By GREG MENGELT

Creek will look a little different this season. Trey Kaufman-Renn is now redshirting at Purdue and Kooper Jacobi is averaging 3.8 points and 4.3 rebounds as a freshman at Toledo. But Branden Northern is back after averaging 14.9 points, 6.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds as a junior. Northern will likely take a bigger role on a team still filled with talent.

The Dragons open their season tonight against Columbus East in the Hoosier Hills Hoops Boys’ Game of the Night.

East is likely to be better. It almost has to be. The Olympians won one game last season. But it doesn’t really matter. This game will be about the 2-time champions returning to the floor.

New Albany, which won the state championship in 2016, begins its quest for more titles in 2022. Also loaded with talent, the Bulldogs begin their 24th season under New Albany legend Jim Shannon. They host Clarksville tonight. It’s the first game on the bench for new Generals head man Kyle Hankins.

Then there are two rivalry games. Scottsburg and Austin haven’t been quite the same the past few years (winning just 11 games combined last season), but a rivalry game is a rivalry game and this is two proud programs from a county crazy about basketball.

Same goes for West Washington and Salem. The Lions are going through an unusual down slope, but Duane Malloy has been elevated to the head coaching job to change that. His tenure begins tonight … and it begins with a bang. It’s always an event in Washington County when the Lions and Senators are involved.

TODAY’S GAMES | WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24

GAME OF THE NIGHT
COLUMBUS EAST (0-0) AT SILVER CREEK (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Silver Creek High School, Sellersburg.
• Coaches:
East — Brent Chitty (120-130 in 12th season at East, 306-288 in 28th season overall).
Silver Creek — Brandon Hoffman (201-73 in 12th season at Silver Creek and overall).
• Last year’s records:
East — 1-18 (0-7 HHC).
Silver Creek — 25-4 (7-1 MSC, sectional champions, regional champions, semistate champions, state champions).
• Last year’s Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
East — No. 225 overall, No. 94 Class 4A.
Silver Creek — No. 11 overall, No. 2 Class 2A.
• Most recent game:
East — Lost to Bloomington North 59-41 (Bloomington South Sectional, semifinal, March 5, 2021).
Silver Creek — Defeated Leo 50-49 (Class 3A State championship, Indianapolis, April 3, 2021).
• Last 20 years: Silver Creek 7-0. This one is a little surprising, no?
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 25, 2020 — Silver Creek 106, at Columbus East 81.
• News and notes: Hoffman has led the Dragons to 110 win over the past five seasons, including 25 wins each of the last three years. … The Dragons scored a season-high 106 points in last year’s season opener against the Olympians. … The two head coaches have 507 combined career wins. … East has won five combined games the past two years.
• Outlook: Silver Creek will look a lot different this year. Are the Dragons still state championship material? We’ll see about that. But will they be very, very difficult to beat? Of course they will.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 89, Columbus East 55.

CLARKSVILLE (0-0) AT NEW ALBANY (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Doghouse, New Albany.
• Coaches:
Clarksville — Kyle Hankins (0-0 in first season at Clarksville and overall).
New Albany — Jim Shannon (429-127 in 24th season at New Albany, 594-266 in 38th season overall).
• Last year’s records:
Clarksville — 11-12.
New Albany — 16-7 (5-1 HHC).
• Last year’s Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Clarksville — No. 246 overall, No. 53 Class 2A.
New Albany — No. 42 overall, No. 33 Class 4A.
• Most recent game:
Clarksville — Lost to Providence 56-46 (Paoli Sectional, semifinal, March 5, 2021).
New Albany — Lost to Bedford North Lawrence 49-48 (Seymour Sectional, semifinal, March 5, 2021).
• Last 20 years: New Albany 9-0. The series paused between 2008 and 2020.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 25, 2020 — At New Albany 95, Clarksville 41.
• News and notes: Shannon has 594 more career wins than his opponent, Hankins, who was an Indiana All-Star following his prep career at Bloomington South. Hankins most recently was an assistant coach at East Central University in Oklahoma. He replaces Brian McEwen, who went 75-91 in seven seasons as the Generals’ head coach.
• Outlook: Welcome back, Coach Hankins! We hope you win a ton of games. (But one of them is not going to be tonight.)
• Greg’s pick: New Albany 90, Clarksville 53.

AUSTIN (0-0) AT SCOTTSBURG (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium, Scottsburg.
• Coaches:
Austin — Randy Edwards (35-62 in fifth season at Austin and overall).
Scottsburg — Eric Richardson (6-18 in second season at Scottsburg and overall).
• Last year’s records:
Austin — 5-17 (1-7 MSC).
Scottsburg — 6-18 (3-5 MSC).
• Last year’s Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Austin — No. 313 overall, No. 77 Class 2A.
Scottsburg — No. 250 overall, No. 77 Class 3A.
• Most recent game:
Austin — Lost to Providence 57-55 (Paoli Sectional, first round, March 2, 2021).
Scottsburg — Lost to Madison 68-51 (Charlestown Sectional, semifinal, March 5, 2021).
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 15-5. The Warriors have won three straight in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 23, 2020 — Scottsburg 83, at Austin 63.
• News and notes: Edwards formerly coached Scottsburg’s girls’ program. … Scottsburg starts its season with four conference matchups in its first six games.
• Outlook: Southern Indiana basketball is better when Scottsburg and Austin are good. Let’s hope they both begin their ascent this season.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 71, Austin 62.

SALEM (0-0) AT WEST WASHINGTON (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Tower Gymnasium, Campbellsburg.
• Coaches:
Salem — Duane Malloy (0-0 in first season at Salem and overall).
West Washington — Clayton Sullivan (39-36 in fourth season at West Washington and overall).
• Last year’s records:
Salem — 4-18 (2-6 MSC).
West Washington — 12-12 (2-4 PLAC).
• Last year’s Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Salem — No. 331, No. 90 Class 3A.
West Washington — No. 280, No. 36 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost to Madison 83-51 (Madison Sectional, first round, March 3, 2021).
West Washington — Lost to Trinity Lutheran 57-41 (West Washington Sectional, championship, March 6, 2021).
• Last 20 years: Salem 21-10. West Washington has beaten its rivals three consecutive times.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 12, 2021 — West Washington 56, Salem 41.
• News and notes: Malloy spent the last four years as a Salem assistant coach. …
• Outlook: We’ve never covered Washington County before, so we won’t pretend to have something poignant to say. (But we’ll learn, we promise.) The rule is always take the home team when pretending to be an expert.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 60, Salem 57.

By GREG MENGELT

After a couple easy early wins and a surprisingly comfortable win over Charlestown in previous weeks, Silver Creek’s schedule suddenly got very difficult last week.

All the Dragons (6-0) have done since Nov. 17 is beat Charlestown (4-2) and previously-unbeaten Corydon Central (7-1) in Mid-Southern Conference games and take down the area’s 4A giants Jeffersonville (5-2) and New Albany (4-3).

Now the Dragons go to Ramsey to face North Harrison in the Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night. It is the final game in one of the most challenging stretches in a brutally tough Silver Creek schedule. Then nine days off before the big games begin again.

After beating Corydon, the Dragons have won 10 straight Mid-Southern Conference games and 16 consecutive contests overall. North Harrison is off to a strong start at 4-2 and has won its last two games, including a big 64-60 MSC road win at Scottsburg on Saturday.

“Again, another conference game and the end of five games in a 7-day stretch,” Silver Creek coach Scott Schoen said.

The North Harrison senior duo of Ali Saunders and Diana Burgher have scored 147 of the Lady Cats’ 233 points the season. Saunders is averaging a team-best 16.6 points, while Burgher puts up 12.8 points per night. Saunders is also leading the team in assists (3.8 per game) and steals (4.2) and Burgher leads in rebounds at 6.2 per contest.

