By GREG MENGELT
Silver Creek begins its defense following the first sectional quarterfinal between North Harrison (9-12) vs. Madison (11-8).
The Dragons finished the regular season 20-2 and ranked fourth in Class 3A. They won their second straight Mid-Southern Conference title, they outscored their opponents by 376 points and had winning streaks of 12 and eight during the season.
“Really proud of the regular season,” Silver Creek coach Scott Schoen said, “but that’s finished. We are like everyone else, fighting to stay alive every game.”
Silver Creek beat Scottsburg (11-11) 72-50 on Dec. 14, but the Warriorettes had a resurgent season and appears to be a future sectional title contender.
“Young, talented team,” Schoen said of the Scottsburg. “They’re scary because they shoot the ball so well. No lead is too big because of the way they shoot the ball.”
With a win, the Dragons will face the winner of the first semifinal. They beat North Harrison 72-44 on Nov. 24 and Madison 76-43 on Jan. 11.
“This game is the most important game of the season,” Schoen said. “Our goal is to get to Friday, and to get to Friday, we have to take care of business on Wednesday.”
Corydon Central (20-2) picked up its 20th win of the season Tuesday, pulling away late from Charlestown for a 52-39 victory. The Panthers will face 3A power Salem (11-9) in Friday’s first semifinal.
“Our sectional is the toughest in Southern Indiana,” Schoen said. “Each night is a nightmare. Absolutely no cakewalk for any team. Hopefully we continue to defend and rebound at a high level, and when the smoke settles we are cutting down nets. Bt it’s going to be a war.”
GAME OF THE NIGHT
CLASS 3A NORTH HARRISON SECTIONAL
SILVER CREEK VS. SCOTTSBURG
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison H.S. (1070 Hwy. 64 N.W., Ramsey)
• Records:
Silver Creek 20-2. The Dragons have won eight of their last nine games.
Scottsburg 11-11. The Warriorettes have lost four of their last five.
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (175-110 in 12th season at Silver Creek)
Scottsburg — Carrie Daniels (19-26 in second season at Scottsburg, 122-82 in seventh season overall)
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 12 IBCA (single class); No. 4 ICGSA (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 17, No. 3 Class 3A
Scottsburg— No. 107, No. 31 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Lost at Columbus East 65-61 (Jan. 25)
Scottsburg — Defeated Madison 46-43 (Jan. 29)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Silver Creek 6 (2021); Scottsburg 15 (2012).
• Regular-season result: Dec. 14 — At Silver Creek 72, Scottsburg 50.
• Last postseason matchup: Feb. 2, 2018 — Scottsburg 43, Silver Creek 34 (sectional semifinal).
• John Harrell prediction: Silver Creek 59, Scottsburg 39.
• Sagarin projection: Silver Creek by 21.
• Outlook: This should be the start of something special for Silver Creek … again.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 64, Scottsburg 39.
NORTH HARRISON VS. MADISON
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison H.S. (1070 Hwy. 64 N.W., Ramsey)
• Records:
North Harrison 9-12. The Lady Cats have lost eight games in a row.
Madison 11-8. The Cubs have lost three of their last four.
• Coaches:
North Harrison — Jamie Kolkmeier (21-18 in second season at North Harrison)
Madison — Sonja Bowyer (48-43 in fourth season at Madison)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
North Harrison — No. 175, No. 53 Class 3A
Madison — No. 98, No. 28 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
North Harrison — Lost at Evansville North 53-28 (Jan. 29)
Madison — Lost at Scottsburg 46-43 (Jan. 29)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): North Harrison 13 (2017); Madison 11 (2014).
• Regular-season result: None (game canceled).
• Last postseason matchup: Feb. 3, 2021 — Madison 50, North Harrison 46 (sectional first round).
• John Harrell prediction: Madison 49, North Harrison 44.
• Sagarin projection: Madison by 11.
• Outlook: It’s been a wild season for both teams, filled with unexpected (and sometimes expected) obstacles.
• Greg’s pick: Madison 53, North Harrison 32.
