic at Meyer Gym. The Warriorettes will face a very good East Central (6-1) team at 11:45 a.m. before closing the day with a 6:45 p.m. tilt with Bloomington South (1-9). Scottsburg will face either Lawrenceburg (8-4), Chatard (3-5) or Charlestown (8-2) in the final round of Dec. 29.
• John Harrell prediction: Scottsburg 47, Mitchell 46.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 1.
• Outlook: Pay no attention to the records. We believe the Warriorettes are the better team, even away from home.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 59, Mitchell 49.

CRAWFORD COUNTY (4-8) AT LANESVILLE (11-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lanesville H.S. (2725 Crestview Ave. NE, Lanesville)
• Coaches:
Crawford County — Christopher Broughton (115-90 in ninth season at Crawford County)
Lanesville — Angie Hinton (73-16 in fourth season at Lanesville, 246-89 in 15th season overall)
• Rankings:
Lanesville — No. 3 AP (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Crawford County — No. 217, No. 52 Class 2A
Lanesville — No. 65, No. 2 Class A
• Most recent game:
Crawford County — Lost at Mitchell 57-40 (Dec. 9)
Lanesville — Won at Borden 59-16 (Dec. 9)
• Last 20 years: Crawford County 16-5. The Wolfpack have won 8 of the last 9 vs. Lanesville.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 26, 2019 — At Lanesville 49, Crawford County 43.
• News & notes: The two teams didn’t face each other last season after playing twice in the 2019-2020 season. … The Eagles held Borden scoreless in the third quarter of last week’s SAC win over Borden. The Braves scored just 4 points after halftime. … Taylor Herbaugh (15) and Emily Kerce (13) combined for 28 points in the Wolfpack’s 59-31 win over Perry Central on Dec. 2.
• John Harrell prediction: Lanesville 54, Crawford County 29.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 28.
• Outlook: This one’s gonna be all Lanesville.
• Greg’s pick: Lanesville 58, Crawford County 18.

BORDEN (7-3) AT SHOALS (2-9)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Shoals H.S. Main Gym (7900 US Hwy. 50, Shoals)
• Coaches:
Borden — Matt Vick (41-59 in fifth season at Borden)
Shoals — Kyle Turpin (10-46 in third season at Shoals)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Borden — No. 310, No. 56 Class A
Shoals — No. 324, No. 63 Class A
• Most recent game:
Borden — Defeated Southwestern 44-39, OT (Dec. 14)
Shoals — Lost to Mitchell 68-23 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Borden 13-7. The Braves have won 3 in a row over Shoals.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2020 — At Borden 53, Shoals 41.
• News & notes: Borden outscored Providence 8-4 in the fourth quarter to pull away for its sixth win of the season. Emily Cissell scored five of her game-high 10 points in the final 8 minutes. … The Braves went scoreless in the third quarter and scored 4 points in the second half of last week’s SAC loss to Lanesville.
• John Harrell prediction: Borden 42, Shoals 41.
• Sagarin projection: Shoals by 2.
• Outlook: Borden always seems to outperform the projections, including our own. We’re not going to make that mistake again.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 49, Shoals 40.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (3-8) AT CANNELTON (2-5)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Cannelton Community Center (601 Long Ave., Cannelton)
• Coaches:
CAI — Carson Casey (11-43 in third season at CAI)
Cannelton — Brian Garrett (6-42 in third season at Cannelton)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
CAI — No. 362, No. 77 Class A
Cannelton — No. 384, No. 87 Class A
• Most recent game:
CAI — Won at Clarksville 35-26 (Dec. 7)
Cannelton — Lost to Hancock County (Ky.) 55-17 (Dec. 6)
• Last 20 years: Cannelton 7-6. CAI has won 4 of the last 6 vs. the Bulldogs.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 8 — Cannelton 54, at CAI 30.
• John Harrell prediction: CAI 48, Cannelton 27.
• Sagarin projection: CAI by 9.
• Outlook: The Warriors have already passed last year’s win total. On Thursday, they can double up last year’s win total.
• Greg’s pick: CAI 35, Cannelton 21.