By GREG MENGELT

Twenty-two games into the season and Silver Creek may be getting its biggest test in Tuesday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night.

The Dragons’ lone loss came against Bedford North Lawrence. East won at BNL a couple of weeks ago. So, yeah, this is a big test for the 20-1 Dragons right before beginning defense of their state championship at next week’s sectional.

Silver Creek has won eight in a row since loss at Bedford. East won at Jennings County on Thursday to clinch the HHC title for the second year in a row. The 16-3 Olympians have won five straight, are 8-2 at home this season and feature two elite scorers in senior Koryn Greiwe (16.9 points per game) and junior Saige Stahl (16.7). Greiwe is East’s all-time leading scorer.

“As talented a team as we play all year,” Silver Creek head coach Scott Schoen said. “It will be a tough game but fun.”

On top of all the winning, Silver Creek has had and should continue to break records and set individual standards. Emme Rooney set the school record with eight 3-pointers in Saturday’s win over Eastern, Kynidi Mason-Striverson broke the school record for assists with 320 in a Jan. 15 win over Austin and Sydney Sierota is four steals away from the Dragons’ single-season record.

Schoen said he’s looking forward to seeing how his team stacks up against a 4A state championship contender. In this week’s single-class coaches’ poll, Silver Creek is ranked eighth and East 12th.

“Tough road game that will be good for both us and Columbus East,” Schoen said. “Win or lose, it’s a great measuring stick going into the tournament.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
SILVER CREEK AT COLUMBUS EAST
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: The Orange Pit, East H.S. (230 S. Marr Rd., Columbus)
• Records:
Silver Creek 20-1. The Dragons are on an 8-game winning streak.
East 16-3. The Olympians are on a 5-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (175-109 in 12th season at Creek)
East — Danny Brown (290-154 in 19th season at East, 348-182 in 23rd season overall)
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 8 IBCA (single class); No. 4 ICGSA (Class 3A).
East — No. 12 IBCA (single class); No. 10 ICGSA (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 17, No. 3 Class 3A
East — No. 15, No. 13 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Defeated Eastern 66-48 (Jan. 22)
East — Won at Jennings County 81-75, OT (Jan. 20)
• Last 20 years: East 5-0.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 6, 2017 — At East 56, Silver Creek 31.
• John Harrell prediction: East 57, Silver Creek 50.
• Sagarin projection: East by 7.
• Outlook: This looks like a true tossup to me. I like the Dragons’ chances on the road.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 62, East 58.

SCOTTSBURG AT JEFFERSONVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: William S. Johnson Arena, Jeffersonville H.S. (2315 Allison Ln., Jeffersonville)
• Records:
Scottsburg 10-9. The Warriorettes have lost their last two and two of their last three.
Jeffersonville 9-7. The Red Devils have won their last two games.
• Coaches:
Scottsburg — Carrie Daniels (18-24 in second season at Scottsburg, 121-80 in seventh season overall)
Jeffersonville — Missy Voyles (15-19 in second season at Jeff, 285-133 in 18th season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Scottsburg — No. 112, No. 32 Class 3A
Jeffersonville — No. 69, No. 43 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Scottsburg — Lost at Eastern 56-40 (Jan. 20)
Jeffersonville — Won at New Washington 50-36 (Jan. 22)
• Last 20 years: Jeffersonville 17-3.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 26, 2021 — Jeffersonville 55, at Scottsburg 51.
• News & notes: This is Jeff’s regular-season finale (unless the athletic department reschedules a postponed game). The Warriorettes still have games against Paoli (Thursday) and Lanesville (Friday), both at home.
• John Harrell prediction: Jeffersonville 51, Scottsburg 41.
• Sagarin projection: Jeff by 11.
• Outlook: Hopefully Jeff is shaking off the rust from what had to be a horribly frustrating few weeks off.
• Greg’s pick: Jeffersonville 48, Scottsburg 40.

