With the bulk of their schedule strength in the back half, this is one of Lutheran's tougher tests thus far. They have found wins in the County Tournament few and far between, but one of those was last year vs. Roncalli. They return most of their production from last year, including the Patterson brother.

After a very slow start, Southport is healthy and winning, winners of their last four. AJ Dancler and Keyon Miller make one of the top backcourts in the state, and Nickens Lemba gets better each time out.

This is a rematch from earlier in the season, and one of Beech Grove's three losses. That game was played at a franetic pace, and both teams are equipped to play that way. Anthony Ball has been a great anchor for Beech Grove, and they have other weapons in Cam Brown, Jeremiah Alexander and Rylan Horen.

What DC lacks in size, they make up for in talent in the backcourt. Most of it is centered around Javon Tracy and KC Berry, but they have a lot bodies that help create their pressure defense, hoping to turn much of that into offense.

Brebeuf's two losses? Cathedral and Zionsville, both in OT, but with two wins over 4A Evansville Harrison and Hamilton Southeastern, scheduling up isn't an issue. Billy Smith is playing his way into serious all-star team status, and the balance behind him with Marial Puou, Alex Gothard and Paul Stubblefield gives them options.

Lyna Brooks and Rynell Echols have kept FC competitve in all their wins. They have a few narrow losses, and sometimes getting over the hump is a learning experience.

Roncalli will have to control the tempo of this game, as North Central flies around defensively. Offensively, NC relies heavily on Joey Brown who is a primary option and is active on the offensive glass.

Setting up to still be among the contenders in 2A, they've not reached the County semi-finals since 2014, ending a stretch of three of four trips, including back to back titles. Jermaine Coleman and crew should get to round two, but Nate Metalic will big a tough matchup for them.

The top first round matchup as Ben Davis hasn't lost since the first week of games, and Lawrence North held the fort as CJ Gunn got healthy. Gunn is back and playing extremely. Mac Brown has provided outside cover, and they get point guard play from Kobi Bowles.

BD has guard depth and size up front. Sheridan Sharpe runs the show, and BD has Clay Butler and KJ Windham on the wings. Zane Doughty is one of the best rebounders in the state, and they have other options in Jesse Faires and Shaun Arnold.

Off to a slow start, Warren has won five of their last six. The known qualities are D'Ante Davis and Chandler Jackson. Consistent guard play will go a long way toward their success this week. Perry Meridian will be physical up front, but they will have to not let Warren speed them up.

Pike, another team on a roll, winners of six in a row. Ryan Conwell is living up to his all-star billing, and Devon Woods has added more scoring to his playmaking. They're getting production from Dante Porch, and Cam Caskey has increased his productivity of late.

Lawrence Central will need Josh Mickens to have a big game. He's the one matchup that Pike could struggle with, as he combines size with quickness. The health of Jacob Franklin looms.

Until someone proves otherwise, these are the two best teams in Fort Wayne. Blackhawk with Sefton, Furst, Davidson and Boyer remain undefeated, playing a more than challenging schedule. Homestead's schedule has been brutal, and they remain very much in the chatter for a 4A title.