Game Previews: Friday, December 30

NorthWood is capable of possessing the ball, but they like to play fast. North Daviess is capable of scoring and attacking in transition, but they would rather grind out possessions. NorthWood can get a little turnover happy every now and then.

Both teams have talented lead guards, Cade Brenner for NorthWood, Jaylen Mullen for North Daviess. NorthWood's Ian Raasche is a matchup problem for most of the teams on their schedule. He has 3PT range, can finish off the drive and score in the post, and he's still very much dangerous moving without the basketball.

Zionsville is a very good defensive team, but they aren't disruptive. Ben Davis is the disruptive defense. As good as they are, at some point, they will need to send extra bodies at Burton, even if it's just being extremely disciplined in their ball screen coverage.

Sheridan Sharp and Clay Butler will likely be the main defenders in coverage, but the X-factor is Zane Doughty. He's one of the best rim protectors in the state (likely second best behind Flory Bidunga). How they guard ball screens will be the key. The Giants can't let Burton reject the direction they want to force him through the screen. If they ice him, they have to push him to the baseline or sideline. If they hard hedge or blitz, they have to force him wide or at least to pivot to pass. If they drop, they have to show help from a third defender as Burton snakes or straight line attacks Doughty.

If Doughty picks up fouls, BD loses their one differentiator. Penn has length in Gatete and Derda, but they're both thin.

Not fully sure of the status of KJ Windham. The junior guard is BD's top shooter, and he's missed the last couple of games with an achilles injury. Reportedly will be back, but we'll have to see if he's impacted. Butler is an improved shooter, and Sharp can hit open, stationary 3PTers, but Windham is their one true shot maker.

Game to be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse