By GREG MENGELT
The 13th-ranked Highlanders (18-4) beat the Bulldogs (11-11) by 31 points on Dec. 10. Floyd coach Todd Sturgeon said Tuesday that the regular-season match has no bearing on Friday’s second Class 4A Seymour Sectional semifinal. The Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Week follows Jeffersonville (8-11) vs. host Seymour (15-6) in the opener at 6 p.m.
Shannon agrees.
“Honestly, it’s been so long ago, I really don’t think it has any bearing on (Friday),” he said. “That’s easy to say when you’re on the receiving end of a pounding like that. I don’t think the regular-season game ever has any influence on a sectional game, especially when it was that long ago.”
Floyd opened the sectional with a 61-54 double-overtime win over Jennings County for its 12th win in its last 14 games.
“They have such great size, they protect the ball well, they take good shots and they defend well,” Shannon said of the Hoosier Hills Conference champions. “I suppose that’s why they win all those games. It’s going to take a great effort on our part to take them down.”
This is the sectional opener for New Albany, which lost three of its last final four games, but Shannon has liked what he’s seen from his team late in the season … at times.
“They’ve shown signs,” he said. “We haven’t been able to put 32 minutes together.”
Seymour beat Jeffersonville 55-47 on Dec. 10 at Scott Gymnasium, but the Red Devils were without seniors Will Lovings-Watts and Kobe Stoudemire — or head coach Andrew Grantz on the bench — in the defeat.
“I’m excited to see, with a full squad, what we can do,” Grantz said Tuesday after his team defeated Bedford North Lawrence 61-48 the first game of the Seymour Sectional. “Man, that seems like it was a century ago.”
It should be a great night of basketball at Salem. The tournament’s top four teams, North Harrison (17-3), Corydon Central (14-8), Silver Creek (12-12) and Scottsburg (15-8) remain alive.
Thirteenth-ranked North Harrison will battle rival Corydon. The Cougars went unbeaten against the sectional field this season, including a 65-41 victory over the Panthers on Dec. 3. Silver Creek and Scottsburg split a pair of games earlier this season, with the Warriors winning 70-65 on a neutral court in December and the Dragons winning 46-44 at Scottsburg in January.
At Southwestern, the host Rebels (16-7) and Providence (15-6) are expected to take care of Clarksville and Switzerland County, respectively. It’s the same situation at Tell City, where Eastern (17-5) is expected to beat Perry Central (12-10) and Paoli is expected to beat the host Marksmen (2-21) easily.
Another site with two potential good games is Borden. The No. 16 Braves (14-7) host Rock Creek (14-8) in the opener. The Lions already have a win on the floor against Borden, 57-42 on Jan. 8. In the nightcap, Christian Academy (11-13) is surely the favorite against South Central (8-15), but it’s another game that seems like it could go either way. CAI beat the Rebels, who are coming off an upset over Corydon Central, by 32 points on Dec. 17.
At Edinburgh, West Washington (10-13) and the host Lancers (20-3) should roll past Medora (4-19) and Crothersville (3-19), respectively, and meet in Saturday night’s championship game.
CLASS 4A SEYMOUR SECTIONAL
JEFFERSONVILE VS. SEYMOUR
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour H.S. (1350 W. Second St., Seymour)
• Records:
Jeffersonville 8-11. The Red Devils have won two of their last three games.
Seymour 15-6. The Owls finished the regular season with four straight wins.
• Coaches:
Jeffersonville — Andrew Grantz (23-18 in second season at Jeff, 111-60 in seventh season overall)
Seymour — Kirk Manns (33-33 in third season at Seymour)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Jeffersonville — No. 72, No. 47 Class 4A
Seymour— No. 34, No. 29 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Jeffersonville — Defeated Bedford North Lawrence 61-48 (March 1, Class 4A Seymour Sectional first round)
Seymour — Won at Silver Creek 63-54 (Feb. 25)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Jeffersonville 39 (2021); Seymour 44 (1992).
• Regular-season result: Dec. 10 — At Seymour 55, Jeffersonville 47.
• Last postseason matchup: March 3, 2020 — Jeffersonville 36, Seymour 29 (Class 4A Seymour Sectional first round).
