High school basketball previews

THURSDAY

Girls

Cascade (4-8) at Greencastle (9-4)

The coaches: David Carpenter is in his third year at Cascade. Bradley Key is in his ninth year at Greencastle.

Season recap: Cascade has won four of its last six games since starting the season 0-6. The Tiger Cubs had won nine straight games since an 0-3 start before Tuesday’s loss at Cloverdale.

Opponents’ records: Cascade 88-60.

Per-game averages (through Dec. 18): Offense – Cascade 50.8, Greencastle 45.5. Defense – Cascade 56.3, Greencastle 40.6.

The history: Cascade won 67-43 at home in the Western Indiana Conference championship game last year, and has won nine of the last 16 meetings between the teams.

Key players: Senior Olivia Bryant (one of a set of triplets) leads the Cadets in scoring at 17.0. Hannah Rasnake adds 14.9 points per game. Jalyn Duff and Rose White lead the Tiger Cubs in scoring.

Random notes: The teams each won their divisional title last year in the Western Indiana Confernence and met in the championship game.

This game was originally scheduled to be the season opener for both teams, but was moved due to Greencastle’s participation in the football sectional championship game on Nov. 4.

North Putnam (4-9) at North Montgomery (7-6)

The coaches: Jarrod Duff is in his second year at North Putnam. Ryan Nuppnau is in his fourth year at North Montgomery.

Season recap: The Cougars have recorded wins over North Vermillion, Covington, Monrovia and International. North Montgomery started the season 6-3 but has lost three of its last four games.

Per-game averages (through Dec. 18): Offense — NP 28.3, NM 37.8. Defense — NP 46.5, NM 42.3.

Opponents’ records: North Putnam 76-68, North Montgomery 70-93.

History: North Montgomery won 30-26 at Bainbridge last year, and has won seven of the last nine meetings.

Key players: Hannah Sims leads North Putnam in scoring at 5.6 points per game, while Payton Lyons averages 4.4 and Dana Tennis 4.3. Caroline McClaskey leads North Montgomeryh in scoring at 5.6 points per game, while Kelsey Sabens adds 5.3.