By GREG MENGELT

The senior forward scored 30 points and helped his 14-6 Braves upset Class A No. 12 Orleans 56-41 on Saturday for the Hoosier Hills Hoops Performance of the Week.

Mikel knocked down five 3-pointers and helped the Braves build leads of 17-10, 22-16 and 41-27 at the first three stops.

Mikel and the Braves close the regular season Friday at Salem (4-15) on Friday before hosting the Class A sectional next week. Borden drew a first-round bye and will face either Rock Creek (11-8) or New Washington (6-15) in next Friday’s semifinal round.

WEEK’S TOP PERFORMANCES
• Matthew Arthur, New Washington: Arthur put up 27 points as the Mustangs beat South Central 74-49 on Friday. Arthur made six of the Mustangs’ 15 3-pointers in the win.
• Chase Benner, Charlestown: Benner scored 20 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter of the Pirates’ 62-58 come-from-behind victory at Salem on Friday.
• Dakota Capps, Clarksville: Capps helped the Generals upset Borden 55-48 on Friday with a 28-point Senior Night performance.
• Lane Hoefler, West Washington: Hoefler had a game-high 21 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter of the Senators’ 48-43 win over visiting Henryville on Friday.
• Kaleb Kellems, North Harrison: Kellems finished with 13 points, six rebounds and four assists as the Cougars beat Providence 42-41 in overtime on Friday.
• Branden Northern, Silver Creek: The Dragons senior led his team to a 62-57 win at Corydon Central with 28 points on Friday.

By GREG MENGELT

Two-time defending — and 3-year reigning — sectional champion Silver Creek is getting hot at the right time of the season.

On Tuesday, the Dragons beat Austin 84-47. Then came perhaps Silver Creek’s biggest win of the season, at least since a 72-59 win at Jeffersonville on Dec. 17, to earn the Hoosier Hills Hoops Boys’ Team of the Week honor.

Silver Creek won 62-57 at Corydon Central, snapping the Panthers’ 8-game winning streak, and improving to 3-1 since Feb. 11. The Dragons led 37-23 at the half.

The Dragons close their regular season this week at home against Salem (4-15) on Tuesday and Seymour (13-6) on Friday before defense of its state championship begins next Tuesday against the host Lions at the Salem Sectional.

By GREG MENGELT

In what has, in many ways, been a nightmare 6-10 season for the Red Devils, Jeffersonville got its biggest win of the season Wednesday when it went into the Doghouse and beat rival New Albany 70-58.

It’s Jeff’s 82nd win over the Bulldogs in 162 all-time matchups.

The Red Devils outscored New Albany 27-17 in the third quarter to turn a 27-22 halftime lead into a 54-39 advantage through three periods.

Will Lovings-Watts led Jeff with 22 points and got plenty of help from his senior teammates. Brandon Rayzer-Moore finished with 16 points and was 10 for 16 from the field and Kobe Stoudemire finished with 12 points and six assists.

“We feel like we’re starting to turn a corner now,” said Stoudemire. “We’re playing way better than we were. Getting this win was huge because last year they beat us at home. So it felt good to get a win here.”

The Red Devils host Madison (6-15) on Tuesday and Castle (14-7) on Friday before defending their sectional championship next week at Seymour. The Red Devils drew Bedford North Lawrence (10-10) in the first round next Tuesday.

By GREG MENGELT

On Saturday, the 2021-22 Dragons proved to be equally worthy of being a state finals team.

The Dragons knocked off Bishop Chatard 64-54 at Jeffersonville to win the program’s sectional semistate title — and second in as many years.

Silver Creek dominated the second half and outscored the Trojans 41-26 after halftime.

“I told the girls, everything that you’ve gotten, you’ve earned,” Silver Creek 12th-year head coach Scott Schoen said. “Every game, you went out and were resilient and you were passionate and you loved each other and they kept winning. This is great. I’m so happy for these kids, so I know how bad they wanted to win it. This is their moment. They got a chance and took advantage of it.”

