By GREG MENGELT
But, of course, in high school sports, winning isn’t everything. The two school based in Clarksville have just six wins this season in 30 games, but both coaches’ love their kids attitude and effort heading into Friday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Girls’ Game of the Night.
Clarksville is 3-13 and is averaging just 27 points per game, but Generals head coach Amanda Carmichael has like the growth in her young team this season.
“If I had to pick one thing to spotlight about our entire team, it would be our culture,” second-year Clarksville head coach Amanda Carmichael said. “ I have been so proud of this group and how they have developed this year, not only as basketball players but just as all around great representatives of Clarksville High School. We lost such a huge group last year when we lost our seniors and we have started to develop a new identity, while incorporating several freshman into key varsity roles for us. While it hasn’t always shown up on the scoreboard, I can’t say enough about how this group has put in the time to get better.”
Carmichael says she likes the chemistry of her team, which most recently won at Cannelton 50-37 before a 36-18 loss at the hands of Perry Central, as well as its toughness.
“They are so unselfish and committed to the team and are truly a joy to coach,” she said. “We hit a stretch where we faced quite a bit of adversity through December, but I thought we did a really great job of bouncing back and having a good week last week against Cannelton and Perry Central.”
Fourteen-year veteran head coach Brad Burden also likes his team’s makeup in spite of the win-loss record.
“This has been a tough year from a wins and loss standpoint for our team,” Burden said. “However, I am super proud of how this group has handled everything from off season departures to injuries. They are a super fun group to coach and work very hard.”
No matter what the teams’ records, winning the town championship is always a goal for both rivals. Providence has dominated the series, winning 27 straight in the series at one point, but the Generals won last year’s postseason game between the teams.
“This is the town championship, so it means a lot to the program,” Burden said. “The players are eager to keep the town championship trophy and avenge the loss from last year.”
Burden wanted to be sure to thank the sponsors of the contest.
“We thank the sponsors of the game, our wonderful first responders of Clarksville Fire and Police, who do an amazing job keeping this community safe,” he said.
GAME OF THE NIGHT
PROVIDENCE (3-11) AT CLARKSVILLE (3-13)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Coaches:
Providence — Brad Burden (162-159 in 14th season at Providence)
Clarksville — Amanda Carmichael (11-29 in second season at Clarksville, 71-123 in ninth season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Providence — No. 300, No. 77 Class 2A
Clarksville — No. 366, No. 94 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Providence — Lost at Brebeuf 34-20 (Dec. 21)
Clarksville — Lost at Perry Central 36-18 (Dec. 30)
• Last 20 years: Providence 32-11. The Pioneers had won 27 straight over Clarksville until last year’s sectional.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 2, 2021 — Clarksville 36, Providence 34 (Class 2A Eastern Sectional, first round)
• John Harrell prediction: Providence 47, Clarksville 26.
• Sagarin projection: Providence by 16.
• Outlook: Providence clearly has a better team than last year and should avenge last year’s sectional loss.
• Greg’s pick: Providence 35, Clarksville 26.
CHARLESTOWN (10-5) AT MADISON (10-5)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Connor K. Salm Gymnasium, Madison H.S. (743 Clifty Dr., Madison)
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Scott Matthews (76-57 in sixth season at Charlestown)
Madison — Sonja Bowyer (47-40 in fourth season at Madison)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Charlestown — No. 62, No. 15 Class 3A
Madison — No. 87, No. 23 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Lost to East Central 49-38 (Donna Cheatham Classic, find round, Dec. 29)
Madison — Won at Brownstown 44-41 (Jan. 4)
• Last 20 years: Madison 16-6.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 7, 2020 — At Charlestown 57, Madison 45.
• News & notes: Charlestown went 1-2 at the Donna Cheatham Classic, finishing fourth in the tournament.
• John Harrell prediction: Charlestown 50, Madison 42.
• Sagarin projection: Charlestown by 3.
• Outlook: Madison has been inconsistent — like a lot of teams this season with injuries and illnesses — but the Cubs are pretty good. Winning there won’t be easy for the Pirates but they’ll find a way.
• Greg’s pick: Charlestown 57, Madison 56.
