By GREG MENGELT

Few Silver Creek players have ever won once at Jeffersonville. Branden Northern has now done it twice.

Northern had a game-high 31 points and helped the 3-3 Dragons pull away from the 1-4 Red Devils for a 71-57 victory at Johnson Arena on Friday. Northern’s father, Bryant, starred at Jeffersonville.

Northern followed up Friday’s game with 27 points in Creek’s 64-51 loss at Seymour.

Northern and the Dragons will participate at the Jefferson County Invitational on Wednesday and Thursday. They open Wednesday against Class 2A No. 11 Southwestern (5-1) and will face either Jay County (5-1) or Scottsburg (6-1) in the second round.

OTHER TOP PERFORMANCES
• Tevi Ali, Floyd Central: The Highlander junior guard led Floyd with 11 points in Friday’s 55-43 victory at Providence. “He came off the bench, hit a couple of shots and got guys shots. He got us some good looks — to our big guys inside and to our shooters. I thought he was our spark plug. No question,” Floyd Central coach Todd Sturgeon told the News and Tribune.
• Jacob Cherry, Eastern: Cherry had 13 points and 7 rebounds as Eastern defeated Borden 57-55 in overtime to claim its first Washington County Invitational title since 2010.
• Brady Dunn, Christian Academy: Dunn, a senior, had 16 points and 11 rebounds as the Warriors crushed South Central 65-34 on Friday.
• Casey Kaelin, Providence: Kaelin had a game-best 13 points in the Pioneers’ 55-43 loss to visiting Floyd Central on Friday.
• Sterling Mikel, Borden: Mikel had a team-best 19 points as Borden knocked off West Washington 73-56 in the opening round of the Washington County Invitational on Friday. Mike made three 3-pointers and went 4 for 4 form the line in the victory.
• Tyler Orbeson, Henryville: The Henryville senior guard had a game-high 17 points as the Hornets knocked off Lanesville 57-48 on Friday. Orbeson scored all 17 of his points after halftime. He hit three 3-pointers in the third quarter of the victory.
• Brandon Rayzer-Moore, Jeffersonville: Rayzer-Moore led the Red Devils with 20 points in Friday’s 72-59 home loss to Silver Creek.
• Caleb Roy, Christian Academy: The CAI junior had 21 points and 8 rebounds as the Warriors beat Charlestown 62-51 on Saturday.
• Jaleb Treat, Rock Creek: The junior big man helped the Lions defeat Louisville Holy Cross 48-37 with his 16-point, 11-rebound performance on Friday.

By GREG MENGELT

Saunders is graduating this winter and will attend Valparaiso and join the Beacons’ basketball team this spring.

The Lady Cats begin life without Saunders on Tuesday at home against Floyd Central then go to Trinity Lutheran on Thursday before a 15-day break.

OTHER TOP PERFORMANCES
• Mallory Buckel, Austin: Buckel led a balance Eagle attack with 17 points in Austin’s 60-40 win at Providence on Tuesday.
• Callie Jo Celichowski, Floyd Central: Celicshowski had 14 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals as the Highlanders dropped decisions against Seymour and Salem last week.
• Laney Hawkins, Charlestown: Hawkins scored 7 of her team-best 11 points in the first quarter as the Pirates ran out to a 16-6 lead in Tuesday’s 42-28 victory at Jeffersonville.
• Carrie Hiler, Scottsburg: Hiler scored 20 of her team’s 50 points in last Tuesday’s 72-50 loss at Silver Creek. Hiler drained five 3-pointers in the loss.
• Leah Stevens, Christian Academy: Stevens scored 23 points in the Warriors’ 55-30 victory over Cannelton on Tuesday. “Every time we needed a basket, she stepped up for us,” CAI coach Carson Casey said.

By GREG MENGELT

With 29 points from Brysen Montgomery, Austin pulled off perhaps the biggest upset of the year so far with an 80-70 win over Madison on Saturday night.

Madison was coming off its own upset, 57-54 in overtime over Bedford North Lawrence on Friday. BNL then beat Silver Creek on Saturday evening.

Austin (2-5) had lost five of its first six games, including a 65-51 loss against Paoli on Friday, heading into Saturday’s contest.

It was the Eagles’ final contest until Jan. 7 at North Harrison (4-1).

By GREG MENGELT

In a game that was tight all night, North Harrison handed Salem its second its second Mid-Southern Conference loss in a week with a 55-54 overtime victory on Thursday.

North Harrison outscored the Lions 28-27 in the second half and 5-4 in overtime to improve to 9-4 overall and 3-2 in the MSC and earn this week’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Win of the Week honor.

