Howard County: Dec. 20 Basketball Predictions
The early high school basketball season has already featured several highly competitive games, showcasing standout performances and electric atmospheres. This week promises more of the same. All five county schools are set to hit the court Friday night, each aiming to deliver a performance their fans will enjoy.
Let's break down this week's matchups and predict the winners of Friday night's games.
Marion 4-1 vs 4A #12 Kokomo 5-0
Kokomo hasn’t lost to Marion since John Peckinpaugh became head coach in 2021. During that stretch, the Wildkats’ lowest point total against the Giants was 76. Marion will bring a strong team to Memorial Gymnasium for the annual conference matchup, but Kokomo’s balanced scoring and up-tempo playing style are expected to overwhelm the Giants.
Winner: Kokomo
Western 5-1 vs Hamilton Heights 4-2
Western is set to take its five-game winning streak on the road to face a strong Hamilton Heights squad. The Panthers’ team-first approach has made them a force on both ends of the court. One reason Western can feel confident heading into the matchup is their defense, which consistently performs on the road. While Hamilton Heights is led by talented scorer Gavin Saunders, the Huskies are not expected to have an answer for the Panthers’ defensive pressure.
Winner: Western
Northwestern 3-2 vs Rochester 4-1
Northwestern closed last week with a 24-point win over Frankfort, a strong rebound after the Tigers’ loss to Taylor earlier in the week. The Wildcats will need another solid performance to take down a one-loss Rochester squad. Controlling the pace of the game will be crucial for Northwestern. If Rochester is allowed to find its rhythm, it could spell trouble and potentially lead to another loss for the Tigers.
Winner: Rochester
Eastern 2-2 vs Sheridan 4-1
Eastern is searching for the right formula to achieve consistent success on the court. They’ll need their best performance of the season to contend with a talented Sheridan squad. Unlike Eastern, Sheridan boasts four players averaging at least 12 points per game. The Blackhawks’ offensive cohesion is expected to play a major role when the Comets come to town.
Winner: Sheridan
Delphi 3-2 vs 2A #12 Taylor 4-0
Taylor opened its 2024-25 season with a bang. The Titans are on a four-game winning streak and rank No. 12 in Class 2A, according to the AP poll. To extend their streak, the Titans will need strong performances when Delphi visits Friday. The Oracles have handled teams they were expected to beat this season but have yet to defeat an opponent with a record above .500. That trend is likely to continue Friday night.
Winner: Taylor
Jay’s record:
Last week: 3-1
All-time: 8-1 (88.8%)