“North Harrison has two outstanding basketball players in Ali Saunders and Diana Burgher,” Schoen said. “Both will have an opportunity to play at the next level and be successful. We will need to be sure that Saunders does not carve us up with her dribbling and we contest Diana Burgher.”

Last November, Silver Creek ended a 10-game losing streak against the Lady Cats, but the Dragons have lost five in a row at North Harrison. Their last win in Ramsey was on Nov. 23, 2011.

“Should be a fun game,” Schoen said. “Last time we went to North Harrison we got our butt handed to us, so we will need to be ready to play.”

TODAY’S GAMES | WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24

GAME OF THE NIGHT
SILVER CREEK (6-0, 2-0 MSC) AT NORTH HARRISON (4-2, 1-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison High School, Ramsey.
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (161-108 in 12th season at Silver Creek and overall).
North Harrison — Jamie Kolkmeier (16-8 in second season at North Harrison and overall).
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 12 IBCA (single class); No. 3 ICGSA (Class 3A).
• Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Silver Creek — No. 28 overall, No. 7 Class 3A.
North Harrison — No. 106 overall, No. 28 Class 3A.
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Defeated Corydon Central 69-40 (Nov. 22).
North Harrison — Won at Scottsburg 64-60 (Nov. 20).
• Last 20 years: North Harrison 17-8. The Lady Cats have won 10 of the last 11 matchups with Silver Creek.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 25, 2020 — At Silver Creek 71, North Harrison 32.
• News and notes: Silver Creek’s Kynidi Mason-Striverson reached the career 1,000-point milestone in Monday’s win over Corydon. She had 11 points. … With a win tonight, Silver Creek will have three 7-0 starts under Schoen. … Five Dragons scored in double figures in Monday’s win over previously-unbeaten Corydon. Lacey Tingle led Creek with 18 points and Emme Rooney finished with 17. … After alternating wins and losses through their first five games, the Lady Cats started their first streak of any kind with Saturday’s victory at Scottsburg.
• Outlook: Silver Creek keeps rolling along.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Silver Creek 59, North Harrison 38.
• Sagarin projection: Silver Creek by 12.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 58, North Harrison 37.

EASTERN (3-2) AT FLOYD CENTRAL (2-3)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Joe Hinton Court, Floyd Central High School, Floyds Knobs.
• Coaches:
Eastern — Michael McBride (222-117 in 15th season at Eastern and overall).
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (22-50 in fourth season at Floyd Central and overall).
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 11 ICGSA (Class 2A).
• Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Eastern — No. 111 overall, No. 19 Class 2A.
Floyd Central — No. 121 overall, No. 57 Class 4A.
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Lost at Salem 51-33 (Nov. 19).
Floyd Central — Lost at Scottsburg 41-23 (Nov. 18).
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• Outlook: This one really could go either way, but we’re going with Eastern by a few points on the road.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Floyd Central 41, Eastern 38.
• Sagarin projection: Floyd Central by 3.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 47, Floyd Central 45.

By GREG MENGELT

CANCUN, Mexico — Josh Jefferson had a season-low 2 points Tuesday in Mexico, but it didn’t matter. Jefferson and his Middle Tennessee teammates won for the fourth time in five games, 60-54 over Rider in the Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya,

Jefferson, who helped lead New Albany to the 2016 state championship, went 1 for 6 from the field and had a rebound, an assist and a steal in the victory. The senior’s basket came with 4:36 left and put the Blue Raiders on top 50-44. His basket completed a game-changing 26-11 Middle Tennessee run.

The Blue Raiders, who trailed 33-24 at halftime, were led by sophomore guard Eli Lawrence with 15 points, sophomore guard Camryn Weston with 13 and senior guard Donovan Sims with 11.

Middle Tennessee continues its play in Cancun on Wednesday at 2 p.m. against Mercer. The 2-3 Bears defeated Bucknell 78-68 on Tuesday.