The 26-2 Dragons will face top-rated South Bend Washington (26-3) in Saturday’s Class 3A state championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Last year, Silver Creek defeated the Panthers 54-48 to win its first state championship.

By GREG MENGELT

However, this week was impossible to pick just one. With star teammate Kynidi Mason-Striverson struggling early in Saturday’s Class 3A Jeffersonville Semistate, Silver Creek seniors Emme Rooney and Sydney Sierota helped the Dragons get back to the state championship with big performances in Saturday’s 64-54 win over Bishop Chatard.

Rooney had a big first half and finished with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. She went 7 for 11 from the field and made two big 3-pointers in the victory.

With Silver Creek trailing 28-24 at the half, Sierota set the pace in the final 16 minutes. She finished the contest with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Rooney, Sierota and the 26-2 Dragons will take on top-ranked South Bend Washington (26-3) for the Class 3A state championship. The Dragons beat Washington 54-48 to win last year’s title.

By GREG MENGELT

The 6-10 Red Devils, who have won four of their last six games after starting the season 2-7, host Madison (6-15) in Tuesday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night before concluding the regular season Friday at home against Castle (14-7).

The Red Devils have been playing much better basketball in February, going 3-2 with wins over conference and sectional rivals Bedford North Lawrence and New Albany. Defending sectional champion Jeffersonville drew BNL in the opening round of next week’s sectional at Seymour and appeared to get a favorable draw Sunday.

The Red Devils have dominated the series over the years and should again Tuesday.

In some other interesting games Tuesday, defending Class 3A state champion Silver Creek (10-11) looks for its fourth win in five games when Salem (4-15) — the only Mid-Southern Conference team without a conference win — visits Sellersburg. Providence (14-6), which looks like a serious sectional contender, goes to New Washington (6-15), Class 3A No. 12 North Harrison (15-3) hosts Paoli (12-8) and a pair of hot teams will match up when West Washington (8-12) goes to Rock Creek (11-8).

Sectional rivals Henryville (8-13) and Clarksville (6-14) play at Clarksville and rivals Corydon Central (14-7) and South Central (7-14) will meet in Elizabeth, among Tuesday’s 12 local games.

In a matchup of two really good teams that expect to contend for sectional championships, Class 2A No. 16 Eastern (16-4) will battle 17-3 Springs Valley.

GAME OF THE NIGHT
MADISON AT JEFFERSONVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: William S. Johnson Arena, Jeffersonville H.S. (2315 Allison Ln., Jeffersonville)
• Records:
Madison 6-15. The Cubs have lost eight of their last nine games.
Jeffersonville 6-10. The Red Devils have won four of their last six but have lost two of their last three.
• Coaches:
Madison — Adam Stotts (6-15 in first season at Madison)
Jeffersonville — Andrew Grantz (21-17 in second season at Jeff, 109-59 in seventh season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Madison — No. 247, No. 67 Class 3A
Jeffersonville — No. 90, No. 56 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Madison — Defeated Trinity Lutheran 66-54 (Feb. 19)
Jeffersonville — Lost at Evansville Reitz 64-57 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Jeffersonville 17-3. The Red Devils have a 6-game winning streak against Madison.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 23, 2021 — Jeffersonville 72, at Madison 49.
• News & notes: The Red Devils drew Bedford North Lawrence (10-10) in next Tuesday’s opening round of the Class 4A Seymour Sectional. Jeff beat the Stars 44-42 on a Will Lovings-Watts buzzer beater on Feb. 10. … Madison drew Scottsburg (12-8) and will face the Warriors next weekend in the second quarterfinal of the sectional at Salem.
• John Harrell prediction: Jeffersonville 69, Madison 49.
• Sagarin projection: Jeff by 21.
• Outlook: Jeff’s playing its best basketball and Madison isn’t.
• Greg’s pick: Jeffersonville 75, Madison 55.