• John Harrell prediction: Seymour 57, Jeffersonville 49.
• Sagarin projection: Seymour by 8.
• Outlook: I won’t be surprised if Seymour wins, especially on its own court, but I’m expecting a slight “upset.”
• Greg’s pick: Jeffersonville 64, Seymour 58.
GAME OF THE NIGHT
NEW ALBANY VS. FLOYD CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour H.S. (1350 W. Second St., Seymour)
• Records:
New Albany 11-11. The Bulldogs lost three of their final four regular-season games.
Floyd Central 18-4. The Highlanders have won their last two games.
• Coaches:
New Albany — Jim Shannon (440-138 in 24th season at New Albany, 605-277 in 38th season overall)
Floyd Central — Todd Sturgeon (140-44 in eighth season at Floyd)
• Rankings:
Floyd Central — No. 13 IBCA (single class); No. 13 AP (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Albany — No. 101, No. 62 Class 4A
Floyd Central— No. 11, No. 11 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
New Albany — Lost at Bloomington North 56-38 (Feb. 25)
Floyd Central — Defeated Jennings County 61-54 (2OT) (March 1, Class 4A Seymour Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): New Albany 53 (2018); Floyd 15 (2020)
• Regular-season result: Dec. 10 — At Floyd Central 57, New Albany 26.
• Last postseason matchup: March 1, 2019 — New Albany 39, Floyd Central 36 (Class 4A Seymour Sectional Semifinal)
• John Harrell prediction: Floyd Central 60, New Albany 45.
• Sagarin projection: Floyd Central by 15.
• Outlook: Floyd had its scare Tuesday. Now I expect the Highlanders to take control of the sectional.
• Greg’s pick: Floyd Central 59, New Albany 40.
CLASS 3A SALEM SECTIONAL
CORYDON CENTRAL VS. NORTH HARRISON
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Brooks Memorial Gymnasium, Salem H.S. (700 N. Harrison St., Salem)
• Records:
Corydon Central 14-8. The Panthers lost their last two regular-season games.
North Harrison 17-3. The Cougars have won nine games in a row.
• Coaches:
Corydon Central — Joseph Hinton (35-34 in third season at Corydon)
North Harrison — Lou Lefevre (53-13 in third season at North Harrison, 318-93 in 18th season overall)
• Rankings:
North Harrison — No. 13 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Corydon Central — No. 147, No. 40 Class 3A
North Harrison— No. 56, No. 12 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Corydon Central — Lost at South Central 65-58 (Feb. 22)
North Harrison — Defeated Charlestown 55-41 (March 1, Class 3A Salem Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Corydon 14 (2011); North Harrison 9 (1996).
• Regular-season result: Dec. 3 — At North Harrison 65, Corydon 41.
• Last postseason matchup: March 4, 2020 — North Harrison 56, Corydon 43 (Class 3A Salem Sectional first round).
• John Harrell prediction: North Harrison 58, Corydon Central 51.
• Sagarin projection: North Harrison by 10.
• Outlook: The Cougars are better than the rest of the field. Looks like their long sectional draught is going to come to an end.
• Greg’s pick: North Harrison 54, Corydon 41.
SILVER CREEK VS. SCOTTSBURG
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brooks Memorial Gymnasium, Salem H.S. (700 N. Harrison St., Salem)
• Records:
Silver Creek 12-12. The Dragons have won four of their last five games.
Scottsburg 15-8. The Warriors have won six games in a row.
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Brandon Hoffman (213-85 in 12th season at Silver Creek)
Scottsburg — Eric Richardson (21-26 in second season at Scottsburg)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 117, No. 31 Class 3A
Scottsburg — No. 83, No. 20 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Defeated Salem 76-35 (March 2, Class 3A Salem Sectional first round)
Scottsburg — Defeated Madison 81-48 (March 2, Class 3A Salem Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Silver Creek 18 (2021, fourth straight); Scottsburg 22 (2005).
• Regular-season results: Dec. 23 — Scottsburg 70, Silver Creek 65 (Jefferson County Invitational); Feb. 11 — Silver Creek 46, at Scottsburg 44.
