By GREG MENGELT
It certainly wasn’t a bad loss. Brownstown is 18-3 and one of the top 3A teams in the state. It took a late run to erase a 7-point Highlander lead with 2 1/2 minutes left and a miracle shot by one of the state’s top juniors.
“We didn’t play horrible against Brownstown,” Floyd’s eighth-year head coach Todd Sturgeon said. “Sometimes things like that just happen.”
The Highlanders are 2-0 following losses this season. After an overtime loss at Jeffersontown (Ky.), Floyd beat Providence 55-43. After a 52-49 defeat at the hands of Pike, the Highlanders rebounded for a 1-point win over Avon the next day.
This time, Floyd Central (16-3) hosts Bloomington North (16-3), which clinched the Conference Indiana championship Friday with a 53-40 win over Columbus North. The Cougars are a potential regional opponent for the Highlanders.
Floyd has beaten North, which is currently ranked 17th in the state, each of the last five years. Last year’s schedule game was postponed due to Covid.
“Hopefully we’ll bounce back with some energy and excitement, but it’s an odd time of the year when it’s hard not to look past opponents to the postseason,” Sturgeon said. “Especially non-conference games that are just a tuneup for the postseason.”
The Cougars have four players averaging in double figures, led by senior Nick Klaiber at 18.5 points per game. He also averages 5.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Junior JQ Roberts — a potential Big Ten recruit — contributes 15 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.
“I’m looking forward to playing Bloomington North. They’re a really good team,” Sturgeon said. “They’re a handful on offense.”
GAME OF THE NIGHT
BLOOMINGTON NORTH AT FLOYD CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Joe Hinton Court, Floyd Central H.S. (6575 Old Vincennes Rd., Floyds Knobs)
• Records:
Bloomington North 16-3. The Cougars have won nine games in a row.
Floyd Central 16-3. The Highlanders have won 11 of their last 12.
• Coaches:
North — Jason Speer (67-39 in fifth season at North, 182-87 in 12th season overall)
Floyd Central — Todd Sturgeon (138-43 in eighth season at Floyd Central)
• Rankings:
North — No. 17 AP (Class 4A).
Floyd Central — No. 6 IBCA (single class); No. 6 AP (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
North — No. 20, No. 19 Class 4A
Floyd Central — No. 7, No. 7 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
North — Defeated Columbus North 53-40 (Feb. 18)
Floyd Central — Lost to Brownstown 60-58, OT (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Floyd 5-0.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 22, 2020 — At Floyd Central 58, Bloomington North 49.
• News & notes: North won the Conference Indiana championship by beating Columbus North on Friday. Floyd clinched the Hoosier Hills crown on Feb. 2.
• John Harrell prediction: Floyd Central 57, North 49.
• Sagarin projection: Floyd by 9.
• Outlook: Fully expecting the Highlanders to bounce back with a big win.
• Greg’s pick: Floyd Central 61, North 49.
NEW ALBANY AT EVANSVILLE CENTRAL
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Location: Central H.S. (5400 First Ave., Evansville)
• Records:
New Albany 10-10. The Bulldogs have lost two straight games and three of their last four.
Evansville Central 7-13. The Bears have lost eight games in a row.
• Coaches:
New Albany — Jim Shannon (439-137 in 24th season at New Albany, 604-276 in 38th season overall)
Central — Randy Walker (28-61 in fourth season at Central)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Albany — No. 88, No. 54 Class 4A
Central — No. 203, No. 89 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
New Albany — Lost to Bedford North Lawrence 60-48 (Feb. 18)
Central — Lost at Bloomington South 50-44 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: New Albany 16-4. The Bulldogs have beaten Central seven straight times.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 22, 2020 — New Albany 66, at Central 34.
• News & notes: New Albany has double-digit losses for the second time this century. The Bulldogs went 14-10 in 2019-20.
• John Harrell prediction: New Albany 59, Central 51.
• Sagarin projection: New Albany by 9.
• Outlook: New Albany is struggling. This isn’t a good time of the season to do that. The Bulldogs should get things, at least for tonight.
• Greg’s pick: New Albany 66, Central 55.
PROVIDENCE AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brownstown Central H.S. (500 N. Elm St., Brownstown)
• Records:
Providence 14-5. The Pioneers have won three of their last four games.
Brownstown Central 18-3. The Braves have six consecutive wins.
• Coaches:
Providence — Ryan Miller (44-21 in third season at Providence)
Brownstown — Dave Benter (421-156 in 24th season at Brownstown)
• Rankings:
Providence — No. 16 AP (Class 2A).
Brownstown — No. 10 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Providence — No. 124, No. 19 Class 2A
Brownstown — No. 65, No. 14 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Providence — Lost to North Harrison 42-41, OT (Feb. 18)
Brownstown — Won at Eastern 77-73 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Brownstown 8-5. Providence has won the last two games in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — At Providence 41, Brownstown 40.
• News & notes: The Pioneers will have faced both MSC co-champions on back-to-back nights. … Brownstown’s last four wins have been against 4A BNL and Floyd Central, tradition 3A power Washington and 15-win Eastern.
• John Harrell prediction: Brownstown 60, Providence 50.
• Sagarin projection: Brownstown by 11.
• Outlook: Both teams had tough games Friday. Should make for an interesting one.
• Greg’s pick: Brownstown 58, Providence 48.
ROCK CREEK AT NEW WASHINGTON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: James Matthews Gymnasium (a.k.a. The Jim), New Washington H.S. (226 N. Highway 62, New Washington)
• Records:
Rock Creek 10-8. The Lions have won three of their last four games.
New Washington 6-14. The Mustangs have lost three of their last four.
• Coaches:
Rock Creek — Chris Brown (358-289 in 26th season at Rock Creek)
New Washington — Kyle Brown (15-29 in second season at New Wash)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Rock Creek — No. 194, No. 21 Class A
New Washington — No. 343, No. 64 Class A
• Most recent game:
Rock Creek — Defeated Trinity Lutheran (Feb. 18)
New Washington — Defeated South Central 74-49 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Rock Creek 14-6.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 4, 2020 — At Rock Creek 70, New Washington 54.
• John Harrell prediction: Rock Creek 62, New Washington 47.
• Sagarin projection: Rock Creek by 17.
• Outlook: Rock Creek is 4-0 against its sectional field and 6-0 against Class A teams. The Lions should stay perfect, but it won’t be easy at New Wash.
• Greg’s pick: Rock Creek 58, New Washington 50.
SALEM AT EASTERN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Eastern H.S. (1100 N. Eastern School Rd., Pekin)
• Records:
Salem 4-14, 0-6 MSC. The Lions are on a 7-game losing streak.
Eastern 15-4, 3-4 MSC. The Musketeers have lost two of their last three but have won four of their last six.
• Coaches:
Salem — Duane Malloy (4-14 in first season at Salem)
Eastern — Chandler Prible (27-17 in second season at Eastern)
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 16 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Salem — No. 340, No. 92 Class 3A
Eastern — No. 145, No. 23 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost to Charlestown 62-58 (Feb. 18)
Eastern — Lost to Brownstown 77-73 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Salem 23-15.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2021 — Eastern 67, at Salem 42 (Washington County Invitational, first round)
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 72, Salem 49.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 29.
• Outlook: This is a rivalry game, so the Lions aren’t going to sneak up on the Musketeers.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 70, Salem 43.
SOUTHWESTERN AT SCOTTSBURG
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium (1 Jim Barley Way, Scottsburg)
• Records:
Southwestern 14-6. The Rebels have won seven of their last eight games.
Scottsburg 11-8. The Warriors have won their last two.
• Coaches:
Southwestern — Zac Nussbaum (39-14 in third season at Southwestern)
Scottsburg — Eric Richardson (17-26 in second season at Scottsburg)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Southwestern — No. 114, No. 15 Class 2A
Scottsburg — No. 131, No. 33 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Southwestern — Lost to Jennings County 68-48 (Feb. 18)
Scottsburg — Defeated Paoli 66-35 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 13-7.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — At Southwestern 74, Scottsburg 53.
• John Harrell prediction: Scottsburg 58, Southwestern 55.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 2.
• Outlook: Impressive result for the Warriors on Friday night. Let’s see if they can carry it over against a dangerous team.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 63, Southwestern 56.
ORLEANS AT BORDEN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior H.S. (301 West St., Borden)
• Records:
Orleans 16-5. The Bulldogs have won three games in a row.
Borden 13-6. The Braves have won four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Orleans — Tom Bradley (356-196 in 23rd season at Orleans)
Borden — Doc Nash (217-155 in 16th season at Borden)
• Rankings:
Orleans — No. 12 AP (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Orleans — No. 162, No. 13 Class A
Borden — No. 234, No. 29 Class A
• Most recent game:
Orleans — Defeated Shoals 47-34 (Feb. 18)
Borden — Lost at Clarksville 55-48 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Orleans 15-8.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 29, 2021 — At Orleans 59, Borden 48.
• News & notes: Borden beat Orleans 52-51 at the Loogootee Regional semifinal en route to the 2013 Class A state championship.
• John Harrell prediction: Orleans 52, Borden 45.