Jefferson and the Blue Raiders can be seen at flosports.com Wednesday.

Senior Dimencio Vaughn paced Rider (2-4) with 13 points and 7 rebounds.

By GREG MENGELT

There’s no New Albany, no Jeffersonville, no Floyd Central and no Silver Creek on Opening Night of the 2021-22 boys’ basketball season.

So it’s not the greatest slate of games on the first night of local basketball, but that’s not to say there aren’t some games of interest. (There were 7 games statewide Monday, but nobody cares because none of our local teams were involved; tonight is the true opening night in Southern Indiana.)

The local slate begins with a pair of rivalry games, including Charlestown at New Washington in the Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night. Borden and Eastern also renew their rivalry in a game that should be very competitive.

In fact, of the 6 games on opening night, we picked four games to be within 4 points and another to be within 10. North Harrison should beat South Central comfortably. That’s the only opening night game that we have a pretty good idea of which team is going to win.

Rock Creek-Henryville, Eastern-Borden, Corydon-Seymour and Lanesville-Evansville Christian should all be determined by which team executes their game plans better and New Washington believes it has a shot at upsetting Charlestown.

Despite the local powerhouses waiting a few more days to begin their seasons, the day boys’ basketball begins in Southern Indiana is one of the best days of the year.

Basketball is fully back … and it’s glorious.

TODAY’S GAMES | TUESDAY, NOV. 23

GAME OF THE NIGHT
CHARLESTOWN (0-0) AT NEW WASHINGTON (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: James Matthews Gymnasium, New Washington.
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Matt Lynch (0-0 in first season at Charlestown, 69-50 in sixth season overall).
New Washington — Kyle Brown (9-15 in second season at New Wash and overall).
• Last year’s records:
Charlestown — 8-12 (2-6 MSC).
New Washington — 9-15 (2-3 SAC).
• 2020-21 final Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Charlestown — No. 288 overall, No. 83 Class 3A.
New Washington — No. 340 overall, No. 61 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Lost to Scottsburg 60-54 (Charlestown Sectional, first round, March 3, 2021)
New Washington — Lost to Lanesville 53-42 (Borden Sectional, first round, March 2, 2021)
• Last 20 years: Charlestown 26-6. The Pirates have won three of the last four meetings.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 26, 2019 — At New Washington 65, Charlestown 50.
• News and notes: Former New Albany star Matt Lynch takes over at Charlestown after 5 years at Tell City, where he had three winning seasons and won a sectional title in 2019.
• Outlook: This is the first Charlestown-New Wash rivalry game in two calendar years. Let’s hope that never happens again.
• Greg’s pick: Charlestown 57, New Washington 48.

NORTH HARRISON (0-0) AT SOUTH CENTRAL (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: South Central High School main gym.
• Coaches:
North Harrison — Lou Lefevre (36-10 in third season at North Harrison, 301-90 in 18th season overall).
South Central — Greg Robinson (173-168 in 16th season at South Central, 195-231 in 20th season overall).
• Last year’s records:
North Harrison — 18-4 (8-0, MSC champions).
South Central — 2-18 (1-4 SAC).
• 2020-21 final Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
North Harrison — No. 61 overall, No. 11 Class 3A.
South Central — No. 365 overall, No. 71 Class A.
• Most recent game:
North Harrison — Lost to Silver Creek 44-41 (Charlestown Sectional, semifinal, March 5, 2021).
South Central — Lost to Lanesville 42-41 (Borden Sectional, semifinal, March 5, 2021).
• Last 20 years: North Harrison 15-5. The Cougars the last eight games against South Central. All 20 games were season openers.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 24, 2020 — At North Harrison 71, South Central 38.
• News and notes: North Harrison has won 18 games in each of the past two years. That’s their most wins in the last 25 years. … The Rebels’ last winning season came in 2018-19 when they were 16-9. They won 11 games the last two years combined.
• Outlook: The Cougars will probably drop off a little bit based on what they lost, but Lefevre finds a way to win no matter his personnel. It’s likely they’ll be the top threat to Silver Creek’s title in March.
• Greg’s pick: North Harrison 53, South Central 31.

EASTERN (0-0) AT BORDEN (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Borden Junior-Senior High School.
• Coaches:
Eastern — Chandler Prible (12-13 in second season at Eastern and overall).
Borden — Doc Nash (204-149 in 16th season at Borden and overall).
• Last year’s records:
Eastern — 12-13 (3-5 MSC).
Borden — 12-11 (3-2 SAC).
• 2020-21 final Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Eastern — No. 271 overall, No. 60 Class 2A
Borden — No. 263 overall, No. 31 Class A
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Lost to Paoli 32-31 (Paoli Sectional, championship, March 6, 2021).
Borden — Lost to Christian Academy 58-56 (Borden Sectional, semifinal, March 5, 2021).
• Last 20 years: Borden 16-15. The Braves have won 7 of the last 9 in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 24, 2020 — Borden 53, at Eastern 44.
• News and notes: Last year was Borden’s first winning season since 2016-17. … Last year, the Musketeers improved 10 games — from 2-21 in 2019-20 to 12-13 last season.
• Outlook: It appears that Eastern may have the better team coming back, but it’s hard to ever doubt a Doc Nash-coached team.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 65, Eastern 64.

ROCK CREEK (0-0) AT HENRYVILLE (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Furnish Gymnasium, Henryville.
• Coaches:
Rock Creek — Chris Brown (348-281 in 26th season and overall).
Henryville — Jared Hill (91-76 in eighth season at Henryville and overall).
• Last year’s records:
Rock Creek — 12-11.
Henryville — 12-11 (4-1 SAC).
• 2020-21 final Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Rock Creek — No. 258 overall, No. 30 Class A
Henryville — No. 273 overall, No. 61 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Rock Creek — Lost to Christian Academy (Borden Sectional, first round, March 2, 2021).
Henryville — Lost to Southwestern 56-41 (Southwestern Sectional, semifinal, March 5, 2021).
• Last 20 years: Henryville 9-8.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 8, 2021 — At Rock Creek 60, Henryville 46.
• News and notes: Henryville closed last season with seven wins in its final nine games, including a 6-game losing streak in February. … Last year was Rock Creek’s first winning season since 2017-18.
• Outlook: Like a couple other games today, this one could go either way. So I’ll take the home team.
• Greg’s pick: Henryville 56, Rock Creek 53.

CORYDON (0-0) AT SEYMOUR (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour.
• Coaches:
Corydon — Joe Hinton (21-26 in third season at Corydon Central).
Seymour — Kirk Manns (18-27 in third season at Seymour and overall).
• Last year’s records:
Corydon — 10-13 (4-4 MSC).
Seymour — 10-12 (2-5 HHC).
• 2020-21 final Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Corydon — No. 229 overall, No. 65 Class 3A
Seymour — No. 176 overall, No. 82 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Corydon — Lost to Silver Creek 77-42 (Charlestown Sectional, first round, March 2, 2020).
Seymour — Lost to Bedford North Lawrence 52-38 (Seymour Sectional, first round, March 2, 2020).
• Last 20 years: Seymour 5-0. The Owls have beaten Corydon to open the past five seasons.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 24, 2020 — Seymour 48, at Corydon 44.
• News and notes: Corydon’s last winning season came 7 years ago under Jamie Kolkmeier. … The last time Seymour finished above .500 was 2006-07 when the Owls went 15-7. Seymour has won two sectional games since that season. … Manns averaged 10 points in four seasons at Michigan State. He is a North Judson graduate.
• Outlook: Corydon has a strong junior class and should just keep getting better. We’re taking the Panthers on the road.
• Greg’s pick: Corydon 56, Seymour 54.

