Thursday high school basketball previews

Boys

Cloverdale (2-7) vs. Riverton Parke (1-7)

The coaches: Patrick Rady is in his fourth year at Cloverdale. Mitch Simmons is in his fourth year at Riverton Parke.

So far: Cloverdale has lost five of its last six games. Riverton Parke’s only win came over Dugger Union.

Per-game averages: Offense — Clovers 50.6, RP 51.6. Defense — Clovers 50.6, RP 57.4.

History: Cloverdale won 63-43 in the first round of last year’s First Financial Wabash Valley Classic.

Girls

North Putnam (8-7) vs. Indiana Deaf School (9-2)

The coaches: Jarrod Duff is in his third year at North Putnam. Amanda Huser is in her eighth year at IDS.

So far: North Putnam has won three straight games and four of its last five. The only losses for IDS have come to University and Indianapolis Shortridge.

Per-game averages: Offense — North 41.7, IDS 56.5. Defense — North 41.7, IDS 38.7.

Opponents’ records: IDS 49-86, North Putnam 100-101.

History: Indiana Deaf School defeated North Putnam 43-33 last year in the only meeting between the teams in the past 15 years.

Key players: Freshmen Kyla Willis (10.1) and Brie Miller (9.1) lead the Cougars in scoring.

John Harrell prediction: North Putnam 49, IDS 40.

South Putnam (7-6) at Monrovia (7-8)

The coaches: Brian Gardner is in his fourth year at South Putnam. Kevin Rounds is in his third year at Monrovia.

So far: South has won its last two games. Monrovia broke a two-game losing streak with a win over Scecina last week.

Per-game averages: Offense — South 48.1, Monrovia 43.3. Defense — South 44.4, Monrovia 45.7.

Opponents’ records: South 86-92, Monrovia 115-89.

History: South won 47-37 in the tournament championship game last year.

John Harrell prediction: South 47, Monrovia 44.