SALEM AT SILVER CREEK
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Silver Creek H.S. (557 Renz Ave., Sellersburg)
• Records:
Salem 4-15, 0-7 MSC. The Lions are on a 8-game losing streak.
Silver Creek 10-11, 4-3 MSC. The Dragons have won their last two and three of their last four.
• Coaches:
Salem — Duane Malloy (4-15 in first season at Salem)
Silver Creek — Brandon Hoffman (211-84 in 12th season at Creek)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Salem — No. 340, No. 91 Class 3A
Silver Creek — No. 134, No. 38 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost at Eastern 57-43 (Feb. 19)
Silver Creek — Won at Corydon 62-57 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Silver Creek 16-9. The Dragons have a 4-game winning streak vs. Salem.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 4, 2021 — Silver Creek 105, Salem 66.
• News & notes: Salem and Silver Creek will play each other again Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the opening round of the Class 3A Salem Sectional. Madison (6-15) and Scottsburg (12-8) are on the same side of the bracket as the Dragons and Lions.
• John Harrell prediction: Silver Creek 75, Salem 44.
• Sagarin projection: Silver Creek by 30.
• Outlook: Silver Creek is going to be dangerous in March.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 68, Salem 41.

PROVIDENCE 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:
Providence 14-6. The Pioneers lost their last two games.
New Washington 6-15. The Mustangs have lost four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Providence — Ryan Miller (44-22 in third season at Providence)
New Washington — Kyle Brown (15-30 in second season at New Wash)
• Rankings:
Providence — No. 16 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Providence — No. 123, No. 17 Class 3A
New Washington — No. 331, No. 62 Class A
• Most recent game:
Providence — Lost at Brownstown 81-68 (Feb. 19)
New Washington — Lost to Rock Creek 68-60 (Feb. 19)
• Last 20 years: Providence 19-1.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 23, 2021 — At Providence 65, New Wash 49.
• News & notes: New Wash begins the postseason Tuesday against sectional-favorite Rock Creek (11-8), while the Pioneers drew a bye and will face either Switzerland County (8-13) or Austin (4-14) in Friday’s sectional semifinal at Southwestern. The sectional’s other favorite, the host Rebels (14-7), are on the other side of the bracket. Southwestern beat the Pioneers 74-51 to win last year’s sectional championship, but Providence won 48-47 earlier this season in Hanover.
• John Harrell prediction: Providence 63, New Washington 41.
• Sagarin projection: Providence by 22.
• Outlook: The Pioneers played really well despite going 0-2 last week.
• Greg’s pick: Providence 59, New Washington 38.

EASTERN AT SPRINGS VALLEY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Springs Valley H.S. (326 S. Larry Bird Blvd., French Lick)
• Records:
Eastern 16-4. The Musketeers have won two of their last three games.
Springs Valley 17-3. The Blackhawks are on a 13-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
Eastern — Chandler Prible (28-17 in second season at Eastern)
Springs Valley — Jonathon Bowles (27-16 in second season at Valley)
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 16 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Eastern — No. 139, No. 21 Class 2A
Springs Valley — No. 177, No. 17 Class A
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Defeated Salem 57-43 (Feb. 19)
Springs Valley — Defeated South Central 73-47 (Feb. 19)
• Last 20 years: 7-7.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 29, 2021 — At Eastern 62, Springs Valley 57 (2 OT).
• News & notes: Eastern is the lone local team at the Tell City Sectional. The Musketeers, who look like co-favorites along with 12-8 Paoli, drew a first-round bye and will face Perry Central (11-9) in the semifinal round next Friday. … Springs Valley will be a huge favorite in its sectional. The Blackhawks are the only team in the sectional with a winning record. They face Wood Memorial (3-17) in the first round next Tuesday.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 58, Springs Valley 57.
• Sagarin projection: Springs Valley by 1.
• Outlook: This should be a great game and exactly what both teams need as the postseason begins in about a week.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 72, Springs Valley 64.

