SATURDAY’S GIRLS’ GAMES | New Albany gets shot at HHC favorite BNL

By GREG MENGELT

Jeffersonville and Jennings County had their shots at Bedford North Lawrence. The fourth-ranked Stars shoved both aside.

After the New Year, defending Hoosier Hills Conference champion Columbus East (8-1) will have its shot to upset BNL like it did last year.

But Saturday is New Albany’s turn. The Bulldogs (4-5) are 4-5 and riding a 4-game losing streak coming into Saturday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Day. The Stars (7-1), on the other hand, have taken on all Indiana teams attempting to knock them off, including a 54-51 win over then-No. 4 North Central (7-2) on Nov 19. BNL’s lone loss came against Illinois powerhouse Fremd, 41-40, on Nov. 27.

In Saturday’s other HHC contest, Jeffersonville (6-3) and Floyd Central (3-4) are searching for their first league wins. Jeff is 0-2 after losing to BNL and Jennings. The Highlanders’ lone conference contest was a 57-48 defeat at East to start the season.

Silver Creek (7-0) and North Harrison (7-3), who are both off to great starts in 2021-22, are at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville for the River City Showcase. A night after knocking off Kentucky power Bowling Green 53-49 on the road, the Dragons drive from Southern Kentucky to Evansville to face Evansville North (3-1) at 12:40 p.m. North has one of the top teams in Evansville this season.

Silver Creek’s contest comes on the heels of North Harrison taking on Gibson Southern (4-2) at the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles Activities Center. The Titans recently had a 4-game winning streak stopped with a 4-point loss Vincennes (3-5).

Also Saturday, Eastern (5-2) faces Brownstown Central (2-6) in an MSC contest, while Christian Academy (2-7) faces Switzerland County (7-1) and Henryville (2-4) battles Paoli (3-4).

GAME OF THE NIGHT
BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (7-1, 2-0) AT NEW ALBANY (4-5, 0-0)
• Time: 1 p.m.
• Location: The Doghouse, New Albany H.S. (1020 Vincennes St., New Albany)
• Coaches:
BNL — Jeff Allen (162-35 in eighth season at BNL).
New Albany — Shelby Gliebe (10-21 in second season at New Albany, 14-40 in third season overall).
• Rankings:
BNL — No. 4 IBCA (single class); No. 4 ICGSA (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
BNL — No. 8, No. 7 Class 4A.
New Albany — No. 123, No. 60 Class 4A.
• Most recent game:
BNL — Won at Jennings County 50-34 (Nov. 30).
New Albany — Lost to North Harrison 77-53 (Dec. 2).
• Last 20 years: BNL 22-5. The Stars have won 6 in a row over New Albany.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 2 — BNL 78, New Albany 44 (Class 4A New Albany Sectional first round).
• News and notes: This event is varsity only.
• John Harrell prediction: BNL 64, New Albany 30.
• Sagarin projection: BNL by 23.
• Outlook: Looks like BNL is a legit contender to win its fifth state championship.
• Greg’s pick: BNL 68, New Albany 40.

JEFFERSONVILLE (6-3, 0-2 HHC) AT FLOYD CENTRAL (3-4, 0-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Joe Hinton Court, Floyd Central H.S. (6575 Old Vincennes Rd., Floyds Knobs)
• Coaches:
Jeffersonville — Missy Voyles (12-15 in second season at Jeff, 282-129 in 18th season overall).
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (23-51 in fourth season at Floyd).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Jeffersonville — No. 76, No. 44 Class 4A.
Floyd Central — No. 152, No. 65 Class 4A.
• Most recent game:
Jeffersonville — Won at Lawrenceburg 44-24 (Dec. 1).
Floyd Central — Defeated Madison 42-39 (Dec. 1)
• Last 20 years: Jeffersonville 23-6. The Red Devils have won 10 consecutive games in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 23, 2020 — At Jeffersonville 39, Floyd Central 26.
• John Harrell prediction: Jeffersonville 47, Floyd Central 36.
• Sagarin projection: Jeffersonville by 7.
• Outlook: It looks like Jeff is quite a bit better than the Highlanders so far.
• Greg’s pick: Jeffersonville 59, Floyd Central 46.

SILVER CREEK (7-0) VS. EVANSVILLE NORTH (3-1)
• Time: 12:40 p.m.
• Event: River City Showcase.
• Location: University of Southern Indiana (8600 University Blvd., Evansville)
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (163-108 in 12th season at Silver Creek).
North — Tyler Choate (86-40 in sixth season at North).
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 12 IBCA (single class); No. 3 ICGSA (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 25, No. 6 Class 3A.
North — No. 59, Class 4A No. 41.
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Defeated Bowling Green (Ky.) 53-49 (Dec. 3).
North — Lost to Castle 61-54 (Nov. 23).
• Last 20 years: No meetings.
• John Harrell prediction: Silver Creek 59, North 49.
• Sagarin projection: Silver Creek by 6.
• Outlook: With the travel and a game last night, the Dragons will obviously be exhausted at some point during this game. Will it cost them their unbeaten record.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 62, North 61.

NORTH HARRISON (7-3) VS. GIBSON SOUTHERN (4-2)
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Event: River City Showcase.
• Location: University of Southern Indiana (8600 University Blvd., Evansville)
• Coaches:
North Harrison — Jamie Kolkmeier (19-9 in second season at North Harrison).
Gibson Southern — Kyle Brasher (62-16 in fourth season at Gibson Southern).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
North Harrison — No. 110, No. 28 Class 3A.
Gibson Southern — No. 67, No. 16 Class 3A.
• Most recent game:
Gibson Southern — Lost at Vincennes 55-51.
North Harrison — Won at New Albany 77-53 (Dec. 2).
• Last 20 years: Gibson Southern 1-0
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 16, 2002 — Gibson Southern 52, North Harrison 49 (Class 3A regional semifinal).
• John Harrell prediction: Gibson Southern 55, North Harrison 51.
• Sagarin projection: Gibson Southern by 11.
• Outlook: Great matchup. We have a feeling North Harrison is the better team.
• Greg’s pick: North Harrison 60, Gibson Southern 55.

CHARLESTOWN (5-2) AT NEW WASHINGTON (4-4)
• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Matthews Gymnasium (a.k.a. The Jim), New Washington H.S. (226 N. Highway 62, New Washington)
• Coaches:
Charlestown — Scott Matthews (71-54 in sixth season at Charlestown).
New Washington — Kirsti Holloway (59-87 in seventh season at New Washington).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Charlestown — No. 62, No. 13 Class 3A.
New Washington — No. 197, No. 24 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Charlestown — Defeated Austin 70-32 (Dec. 1).
New Washington — Defeated Rock Creek 55-25 (Dec. 2).
• Last 20 years: Charlestown 19-12. The Pirates have won 10 in a row over their rivals.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 1, 2020 — Charlestown 51, at New Washington 34.
• John Harrell prediction: Charlestown 59, New Washington 36.
• Sagarin projection: Charlestown by 16.
• Outlook: Charlestown is really good. That sometimes gets obscured by so many good local 3A teams.
• Greg’s pick: Charlestown 66, New Washington 45.

EASTERN (5-2, 1-2 MSC) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (2-6, 0-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brownstown Central H.S.,, 500 N. Elm St., Brownstown)
• Coaches:
Eastern — Michael McBride (224-117 in 15th season at Eastern).
Brownstown — Brandon Allman (47-17 in third season at Brownstown).
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 8 ICGSA (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Eastern — No. 115, No. 21 Class 2A.
Brownstown — No. 150, No. 45 Class 3A.
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Defeated Providence 47-15 (Dec. 2).
Brownstown — Lost to Seymour 62-45 (Dec. 2).
• Last 20 years: Brownstown 18-6. The Braves have beaten Eastern three straight times.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 5, 2020 — Brownstown 54, at Eastern 40.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 46, Brownstown 42.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 1.
• Outlook: This is a tough road game for Eastern and a game that could go either way.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 51, Brownstown 49.

SWITZERLAND COUNTY (7-1) AT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (2-7)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Christian Academy (1000 Academy Dr., New Albany)
• Coaches:
Switzerland County — Brooke Todd (7-1 in first season at Switzerland County).
CAI — Carson Casey (10-42 in third season at CAI).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Switzerland County — No. 211, No. 52 (Class 2A).
CAI — No. 367, No. 77 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Switzerland County — Defeated Crothersville 74-43 (Dec. 2).
CAI — Lost to Providence 48-22 (Nov. 30).
• Last 20 years: Switzerland County 3-1. The Pacers have won three straight against Christian Academy.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 9 — At Switzerland County 69, CAI 9.
• News and notes: After an 0-5 start, CAI has won 2 of its last 4 games. … Switzerland County has won 6 straight games. The Pacers’ lone loss came on Nov. 12, 53-27 at Madison.
• John Harrell prediction: Switzerland County 55, CAI 24.
• Sagarin projection: Switzerland County by 30.
• Outlook: The Pacers should win by double digits.
• Greg’s pick: Switzerland County 47, CAI 25.