SALEM AT BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: BNL Fieldhouse (595 Stars Blvd., Bedford)
• Records:
Salem 10-8. The Lions have lost their last two games.
BNL 18-2. The Stars have won two straight and 12 of their last 13.
• Coaches:
Salem — Jerry Hickey (147-73 in ninth season at Salem)
BNL — Jeff Allen (173-36 in eighth season at BNL)
• Rankings:
BNL — No. 5 IBCA (single class); No. 4 ICGSA (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Salem — No. 70, No. 17 Class 3A
BNL — No. 10, No. 9 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost to Charlestown 56-47 (Jan. 20)
BNL — Defeated Jasper 60-31 (Jan. 22)
• Last 20 years: BNL 3-1.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 28, 2020 — At Salem 69, BNL 58.
• John Harrell prediction: BNL 58, Salem 36.
• Sagarin projection: BNL by 26.
• Outlook: Salem has played well in some losses this year. The Lions’ record is no indication of how good they were in 2021-22.
• Greg’s pick: BNL 55, Salem 49.

JENNINGS COUNTY AT FLOYD CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Joe Hinton Court, Floyd Central H.S. (6575 Old Vincennes Rd., Floyds Knobs)
• Records:
Jennings County 16-4, 3-2 HHC. The Panthers have won seven of their last eight.
Floyd Central 7-13, 1-4 HHC. The Highlanders have lost three of their last four.
• Coaches:
Jennings County — Kristi Sigler (77-65 in sixth season at Jennings)
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (27-60 in fourth season at Floyd)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Jennings County — No. 34, No. 26 Class 4A
Floyd Central — No. 134, No. 58 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Jennings County — Won at Trinity Lutheran 78-41 (Jan. 22)
Floyd Central — Lost at Corydon Central 68-65, OT (Jan. 22)
• Last 20 years: Jennings County 14-13. The Panthers are on a 7-game winning streak in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 5, 2021 — Jennings County 44, Floyd Central 32 (Class 4A New Albany Sectional semifinal)
• John Harrell prediction: Jennings County 54, Floyd Central 38.
• Sagarin projection: Jennings by 15.
• Outlook: This is a Jennings team that has a chance to shock BNL next week.
• Greg’s pick: Jennings County 55, Floyd Central 38.

CHARLESTOWN AT SEYMOUR
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour H.S. (1350 W. Second St., Seymour)
• Records:
Charlestown 16-5. The Pirates are on a 6-game winning streak.
Seymour 9-9. The Owls have lost three of their last four.
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Scott Matthews (82-57 in sixth season at Charlestown)
Seymour — Jason Longmeier (121-101 in 10th season at Seymour, 155-151 in 14th season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Charlestown — No. 57, No. 13 Class 3A
Seymour — No. 106, No. 52 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Defeated Christian Academyn 76-14 (Jan. 22)
Seymour — Lost to Center Grove 51-31 (Jan. 15)
• Last 20 years: Seymour 1-0.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 25, 2021 — Seymour 56, at Charlestown 46.
• News & notes: This is Charlestown’s regular-season finale. Seymour’s finale is Thursday at New Albany.
• John Harrell prediction: Charlestown 52, Seymour 43.
• Sagarin projection: Charlestown by 7.
• Outlook: This isn’t an easy one to close the regular season for Charlestown, but the Pirates have shown all season they’re capable of overcoming most challenges.
• Greg’s pick: Charlestown 55, Seymour 52.

EASTERN AT PAOLI
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Paoli H.S. (501 Elm St., Paoli)
• Records:
Eastern 11-10. The Musketeers have lost four of their last five.
Paoli 14-7. The Rams are on a 6-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
Eastern — Michael McBride (230-125 in 15th season at Eastern)
Paoli — Donavan Crews (24-13 in second season at Paoli)
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 13 ICGSA (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Eastern — No. 101, No. 17 Class 2A
Paoli — No. 147, No. 33 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Lost at Silver Creek 66-48 (Jan. 22)
Paoli — Defeated Springs Valley 51-31 (Jan. 22)
• Last 20 years: Paoli 16-10. Eastern have won seven straight vs. the Rams.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 26, 2021 — At Eastern 53, Paoli 39.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 44, Paoli 41.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 3.
• Outlook: The Rams are on a winning streak, Eastern’s on a losing streak, the game is in Paoli. Still taking the Musketeers.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 48, Paoli 38.