• Last postseason matchup: March 2, 2018 — Silver Creek 55, Scottsburg 32 (Class 3A North Harrison Sectional semifinal).
• John Harrell prediction: Scottsburg 59, Silver Creek 57.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 4.
• Outlook: Scottsburg is long and athletic and balance and depth. I’m taking the Warriors. Either way, it’s going to be close.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 60, Silver Creek 59.
CLASS 2A SOUTHWESTERN SECTIONAL
PROVIDENCE VS. SWITZERLAND COUNTY
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Delbert O. King Gymnasium, Southwestern H.S. (167 S. Main Cross St., Hanover)
• Records:
Providence 15-6. The Pioneers have lost two of their last three games.
Switzerland County 11-13. The Pacers have won three in a row.
• Coaches:
Providence — Ryan Miller (45-22 in third season at Providence)
Switzerland County — Travis Wrightsman (14-34 in second season at SwitzCo, 278-193 in 19th season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Providence — No. 118, No. 14 Class 2A
Switzerland County— No. 278, No. 64 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Providence — Won at New Washington 43-36 (Feb. 22)
Switzerland County — Defeated Austin 52-50 (March 1, Class 2A Southwestern Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Providence 9 (2020); SwitzCo 7 (2013).
• Regular-season result: Did not play.
• Last postseason matchup: March 6, 2020 — Providence 53, Switzerland County 43 (Class 2A Southwestern Sectional semifinal).
• John Harrell prediction: Providence 61, Switzerland County 43.
• Sagarin projection: Providence by 17.
• Outlook: Providence should be rest and ready to roll.
• Greg’s pick: Providence 56, Switzerland County 35.
CLARKSVILLE VS. SOUTHWESTERN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Delbert O. King Gymnasium, Southwestern H.S. (167 S. Main Cross St., Hanover)
• Records:
Clarksville 7-15. The Generals won two of their final three regular-season games.
Southwestern 16-7. The Rebels have won their last two.
• Coaches:
Clarksville — Kyle Hankins (7-15 in first season at Clarksville)
Southwestern — Zac Nussbaum (41-15 in third season at Southwestern)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Clarksville — No. 296, No. 71 Class 2A
Southwestern— No. 121, No. 15 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Clarksville — Lost at Rock Creek 52-50 (Feb. 25)
Southwestern — Defeated Henryville 45-37 (March 1, Class 2A Southwestern Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Clarksville 5 (2014); Southwestern 9 (2021, third in four years).
• Regular-season result: Dec. 14 — Southwestern 67, at Clarksville 44.
• Last postseason matchup: March 3, 2020 — Southwestern 58, Clarksville 48 (Class 2A Southwestern Sectional first round).
• John Harrell prediction: Southwestern 69, Clarksville 46.
• Sagarin projection: Southwestern by 23.
• Outlook: While it’s still hard to see any other results than a Providence-Southwestern championship, if either team can upset that, it’s probably Clarksville.
• Greg’s pick: Southwestern 59, Clarksville 44.
CLASS 2A TELL CITY SECTIONAL
EASTERN VS. PERRY CENTRAL
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Bryan Taylor Sports Arena, Tell City H.S. (900 12th St., Tell City)
• Records:
Eastern 17-5. The Musketeers won two of their final three regular-season games.
Perry Central 12-10. The Commodores lost three of their final four to end the regular season.
• Coaches:
Eastern — Chandler Prible (29-18 in second season at Eastern)
Perry Central — Jeff Litherland (12-10 in first season at Perry Central, 105-56 in seventh season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Eastern — No. 153, No. 21 Class 2A
Perry Central— No. 293, No. 68 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Won at South Central 70-49 (Feb. 25)
Perry Central — Lost to Heritage Hills 50-34 (Feb. 25)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Eastern 4 (2015); Perry Central 4 (2014).
• Regular-season result: Did not play.
• Last postseason matchup: March 2, 2021 — Eastern 35, Perry Central 33 (Class 2A Paoli Sectional first round)
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 59, Perry Central 43.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 17.
• Outlook: Perry Central isn’t bad. The Commodores are probably capable of winning the sectional if they play well and catch Eastern or Paoli on the right night. Chances are, though, the Musketeers run away with this one.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 63, Perry Central 48.