Senior Diana Burgher had 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals and senior Ali Saunders finished with 21 points, 7 assists and 5 boards in her final game in a North Harrison uniform. The Lady Cats shot over 50 percent (21 for 41) in the win and made half of their 3-pointers (9 of 18).

North Harrison is back in action tonight when it hosts Floyd Central (3-9) in its first game without Saunders, who will join the University of Valparaiso team this winter.

By GREG MENGELT

Jeffersonville senior Will Lovings-Watts will return to the lineup for the Red Devils on Tuesday at Mac’s Childcare Christmas Classic at Louisville Western.

The Drake signee will make his season debut against host Western (7-2) in Tuesday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Day. The Devils and Warriors will will meet in the consolation bracket of the tournament after suffering defeats Tuesday.

Jeff, which is also without senior point guard Kobe Stoudemire because of an ankle injury, fell to 1-4 with the 78-53 defeat. Senior Brandon Rayzer-Moore was the only player in Jeff’s lineup Monday who had significant varsity experience prior to this season.

“We struggled with their pressure,” said Jeff’s second-year coach Andrew Grantz, who acted as an assistant coach Tuesday as he returns from a non-infectious health issue that caused him to miss all of last week. “It’s difficult right now with Kobe out. We’re asking Caleb Thomas to play the point guard role and it’s really not allowing him to play to his strengths. Our next point guard is a freshman. Our freshman are doing a great job, but it’s his fifth (varsity) game ever. … This has been a valuable experience (for the Jeff freshman).”

After facing Western today, the Red Devils will face either Louisville Southern (4-2) or Louisville Waggener (3-4) in the final round of the tournament Wednesday at Pleasure Ridge Park. If Jeff wins, it will play at 4:30 p.m. in the fifth-place game. With a fifth straight loss, the Devils will play at 3 p.m. in the seventh-place game.

Jeff expects to be whole for the first time next week when it participates in the Paul Logan Memorial Invitational at North Central. The Devils will face the host Panthers next Tuesday and Pike on Wednesday.

“This tournament then going to next week’s tournament, we’ll see our group slowly returning to the team we planned on having,” Grantz said. “We’re doing a lot of learning on the fly against a heck of a schedule. We’ve had a lot go against us that’s out of our control, but I’m convinced it’s going to make us better in the long run.”

MAC’S CHILDCARE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
FIRST ROUND
Monday, Dec. 20
At Louisville Western
Jeffersontown (Ky.) 78, Jeffersonville 53
DuPont Manual 67, Louisville Western 41
At Pleasure Ridge Park
St. Xavier (Ky.) 63, Louisville Southern 56
Pleasure Ridge Park 92, Louisville Waggener 65
SECOND ROUND
Tuesday, Dec. 21
At Louisville Western
Jeffersonville (1-4) vs. Louisville Western (7-2), 6 p.m.
Jeffersontown (Ky.) (7-1) vs. DuPont Manual (Ky.) (8-0), 7:30 p.m.
At Pleasure Ridge Park
Louisville Southern (4-2) vs. Louisville Waggener (3-4), 6 p.m.
St. Xavier (Ky.) (6-2) vs. Pleasure Ridge Park (Ky.) (6-1), 7:30 p.m.
FINAL ROUND
Wednesday, Dec. 22
At Pleasure Ridge Park
7th place game — Jeffersonville/Western loser vs. Southern/Waggener loser, 3 p.m.
5th place game — Jeffersonville/Western winner vs. Southern/Waggener winner, 4:30 p.m.
Consolation game — Jeffersontown/Manual loser vs. St. Xavier/PRP loser, 6 p.m.
Championship game — Jeffersontown/Manaul winner vs. St. Xavier/PRP winner, 7:30 p.m.

GAME OF THE NIGHT
JEFFERSONVILLE (1-4) VS. LOUISVILLE WESTERN (7-2)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Event: MAC’s Childcare Holiday Classic, second round.
• Location: Louisville Western H.S. (2501 Rockford Lane, Louisville)
• Coaches:
Jeffersonville — Andrew Grantz (16-11 in second season at Jeffersonville, 104-53 in seventh season overall)
Western — Brandon Britt (Coaching record unavailable)
• Most recent game:
Jeffersonville — Lost to Jeffersontown (Ky.) 78-53 (MAC’s Childcare Christmas Classic, first round, Dec. 20)
Western — Lost to DuPont Manual 67-41 (MAC’s Childcare Christmas Classic, first round, Dec. 20)
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• News & notes: Will Lovings-Watts will play Tuesday after serving a 5-game suspension for “violating program rules.” The status of point guard Kobe Stoudemire, who suffered an ankle injury in the Red Devils’ 55-47 loss at Seymour. Grantz said Stoudemire’s ankle is improving, but his return is probably a couple games away. … Western’s only losses this season have been against North Oldham 68-65 on Dec. 11 and yesterday against unbeaten Manual. … The Warriors are led by junior guard Trent Hinkle, who averages 18 points per game.
• Outlook: The return of Lovings-Watts will help, but the Red Devils probably have a little ways to go this season to compete with high-level programs.
• Greg’s pick: Western 60, Jeffersonville 52.

