By GREG MENGELT

RICHMOND — Hanover outscored host Earlham 33-22 in the first half and held off the Quakers for a 58-47 Heartland Conference victory Saturday afternoon.

Junior forward Ty Houston (Union, Ky./Cooper) finished with 19 points, sophomore guard Max Greenamoyer (Zionsville/University) added 14 and sophomore forward Matt Munoz (Indianapolis/Southport) finished with 11. Former New Albany star Isaac Hibbard finished with 3 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and an assist and former Christian Academy standout Noah Williams contributed 2 points and an assist to the Panthers’ ninth victory of the season.

Hibbard’s lone bucket came on a fast break to make the score 4-0 early. Williams’ bucket came 8 minutes and 27 seconds into the contest and put the Panthers ahead 16-9.

Hanover (9-2, 5-1 HCAC) led by as many as 11 in the first half and Houston’s 3 on the first possession of the second half gave the Panthers a 36-22 lead. That was Hanover’s largest lead.

Senior guard Anthony Phillips (Fort Wayne/Wayne) led the Quakers with 12 points and Freshman guard Jay Joshi (Atlanta, Ga) added 10 for Earlham, which shot just 35.7 percent from the field (20 for 56) and made just four of its 17 3-point attempts (23.5 percent).

Earlham is now 3-8 overall and still winless in the Heartland.

The Panthers host rival Franklin on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The Grizziles are 7-6 following Saturday’s 73-60 loss at Anderson.

By GREG MENGELT

1. Silver Creek (16-1, Last Week: No. 1). What else can you say but the Dragons are really good? This week: Host Madison (Tuesday), at Austin (Saturday).

2. Corydon Central (15-2, 2). Back-to-back wins over a good Eastern team — by a combined 37 points — keeps the Panthers the clear No. 2. This week: Host Forest Park (Tuesday), at Madison (Saturday).

3. Lanesville (16-1, 3). Since the last poll, the Eagles have outscored their opponents 163-17. Things get a little tougher this week. This week: At Trinity Lutheran (Tuesday), at Rock Creek (Thursday), at Eastern (Saturday).

4. Charlestown (12-5, 4). The Pirates aren’t just 12-5, they’ve beaten Floyd, North Harrison, Scottsburg, Jeff, Chatard and Brownstown Central. That’s a strong resumé. This week: At Eastern (Tuesday), host Providence (Friday).

5. Scottsburg (10-7, 7). The Warriors got a big, big win at Seymour on Tuesday. This week: Host Paoli (Tuesday), at Salem (Thursday).

6. Salem (8-6, 5). The record doesn’t necessarily say it, but the Lions are still one of the area’s top five or six teams. This week: Hosts Scottsburg (Thursday).

7. Eastern (10-7, 6). The Musketeers’ tough schedule is catching up with them a bit. They’ve lost four of their last six. This week: Host Charlestown (Tuesday), Host Lanesville (Saturday).

8. West Washington (11-4, 10). The Senators are one of the area’s hottest teams with five consecutive wins. This week: At Rock Creek (Monday), host Crawford County (Thursday), host Northeast Dubois (Saturday).

9. Jeffersonville (7-6, 8). Nothing to report. This week: at Evansville Reitz (Saturday).

10. Floyd Central (6-10, 12). The Highlanders got a huge win over their biggest rivals on Saturday. This week: Host Borden (Tuesday), at Bedford North Lawrence (Saturday).

11. North Harrison (9-7, 9). The Lady Cats have lost three straight following their upset of Salem. This week: Host Austin (Thursday).

12. Austin (5-9, 11). The Eagles are an overtime road loss at Crawford County from having a 4-game winning streak. This week: Host Henryville (Tuesday), at North Harrison (Thursday), host Silver Creek (Saturday).

13. Rock Creek (7-5, 14). Looks like the Lions are finally going to play Monday. This week: Hosts West Washington (Monday), at Shawe (Tuesday).

