By Greg Keim
Sooner or later the law of averages is bound to prevail.
The Northeast Corner Conference tournament was a nightmare when it came to this business of picking winners in local high school boys basketball games (3-7 record).
You know it’s going to be rough when predicted tourney champion (Lakeland) loses on opening night.
Combining the NECC mark and last week’s regular season contests adds up to an overall 9-11 record (45 percent).
Missed calls were Plymouth over Concord, Wawasee over Elkhart Memorial, Mishawaka over Elkhart Central and Jimtown over West Noble.
It’s the ninth time the weekly percentage has been less than 50 percent since the 2001-02 season. That’s out of a total of 133 weeks.
The last week below 50 percent was the final week of the 2007-08 when Westview lost 61-46 to Fort Wayne Bishop Luers in the semistate at Warsaw.
Tonight
Penn at Northridge — Penn appears to have turned things around for veteran coach Al Rhodes as the Kingsmen have won six straight. Goshen and South Bend Riley are common opponents. Northridge lost to Goshen 36-26 and to Riley 54-37. Penn defeated Goshen 43-41 and Riley 51-46. Penn.
FW Canterbury at Bethany — The Class 1A Canterbury Cavaliers are 7-3 with losses to 1A FW Blackhawk 65-64, 3A Norwell 61-50 and 4A Homestead 78-53. Bethany hasn’t played a game since Jan. 8. FW Canterbury.
Central at SB Adams — These two squared off back on Dec. 28 in the Northern Indiana Conference tournament with the Central Blue Blazers winning 69-51 on a neutral floor. Central.
Friday
NorthWood at Goshen — Despite giving up 56 points in each of its last two games, the Redskins still lead the state in defensive scoring average at 38.36 points per game. This one could come down to guard play where the Panthers might have an edge in experience with junior Michael Paul. NorthWood.
Warsaw at Concord — Warsaw was a 77-63 winner last season and the Tigers lead 38-18 in the series. Two of the more talented teams in the Northern Lakes Conference this one could come down to experience, which is where the Tigers should have an edge. Warsaw.
Wawasee at Plymouth — Talk about your battle of conflicting styles. Wawasee with its up-tempo style averages 81.6 ppg on offense (second in the state) while Plymouth plays a more deliberate style and averages 51.3. Wawasee captured a 78-66 decision a year ago, but Plymouth holds a 29-15 lead in the series. Plymouth’s lone loss at home this season is to No. 3-ranked Class 3A Peru (11-1). Plymouth.
Westview at Fairfield — The 73rd meeting between these two NECC rivals was last week in the league tournament. Westview won 36-33 to give the Warriors a 43-30 advantage in the series. Westview won its 10th NECC tourney title despite playing without leading scorer junior Justin Jantzi who is out with a broken foot. Westview.
Fremont at West Noble — Another matchup of two teams who played last week in the NECC tourney. Fremont was a 58-56 overtime winner at West Noble. Fremont.
Hamilton at Lakeland — Lakeland is near the top of the NECC standings and Hamilton close to the bottom. The Lakers are paced by one of the better players in the league in senior Jake Sirk. Lakeland.
Saturday
Memorial at Northridge — Memorial leads the series 24-18 after ending Northridge’s “dream season” a year ago in the sectional championship by a 64-50 score. The current Chargers are a tall and athletic group led by 6-7 senior Michael Kibiloski. Memorial.
Jimtown at Westview — This series has been a competitive one with Westview maintaining a slim 14-12 lead. Among the more unusual twists in this one is the fact that former Jimtown standout player — Troy Neely — is also a former Westview coach. And he is the father of current Warrior standout Dominique Neely. Westview.
Fairfield at White Pigeon — The Falcons played the Michigan team last season for the first time and emerged with a 54-26 victory. Fairfield.
Harding at Central — The Harding Hawks (9-2) are No. 7-ranked in Class 3A. Their losses have been to Homestead 61-59 in overtime and Fort Wayne Luers 69-59. Homestead and Luers have both been state ranked. Harding.
Howe Military at Elkhart Christian — Hamilton is a common foe. Elkhart Christian won 59-28 and Howe Military lost 69-33. Elkhart Christian.
Tuesday
NorthWood at Marian — New Prairie is among common opponents. NorthWood dropped a 72-69 decision in double overtime while Marian won 87-60. NorthWood enters the week with only one road victory so far this season. Marian.
Bethany at Hamilton — Clinton Christian is among the common foes. Bethany won 55-47 and Hamilton lost 52-46. Bethany.
Elkhart Christian at Lakewood Park — Each team has played Lakeland Christian. ECA won 44-38 and 66-38 while Lakewood won 54-41 in overtime. Elkhart Christian.