PAOLI AT NORTH HARRISON
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison H.S. (1070 Hwy. 64 N.W., Ramsey)
• Records:
Paoli 12-8. The Rams have won four of their last five games.
North Harrison 15-3. The Cougars have won seven games in a row.
• Coaches:
Paoli — Dusty Cole (155-76 in 10th season at Paoli)
North Harrison — Lou Lefevre (51-13 in third season at North Harrison, 316-93 in 18th season overall)
• Rankings:
North Harrison — No. 12 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Paoli — No. 230, No. 48 Class 2A
North Harrison — No. 56, No. 11 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Paoli — Defeated Eastern Greene 70-43 (Feb. 19)
North Harrison — Won at Providence 42-41, OT (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Paoli 11-8. North Harrison has won its last two against the Rams.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 23, 2022 — North Harrison 41, at Paoli 24.
• News & notes: North Harrison drew Charlestown (8-13) in the first round of the sectional next Tuesday at Salem. With a win, the Cougars would get a rematch with rival Corydon Central (14-7) in next Friday’s semis. … Paoli will face Crawford County (3-18) in both its regular-season finale and in the first round of the sectional at Tell City. The Rams are the defending sectional champions.
• John Harrell prediction: North Harrison 61, Paoli 40.
• Sagarin projection: North Harrison by 23.
• Outlook: North Harrison should win comfortably.
• Greg’s pick: North Harrison 56, Paoli 42.

WEST WASHINGTON AT ROCK CREEK
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Rock Creek Academy/Restoration Christian Church (8000 Diefenbach Ln., Sellersburg)
• Records:
West Washington 8-12. The Senators have won three of their last four games.
Rock Creek 11-8. The Lions have won four of their last five.
• Coaches:
West Washington — Clayton Sullivan (47-48 in fourth season at West Washington)
Rock Creek — Chris Brown (359-289 in 26th season at Rock Creek)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
West Washington — No. 305, No. 51 Class A
Rock Creek — No. 201, No. 22 Class A
• Most recent game:
West Washington — Won at Mitchell 55-52 (Feb. 19)
Rock Creek — Won at New Washington 68-60 (Feb. 19)
• Last 20 years: Rock Creek 2-0.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 23, 2021 — Rock Creek 41, at West Washington 33.
• News & notes: West Washington got a nice sectional draw with its first two rounds against Shawe Memorial (8-10) and Medora (4-18). If the Senators win both teams, as expected, Class A No. 4 Edinburgh (18-3) will likely await West Washington in next Saturday’s Edinburgh Sectional championship. … With a 5-0 record against the sectional field, Rock Creek looks like the favorite in a tight field at Borden. The Lions open Tuesday against a New Washington (6-15) team that Rock Creek beat by eight points recently. A rematch with Borden (14-6) awaits the winner.
• John Harrell prediction: Rock Creek 61, West Washington 45.
• Sagarin projection: Rock Creek by 18.
• Outlook: The Sentors will likely keep it close … at least for a while.
• Greg’s pick: Rock Creek 61, West Washington 50.

HENRYVILLE AT CLARKSVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Records:
Henryville 8-13. The Hornets have won four of their last five games.
Clarksville 6-14. The Generals have won two of their last three.
• Coaches:
Henryville — Jared Hill (99-89 in eighth season at Henryville)
Clarksville — Kyle Hankins (6-14 in first season at Clarksville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Henryville — No. 291, No. 67 Class 2A
Clarksville — No. 304, No. 73 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Henryville — Won at Crothersville 81-46 (Feb. 19)
Clarksville — Defeated Borden 55-48 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: 10-10.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 6, 2021 — At Henryville 44, Clarksville 32.
• News & notes: Henryville head coach Jared Hill is one win from career victory No. 100. … Henryville and Clarksville are on the same side of the Southwestern Sectional bracket. Henryville will face host and defending champion Southwestern (14-7) in next Tuesday’s first round with the winner getting Clarksville in next Friday’s semis.
• John Harrell prediction: Clarksville 52, Henryville 51.
• Sagarin projection: Clarksville by 2.
• Outlook: I think Henryville steals one on the road.
• Greg’s pick: Henryville 48, Clarksville 47.