14. Borden (9-7, 13). The Braves are currently struggling a bit against a tougher second half of their schedule. This week: At Floyd Central (Tuesday), host Orleans (Thursday).

15. New Washington (8-8, NR). The Mustangs have won three straight … all away from home. This week: Host Providence (Tuesday), at Switzerland County (Saturday).

NOTE: The Hoosier Hills Hoops Power Poll is not only based upon which teams beat which teams but is a combination of play on the floor, how teams match up with their current class and what expectations are for a team’s postseason run.

By GREG MENGELT

The Hoosier Hills Hoops Boys’ Power Poll is a weekly feature each Sunday, ranking the top boys’ teams in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington counties.

1. Floyd Central (7-2, Last week: 1). The Highlanders aren’t getting a lot of state-wide love, but we know. This week: Host Jeffersonville (Saturday), at North Harrison (Saturday).

2. North Harrison (7-2, 2). Strong road win for the Cougars at Scottsburg. This week: Host Eastern (Friday), host Floyd Central (Saturday).

3. Eastern (11-1, 3). Make it 10 in a row for the Musketeers, including a win over defending state champion Silver Creek on Friday. This week: At North Harrison (Friday), host Paoli (Saturday).

4. Silver Creek (6-6, 4). So the Dragons aren’t going to win the MSC this year, but you probably shouldn’t count them out in March. This week: Host Brownstown Central (Friday).

5. New Albany (4-5, 5). All of the Bulldogs’ five losses have come against teams that are considered serious contenders in March. This week: At Southwestern (Tuesday), host Scottsburg (Saturday).

6. Providence (8-3, 7). The Pioneers were expected to be pretty good, but they’ve been even better than we though. This week: At Jeffersonville (Saturday).

7. Scottsburg (8-4, 6). The Warriors have four losses, all by six or few points and two in overtime. This week: At Salem (Friday), at New Albany (Saturday).

8. Corydon Central (6-6, 9). Corydon’s been playing well. We’re not going to punish the Panthers for losing to the No. 1 team. This week: Host Clarksville (Friday), at Crawford County (Saturday).

9. Rock Creek (5-5, 11). Huge win at Borden on Saturday probably makes the Lions the favorites in the Class A sectional. This week: Host Portland Christian (Friday), at New Washington (Saturday).

10. Jeffersonville (2-5, 10). Nothing to report. This week: At Floyd Central (Friday), host Providence (Saturday).

11. Borden (8-4, 8). Tough loss against Rock Creek on Saturday, but we’re guessing Doc Nash and the Braves will have a different plan if they meet in the postseason. This week: Host Austin (Friday), at Charlestown (Saturday).

12. Christian Academy (6-6, 12). Looks like the Warriors are headed double-digit wins for the 10th time in 11 seasons. Last year, they won nine. This week: Host Lanesville (Friday).

13. Clarksville (4-6, 14): The Generals are clearly improving in the first year under Kyle Hankins. This week: At Corydon Central (Friday), at Austin (Saturday).

14. South Central (4-7, NR): The Rebels are back in the poll after beating Lanesville and Mitchell. This week: At West Washington (Tuesday).

15. Henryville (4-7, 15): The Hornets were impressive in their first game in 2022, blasting Trinity Lutheran by 29. This week: At New Washington (Friday).

NOTE: The Hoosier Hills Hoops Power Poll is not only based upon which teams beat which teams but is a combination of play on the floor, how teams match up with their current class and what expectations are for a team’s postseason run.

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.

By GREG MENGELT

This year is no different. The Lions and Dragons meet Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night.

Both teams have been contenders with Salem winning sectional championships in 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020, plus a state championship appearance in 2020. Silver Creek finally broke through and beat the Lions last year en route to a Mid-Southern Conference championship and eventually the programs’ first state championship.