WEST WASHINGTON AT BORDEN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior H.S. (301 West St., Borden)
• Records:
West Washington 12-7. The Senators have lost their last three games.
Borden 12-8. The Braves have won their last two games.
• Coaches:
West Washington — Matthew Myers (20-21 in second season at West Washington)
Borden — Matt Vick (46-64 in fifth season at Borden)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
West Washington — No. 274, No. 41 Class A
Borden — No. 311, No. 57 Class A
• Most recent game:
West Washington — Lost at Brownstown 50-30 (Jan. 22)
Borden — Defeated Henryville 30-16 (Jan. 20)
• Last 20 years: Borden 15-7. West Washington has won six in a row in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 26, 2021 — At West Washington 35, Borden 33 (2OT)
• John Harrell prediction: West Washington 41, Borden 36.
• Sagarin projection: West Washington by 3.
• Outlook: Borden has been good in close games this year … and this should be a really good one.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 40, West Washington 39.

HENRYVILLE AT CLARKSVILLE
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Records:
Henryville 8-11. The Hornets have lost their last two games.
Clarksville 3-17. The Generals have lost five straight.
• Coaches:
Henryville — Tuesday Guernsey (23-38 in third season at Henryville)
Clarksville — Amanda Carmichael (11-33 in second season at Clarksville, 71-127 in ninth season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Henryville — No. 327, No. 82 Class 2A
Clarksville — No. 371, No. 96 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Henryville — Lost at Providence 34-27 (Jan. 21)
Clarksville — Lost at Shawe 44-34 (Jan. 22)
• Last 20 years: Henryville 20-9. The Hornets are on an 11-game winning streak in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 26, 2021 — At Henryville 46, Clarksville 37.
• John Harrell prediction: Henryville 42, Clarksville 28.
• Sagarin projection: Henryville by 12.
• Outlook: Henryville is closing the regular season strong.
• Greg’s pick: Henryville 37, Clarksville 26.

PROVIDENCE AT CRAWFORD COUNTY
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Ron Ferguson Gymnasium, Crawford County H.S. (1130 South State Road 66, Marengo)
• Records:
Providence 6-12. The Pioneers have won three of their last four.
Crawford County 9-11. The Wolfpack have won five of their last six.
• Coaches:
Providence — Brad Burden (165-160 in 14th season at Providence)
Crawford County — Christopher Broughton (120-93 in ninth season at Crawford)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Providence — No. 307, No. 78 Class 2A
Crawford County — No. 210, No. 52 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Providence — Defeated Henryville 34-27 (Jan. 21)
Crawford County — Defeated Orleans 51-32 (Jan. 20)
• Last 20 years: Crawford County 8-6. The Wolfpack have won six of their last seven in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 26, 2021 — At Providence 25, Crawford County 24.
• John Harrell prediction: Crawford County 49, Providence 31.
• Sagarin projection: Crawford by 19.
• Outlook: The Wolfpack suddenly look like a sectional contender after starting the season 0-7.
• Greg’s pick: Crawford County 39, Providence 27.

NEW WASHINGTON AT CROTHERSVILLE
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Crothersville H.S. (109 S. Preston St., Crothersville)
• Records:
New Washington 11-9, 1-2 SAC. The Mustangs have won six of their last seven.
Crothersville 3-11, 0-4 SAC. The Tigers have lost five of their last six games.
• Coaches:
New Washington — Kirsti Holloway (66-92 in seventh season at New Wash)
Crothersville — Kevin Hensley (116-171 in 13th season at Crothersville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Washington — No. 209, No. 24 Class A
Crothersville — No. 378, No. 84 Class A
• Most recent game:
New Washington — Lost to Jeffersonville 50-36 (Jan. 22)
Crothersville — Lost to Shawe 48-4 (Jan. 25)
• Last 20 years: New Wash 17-3. The Mustangs have won three in a row vs. Crothersvile.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 18, 2021 — At New Washington 71, Crothersville 64.
• News & notes: New Wash closes its regular season Saturday at home against SAC-rival South Central (1-12, 1-3). This is the Tigers’ regular-season finale.
• John Harrell prediction: New Washington 65, Crothersville 24.
• Sagarin projection: New Wash by 35.
• Outlook: Easy win for the Mustangs, who’re really playing well late in the season.
• Greg’s pick: New Washington 62, Crothersville 32.