CORYDON CENTRAL AT SOUTH CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: South Central H.S. Main Gym (6675 E. Hwy. 11 S.E., Elizabeth)
• Records:
Corydon Central 14-7. The Panthers have won eight of their last nine games.
South Central 7-14. The Rebels have lost three in a row.
• Coaches:
Corydon Central — Joseph Hinton (35-33 in third season at Corydon)
South Central — Greg Robison (180-182 in 16th season at South Central, 202-245 in 20th season overall)
• Rankings:
Corydon Central — No. 12 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Corydon Central — No. 118, No. 31 Class 3A
South Central — No. 334, No. 63 Class A
• Most recent game:
Corydon Central — Lost at Silver Creek 62-57 (Feb. 18)
South Central — Lost at Springs Valley 73-47 (Feb. 18)
• Last 20 years: Corydon 20-2. The Panthers have won 18 in a row vs. South Central.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 23, 2021 — At Corydon 64, South Central 56.
• News & notes: Corydon was the only team to draw a bye in the 7-team Salem Sectional field. The Panthers will likely face North Harrison (15-3), which opens the sectional next Tuesday against Charlestown (8-13), in next Friday’s semifinals. Class 3A No. 12 North Harrison (15-3) beat the Panthers 65-41 on Dec. 3. … South Central got a tremendous draw for its sectional at Borden. The Rebels drew a first-round bye and will face either Christian Academy (9-12) or rival Lanesville (6-16) in Friday’s semis. Host Borden (14-6) and favored Rock Creek (11-8) are on the top half of the bracket.
• John Harrell prediction: Corydon 66, South Central 43.
• Sagarin projection: Corydon by 22.
• Outlook: What a fantastic regular season for Joseph Hinton and the Panthers.
• Greg’s pick: Corydon Central 63, South Central 36.

AUSTIN AT LANESVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lanesville H.S. (2725 Crestview Ave. NE, Lanesville)
• Records:
Austin 4-14. The Eagles have lost five straight games.
Lanesville 6-16. The Eagles have won two of their last three.
• Coaches:
Austin — Randy Edwards (39-76 in fifth season at Austin)
Lanesville — Mikel Miller (293-225 in 22nd season at Lanesville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Austin — No. 311, No. 76 Class 2A
Lanesville — No. 312, No. 55 Class A
• Most recent game:
Austin — Lost at Seymour 59-27 (Feb. 18)
Lanesville — Lost at Crawford County 52-42 (Feb. 19)
• Last 20 years: Austin 8-7.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 23, 2021 — Lanesville 59, at Austin 50.
• News & notes: Austin opens the Southwestern Sectional next Tuesday against Switzerland County (8-13). The Pacers edged Austin 68-64 in November. With a win, the Eagles will play Providence (14-6) — one of the co-favorites — in next Friday’s semifinals. … Lanesville opens its postseason Tuesday, as well. The Eagles drew Christian Academy (9-12) in the first round. Lanesville beat CAI 59-55 on Jan. 14. Lanesville would play rival South Central (7-14) in the semifinal round with a win over the Warriors.
• John Harrell prediction: Lanesville 57, Austin 56.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 4.
• Outlook: One thing is for sure … the Eagles will win this one!
• Greg’s pick: Austin 60, Lanesville 56.