Salem has struggled a bit this season and is 8-5 through 13 games. The Dragons have done anything but struggle, winning their first 12 games of the season and currently standing at

This game has been a marquee matchup in Southern Indiana over the last few years,” Salem coach Jerry Hickey said. “I think this is Coach (Scott) Schoen’s greatest coaching job that I’ve seen since coming to Salem 10 years ago. To lose three outstanding players in Jaclyn Emly, Marissa Gassaway and Alanna Striverson and come back as one of the best teams in the state is a testament to their coaching staff and players.”

Salem goes to Sellersburg where the Dragons are 7-0 this season. The Lions 1-5 away from home this season.

“We have struggled to win on the road this year, but hopefully we can get that turned around this Saturday and start playing our best basketball in the last month of the season,” Hickey said.

GAME OF THE NIGHT
SALEM AT SILVER CREEK
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Silver Creek H.S. (557 Renz Ave., Sellersburg)
• Records:
Salem 8-5, 2-2 MSC. The Lions have won two of their last three and four of their last seven.
Silver Creek 15-1, 4-0 MSC. The Dragons have won three straight and 25 of their last 26 overall.
• Coaches:
Salem — Jerry Hickey (145-70 in ninth season at Salem)
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (170-109 in 12th season at Silver Creek)
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 10 IBCA (single class); No. 2 ICGSA (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Salem — No. 63, No. 16 Class 3A
Silver Creek — No. 18, No. 3 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost at Vincennes Rivet 46-41 (Jan. 4)
Silver Creek — Won at Vincennes 65-45 (Vincennes Invitational, championship, Dec. 29)
• Last 20 years: Silver Creek 15-12. The Dragons beat Salem twice last season, but the Lions have won six of the last eight in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 6, 2021 — Silver Creek 46, Salem 27 (Class 3A Madison Sectional championship)
• John Harrell prediction: Silver Creek 57, Salem 44.
• Sagarin projection: Silver Creek by 16.
• Outlook: Salem has a good team with a lot of experience, but Silver Creek is clearly on a different level. It’s going to take a massive effort for anyone to keep the Dragons from winning another state championship.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 64, Salem 43.

NEW ALBANY AT FLOYD CENTRAL
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Joe Hinton Court, Floyd Central H.S. (6575 Old Vincennes Rd., Floyds Knobs)
• Records:
New Albany 5-12, 0-2 HHC. The Bulldogs have lost four consecutive games.
Floyd Central 5-10, 0-3 HHC. The Highlanders have won two of their last three.
• Coaches:
New Albany — Shelby Gliebe (11-28 in second season at New Albany, 15-47 in third season overall)
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (25-57 in fourth season at Floyd)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Albany — No. 143, No. 59 Class 4A
Floyd Central — No. 115, No. 53 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
New Albany — Lost to Eastern 62-54 (Jan. 4)
Floyd Central — Lost to Lanesville 49-32 (Dec. 30)
• Last 20 years: New Albany 17-6. The Bulldogs have won their last two and 10 of their last 11 vs. Floyd.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9, 2021 — At New Albany 41, New Albany 40.
• John Harrell prediction: Floyd Central 49, New Albany 43.
• Sagarin projection: Floyd by 8.
• Outlook: Of course, this is a tossup. As much of a tossup as any game Saturday, but New Albany probably has the best player on the court so I’ll take the Bulldogs by a point.
• Greg’s pick: New Albany 48, Floyd Central 47.