EASTERN (6-1) AT NEW WASHINGTON (2-3)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: James Matthews Gymnasium (a.k.a. The Jim), New Washington H.S. (226 N. Highway 62, New Washington)
• Coaches:
Eastern — Chandler Prible (18-14 in second season at Eastern)
New Washington — Kyle Brown (11-18 in second season at New Wash)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Eastern — No. 98, No. 14 Class 2A
New Washington — No. 347, No. 69 Class A
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Defeated Borden 57-55, OT (Washington County Invitational championship, Dec. 18)
New Washington — Won at Crothersville 75-53 (Dec. 18)
• Last 20 years: Eastern 7-3.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 22, 2020 — At Eastern 47, New Washington 42.
• News & notes: The Musketeers outscored Borden 6-4 in overtime to claim their first Washington County Invitational championship since 2010. … Cade Jones had 32 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds and Jacob Cherry finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds during the 2-game championship run. … New Wash was outscored 43-21 in the second half of its 19-points loss to Rising Sun on Friday. Mason Arthur led the Mustangs with 16 points in the loss.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 71, New Washington 40.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 26.
• Outlook: We’re pretty sure the Mustangs will be a contender in March, but even at home, they probably don’t have enough to hang with a good Eastern team.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 67, New Washington 53.

By GREG MENGELT

Charlestown held Jeffersonville to 22 percent shooting and just 28 points in Tuesday’s 14-point victory at Johnson Arena.

It was the Pirates’ first road win over the Red Devils in over 30 years.

“Jeff was a big win,” Charlestown coach Scott Matthews said. “When you beat Jeff, it’s a step in the right direction.”

Now the Pirates have an even bigger challenge in Tuesday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night. Charlestown (9-2) hosts Corydon Central (11-1) in a big Mid-Southern Conference showdown. The Pirates have won six games in a row. The Panthers have won four straight. Both have just one conference loss. Both of those losses came against defending Class 3A state champion Silver Creek.

Corydon features junior Ava Weber, who enters the contest at 18.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.5 assists per game.

“It starts with Weber and finishes with Weber with a lot of Weber in between,” Matthews said. “She’s a real good athlete. Big, strong. Real good athletes. And they have a lot of good parts around her.”

Like usual, Charlestown had a balanced attack against Jeff. Junior Laney Hawkins and junior Tatum McFarland scored 11 points apiece, sophomore Maddie Nipper and sophomore Kennedy Coleman each scored 7 and senior Demaria King contributed 6 points to the Pirate victory.

“I think the thing with Charlestown is the whole is better than the parts,” Matthews said.