ORLEANS AT AUSTIN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Austin H.S. (401 South Highway 31, Austin)
• Records:
Orleans 4-16. The Bulldogs have lost five of their last six games.
Austin 5-10. The Eagles have lost their of their last three games.
• Coaches:
Orleans — Jared Gilbert (61-73 in sixth season at Orleans)
Austin — Jared Petersen (237-174 in 17th season at Austin)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Orleans — No. 322, No. 63 Class A
Austin — No. 178, No. 39 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Orleans — Lost at Crawford County 51-32 (Jan. 20)
Austin — Lost to Silver Creek 60-24 (Jan. 15)
• Last 20 years: Orleans 2-0.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 23, 2021 — At Orleans 51, Austin 45.
• John Harrell prediction: Austin 53, Orleans 30.
• Sagarin projection: Austin by 28.
• Outlook: The Eagles are closing the regular season strong and should handle the Bulldogs.
• Greg’s pick: Austin 57, Orleans 36.

By GREG MENGELT

Bellarmine led 46-45 with 7:45 remaining before the Gamecocks’ game-changing run. Jacksonville State improves to 13-6 and is now the lone unbeaten the A-Sun. The Knights are 11-9 and 5-1 in conference play.

Senior forward Kayne Henry, who led all scorers with 24 points, kickstarted the Jacksonville State run with a 3-pointer. He then made a free throw and assisted on a 3-pointer that gave the Gamecocks an insurmountable 54-46 lead with 2:46 left to play. Henry also led Jacksonville State with eight rebounds.

Senior guard CJ Fleming paced Bellarmine with 17 points and senior guard Dylan Penn added 14 for the Knights, who shot just 33.3 percent (20 of 60) and made just 11 of their 36 3-point attempts (30.6 percent).

Former Providence star and current Bellarmine senior Juston Betz had six points and led the Knights with 10 rebounds. He also had a pair of assists and a pair of steals in the loss.

Bellarmine goes to Stetson on Thursday for another A-Sun showdown. The Hatters are 8-11 overall and 2-4 in conference play. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN Plus.

By GREG MENGELT

There are significant storylines at all five local sectionals. The stories of the sectionals at North Harrison and New Washington are about teams with chances to do something very special in February.

At North Harrison, defending Class 3A champion Silver Creek (20-1) faces a tough field, while Class A No. 2 Lanesville (21-1) is a heavy favorite at New Wash.

The field at North Harrison is tough. Fortunately for Silver Creek, the other serious contenders in the field are on the other side of the bracket. Corydon Central (18-2), which has won seven straight games, will face Charlestown (16-5), which has won six in a row. The Panthers beat the Pirates in overtime in Dec. 21 in Charlestown.

The winner of that game gets Class 3A powerhouse Salem (10-8), which has been a little inconsistent this season but should still be considered a contender, in Friday’s first sectional semifinal. Both Charlestown and Corydon edged the Lions in the regular season.

North Harrison (9-10) and Madison (10-7) will meet in Wednesday’s first quarterfinal contest at 6 p.m. The winner plays Silver Creek in Friday’s second semifinal. The regular-season game between the Lady Cats and Cubs was canceled.

Lanesville, which has won 17 consecutive game since its only loss of the season Nov. 13, opens the sectional at New Washington against Rock Creek (7-8), which has had a resurgent season but lost to the Eagles 58-18 on Jan. 13. In fact, Lanesville outscored it sectional opponents 334-70 this year. The 40-point win over Rock Creek was the closest of those games.

Before Lanesville-Rock Creek, Christian Academy (6-13) will battle South Central (1-12) in the first game Tuesday. The Warriors beat South Central 44-28 on Dec. 29.

Borden (12-8) will play the Lanesville/Rock Creek winner in Friday’s first semifinal, followed by the host Mustangs (11-9) against either South Central or CAI.