TELL CITY VS. PAOLI
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Bryan Taylor Sports Arena, Tell City H.S. (900 12th St., Tell City)
• Records:
Tell City 2-21. The Marksmen have lost six games in a row.
Paoli 14-9. The Rams have won their last two and four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Tell City — Mike Brown (2-21 in first season at Tell City, 500-302 in 34th season overall)
Paoli — Dusty Cole (157-77 in 10th season at Paoli)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Tell City — No. 363, No. 93 Class 2A
Paoli — No. 219, No. 43 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Tell City — Lost at Forest Park 64-53 (Feb. 23)
Paoli — Defeated Crawford County 42-36 (March 1, Class 2A Tell City Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Tell City 35 (2019); Paoli 25 (2021, second in three years).
• Regular-season result: Jan. 8 — Paoli 61, at Tell City 52.
• Last postseason matchup: March 11, 2000 — Paoli 73, Tell City 69 (Class 2A Southridge Sectional championship).
• John Harrell prediction: Paoli 62, Tell City 44.
• Sagarin projection: Paoli by 18.
• Outlook: It won’t be as easy as Tell City’s record may indicate, but Paoli will win by plenty.
• Greg’s pick: Paoli 60, Tell City 44.
CLASS A BORDEN SECTIONAL
BORDEN VS. ROCK CREEK
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior H.S. (301 West St., Borden)
• Records:
Borden 14-7. The Braves lost two of their last three regular-season games.
Rock Creek 14-8. The Lions have won five in a row.
• Coaches:
Borden — Doc Nash (218-156 in 16th season at Borden)
Rock Creek — Chris Brown (362-289 in 26th season at Rock Creek)
• Rankings:
Borden — No. 16 AP (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Borden — No. 236, No. 30 Class A
Rock Creek— No. 192, No. 20 Class A
• Most recent game:
Borden — Lost at Salem 76-73 (Feb. 25)
Rock Creek — Defeated New Washington 72-44 (March 1, Class A Borden Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Borden 4 (2013); Rock Creek 2 (2016).
• Regular-season result: Jan. 8 — At Borden 57, Rock Creek 42.
• Last postseason matchup: March 3, 2015 — Borden 45, Rock Creek 42 (OT) (Class A Boden Sectional first round).
• John Harrell prediction: Rock Creek 54, Borden 53.
• Sagarin projection: Rock Creek by 2.
• Outlook: Surprising it’s been 2016 since either team won a sectional. Whichever team wins this one has a really good shot at winning this year’s title.
• Greg’s pick: Rock Creek 63, Borden 55.
SOUTH CENTRAL VS. CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior H.S. (301 West St., Borden)
• Records:
South Central 8-15. The Rebels lost four of their final five regular-seasomn games.
Christian Academy 11-13. The Warriors have won their last two.
• Coaches:
South Central — Greg Robinson (181-183 in 16th season at South Central, 203-246 in 20th season overall)
Christian Academy — Hayden Casey (20-30 in second season at CAI)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
South Central — No. 314, No. 55 Class A
Christian Academy— No. 247, No. 34 Class A
• Most recent game:
South Central — Lost to Eastern 70-49 (Feb. 25)
Christian Academy — Defeated Lanesville 61-28 (March 1, Class A Borden Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): South Central 2 (2002); CAI 5 (2020).
• Regular-season result: Dec. 17 — At Christian Academy 66, South Central 34.
• Last postseason matchup: March 6, 2020 — Christian Academy 68, South Central 38 (Class A Borden Sectional first round)
• John Harrell prediction: CAI 59, South Central 48.
• Sagarin projection: CAI by 9.
• Outlook: CAI should win, but the Rebels are capable of pulling off a minor upset.
• Greg’s pick: Christian Academy 59, South Central 51.
CLASS A EDINBURGH SECTIONAL
MEDORA VS. WEST WASHINGTON
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: : Edinburgh H.S. (300 S. Keeley, Edinburgh)
• Records:
Medora 4-19. The Hornets have lost 11 of their last 12 games.
West Washington 10-13. The Senators have won their last two and four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Medora — Mark Morin (23-138 in seventh season at Medora)
West Washington — Clayton Sullivan (49-49 in fourth season at West Washington)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Medora — No. 397, No. 97 Class A
West Washington— No. 300, No. 47 Class A
• Most recent game:
Medora — Lost to Rising Sun (Feb. 25)
West Washington — Defeated Shawe Memorial 53-38 (March 1, Class A Edinburgh Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Medora 1 (1949); West Washington 5 (2019).
• Regular-season result: Jan. 18 — West Washington 60, at Medora 34.
• Last postseason matchup: March 5, 2021 — West Washington 75, Medora 23 (Class A West Washington Sectional semifinal).
• John Harrell prediction: West Washington 65, Medora 34.
• Sagarin projection: West Washington by 30.
• Outlook: I’m starting to get the feeling the Senators may win this sectional.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 75, Medora 31.
CROTHERSVILLE VS. EDINBURGH
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: : Edinburgh H.S. (300 S. Keeley, Edinburgh)
• Records:
Crothersville 3-19. The Tigers lost their last three regular-season games.
Edinburgh 20-3. The Lancers won their last two and five of their last six.
• Coaches:
Crothersville — Bryant Layman (3-19 in first season at Crothersville)
Edinburgh — Keith Witty (71-49 in fifth season at Edinburgh)
• Rankings:
Edinburgh — No. 7 AP (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Crothersville — No. 391, No. 91 Class A
Edinburgh— No. 178, No. 17 Class A
• Most recent game:
Crothersville — Lost to Austin 91-55 (Feb. 25)
Edinburgh — Defeated Trinity Lutheran 57-38 (March 1, Class A Edinburgh Sectional first round)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Crothersville 1 (2020); Edinburgh 6 (2018).
• Regular-season result: Feb. 5 — At Edinburgh 72, Crothersville 32.
• Last postseason matchup: March 6, 2020 — Crothersville 58, Edinburgh 49 (Class A Edinburgh Sectional semifinal).
• John Harrell prediction: Edinburgh 83, Crothersville 34.
• Sagarin projection: Edinburgh by 46.
• Outlook: Edinburgh will win. By a lot.
• Greg’s pick: Edinburgh 73, Crothersville 22.
LOCAL SECTIONALS
CLASS 4A SEYMOUR SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, March 1
Jeffersonville 61, Bedford North Lawrence 48
Floyd Central 61, Jennings County 54 (2OT)
SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 4
Seymour (15-6) vs. Jeffersonville (8-11), 6 p.m.
New Albany (11-11) vs. Floyd Central (18-4), 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 5
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 3A SALEM SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, March 1
North Harrison 55, Charlestown 41
Wednesday, March 2
Silver Creek 76, Salem 34
Scottsburg 81, Madison 48
SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 4
Corydon Central (14-7) vs. North Harrison (17-3), 6 p.m.
Silver Creek (12-12) vs. Scottsburg (15-8), 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 5
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
CLASS 2A SOUTHWESTERN SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, March 1
Switzerland County 52, Austin 50
Southwestern 45, Henryville 37
SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 4
Providence (14-6) vs. Switzerland County (11-13), 6 p.m.
Clarksville (6-14) vs. Southwestern (16-7), 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 5
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
CLASS 2A TELL CITY SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, March 1
Paoli 42, Crawford County 36
SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 4
Eastern (17-5) vs. Perry Central (12-10), 5:30 p.m.
Tell City (2-21) vs. Paoli (14-9), 7:15 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 5
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
CLASS A BORDEN SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, March 1
Rock Creek 72, New Washington 44
Christian Academy 61, Lanesville 28
SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 4
Borden (14-7) vs. Rock Creek (14-8), 6 p.m.
South Central (8-15) vs. Christian Academy (11-13), 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 5
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
CLASS A EDINBURGH SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, March 1
West Washington 53, Shawe Memorial 38
Edinburgh 57, Trinity Lutheran 38
SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 4
Medora (4-19) vs. West Washington (10-13), 6 p.m.
Crothersville (3-19) vs. Edinburgh (20-3), 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 5
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