• Sagarin projection: Orleans by 3.
• Outlook: Like Clarksville on Friday, this is a great tuneup for the Braves.
• Greg’s pick: Orleans 60, Borden 52.
HENRYVILLE AT CROTHERSVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Crothersville H.S. (109 S. Preston St., Crothersville)
• Records:
Henryville 7-13, 3-1 SAC. The Hornets have won three of their last four games.
Crothersville 3-17, 0-4 SAC. The Tigers have lost six of their last seven.
• Coaches:
Henryville — Jared Hill (98-89 in eighth season at Henryville)
Crothersville — Bryant Layman (3-17 in second season at Crothersville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Henryville — No. 282, No. 65 Class 2A
Crothersville — No. 392, No. 92 Class A
• Most recent game:
Henryville — Lost at West Washington 48-43 (Feb. 18)
Crothersville — Lost to Lanesville 63-49 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Henryville 17-8. The Hornets have won nine of their last 10 vs. Crothersville.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — At Henryville 76, Crothersville 51.
• John Harrell prediction: Henryville 69, Crothersville 36.
• Sagarin projection: Henryville by 26.
• Outlook: The Hornets have a chance to enter the postseason on quite a roll.
• Greg’s pick: Henryville 64, Crothersville 33.
WEST WASHINGTON AT MITCHELL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Mitchell H.S. (1000 West Bishop Blvd., Mitchell)
• Records:
West Washington 7-12, 1-4 PLAC. The Senators have won three of their last five games.
Mitchell 6-13, 3-2 PLAC. The Bluejackets have lost seven in a row.
• Coaches:
West Washington — Clayton Sullivan (46-48 season at West Washington)
Mitchell — Jackson Ryan (9-27 in second season at Mitchell)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
West Washington — No. 316, No. 58 Class A
Mitchell— No. 300, No. 72 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
West Washington — Defeated Henryville 48-43 (Feb. 18)
Mitchell — Lost at Edgewood 62-55, OT (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: 10-10.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 22, 2021 — At West Washington 42, Mitchell 41.
• John Harrell prediction: Mitchell 54, West Washington 48.
• Sagarin projection: West Washington by 3.
• Outlook: The Blue Jackets are a lot better this season, but I like West Washington’s chances on the road here.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 56, Mitchell 55.
LANESVILLE AT CRAWFORD COUNTY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Ron Ferguson Gymnasium, Crawford County H.S. (1130 South State Road 66, Marengo)
• Records:
Lanesville 6-15. The Eagles have won their last two games.
Crawford County 2-18. The Wolfpack have lost five in a row and 11 of their last 12.
• Coaches:
Lanesville — Mikel Miller (293-224 in 24th season at Lanesville)
Crawford County — Jerry Hanger Jr. (5-35 in second season at Crawford)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Lanesville — No. 308, No. 53 Class A
Crawford County — No. 347, No. 89 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Lanesville — Won at Crothersville 63-49 (Feb. 18)
Crawford County — Lost to Evansville Mater Dei 59-33 (Feb. 17)
• Last 20 years: Crawford County 11-8. The Wolfpack have won four of their last five vs. Lanesville.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — At Lanesville 58, Crawford County 38.
• John Harrell prediction: Crawford County 51, Lanesville 50.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 2.
• Outlook: It’s only a slight upset, but I’ll take the Wolfpack at home.
• Greg’s pick: Crawford County 57, Lanesville 54.
SOUTH CENTRAL AT SPRINGS VALLEY
• Time: 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Springs Valley H.S. (326 S. Larry Bird Blvd., French Lick)
• Records:
South Central 7-13. The Rebels have lost their last two games and four of their last five.
Springs Valley 16-3. The Blackhawks are on a 12-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
South Central — Greg Robinson (180-181 in 16th season at South Central, 202-244 in 20th season overall)
Springs Valley — Jonathon Bowles (26-16 in second season at Springs Valley)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
South Central — No. 310, No. 55 Class A
Springs Valley — No. 186, No. 17 Class A
• Most recent game:
South Central — Lost at New Washington 74-49 (Feb. 18)
Springs Valley — Defeated Gibson Southern 68-52 (Feb. 15)
• Last 20 years: Springs Valley 11-5.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 20, 2021 — Springs Valley 70, at South Central 61.
• John Harrell prediction: Springs Valley 65, South Central 45.
• Sagarin projection: Springs Valley by 21.
• Outlook: Springs Valley hasn’t won a regional for almost 60 years. The Blackhawks won’t be favored this year, but they certainly have a shot. They should cruise to a sectional title at home.
• Greg’s pick: Springs Valley 68, South Central 49.
