By GREG MENGELT
Like seemingly everyone, the Bulldogs have been dealing with injuries, illnesses and inconsistency, but they have won their last two games following a 3-game losing streak.
Of course, the schedule has been tough, as it always is for New Albany. It gets tougher Saturday as the Bulldogs welcome sixth-ranked Indianapolis Cathedral (9-3) in Saturday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night.
New Albany (4-4) hasn’t played yet in 2022. The closed 2021 with home wins over Tell City (70-20) and Seymour (57-47). All four losses have come against teams that have reached either the coaches’ poll, the media poll, or both.
“We’ve been a little up and down, but we’ve played well as of late,” said New Albany’s veteran coach Jim Shannon, who will be aiming for his 599th career win Saturday. “We’ve started to play really well defensively and the offensive end has picked up a little bit. It’s been a really good last three weeks.”
Cathedral started the season ranked No. 1 but has three losses. Like New Albany, the Fighting Irish have played a tough schedule. Their losses have come against No. 10 Indianapolis Tech, No. 3 Westfield and Ohio power Brush.
Five different Irish players averaged double figures, led by senior Tayshawn Comer, who averages 16.6 points, 5.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest. Xavier Booker — a 6-foot-10 junior — averages 12.8 points and 6 rebounds and is being pursued by collegiate programs like Purdue, Indiana, Louisville, Illinois and Iowa. Comer has gotten the attention of programs like IUPUI, Kansas State and Miami of Ohio.
“They’re really deep, they can play nine kids and all of their guys are capable of scoring,” Shannon said. “They don’t have a weak link. It makes them really difficult to guard, especially with such great athleticism with their height and speed.”
GAME OF THE NIGHT
CATHEDRAL AT NEW ALBANY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: The Doghouse, New Albany H.S. (1020 Vincennes Street, New Albany)
• Records:
Cathedral 9-3. The Irish have won three in a row.
New Albany 4-4. The Bulldogs have won their last two games — by a combined 60 points — after a 2-4 start.
• Coaches:
Cathedral — Jason Delaney (97-32 in sixth season at Cathedral, 275-137 in season overall)
New Albany — Jim Shannon (433-131 in 24th season at New Albany, 598-270 season overall)
• Rankings:
Cathedral — No. 6 IBCA (single class); No. 8 AP (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Cathedral — No. 7, No. 7 Class 4A
New Albany — No. 77, No. 45 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Cathedral — Defeated Roncalli 79-48 (Jan. 7)
New Albany — Defeated Seymour 57-47 (Dec. 28)
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• News & notes: Shannon is just two wins from 600 in his career. He’ll be the sixth active coach to reach the milestone, joining Bloomington South’s J.R. Holmes (868 wins), Lawrence North’s Jack Keeper (855), Washington’s Gene Miiller (730), Penn’s Al Rhodes (649) and Shenandoah’s Dave McCullough (606). … Delaney led Waldron to a Class A state championship in 2004 and Tech to a 4A title in 2014. He also spent time at Southport, Anderson Highland and Indianapolis Washington.
• John Harrell prediction: Cathedral 66, New Albany 47.
• Sagarin projection: Cathedral by 11.
• Outlook: Cathedral may win this game, but it certainly won’t be easy like Harrell and Sagarin are predicting.
• Greg’s pick: Cathedral 65, New Albany 59.
NORTH HARRISON AT SCOTTSBURG
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium (1 Jim Barley Way, Scottsburg)
• Records:
North Harrison 6-2, 2-1 MSC. The Cougars have won their last two games following two straight losses.
Scottsburg 8-3, 3-1 MSC. The Warriors have won five of their last seven games.
• Coaches:
North Harrison — Lou Lefevre (42-12 in third season at North Harrison, 307-92 in 18th season overall)
Scottsburg — Eric Richardson (14-21 in second season at Scottsburg)
• Rankings:
North Harrison — No. 13 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
North Harrison — No. 44, No. 8 Class 3A
Scottsburg — No. 71, No. 19 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
North Harrison — Defeated Austin 82-63 (Jan. 7)
Scottsburg — Defeated Madison 58-54 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 15-7. The Warriors have beaten North Harrison the last two years.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 11, 2021 — At Scottsburg 43, North Harrison 38.
• News & notes: Logan McInitre scored 36 points and reached 1,000 career points in Friday’s win. … The Warriors split their last two games, both against Madison. After a 77-75 double-overtime loss to the Cubs in the final round of the Jefferson County Invitational on Dec. 23, Scottsburg defeated Madison 58-54 on Friday. The teams are both in the Salem Sectional and could meet for a rubber match in March.
• John Harrell prediction: North Harrison 55, Scottsburg 54.
• Sagarin projection: Even.
• Outlook: Have a feeling North Harrison has about 10 more regular-season wins in it this year, but this road game will be one of the tougher games the Cougars have left.
• Greg’s pick: North Harrison 62, Scottsburg 53.
ROCK CREEK AT BORDEN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior H.S. (301 West St., Borden)
• Records:
Rock Creek 4-5. The Lions have lost four straight.