CHARLESTOWN AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL
• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Brownstown Central H.S. (500 N. Elm St., Brownstown)
• Records:
Charlestown 11-5, 3-2 MSC. The Pirates have lost three of their last five.
Brownstown 9-9, 2-4 MSC. The Braves have won five of their last six and six of their last eight after a 2-6 start.
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Scott Matthews (77-57 in sixth season at Charlestown)
Brownstown — Brandon Allman (54-20 in third season at Brownstown)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Charlestown — No. 62, No. 15 Class 3A
Brownstown — No. 121, No. 37 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Won at Madison 39-26 (Jan. 7)
Brownstown — Lost to Madison 44-41 (Jan. 4)
• Last 20 years: Brownstown Central 17-13. The Braves have beaten Charlestown five consecutive times.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9 — Brownstown 52, at Charlestown 46.
• John Harrell prediction: Charlestown 52, Brownstown 40.
• Sagarin projection: Charlestown by 8.
• Outlook: Brownstown lost at home to Madison, the Pirates just won at Madison. Three days apart. That makes for a pretty easy formula.
• Greg’s pick: Charlestown 51, Brownstown 41.

NEW WASHINGTON AT CLARKSVILLE
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Records:
New Washington 7-8. The Mustangs have won their last two games and three of their last four.
Clarksville 3-14. The Generals have lost their last two games and eight of their last nine.
• Coaches:
New Washington — Kirsti Holloway (62-91 in seventh season at New Wash)
Clarksville — Amanda Carmichael (11-30 in second season at Clarksville, 71-124 in ninth season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Washington — No. 220, No. 27 Class A
Clarksville — No. 366, No. 94 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
New Washington — Won at Henryville 45-32 (Jan. 5)
Clarksville — Lost to Providence 49-14 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: New Washington 9-2. The Mustangs have won eight straight vs. Clarksville going back to 2001-02.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 6, 2021 — New Washington 69, Clarksville 31 (South Dearborn Tipoff Tournament, consolation game)
• John Harrell prediction: New Washington 57, Clarksville 25.
• Sagarin projection: New Wash by 28.
• Outlook: New Wash has a chance to get on a roll and win a lot of games heading into the sectional.
• Greg’s pick: New Washington 49, Clarksville 29.

CROTHERSVILLE AT LANESVILLE
• Time: Noon.
• Location: Lanesville H.S. (2725 Crestview Ave. NE, Lanesville)
• Records:
Crothersville 2-8, 0-2 SAC. The Tigers have lost their last two games.
Lanesville 16-1, 2-0 SAC. The top-ranked Eagles have won 12 consecutive games.
• Coaches:
Crothersville — Kevin Hensley (115-167 in 13th season at Crothersville)
Lanesville — Angie Hinton (78-16 in fourth season at Lanesville, 25189 in 15th season overall)
• Rankings:
Lanesville — No. 1 ICGSA (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Crothersville — No. 364, No. 79 Class A
Lanesville — No. 50, No. 2 Class A
• Most recent game:
Crothersville — Lost to Henryville 49-16 (Jan. 4)
Lanesville — Defeated South Central 82-5 (Jan. 4)
• Last 20 years: Lanesville 14-6. The Eagles have won their last two matchups with Crothersville.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 11, 2021 — At Lanesville 60, Crothersville 34.
• John Harrell prediction: Lanesville 77, Crothersville 7.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 65.
• Outlook: No comment. (It wouldn’t be nice to the Tigers.)
• Greg’s pick: Lanesville 72, Crothersville 8.

NORTH HARRISON AT SEYMOUR
• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour H.S. (1350 W. Second St., Seymour)
• Records:
North Harrison 9-6. The Lady Cats have lost their last two.
Seymour 8-8. The Owls have lost their last two.
• Coaches:
North Harrison — Jamie Kolkmeier (21-12 in second season at North Harrison)
Seymour — Jason Longmeier (120-100 in 10th season at Seymour, 154-150 in 14th season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
North Harrison — No. 138, No. 43 Class 3A
Seymour — No. 103, No. 50 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
North Harrison — Lost at Trinity Lutheran 50-40 (Dec. 23)
Seymour — Lost to Columbus East 70-38 (Jan. 6)
• Last 20 years: North Harrison 5-3. The Lady Cats have won three of their last four vs. North Harrison.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 11, 2020 — At Seymour 56, North Harrison 44.
• John Harrell prediction: Seymour 51, North Harrison 49.
• Sagarin projection: Seymour by 8.
• Outlook: The Owls should win going away.
• Greg’s pick: Seymour 52, North Harrison 36.