In the 4A sectional at Jeffersonville, it appears that favorites Bedford North Lawrence (18-2) and Jennings County (16-4) are headed for a crash course in the championship game. However, the host Red Devils (9-7) will get the first shot at BNL on Tuesday evening following New Albany (5-17) vs. Seymour (9-9) at 6 p.m.

New Albany and Seymour play Thursday in their regular-season finale before meeting again next Tuesday. BNL beat Jeff 53-31 but that was all the way back on Nov. 20.

Jennings will face the winner of New Albany/Seymour, while the BNL-Jeff winner gets Floyd Central (7-13) in Friday’s other semifinal matchup.

In the 2A sectional at Crawford County, defending champion Eastern (11-10) will face Henryville (8-11) in the sectional opener at 6 p.m. Tuesday. That game will be followed by Clarksville (3-17) vs. Austin (6-10). Austin won 65-18 at Clarksville on Dec. 16.

Providence (6-12) drew a bye and will get the Eastern/Henryville winner in Friday’s first semifinal. Crawford County (9-11) has won five of its last six games and appears to be the top contender to the Musketeers’ throne. The host Wolfpack will play the winner of Clarksville and Austin in the second semi. Eastern beat Crawford County 41-28 on Nov. 6 in Pekin.

The Class A sectional at West Washington is a 5-team field with only one game Tuesday evening. That will feature the host Senators (12-7) vs. Edinburgh (8-7). West Washington beat the Lancers 44-40 on Jan. 8.

In Friday’s semifinals, favorite Trinity Lutheran (13-7) will battle Crothersville (3-11) before Shawe Memorial (8-9) faces the West Washington/Edinburgh winner.

CLASS 4A JEFFERSONVILLE SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, Feb. 1
New Albany (5-17) vs. Seymour (9-9), 6 p.m.
Bedford North Lawrence (18-2) vs. Jeffersonville (9-7), 7:30 p.m.
SEMIFINALS
Friday, Feb. 4
Jennings County (16-4) vs. New Albany/Seymour winners, 6 p.m.
Floyd Central (7-13) vs. BNL/Jeff winner, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, Feb. 5
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.

CLASS 3A NORTH HARRISON SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, Feb. 1
Charlestown (16-5) vs. Corydon Central (18-2), 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 2
North Harrison (9-10) vs. Madison (10-7), 6 p.m.
Silver Creek (20-1) vs. Scottsburg (10-9), 7:30 p.m.
SEMIFINALS
Friday, Feb. 4
Salem (10-8) vs. Charlestown/Corydon winner, 6 p.m.
North Harrison/Madison winner vs. Silver Creek/Scottsburg winner, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, Feb. 5
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.

CLASS 2A CRAWFORD COUNTY SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, Feb. 1
Eastern (11-10) vs. Henryville (8-11), 6 p.m.
Clarksville (3-17) vs. Austin (6-10), 7:30 p.m.
SEMIFINALS
Friday, Feb. 4
Providence (6-12) vs. Eastern/Henryville winner, 6 p.m.
Crawford County (9-11) vs. Clarksville/Austin winner, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, Feb. 5
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.

CLASS A NEW WASHINGTON SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, Feb. 1
South Central (1-12) vs. Christian Academy (6-13), 6 p.m.
Lanesville (21-1) vs. Rock Creek (7-8), 7:30 p.m.
SEMIFINALS
Friday, Feb. 4
New Washington (11-9) vs. South Central/CAI winner, 6 p.m.
Borden (12-8) vs. Lanesville/Rock Creek winner, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, Feb. 5
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.

CLASS A WEST WASHINGTON SECTIONAL
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, Feb. 1
West Washington (12-7) vs. Edinburgh (8-7), 7 p.m.
SEMIFINALS
Friday, Feb. 4
Trinity Lutheran (13-7) vs. Crothersville (3-11), 6 p.m.
Shawe Memorial (8-9) vs. West Washington/Edinburgh winner, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, Feb. 5
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.

By GREG MENGELT

Floyd Central moved up from No. 19 to No. 15 in the latest single-class Indiana Basketball Coaches Association poll, which was released Sunday.