Borden 8-3. The Braves have won four straight and six of their last seven.
• Coaches:
Rock Creek — Chris Brown (352-286 in 26th season at Rock Creek)
Borden — Doc Nash (212-152 in 16th season at Borden)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Rock Creek — No. 199, No. 19 Class A
Borden — No. 184, No. 16 Class A
• Most recent game:
Rock Creek — Lost at Corydon Central 68-46 (Jan. 4)
Borden — Won at New Washington 52-47 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Borden 13-7. The Braves have won the last two times against Rock Creek.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9, 2021 — Borden 58, at Rock Creek 50.
• News & notes: The Lions and Braves are sectional rivals but haven’t met in the postseason in seven years. … Borden outscored New Wash 27-22 in the second half of Friday’s SAC win.
• John Harrell prediction: Borden 55, Rock Creek 51.
• Sagarin projection: Borden by 6.
• Outlook: This is an interesting game because records would indicate a big Borden home win, but the Lions have played a tough schedule and won’t be intimidated by opponent or location. These are likely the two sectional favorites in March.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 61, Rock Creek 58.
EASTERN AT AUSTIN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Rigel Gymnasium (401 S. Hwy. 31, Austin)
• Records:
Eastern 10-1, 1-1 MSC. The Musketeers have won nine consecutive games.
Austi 2-6, 0-2 MSC. The Eagles have lost three of their last four.
• Coaches:
Eastern — Chandler Prible (22-14 in second season at Eastern)
Austin — Randy Edwards (37-68 in fifth season at Austin)
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 16 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Eastern — No. 113, No. 14 Class 2A
Austin — No. 260, No. 56 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Defeated Silver Creek 65-59 (Jan. 7)
Austin — Lost at North Harrison 82-63 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Eastern 14-10. Austin has won five of the last six in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 20, 2021 — At Eastern 59, Austin 42.
• News & notes: After Friday’s win over defending state champion Silver Creek, the Musketeers are 5-0 at home this season. … Cade Jones’ 23 points was a game high against the Dragons. … The win was Eastern’s first over the Dragons since 2013. … Bryce Montgomery scored 39 points in the Eagels’ loss at North Harrison on Friday. … The Musketeers shot 67 percent from the field after halftime in Friday’s win.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 68, Austin 53.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 13.
• Outlook: This might be tough for Eastern to go on the road following a big win Friday, but even if the Musketeers struggle, they should leave Austin with a win.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 66, Austin 49.
NEW WASHINGTON AT CLARKSVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Records:
New Washington 2-9. The Mustangs have lost six in a row.
Clarksville 3-6. The Generals have lost five of their last six after a 2-1 start.
• Coaches:
New Washington — Kyle Brown (11-24 in second season at New Wash)
Clarksville — Kyle Hankins (3-6 in first season at Clarksville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Washington — No. 357, No. 70 Class A
Clarksville — No. 241, No. 51 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
New Washington — Lost to Borden 52-47 (Jan. 7)
Clarksville — Lost to Providence 48-38 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Clarksville 16-4. The Generals have beaten New Wash the last two times they’ve played.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9, 2021 — Clarksville 61, at New Washington 53.
• News and notes: Matthew Arthur and Mason Arthur combined for 31 points in Friday’s loss. The Mustangs led 15-8 after the first quarter but were outscored 44-32 the rest of the way. … Dakota Capps (13) and Jacob Seward (11) combined for 24 of the Generals’ 38 points in Friday’s City Championship loss.
• John Harrell prediction: Clarksville 63, New Washington 43.
• Sagarin projection: Clarksville by 22.
• Outlook: It’s hard to figure out either of these teams. Both have been good at times, but that hasn’t been the norm for either.
• Greg’s pick: Clarksville 57, New Washington 41.
CHARLESTOWN AT MADISON
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Location: Connor K. Salm Gymnasium, Madison H.S. (743 Clifty Dr., Madison)
• Records:
Charlestown 3-6. The Pirates have lost three straight.
Madison 4-7. The Cubs have won two of their last three.
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Matt Lynch (3-6 in first season at Charlestown, 72-56 in sixth season overall)
Madison — Adam Stotts (4-7 in first season at Madison)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Charlestown — No. 290, No. 78 Class 3A
Madison — No. 200, No. 41 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Lost to Seymour 56-29 (Jan. 7)
Madison — Lost at Scottsburg 58-54 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Madison 9-4. The Cubs have won three consecutive games against Charlestown.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9, 2021 — Madison 79, at Charlestown 58.
• News & notes: The Cubs split their last two games, both against Scottsburg. After a 77-75 double-overtime win in the final round of the Jefferson County Invitational on Dec. 23, Scottsburg defeated Madison 58-54 on Friday. The teams are both in the Salem Sectional and could meet for a rubber match in March.
• John Harrell prediction: Madison 65, Charlestown 49.
• Sagarin projection: Madison by 15.
• Outlook: Like a lot of teams this season, Madison has inconsistent, but the Cubs have proven they’re pretty tough to beat at home.