PROVIDENCE CRISTO REY AT PROVIDENCE
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Location: Larkin Center, Our Lady of Providence (707 Providence Way, Clarksville)
• Records:
PCR 0-10. The Wolves have lost 25 games in a row dating back to last season.
Providence 4-11. The Pioneers have won two of their last three.
• Coaches:
PCR — Andrew Dishman (29-66 in fifth season at PCR)
Providence — Brad Burden (163-159 in 14th season at Providence)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
PCR — No. 395, No. 94 Class A
Providence — No. 300, No. 77 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
PCR — Lost to Central Christian 51-14 (Dec. 18)
Providence — Won at Clarksville 49-14 (Jan. 7)
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• John Harrell prediction: Providence 75, PCR 10.
• Sagarin projection: Providence by 51.
• Outlook: According to the computer-based Sagarin Ratings, PCR is the worst team in all of Indiana. Should be a good night for the Pioneers.
• Greg’s pick: Providence 68, PCR 14.

BORDEN AT PAOLI
• Time: 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Paoli H.S. (501 Elm St., Paoli)
• Records:
Borden 9-6. The Braves have won four of their last seven.
Paoli 10-7. The Rams have won two in a row, three of their last four and six of their last eight.
• Coaches:
Borden — Matt Vick (43-62 in fifth season at Borden)
Paoli — Donavan Crews (20-13 in second season at Paoli)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Borden — No. 310, No. 54 Class A
Paoli — No. 163, No. 36 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Borden — Lost to Austin 59-37 (Dec. 28)
Paoli — Defeated Perry Central 57-23 (Jan. 4)
• Last 20 years: Paoli 14-7. The Rams have beaten Borden four straight times they’ve played.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9, 2021 — At Paoli 49, Borden 16.
• John Harrell prediction: Paoli 57, Borden 28.
• Sagarin projection: Paoli by 25.
• Outlook: Borden’s in need of a win, but it appears the Rams are significantly better.
• Greg’s pick: Paoli 55, Borden 40.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY AT TRINITY LUTHERAN
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Trinity Lutheran H.S. (1 Trinity Way, Seymour)
• Records:
CAI 5-9. The Warriors have won three of their last four.
Trinity Lutheran 11-5. The Cougars have lost two of their last three.
• Coaches:
CAI — Carson Casey (13-44 in third season at CAI)
Trinity Lutheran — Mike Lang (178-83 in 11th season at Trinity Lutheran)
• Rankings:
Trinity Lutheran — No. 10 ICGSA (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
CAI — No. 351, No. 74 Class A
Trinity Lutheran — No. 160, No. 13 Class A
• Most recent game:
CAI — Defeated South Central 44-28 (Whitefield (Ky.) Invitational, consolation game, Dec. 29)
Trinity Lutheran — Defeated Greenwood Christian (Jan. 4)
• Last 20 years: Trinity Lutheran 13-4. The Cougars have won 11 consecutive vs. CAI.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 10, 2020 — Trinity Lutheran 77, CAI 7.
• John Harrell prediction: Trinity Lutheran 63, CAI 24.
• Sagarin projection: Trinity Lutheran by 28.
• Outlook: The Cougars are one of the region’s top Class A teams again.
• Greg’s pick: Trinity Lutheran 53, CAI 30.

