WEDNESDAY’S GIRLS’ GAMES: Silver Creek thriving again in 2021-22

By GREG MENGELT

There were some questions heading into the season whether Silver Creek could maintain its greatness after several key graduations.

The Dragons have handled the situation like champs.

Silver Creek rolls into Wednesday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night against Floyd Central at 9-0 and coming off a very impressive weekend. First, the Dragons beat Kentucky’s fifth-ranked team, Bowling Green, 53-49 on Friday night. Then they traveled through Kentucky and to Evansville, where they beat North 46-39 at the University of Southern Indiana.

“We did not shoot the ball well all weekend but still found a way to win, only turning the ball over nine and eight times,” Dragon coach Scott Schoen said.

Silver Creek is 3-0 already against the Hoosier Hills Conference. Floyd Central comes in at 3-5 and has lost three of its last four games.

“Floyd Central is a scrappy team, which is well coached,” Schoen said. “Keegan Kaiser is one of the most athletic guards in this area who can get to the rim. Their young kids are playing extremely well and gaining confidence. We need to be sure that we defend and rebound at a high level, not giving up easy buckets.”

Floyd Central coach Randy Gianfagna likes what he’s seen from his team through eight games and is looking forward to the challenge the defending state champions bring into Wednesday’s contest in Sellersburg.

“Our team is continuing to grow each week,” he said. “We are trying to find consistency on the offensive end. Silver Creek is undefeated and playing very well right now. We are looking forward to the opportunity and challenge on Wednesday.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
FLOYD CENTRAL (3-5) AT SILVER CREEK (9-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Joe Hinton Court, Floyd Central H.S. (6575 Old Vincennes Rd., Floyds Knobs)
• Coaches:
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (23-52 in fourth season at Floyd Central)
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (164-108 in 12th season at Silver Creek)
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 9 IBCA (single class); No. 2 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Floyd Central — No. 152, No. 65 Class 4A
Silver Creek — No. 25, No. 6 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Floyd Central — Lost to Jeffersonville 53-35 (Dec. 4)
Silver Creek — Defeated Evansville North 46-39 (Dec. 4, River City Showcase, Evansville)
• Last 20 years: 8-8. Silver Creek has won 3 straight against the Highlanders.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 9, 2020 — Silver Creek 79, at Floyd Central 37.
• News & notes: The unbeaten Dragons trailed Kentucky’s fifth-ranked team, Bowling Green, 16-10 after one quarter on Dec. 4 and outscored the Purples 43-33 the rest of the way. … Silver Creek outscored Evansville North 24-15 in the second half of Saturday afternoon’s 46-39 victory. Kynidi Mason-Striverson led the Dragons with 16 points in the victory.
• John Harrell prediction: Silver Creek 62, Floyd Central 30.
• Sagarin projection: Silver Creek by 28.
• Outlook: Floyd probably has enough players to keep this from getting out of hand.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 55, Floyd Central 39.

CORYDON CENTRAL (9-1, 2-1 MSC) AT AUSTIN (1-6, 0-3)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Austin H.S. (401 South Highway 31, Austin)
• Coaches:
Corydon Central — Josh Conrad (19-12 in second season at Corydon, 138-105 in 11th season overall)
Austin — Jared Petersen (232-170 in 17th season at Austina)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Corydon Central — No. 72, No. 20 Class 3A
Austin — No. 258, No. 65 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Corydon Central — Won at Scottsburg 60-40 (Dec. 2)
Austin — Lost at Charlestown 70-32 (Dec. 1)
• Last 20 years: Corydon Central 13-7. The Panthers have a 4-game winning streak vs. Austin.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 9, 2020 — At Corydon Central 58, Austin 40.
• News & notes: Austin’s game at New Washington has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20.
• John Harrell prediction: Corydon Central 60, Austin 31.
• Sagarin projection: Corydon Central by 24.
• Outlook: This should be all Panthers.
• Greg’s pick: Corydon Central 63, Austin 40.