Howard County: Jan. 24 Basketball Predictions
As temperatures drop outside, the energy inside high school gyms is heating up. With just a month left in the regular season, basketball teams across the state are pushing to peak at the perfect time. That urgency makes this week’s games as unpredictable as they are exciting.
Let’s break down the matchups and predict the winners.
Kokomo 10-4 vs 6-9 Muncie Central
Kokomo is in the middle of a four-game road stretch and looking to avoid a three-game losing streak. While playing on the road is always a challenge, the Wildkats shouldn’t have much trouble against a struggling Muncie Central squad.
The Bearcats’ season has been a roller coaster, but they’re trending upward with a three-game winning streak heading into Friday’s matchup. However, Kokomo has the talent and experience to rebound from adversity. The Wildkats already avoided a three-game skid earlier this season and are expected to do so again.
Winner: Kokomo
3A #15 Maconaquah 8-2 vs Western 9-5
Bouncing back from a rivalry loss is never easy, but that’s the challenge Western faces Friday night in a tough matchup with Maconaquah, one of the highest-scoring teams in the state.
Maconaquah plays at a relentless pace that most teams struggle to match, averaging 77 points per game, the third-highest mark in Indiana. In contrast, Western prefers a slower, more deliberate style of play. Despite the clash of tempos, Maconaquah’s high-powered offense is expected to prevail.
Winner: Maconaquah
Northwestern 7-5 vs Wabash 0-14
Northwestern has a strong chance to secure back-to-back wins for the second time this month. The Tigers have already claimed three road victories this season and are poised to add a fourth Friday night against Wabash.
The season hasn’t unfolded as Wabash’s players and coaches had hoped. The Apaches have struggled to stay competitive, which gives Northwestern a clear edge. Expect the Tigers to take an early lead and maintain control throughout the game.
Winner: Northwestern
Eastern 4-6 vs Clinton Prairie 8-2
Eastern faces a tough challenge this week. The Comets have to leave Greentown to take on a Clinton Prairie team that has consistently thrived under pressure. That combination makes Friday’s road trip a daunting task.
The Gophers have won seven of their last eight games, with six of those victories coming by double digits. While Eastern has the talent to keep the game competitive, it’s unlikely they’ll leave Clinton Prairie with a win.
Winner: Clinton Prairie
2A #10 Taylor 12-1 vs Riverside 11-2
Taylor enters Friday’s game riding high after a comeback win over Western. The Titans’ big three has been a dominant force all season and will need to deliver again to overcome Riverside.
The Argonauts have been consistent, boasting a 10-game winning streak. However, the competition during that stretch hasn’t been particularly strong. Taylor, by contrast, is a battle-tested team that has faced and overcome adversity throughout the season. Friday’s matchup should be entertaining, but the Titans are expected to leave with a hard-fought road victory.
Winner: Taylor
Jay’s Stats:
Last week: 2-2
All-time: 17-6 (73.9%)