ORLEANS AT HENRYVILLE
• Time: 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Furnish Gym, Henryville H.S. (213 N. Ferguson St., Henryville)
• Records:
Orleans 3-13. The Bulldogs have lost 13 of their last 14 after a 2-0 start.
Henryville 6-9. The Hornets have won four of their last six after a 2-7 start.
• Coaches:
Orleans — Jared Gilbert (60-70 in sixth season at Orleans)
Henryville — Tuesday Guernsey (21-36 in third season at Henryville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Orleans — No. 319, No. 60 Class A
Henryville — No. 335, No. 84 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Orleans — Lost to North Daviess 35-30, OT (Famersburg Ladybird Classic, third-place game, Dec. 29)
Henryville — Lost to New Washington 45-32 (Jan. 5)
• Last 20 years: Orleans 12-8. The Bulldogs have won their last two games vs. Henryville.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 11, 2021 — At Orleans 58, Henryville 11.
• John Harrell prediction: Orleans 38, Henryville 35.
• Sagarin projection: Orleans by 1.
• Outlook: Give me Henryville at home in a thriller.
• Greg’s pick: Henryville 39, Orleans 37.

PORTLAND CHRISTIAN AT SOUTH CENTRAL
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Location: South Central H.S. Main Gym (6675 E. Hwy. 11 S.E., Elizabeth)
• Records:
Portland Christian 4-5. The Eagles have won three of their last four and four of the their last six.
South Central 1-11. The Rebels have lost five consecutive games.
• Coaches:
Portland Christian — Jared Slaughter (Coaching record unavailable)
South Central — Lynne Thomas (4-45 in third season at South Central)
• Most recent game:
Portland Christian — Defeated Shawnee 1-0 by fofeit (Jan. 4)
South Central — Lost at Lanesville 82-5 (Jan. 4)
• Last 20 years: Portland Christian 1-0.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 8, 2021 — At Portland Christian 57, South Central 47.
• Outlook: The Eagles should win handily.
• Greg’s pick: Portland Christian 55, South Central 28.

EDINBURGH AT WEST WASHINGTON
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Tower Gymnasium, West Washington H.S. (8028 W. Batt Rd., Campbellsburg)
• Records:
Edinburgh 8-6. The Lancers have lost two in a row in the heels of a 4-game winning streak.
West Washington 10-4. The Senators have won three straight.
• Coaches:
Edinburgh — Amy Schilling (76-120 in ninth season at Edinburgh, 101-159 in 12th season overall)
West Washington — Matthew Myers (18-19 in second season at West Washington)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Edinburgh — No. 301, No. 52 Class A
West Washington — No. 257, No. 36 Class A
• Most recent game:
Edinburgh — Lost at Speedway 67-46 (Jan. 5)
West Washington — Defeated Springs Valley 41-40 (Dec. 21)
• Last 20 years: West Washington 4-1.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 2, 2021 — West Washington 43, Edinburgh 40 (Class A Edinburgh Sectional, first round)
• John Harrell prediction: West Washington 44, Edinburgh 35.
• Sagarin projection: West Washington by 11.
• Outlook: The Senators add to their already strong season.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 41, Edinburgh 33.

By GREG MENGELT

Jefferson, a former New Albany star, was 5 for 14 from the field and made three of his nine 3-point attempts in the loss. He also had three assists and a rebound.

The Raiders led most of the contest and held a 46-45 lead with 9:28 to go. The Owls went on a 10-0 run before Jefferson’s 3 with 5:23 remaining slowed Rice’s momentum.

A dunk by Middle Tennessee freshman guard Teafale Lenard pulled the Raiders to within a point with 51 seconds left, but Rice’s Chris Mullins and Quincy Olivari hit clutch free throws and Jefferson missed a 3 attempt with 19 seconds remaining.

Jefferson shared team-high honors with sophomore guard Eli Lawrence, who finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and an assist. Junior forward Deandre Dishman contributed 12 points and 6 boards.

Senior Carl Pierre had a game-best 19 points for the Owls, who have now won four of their last five games.

Middle Tennessee, which had won five of its last six coming into the Rice game, is now 8-3 on the season. The Raiders face defending Conference USA champion North Texas (8-4, 1-1 C-USA) at 6 p.m. Saturday.