GAME OF THE NIGHT
CORYDON CENTRAL (11-1, 4-1 MSC) AT CHARLESTOWN (9-2, 3-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Charlestown Sports Arena (1 Pirate Place, Charlestown)
• Coaches:
Corydon Central — Josh Conrad (21-12 in second season at Corydon, 140-105 in 11th season overall)
Charlestown — Scott Matthews (75-54 in sixth season at Charlestown)
• Rankings:
Corydon Central — No. 10 AP (Class 3A).
Charlestown — No. 15 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Corydon Central — No. 55, No. 11 Class 3A
Charlestown — No. 54, No. 10 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Corydon Central — Defeated Salem 48-44 (Dec. 10)
Charlestown — Won at Jeffersonville 42-28 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Corydon Central 14-7.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 2 — Corydon Central 42, at Charlestown 34.
• News & notes: — The Panthers shot 50 percent from the field (17 of 34) and made 9 of their 14 free throws in their big 4-point MSC win over Salem on Friday. … Corydon had four players with at least eight points in the victory over the Lions — Freshman Josie Vaughn led the way with 15, junior Bailey Orme had 11, sophomore Jaiden Cantrell finished with 9 and junior Ava Weber had 8 in the win. … Corydon’s game against South Central scheduled for Dec. 14 was rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 24. … Corydon’s team attended the Louisville-Kentucky women’s basketball game on Sunday at the KFC Yum! Center. The host Cardinals prevailed 64-58. … Corydon will open the Niehaus Lumber Classic at Vincennes Rivet with a first-round game against Tecumseh (7-4) at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 28. In the second round, the Panthers will face either Evansville Memorial (6-2) or Jasper (3-8) at 7 or 8:30 p.m. later that night. The final round will be played at 1 p.m. (seventh-place game), 2:45 p.m. (fifth), 5 p.m. (third) and 7 p.m. (championship game). Lafayette Central Catholic (9-2), Evansville Mater Dei (6-5), Eastern (8-3) and the host Patriots (9-1) are on the other half of the bracket. All 12 games in the tournament will be played at Vincennes University. … The Pirates held Jeffersonville to 22 percent shooting in last Tuesday’s 42-28 victory. It was Charlestown’s first win at Jeff in over 30 years. … The defensive effort against the Red Devils was the third time the Pirates have held an opponent under 30 points this season. … Charlestown will play twice on Tuesday, Dec. 28 in the first day of the Cheatham Classic at Meyer Gym. The Pirates will face Chatard (3-5) at 10 a.m. then against Lawrenceburg (8-4) at 1:30 p.m. Charlestown will face either East Central (6-1), Bloomington South (1-9) or the host Warriorettes (7-4) in the final round of Dec. 29.
• John Harrell prediction: Charlestown 48, Corydon Central 46.
• Sagarin projection: Charlestown by 4.
• Outlook: This is a big one and it’s going to be a close one. Corydon has already proven it can win big games on the road, but this will probably come down to which team executes down the stretch.
• Greg’s pick: Corydon Central 50, Charlestown 49.

FLOYD CENTRAL (3-9) AT NORTH HARRISON (9-4)
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison H.S. (1070 Hwy. 64 N.W., Ramsey)
• Coaches:
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (23-56 in fourth season at Floyd)
North Harrison — Jamie Kolkmeier (21-10 in second season at North Harrison)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Floyd Central — No. 150, No. 61 Class 4A
North Harrison — No. 99, No. 28 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Floyd Central — Lost to Salem 44-42 (Dec. 18)
North Harrison — Defeated Salem 55-54, OT (Dec. 16)
• Last 20 years: Floyd Central 11-9. North Harrison has won the last 7 games vs. the Highlandes.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 22, 2020 — North Harrison 58, at Floyd Central 40.
• News & notes: Gianfagna and Kolkmeier were the boys’ head coaches for Corydon Central in back-to-back stints. Gianfagna won four straight sectionals with the Panthers from 2001-2004, while Kolkmeier had six seasons with at least 17 wins for Corydon. … Last week’s win over Salem was the final game for senior Ali Saunders, who is graduating from North Harrison this winter. She finished her season at 20.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. … Saunders and senior Diana Burgher combined for 43 of the Lady Cats’ 55 in their 1-point overtime victory. North Harrison shot over 50 percent from the field in the win.
• John Harrell prediction: North Harrison 48, Floyd Central 44.
• Sagarin projection: North Harrison by 11.
• Outlook: We like Floyd’s chances of pulling off the upset on the road.
• Greg’s pick: Floyd Central 51, North Harrison 50.

PROVIDENCE (3-10) AT BREBEUF (3-5)
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Brebeuf Jesuit H.S. (2801 W. 86th St., Indianapolis)
• Coaches:
Providence — Brad Burden (162-158 in 14th season at Providence)
Brebeuf — Erin Miller (20-53 in fourth season at Brebeuf)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Providence — No. 311, No. 80 Class 2A
Brebeuf — No. 246, No. 69 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Providence — Defeated Southwestern 47-33 (Dec. 18)
Brebeuf — Lost at Roncalli 56-25 (Dec. 17)
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• News & notes: Providence trailed Austin just 25-18 at halftime before being outscored 35-22 in the second half of last Tuesday’s 20-point loss. Grace Denis hit five 3-pointers and finished with 15 points to lead the Pioneers. … Brebeuf scores just 42.9 points per game and its top scorer is sophomore Josie Studley at 8.6 points per game.
• John Harrell prediction: Brebeuf 45, Providence 35.
• Sagarin projection: Brebeuf by 15.
• Outlook: Expect Providence to hang with the Braves.
• Greg’s pick: Brebeuf 40, Providence 33.