HENRYVILLE (2-4) AT PAOLI (3-4)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Paoli H.S. (501 Elm St., Paoli)
• Coaches:
Henryville — Tuesday Guernsey (17-31 in third season at Henryville).
Paoli — Donavan Crews (13-10 in second season at Paoli).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Henryville — No. 312, No. 79 Class 2A.
Paoli — No. 181, Nov. 38 Class 2A.
• Most recent game:
Henryville — Lost at Lanesville 67-8 (Dec. 2)
Paoli — Lost to Salem 55-39 (Dec. 2)
• Last 20 years: Paoli 11-0.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 5, 2020 — Paoli 41, at Henryville 18..
• John Harrell prediction: Paoli 57, Henryville 26.
• Sagarin projection: Paoli by 26.
• Outlook: If Paoli is playing within 16 points of Salem, the Rams are pretty good.
• Greg’s pick: Paoli 56, Henryville 36.

ROCK CREEK (5-3) AT NORTH DAVIESS (1-5)
• Time: Noon.
• Event: North Daviess Invitational.
• Location: Cougar Den, North Daviess H.S. (5494 E. State Road 58, Elnora)
• Coaches:
Rock Creek — Sara Nord (7-12 in second season at Rock Creek).
North Daviess — Joe Riggins (35-67 in fifth season at North Daviess).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Rock Creek — No. 307, No. 55 Class A.
North Daviess — No. 341, No. 69 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Rock Creek — Lost at New Washington 55-25 (Dec. 2).
North Daviess — Lost at Loogootee 43-33 (Nov. 23).
• Last 20 years: North Daviess 2-1. The Cougars have won the last 2 games vs. Rock Creek.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 5, 2020 — At North Daviess 42, Rock Creek 17 (North Daviess Invitational semifinal).
• News and notes: Win or lose Saturday’s semifinal, the Lions would play in either the championship game or the third-place game against either Clay City (1-6) or Mitchell (6-3) at 1:30 p.m.
• John Harrell prediction: North Daviess 41, Rock Creek 40.
• Sagarin projection: Rock Creek by 2.
• Outlook: It’s going to be close, but we’ll take Rock Creek and Mitchell in the championship game.
• Greg’s pick: Rock Creek 38, North Daviess 35.

SCOTTSBURG (5-3) AT TRINITY LUTHERAN (6-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Trinity Lutheran H.S. (1 Trinity Way, Seymour)
• Coaches:
Scottsburg — Carrie Daniels (13-18 in second season at Scottsburg, 116-74 in seventh season overall).
Trinity Lutheran — Mike Lang (173-78 in 11th season at Trinity Lutheran).
• Rankings:
Trinity Lutheran — No. 3 ICGSA (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Scottsburg — No. 97, No. 24 Class 3A. 67
Trinity Lutheran — No. 186, No. 21 Class A.
• Most recent game:
Scottsburg — Lost to Corydon Central 60-40 (Dec. 2).
Trinity Lutheran — Won at Edinburgh 63-38 (Nov. 30).
• Last 20 years: First meeting.
• News and notes: Trinity Lutheran has won at least 17 games five straight seasons. They’ve won sectional titles three of the last four years.
• John Harrell prediction: Scottsburg 53, Trinity Lutheran 45.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 8.
• Outlook: This would be an easy pick if this was at Scottsburg. But with it being in Seymour, it’s tough to pick a winner.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 59, Trinity Lutheran 58.

CRAWFORD COUNTY (3-7) AT CLARKSVILLE (2-6)
• Time: 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Coaches:
Crawford County — Christopher Broughton (114-89 in ninth season at Crawford County).
Clarksville — Amanda Carmichael (10-22 in second season at Clarksville, 70-116 in ninth season overall).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Crawford County — No. 293, No. 77 Class 2A.
Clarksville — No. 364, No. 95 Class 2A.
• Most recent game:
Crawford County — Defeated Perry Central 59-31 (Dec. 2).
Clarksville — Defeated Bloomington Lighthouse 42-26 (Nov. 27).
• Last 20 years: Crawford County 12-1. The Wolfpack have won 12 straight over Clarksville.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 5, 2020 — At Crawford County 32, Clarksville 18.
• News and notes: After starting the season 0-7, Crawford County has won three in a row. … After starting 0-3, Clarksville has won two of its last five games.
• John Harrell prediction: Crawford County 57, Clarksville 24.
• Sagarin projection: Crawford County by 15.
• Outlook: Looks like Crawford County has recovered nicely from a slow start.
• Greg’s pick: Crawford County 54, Clarksville 33.