• Greg’s pick: Madison 66, Charlestown 55.
SALEM AT CRAWFORD COUNTY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Ron Ferguson Gymnasium, Crawford County H.S. (1130 South State Road 66, Marengo)
• Records:
Salem 3-7. The Lions have lost four of their last five.
Crawford County 1-9. The Wolfpack have lost two in a row following their only win of the season over Tell City on Dec. 28.
• Coaches:
Salem — Duane Malloy (3-7 in first season at Salem)
Crawford County — Jerry Hanger Jr. (4-26 in second season at Crawford County)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Salem — No. 320, No. 84 Class 3A
Crawford County — No. 309, No. 76 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost to Orleans 65-38 (Jan. 7)
Crawford County — Lost at Springs Valley 78-50 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: 11-11.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 24 — At Salem 57, Crawford County 48.
• News & notes: The Lions are one victory from equaling last year’s win total. One of their four wins came against the Wolfpack at home in 2020-21.
• John Harrell prediction: Crawford County 59, Salem 52.
• Sagarin projection: Crawford County by 5.
• Outlook: Salem has a very good chance to win this game at home. In fact, we’re calling it.
• Greg’s pick: Salem 53, Crawford County 51.
TRINITY LUTHERAN AT HENRYVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Furnish Gym, Henryville H.S. (213 N. Ferguson St., Henryville)
• Records:
Trinity Lutheran 4-6. The Cougars have lost four in a row.
Henryville 3-7. The Hornets have won two of their last four after a 1-5 start.
• Coaches:
Trinity Lutheran — Brad Dickey (4-6 in first season at Trinity Lutheran, 239-156 in 17th season overall)
Henryville — Jared Hill (94-83 in eighth season at Henryville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Trinity Lutheran — No. 280, No. 46 Class A
Henryville — No. 299, No. 70 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Trinity Lutheran — Lost to Indianapolis Lutheran 61-42 (Jan. 7)
Henryville — Lost to Springs Valley 58-47 (Dec. 23)
• Last 20 years: Henryville 12-6. The Hornets have won four of their last five vs. Trinity Lutheran.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9, 2021 — At Trinity Lutheran 68, Henryville 48.
• News & notes: The Hornets haven’t played since finishing 1-1 in the McKee Munk Invitational on Dec. 23.
• John Harrell prediction: Henryville 50, Trinity Lutheran 46.
• Sagarin projection: Henryville by 1.
• Outlook: This one is a true tossup.
• Greg’s pick: Trinity Lutheran 51, Henryville 50.
MITCHELL AT SOUTH CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: South Central H.S. Main Gym (6675 E. Hwy. 11 S.E., Elizabeth)
• Records:
Mitchell 6-6. The Bluejackets have won two straight.
South Central 3-7. The Rebels have won two of their last four.
• Coaches:
Mitchell — Jackson Ryan (9-20 in second season at Mitchell)
South Central — Greg Robinson (176-175 in 16th season at South Central, 198-238 in 20th season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Mitchell — No. 272, No. 61 Class 2A
South Central — No. 306, No. 56 Class A
• Most recent game:
Mitchell — Defeated Paoli 48-44 (Jan. 7)
South Central — Defeated Lanesville 57-50 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Mitchell 4-1.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9, 2021 — At Mitchell 61, South Central 54.
• News & notes: Both teams won rival games on Friday. The Bluejackets beat Paoli, while the Rebels knocked off Lanesville.
• John Harrell prediction: Mitchell 55, South Central 51.
• Sagarin projection: Mitchell by 1.
• Outlook: I’m not pick against the Rebels again, especially not in Elizabeth.
• Greg’s pick: South Central 50, Mitchell 45.
EDINBURGH AT WEST WASHINGTON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Tower Gymnasium, West Washington H.S. (8028 W. Batt Rd., Campbellsburg)
• Records:
Edinburgh 10-0. The Lancers have won 12 consecutive regular-season games.
West Washington 2-8. The Senators have lost three of their last four.
• Coaches:
Edinburgh — Keith Witty (61-46 in fifth season at Edinburgh)
West Washington — Clayton Sullivan (41-44 in fourth season at West Washington)
• Rankings:
Edinburgh — No. 2 AP (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Edinburgh — No. 120, No. 10 Class A
West Washington — No. 316, No. 59 Class A
• Most recent game:
Edinburgh — Defeated Indianapolis Lutheran 60-48 (Edinburgh Invitational, championship, Dec. 29)
West Washington — Lost at Perry Central 48-46 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: Edinburgh 3-1. The Lancers have won the last two years against West Washington.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9, 2021 — At Edinburgh 79, West Washington 51.
• News & notes: Edinburgh has done a lot of winning over the past two decades, but they’ve never been 10-0 before. The Lancers did start 6-0 last season.
• John Harrell prediction: Edinburgh 66, West Washington 47.
• Sagarin projection: Edinburgh by 20.
• Outlook: Again, West Washington is better than its 2-8 record, but things are about to get worse.
• Greg’s pick: Edinburgh 65, West Washington 54.