SCOTTSBURG AT JENNINGS COUNTY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Charles Hurley Gymnasium, Jennings County H.S. (800 W. Walnut St., North Vernon)
• Records:
Scottsburg 12-8. The Warriors have won three games in a row.
Jennings County 14-6. The Panthers are on a 3-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
Scottsburg — Eric Richardson (18-26 in second season at Scottsburg)
Jennings County — Josh Land (66-75 in sixth season at Jennings)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Scottsburg — No. 121, No. 32 Class 3A
Jennings County — No. 40, No. 31 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Scottsburg — Defeated Southwestern 73-65 (Feb. 19)
Jennings County — Defeated Bloomington South 53-46 (Feb. 19)
• Last 20 years: Jennings County 13-7.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 23, 2021 — Jennings County 50, at Scottsburg 42.
• News & notes: Scottsburg begins its sectional against Madison (6-15) next Tuesday at the Salem Sectional. Defending champion Silver Creek (10-11) or Salem (4-15) await the winner in Friday’s semifinals. … Jennigs County drew sectional-favorite Floyd Centra (16-4) in next Tuesday’s first round at Seymour. The Panthers lost in overtime to the Highlanders on Jan. 21. If Jennings can get by Floyd, it would face New Albany (11-10) in the semifinals.
• John Harrell prediction: Jennings County 64, Scottsburg 52.
• Sagarin projection: Jennings by 14.
• Outlook: Great tune-up for the Warriors, who look like they’ll be an outside contender in the sectional at Salem.
• Greg’s pick: Jennings County 68, Scottsburg 60.

CHARLESTOWN AT SOUTHWESTERN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Delbert O. King Gymnasium, Southwestern H.S. (167 S. Main Cross St., Hanover)
• Records:
Charlestown 8-13. The Pirates have won three games in a row.
Southwestern 14-7. The Rebels lost their last two.
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Matt Lynch (8-13 in first season at Charlestown, 77-63 in sixth season overall)
Southwestern — Zac Nussbaum (39-15 in third season at Southwestern)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Charlestown — No. 287, No. 80 Class 3A
Southwestern — No. 120, No. 16 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Won at Salem 62-58 (Feb. 18)
Southwestern — Lost at Scottsburg 73-65 (Feb. 19)
• Last 20 years: No meetings.
• News & notes: The Pirates have won their last three games against Southwestern, including a 54-47 victory in the regional semifinal in 1997. … Charlestown drew Class 3A No. 12 North Harrison (15-3) in the first round of the sectional at Salem. Corydon Central (14-7) awaits the winner in next Friday’s semis. … Defending sectional champion Southwestern faces Henryville (8-13) in next Tuesday’s first round and, with a win Tuesday, the Rebels would battle Clarksville (6-14) in the semifinal round.
• John Harrell prediction: Southwestern 67, Charlestown 43.
• Sagarin projection: Southwestern by 22.
• Outlook: Don’t care what Sagarin and Harrell say, the Pirates are going to be in this game.
• Greg’s pick: Southwestern 59, Charlestown 53.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY AT SOUTH SPENCER
• Time: 8:30 p.m.
• Location: South Spencer H.S. (1142 N. Orchard Rd., Rockport)
• Records:
Christian Academy 9-12. The Warriors have won three of their last four games.
South Spencer 16-3. The Rebels have won nine of their last 10.
• Coaches:
Christian Academy — Hayden Casey (18-29 in second season at CAI)
South Spencer — Matt Britton (67-25 in fourth season at South Spencer, 212-108 in 13th season overall)
• Rankings:
South Spencer — No. 8 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Christian Academy — No. 264, No. 38 Class A
South Spencer — No. 105, No. 11 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Christian Academy — Lost at Corydon Central 62-38 (Feb. 15)
South Spencer — Won at Boonville 57-52 (Feb. 19)
• Last 20 years: No meetings.
• News & notes: The last meeting between the two programs was a Rebels’ 97-67 South Spencer victory on Jan. 22, 2000. … CAI will open the Borden Sectional next Tuesday against Lanesville (6-16). The Warriors lost to the Eagles 59-55 on Jan. 14. If the Warriors can avenge that defeat, they would play South Central (7-14) in next Friday’s semifinal round. Favorites Rock Creek (11-8) and Borden (14-6) are on the opposite side of the bracket. … South Spencer is probably the sectional favorite at Southridge and drew a first-round bye. However, likely semifinal opponent, Southridge (12-10), beat the Rebels 47-45 on Friday.
• John Harrell prediction: South Spencer 65, Christian Academy 46.
• Sagarin projection: South Spencer by 21.
• Outlook: Hopefully for CAI, this tough schedule will play off in next week’s sectional.
• Greg’s pick: South Spencer 67, CAI 51.