The 10-2 Highlanders have won five consecutive games, including a 67-58 Hoosier Hills Conference victory over Jennings County (10-4) on Friday evening. At 3-0, Floyd is the only unbeaten team in the HHC.

The Highlanders were the only local team to receive votes.

No. 1 Chesterton (14-0) took 19 of the 20 first-place votes with No. 2 Fishers (14-2) garnering the other. Defending 4A champion Carmel (11-4) is No. 3, followed by Zionsville (10-2), Tech (15-2), Cathedral (12-4), Westfield (11-4), Homestead (13-5), Ben Davis (12-4) and North Central (11-4).

Regionally, Bloomington North (12-3), Columbus North (11-5), Reitz (6-5), Terre Haute North (16-1) and Linton-Stockton (14-2) received votes.

INDIANA BASKETBALL COACHES POLL
Rank, School (1st place votes) Record
1. Chesterton (19) 14-0, 2. Fishers (1) 14-2, 3. Carmel 11-4, 4. Zionsville 10-2, 5. Indianapolis Tech 15-2, 6. Cathedral 12-4, 7. Westfield 11-4, 8. Homestead 13-5, 9. Ben Davis 12-4, 10. North Central 11-4, 11. Mishawaka Marian 12-2, 12. Valparaiso 14-3, 13. Pike 11-3, 14. Mt. Vernon (Fortville) 12-2, 15. Floyd Central 10-2, 16. Fort Wayne Blackhawk 13-1, 17. Brebeuf 10-4, 18. Penn 11-2, 19. Lawrence North 8-4, 20. Brownsburg 11-6.
Others receiving votes: Anderson 12-3, Bloomington North 12-3, Central Noble 15-1, Chatard 13-1, Columbus North 11-5, Evansville Reitz 6-5, Glenn 15-0, Hammond 11-5, Leo 9-2, Linton-Stockton 14-2, Monroe Central 13-0, NorthWood 15-1, Terre Haute North 16-1, Warsaw 10-5.

NOTE: Records as of Sunday.

By GREG MENGELT

Silver Creek stayed in the same spot in this week’s Indiana Basketball Coaches’ Association poll but is joined by two other teams this week.

Creek (20-1) is joined by neighboring schools Fishers (16-4), who was No. 10 last week, and Westfield (17-4), which fell from No. 6 last week after a loss at Brownsburg on Friday.

The defending Class 3A state champion Dragons (20-1) have won eight straight games heading into Tuesday’s showdown with No. 12 Columbus East (16-3). The Olympians climbed three more spots after recent wins over No. 5 Bedford North Lawrence (18-2), New Albany (5-17) and Jennings County (16-4), which was one of 38 schools to receive at least one vote this week.

Tuesday’s matchup is the regular-season finale for the Dragons.

Lanesville (21-1), which has won 17 games in a row heading into Friday’s regular-season finale at Scottsburg (10-9), continued to received votes in the poll.

There were no changes at the top of the poll. No. 1 Homestead (17-3) received 17 of the 20 first-place votes and No. 2 Franklin (20-1) earned the other three. Crown Point (18-2), South Bend Washington (19-2) and BNL round out the top five.

INDIANA BASKETBALL COACHES POLL
Rank, School (1st place votes) Record
1. Homestead (17) 19-1, 2. Franklin (3) 20-1, 3. Crown Point 18-2, 4. South Bend Washington 19-2, 5. Bedford North Lawrence 18-2, 6. Noblesville 17-4, 7. North Central 18-5, 8t. Silver Creek 20-1, 8t. Westfield 17-4, 8t. Fishers 16-4, 11. Fort Wayne Snider 15-3, 12. Columbus East 16-3, 14. Benton Central 22-1, 15. Columbia City 18-1, 16t. Garrett 21-1, 16t. Zionsville 15-6, 18. East Central 18-4, 19. Mishawaka Marian 17-5, 20. Carmel 13-7.
Others receiving votes: Ben Davis 12-7, Blue River Valley 18-2, Castle 15-4, Evansville North 15-3, Hamilton Southeastern 13-7, Huntington North 16-4, Jennings County 16-4, Lafayette Central Catholic 17-4, Lake Station 14-6, Lanesville 21-1, Northridge 18-5, Penn 15-6, South Central (Union Mills) 22-0, University 17-2, Valparaiso 16-4, Waldron 19-1, Washington 18-3, Winchester 19-1.

