Evansville Christian has their work cut out for them, as O'Fallon, which replaced Bowman Academy, enters this game 8-0. Christian is led by Josiah Dunham, who already holds an offer from Evansville.

Hammond Central completes their weekend in Evansville vs. North, a very balanced team led by Ryan Caddell. Jordan Woods and company, if past games are any indication, will press and try to speed up North.

Castle is going to need a big game from center Dylan Watson, the one player they have who can create a matchup problem. They're getting offensive production from Weston Aigner and Caleb Niehaus, but getting Watson to be a rim protector without picking up fouls will go a long way to getting Castle over the top.

Linton is led by Joey Hart, but Logan Webb, who has improved his range, and Brandon Walters are both versatile on both ends of the floor. Castle keeping Linton out of the paint would put a lot of pressure on Hart.

McCracken brings in a balanced attack, featuring senior guard Brant Brower and a trio of juniors, Jack McCune, Cason Tilford and Ian Hart. Reitz is led by Isaac Higgs and Gavin Shippert.

Doss brings in a trio high scoring seniors. Forward Tony Moss (16.2) and two guards, Inslee Carroll (16) and Chris Anderson (14). Bosse has its own weapons, led by Matthew Wagner and Taray Howell, both super quick playmakers. They get support up from from Jameer Ajibade and Adonimi Parker.

Two teams off to rough starts. For Gary West, it makes sense. As much as they lost to graduation, losing North Carolina commit, Jalen Washington late in the summer to another knee injury wasn't something they could easily rebound from.

Harrison's tough start could be the subject of scheduling, but they have a lot of fire power back from last year, starting Jahni Summers.

Wayne's losses to Leo, Culver Academy and New Haven are understandable, but they have struggled to compete late in those games. Columbia City's 4-1 start doesn't have a signature win yet, but they are led by Andrew Hedrick and Mason Baker.

It's been since 2015 that Merrillville has started 3-0. AJ Dixon is their big name, and he's flanked by size with Lavonta Ash and Isaiah Akinyele, as well as a trio of quick, high pressure guards.

Snider was one of the highest scoring teams in the state last year, return just about everyone and have started where they left off. Karsen Jenkins and Aiden Lambert can really put points on the board, and Grant Brown provides outside cover.

Conner Essegian and Logan Gard have filled many Game Previews. They have been impressive early on, and underclassman guards are performing. This is a 2A state contender! Woodlan has a star of their in senior forward Joe Reidy, one of the more under-recruited players in the state.

Blackhawk Christian is off to a great start early in the post-Caleb Furst era. (Not sure when we'll stop referencing him.) Basically a new team, with players stepping up into bigger starting roles or varsity roles altogether.

Chesterton hasn't faced much competition this year, but they've done their part in defeating teams which are down very soundly. The meat of the schedule comes as they roll through what looks like a balanced DAC, but the game vs. Homestead could be a pronouncement they're serious contenders come March.

Northside is definitely an enigma. They have talent. There just isn't much ball movement, and while they have spurts of defensive intensity when their backs are against the wall, it's not consistent. Warsaw is going to make them guard every second of each quarter. And as good as Brauntae Johnson is for North, Jaxson Gould can match him point for point if it comes to that.

Gould and Judah Simfukwe need to avoid getting sped up vs. North's varied backcourt presses.

Jalen Jackson has been dominant in his transfer over to Northrop. Jaydon Smith and Jalen Schenk have proven to be good running mates, and James Mallory has been good on the glass.

LN still without CJ Gunn can be up and down through a game. Gunn is certainly a player who can get a bucket. Much of what LN does well with is Kobe Bowles getting paint touches and finding people.

Despite two early season losses (Zionsville and Homestead), Westfield, led by Braden Smith, is still among the state's best. Mishawaka Marian is the #1 team in 3A, and last year when they brought their show to Indy, they clipped Lawrence Central at the buzzer.

Richard Brooks, Kaleo Kakalia and Deaglan Sullivan are a trio of complimentary pieces. Brooks among the more under-recruited players in the state is a matchup problem.

Tech is coming off back to back losses after a 3-0 start. The point spread in the Brownsburg game was a little surprising. No let up vs. Cathedral. As most feel this has matchup potential in the City final, not to mention both being Sectional 10 foes.