EVANSVILLE CHRISTIAN (0-0) AT LANESVILLE (0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lanesville High School.
• Coaches:
Evansville Christian — David Kruse (0-0 in first season at Evansville Christian, 26-45 in fourth season overall).
Lanesville — Mikel Miller (287-209 in 22nd season at Lanesville and overall).
• Last year’s records:
Evansville Christian — 13-9.
Lanesville — 18-8 (5-0 SAC, conference champions, sectional champions).
• 2020-21 final Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Evansville Christian — No. 247 overall, No. 25 Class A.
Lanesville — No. 213 overall, No. 18 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Evansville Christian — Defeated Victory Christian 60-44 (Indiana Christian School Athletic Association championship, Feb. 27, 2021).
Lanesville — Lost to Barr-Reeve 64-34 (Loogootee Regional championship, March 13, 2021).
• Last 20 years: Evansville Christian 1-0.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 24, 2020 — At Evansville Christian 67, Lanesville 50.
• News and notes: Lanesville won its sixth sectional championship since 2006 last season. … New Evansville Christian coach David Kruse went 26-45 in three seasons at South Spencer. He replaces Aaron Thompson, who took the Eagles from 1-16 in 2018-19 to 13-9 a year ago. … Evansville Christian hasn’t participated in an IHSAA sectional since 1986 when they lost 156-30 to Evansville Bosse.
• Outlook: Evansville Christian hasn’t been very good in the past, but last year a freshman, Josiah Dunham, averaged 22 points per game. In fact, their top three scorers are back from a team that beat Lanesville and Northeast Dubois and only lost by 11 points at Forest Park. A win isn’t going to be easy for reigning sectional champion Lanesville, but we think the Eagles will find a way to win it.
• Greg’s pick: Lanesville 68, Evansville Christian 64.

By GREG MENGELT

That doesn’t mean there aren’t some great games and great storylines.

For example, Scottsburg (3-2) and Austin (1-4) renew their Scott County rivalry — one of the best rivalries in Indiana going back to the beginning when the sport became officially an IHSAA event.

The Scott County Showdown is one of two rivalry games. Charlestown (4-2) goes to New Washington (2-3) for the program’s 32nd meeting in the past 20 years.

Jeffersonville visits Jennings County for a key Hoosier Hills Conference game and the Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Week. The Red Devils have lost two straight (to be fair, almost every team in Indiana would go 0-2 against Silver Creek and Bedford North Lawrence) and looks to get back on track against unbeaten Jennings County (5-0).

Are we sure Jennings isn’t as good as Creek and BNL? The Panthers are at least nearing the same level as the Dragons and Stars. You ask for evidence? Jennings is 5-0 and its closest win was 55-42 over Charlestown. Oh yeah, in case we haven’t mentioned it, the Panthers beat Salem — one of the best Class 3A programs of the past half-decade — by 24 points. It was fifth-ranked Salem’s only loss in five games to start the season.

How about this for a storyline? New Albany (4-3) is going after its fifth win of the season after going 6-16 last year. With a win, the Bulldogs would have five wins in November and will be one win away from last year’s total with three months left in the season. Bloomington North (3-3) comes to town for the first time in over 20 years and it looks like it could be most competitive local game of the night.

In Tuesday’s other local games, Providence (0-4) looks for its first win at home against 2-0 Trinity Lutheran and West Washington (4-2) looks to bounce back from a 2-point performance against Lanesville (7-1) when the Senators host 0-4 Crothersville.

TODAY’S GAMES | TUESDAY, NOV. 24

GAME OF THE NIGHT
JEFFERSONVILLE (5-2, 0-1 HHC) AT JENNINGS COUNTY (5-0, 0-0)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Charles Hurley Gymnasium, North Vernon.
• Coaches:
Jeffersonville — Missy Voyles (11-14 in second season at Jeff, 281-128 in 18th season overall).
Jennings County — Kristi Sigler (66-61 in sixth season at Jennings and overall).
• Rankings:
Jennings County — Received votes IBCA (single class); No. 12 ICGSA (Class 4A).
• Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Jeffersonville — No. 68 overall, No. 44 Class 4A.
Jennings County — No. 33 overall, No. 26 Class 4A.
• Most recent game:
Jeffersonville — Lost at Bedford North Lawrence 53-31 (Nov. 20).
Jennings County — Won at Greensburg 56-35 (Nov. 20).
• Last 20 years: Jeffersonville 19-6. Jennings has won the last two vs. the Red Devils.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 20, 2021 — At Jennings County 61, Jeffersonville 53.
• News and notes: This is the Hoosier Hills Conference opener for Jennings. Jeff dropped its HHC debut to BNL on Saturday.
• Outlook: BNL appears to be the best team in the HHC. Jennings County probably isn’t far behind.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Jennings County 54, Jeffersonville 38.
• Sagarin projection: Jennings County by 12.
• Greg’s pick: Jennings County 61, Jeffersonville 51.

SCOTTSBURG (3-2, 0-1 MSC) AT AUSTIN (1-4, 0-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Austin High School.
• Coaches:
Scottsburg — Carrie Daniels (11-17 in second season at Scottsburg, 114-73 in seventh season overall).
Austin — Jared Peterson (232-168 in 17th season at Austin and overall).
• Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Scottsburg — No. 97 overall, No. 23 Class 3A.
Austin — No. 249 overall, No. 64 Class 2A.
• Most recent game:
Scottsburg — Lost to North Harrison 64-60 (Nov. 20).
Austin — Lost at Paoli 66-44 (Nov. 19).
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 16-4. The Warriorettes have won six straight rivalry games.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 24, 2020 — At Scottsburg 73, Austin 25.
• News and notes: Austin’s game against New Washington, which was scheduled for last Tuesday, has been postponed. No makeup date has been announced.
• Outlook: Scottsburg continues its recent domination of the Scott County rivalry game.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Scottsburg 55, Austin 34.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 18.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 52, Austin 36.

CHARLESTOWN (4-2) AT NEW WASHINGTON (2-3)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: James Matthews Gymasium, New Washington.
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Scott Matthews (70-54 in sixth season at Charlestown and overall).
New Washington — Kirsti Holloway (57-86 in seventh season at New Wash and overall).
• Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Charlestown — No. 63 overall, No. 14 Class 3A.
New Washington — No. 180 overall, No. 21 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Won at South Central 74-9 (Nov. 20).
New Washington — Defeated Christian Academy 60-23 (Nov. 13).
• Last 20 years: Charlestown 19-12. The Pirates have beaten their rivals 10 straight times.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 1, 2020 —- Charlestown 51, at New Washington 36.
• News and notes: Due to a postponement against Austin, New Wash hasn’t played in 10 days. No makeup date has yet been announced for the Austin game.
• Outlook: It’s been a great start for New Wash. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, the Pirates have been even better through three weeks.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Charlestown 57, New Washington 37.
• Sagarin projection: Charlestown by 15.
• Greg’s pick: Charlestown 53, New Washington 37.

BLOOMINGTON NORTH (3-3) AT NEW ALBANY (4-3)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Doghouse, New Albany.
• Coaches:
North — Jeff Turmail (27-71 in fifth season at North and overall).
New Albany — Shelby Gliebe (10-19 in second season at New Albany, 14-38 in third season overall).
• Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
North — No. 115 overall, No. 55 Class 4A.
New Albany — No. 105 overall, No. 54 Class 4A. 75
• Most recent game:
North — Won at Covenant Christian 55-29 (Nov. 20).
New Albany — Lost to Silver Creek 64-39 (Nov. 20).
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• Outlook: North is a little better than its been the past few years, but this is a good the Bulldogs should win.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: New Albany 46, North 45.
• Sagarin prediction: New Albany by 6.
• Greg’s pick: New Albany 54, North 43.