NOTE: Records as of Sunday.

By GREG MENGELT

In spite of a recent bout with the Covid-19, the 2021-22 season has already been the one of the best in Rock Creek history.

The Lions’ seven wins equals their win total over the last three years combined. The seven wins is fourth most in program history. With three games this week, Rock Creek has a legitimate chance to get to double-digit wins for the second time in program history.

First, the Lions face St. Francis (Ky.) (2-9) in Monday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night. They then close the season Thursday against South Central (1-12) and Saturday against Crothersville (3-11). The final two regular-season games are both at home.

“We’re getting there,” said second-year Rock Creek head coach Sara Nord. “We’ve had a couple games that could’ve gone either way. We’re have to take baby steps.”

The Lions’ roster features three freshmen, five sophomores and two seniors, so the future appears very bright under Nord.

“We’re extremely young,” she said. “A lot of us are adjusting to high school basketball and the strength and speed it take to play at the varsity level.”

As great as the season has been, Rock Creek has had their last three games postponed. Games against Portland Christian (Ky.), Providence and St. Francis won’t be rescheduled.

“Until recently, the year had gone smooth for us,” Nord said of the common theme of Covid cases across the country.

Unfortunately, Rock Creek drew No. 2 Lanesville (21-1) in the first round of next week’s sectional at New Washington. Nord said all the Lions can do it get better this week. The Eagles the Lions 58-18 two weeks ago.

“We have three games this week and hopefully that will get us ready for the sectional,” she said. “Hopefully we can go into the sectional with some momentum.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
ROCK CREEK AT ST. FRANCIS (KY.)
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Location: St. Francis School (233 W. Broadway, Louisville)
• Records:
Rock Creek 7-8. The Lions have lost four straight.
St. Francis 2-9. The Wyverns have lost four straight.
• Coaches:
Rock Creek — Sara Nord (9-17 in second season at Rock Creek)
St. Francis — Tatjana Boston (Coaching record unavailable)
• Most recent game:
Rock Creek — Lost to Lanesville 58-18 (Jan. 13)
St. Francis — Lost to Louisville Collegiate 52-12 (Jan. 22)
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• News & notes: The Lions close their season Thursday at home against South Central, so this is their 2022 road finale. … The Wyverns still have nine regular-season games left in the next three weeks.
• Outlook: The Lions have a chance to get to eight wins (despite four game cancelations). It’s easily the second-best season for the Rock Creek girls’ basketball history.
• Greg’s pick: Rock Creek 53, St. Francis 40.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY AT TRINITY LUTHERAN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Trinity Lutheran H.S. (1 Trinity Way, Seymour)
• Records:
CAI 6-13. The Warriors have lost their last three games.
Trinity Lutheran 13-7. The Cougars have won two of their last three.
• Coaches:
CAI — Carson Casey (14-48 in third season at CAI)
Trinity Lutheran — Mike Lang (180-85 in 11th season at Trinity Lutheran)
• Rankings:
Trinity Lutheran — No. 8 ICGSA (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
CAI — No. 354, No. 74 Class A
Trinity Lutheran — No. 151, No. 11 Class A
• Most recent game:
CAI — Lost at Charlestown 76-14 (Jan. 22)
Trinity Lutheran — Lost to Jennings County 78-41 (Jan. 22)
• Last 20 years: Trinity Lutheran 13-2. The Cougars are on a 10-game winning streak in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 10, 2020 — Trinity Lutheran 77, at CAI 7.
• News & notes: This is Christian Academy’s regular-season finale. The Cougars go to Madison on Thursday for their final regular-season game.
• John Harrell prediction: Trinity Lutheran 64, CAI 25.
• Sagarin projection: Trinity Lutheran by 40.
• Outlook: The Cougars don’t appear to be quite as good as in the recent past, but they’re still a program that annually competes for regional championships.
• Greg’s pick: Trinity Lutheran 55, CAI 20.