CLARKSVILLE (2-11) AT SOUTHWESTERN (3-10)
• Time: 6 p.m. (varsity only)
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Coaches:
Clarksville — Amanda Carmichael (10-27 in second season at second, 70-121 in ninth season overall)
Southwestern — Brian Crank (3-10 in first season at Southwestern)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Clarksville — No. 372, No. 96 Class 2A
Southwestern — No. 322, No. 81 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Clarksville — Lost to Austin 65-18 (Dec. 16)
Southwestern — Lost at Providence 47-33 (Dec. 18)
• Last 20 years: Southwestern 6-0.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 2 — Southwestern 50, at Clarksville 26.
• News & notes: Junior Dahja Gaines leads Clarksville at 13 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.4 assists per game. … Sophomore Ashley Fulton (11), junior Emma Long (10) and senior Kylie Eccles (9) scored 30 of the Rebels’ 39 points in an 44-39 overtime loss at Borden last Tuesday.
• John Harrell prediction: Southwestern 49, Clarksville 30.
• Sagarin projection: Southwestern by 14.
• Outlook: Southwestern pulls away for a comfortable win.
• Greg’s pick: Southwestern 51, Clarksville 34.

DUGGER UNION (1-6) AT HENRYVILLE (2-7)
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Location: urnish Gym, Henryville H.S. (213 N. Ferguson St., Henryville)
• Coaches:
Dugger Union — Lyndsay Adams (4-11 in first season at Dugger Union)
Henryville — Tuesday Guernsey (17-34 in third season at Henryville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Dugger Union — No. 384
Henryville — No. 336, No. 94 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Dugger Union — Lost at Cannelton 47-22 (Dec. 18)
Henryville — Lost to West Washington 32-22 (Dec. 16)
• Last 20 years: Henryville 1-0.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 4, 2020 — Henryville 40, Dugger Union 27
• News & notes: Henryville still has three games left this month. After Tuesday’s game against the Bulldogs, the Hornets host South Decatur (3-9) on Wednesday and Crawford County (4-9) on Dec. 28. … The Bulldogs have had four games postponed this season. … Senior Stormy Kinnaird averages 19.5 of Union’s 29.1 points per game.
• John Harrell prediction: Henryville 62, Dugger Union 15.
• Sagarin projection: Henryville by 26.
• Outlook: Dugger Union lost to Cannelton by 25 points. This is going to be ugly.
• Greg’s pick: Henryville 48, Dugger Union 14.

BORDEN (8-4) AT PERRY CENTRAL (3-11)
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Location: Perry Central H.S. (18677 Old State Road 37, Leopold)
• Coaches:
Borden — Matt Vick (42-60 in fifth season at Borden)
Perry Central — R.T. Elliott (22-61 in fourth season at Perry Central)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Borden — No. 317, No. 58 Class A
Perry Central — No. 304, No. 79 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Borden — Won at Milan 57-43 (Dec. 18)
Perry Central — Lost to Heritage Hills 60-44 (PSC Holiday Classic, championship game, Dec. 18)
• Last 20 years: Perry Central 2-0.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 2 — Perry Central 32, at Borden 26.
• News & notes: Borden shut out Southwestern in overtime for a 44-39 victory last Tuesday. The Braves outscored the Rebels 27-24 in the second half to get to overtime. Emily Cissell scored 22 points and Paige Robinson and Claire Hall scored six apiece in the victory.
• John Harrell prediction: Perry Central 46, Borden 39.
• Sagarin projection: Perry Central by 7.
• Outlook: Borden will find a way to win this road game.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 51, Perry Central 48.

SPRINGS VALLEY (9-4) AT WEST WASHINGTON (8-4)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Tower Gymnasium, West Washington H.S. (8028 W. Batt Rd., Campbellsburg)
• Coaches:
Springs Valley — Marty Niehaus (69-39 in fifth season at Springs Valley, 441-227 in 30th season overall)
West Washington — Matthew Myers (16-19 in second season at West Washington)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Springs Valley — No. 245, No. 32 Class A
West Washington — No. 275, No. 41 Class A
• Most recent game:
Springs Valley — Defeated Loogootee 36-28 (Dec. 18)
West Washington — Won at Henryville 32-22 (Dec. 16)
• Last 20 years: Springs Valley 16-6.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 22, 2020 — At West Washington 54, Springs Valley 46.
• John Harrell prediction: Springs Valley 38, West Washington 36.
• Sagarin projection: West Washington by 1.
• Outlook: West Washington has the home court, so we’ll take the Senators in a razor-thin contest.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 45, Springs Valley 43.