TRINITY LUTHERAN (2-0) AT PROVIDENCE (0-4)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Larkin Center, Our Lady of Providence, Clarksville.
• Coaches:
Trinity Lutheran — Mike Lang (169-78 in 11th season at Trinity Lutheran and overall).
Providence — Brad Burden (159-152 in 14th season at Providence and overall).
• Rankings:
Trinity Lutheran — No. 3 ICGSA (Class A).
• Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Trinity Lutheran — No. 167 overall, No. 17 Class A.
Providence — No. 337 overall, No. 86 Class 2A.
• Most recent game:
Trinity Lutheran — Won at Crothersville 55-25 (Nov. 20).
Providence — Lost at Jeffersonville 65-25 (Nov. 16).
• Last 20 years: Trinity Lutheran 4-3. The Cougars have beaten Providence four straight times.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 24, 2020 — At Trinity Lutheran 63, Providence 15.
• News and notes: Because of its volleyball success, this is only the third game for Trinity Lutheran.
• Outlook: It wasn’t long ago, this was a competitive rivalry. Hopefully for the Pioneers, it will be again soon.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Trinity Lutheran 56, Providence 28.
• Sagarin prediction: Trinity Lutheran by 24.
• Greg’s pick: Trinity Lutheran 53, Providence 22.

CROTHERSVILLE (0-4) AT WEST WASHINGTON (4-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Tower Gymnasium, West Washington.
• Coaches:
Crothersville — Kevin Hensley (113-163 in 13th season at Crothersville and overall).
West Washington — Matthew Myers (12-17 in second season at West Washington and overall).
• Sagarin ratings (computer-based rankings):
Crothersville — No. 369 overall, No. 80 Class A.
West Washington — No. 253 overall, No. 36 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Crothersville — Lost to Trinity Lutheran 55-25 (Nov. 20).
West Washington — Lost to Lanesville 50-2 (Nov. 20).
• Last 20 years: West Washington 15-13. The Senators have won 6 of the last 8 against the Tigers.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 5, 2021 — West Washington 38, Crothersville 27 (Edinburgh Sectional semifinal).
• News and notes: The two programs split a pair of games last year with the Crothersville winning the regular-season game 42-39 in overtime and the Senators taking the sectional semifinal contest. … West Washington’s 2 points Saturday was the program’s first single-digit scoring game since a 59-9 home loss to Lanesville on Dec. 18, 2007. The Senators went 2-17 that season. … The game prior to the 2-point performance, West Washington scored 62 against Christian Academy.
• Outlook: Expect the Senators to bounce back and score plenty of points.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: West Washington 54, Crothersville 22.
• Sagarin prediction: West Washington by 29.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 51, Crothersville 33.

By GREG MENGELT

To put this into perspective, Rock Creek’s last 11 seasons have produced 0, 1, 0, 0, 5, 7, 5, 7, 4, 1 and 2 wins.

A win over Borden might not seem like much, but for the Lions, it appears the 56-46 victory last Thursday was a statement that the program is becoming a winning one.

The victory was Rock Creek’s first win over Borden in 16 years.

The Braves entered the game 3-1 and Borden’s Emily Cissell — the Hoosier Hills Hoops Player of the Week — was coming off a 40-point performance in a 61-44 triumph over Crothersville.

“We knew we had to stop Cissell, and Chloe Carter stepped up to the challenge and held her to a tough 14 points, along with good help defense,” Rock Creek’s second-year coach Sara Nord said.

Rylan Byars had 20 points, including five 3-pointers, and Jayli Smith had 12 and Nevaeh McWiliams and Tiffany Miller contributed 9 points apiece for the Lions, who are now 4-2 on the season. The Lions haven’t had a winning season since going 14-8 in 2004-05 under Bill Paro. It’s Rock Creek’s only winning season in program history.

After beating Christian Academy 48-43 in overtime Monday, the Lions get 8 days off before hosting Louisville Collegiate next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.