In the final edition of the NECC Game of the Week for the 2019-20 basketball season, two teams look to finish their regular seasons on a high note as they prepare to play in what may end up being the toughest sectional in the state in 2A.
The Central Noble Cougars (19-4) will look to do something that’s only happened 3 times in the history of Central Noble Basketball and 23 times in Noble County history: winning 20 games in a season. Coming off their 70-50 win @ Lakewood Park, the Cougars have won 6 in a row and Connor Essegian is only 9 points away from becoming the fastest player in Noble County History to reach 1000 points in a career.
If my calculations are correct, no sophomore in Noble County has ever reached this mark as a sophomore. 1969 West Noble grad Steve Anspaugh didn’t get to 1,000 until early in his junior season (West Noble’s inaugural 1967-68 campaign). 1956 Avilla Grad Ray Grocock also had to wait until midway through his junior season in 1954-55 to get to 1000. These are the 2 highest scoring players in Noble County history.
After setting a county record for points scored by a freshman, Connor is currently 2nd in points scored in a season in County history. He needs 38 points to surpass Ray Grocock’s 595-point 1956 season.
For the Fairfield Falcons (9-12), it’s been a fascinating adventure and challenge for the veteran Coach DeShone and his young squad. However, the Falcons are guaranteed to finish this season at least 6th in conference and with a winning record in conference play. That is something I’m sure very few saw this coming, and with their 7th, 8th grade, and JV teams having strong seasons, the future looks bright for the Falcons and the community of Benton.
In the all time series, Fairfield leads 45-13 including a 22-4 home record for the Falcons against the Cougars. These two are expected to play each other tonight at 7:30pm depending on senior night festivities and so forth.
3 keys for each team to win
Central Noble
1. Continue to get off to good starts
In their last 4 games, the Cougars have led at the half in 3 of those games. When the Cougars are the ones being aggressive and they have a lead early and often, they usually play well. In a game like this one where it looks heavily one sided on paper, you don’t want a let down game from the Cougars especially when these two could very well meet in the sectional.
2. Control the glass
In this matchup, we need to be careful on overlooking this Fairfield team because that team plays extremely hard and are a very stingy defensive team, especially with this being a “rebuilding season”.
When the Cougars are rebounding the basketball well, that’s what makes the Cougars are a very dangerous team. At times early in the season, I was frustrated that rebounding was sometimes extremely inconsistent.
On paper, this favors the Cougars, but until you play the game, it’s up in the air how this will go. Should be interesting to see how this game starts off.
3. Don’t beat yourself
Due to talent and experience alone, the Cougars should be able to grab the lead early in this game. But, it’s gonna come down to how well they take care of the basketball, making smart decisions, and managing the game clock.
These are components that will be important going into the sectional, so it’a important that the Cougars take care of their fundamentals and get the job done. Fairfield plays a similar style to that of Angola, even though they’re one of the youngest teams in the northern part of the state.
Fairfield
1. Limit mistakes and foul trouble
Fairfield is one of the youngest teams in the area playing against a prolific offense that loves to get up and down the court and shoot a ton of 3’s. For them to hang around with the Cougars for most of this game, they must simplify their plays and not get overwhelmed by some of the pressure the Cougars could and probably will bring. Central Noble is one of the most dangerous teams when playing in transition. Turnovers must be limited.
2. Protect the Rim
I have my doubts on the Falcons being able to contain the Cougars deadly perimeter offense. But for the Falcons to hang around in this game defensively, they can’t give the Cougars anything easy in the paint, and make them earn their points. If the Cougars make their triples or tough jump shots, then it’s a whatever, but Fairfield can not compete in a offensive shootout this year against that kind of a ball club. The matchups against Logan Gard, Sawyer Yoder, and Ryan Schroeder are gonna be critical.
3. Play to their strengths
A Coach DeShone team plays a style of basketball that’s quite a bit different from the kind of pace that’s being played. It’s old-schooled and in your face basketball.
It doesn’t matter who they face, the Falcons should never ever change what makes them the best Falcons team. There’s gonna be some emotions with senior night and being the last game of the regular season, but it’s important to stay calm and play to their strengths. Again, I’m not guaranteeing anything, but for Fairfield you want to be playing good ball going into the matchup with Bremen in sectionals.
Players to watch
CN
Sawyer Yoder
It’s safe to say he’s never had a better season on the basketball court than his junior season to this point. He’s averaging a career best 16.2 points along with about 5-6 boards and he can facilitate the ball well to. Sawyer might be even better when he dominates as a post player because he’s a very gifted perimeter shooter, but when he sets his mind to it, his skill set is next to none. While this night could be about Connor Essegian possibly getting to 1000, let’s make sure we don’t forget about how Sawyer’s breakout season has been critical to their success.
Fairfield
Nolin Sharick
This is going to be a big night for Sharick regardless of points or the outcome of the game. He’s come a long way from being a Westview transfer to becoming one of the best players in the conference and area. Sharick is a huge reason why Fairfield is kind of overachieving despite having the “rebuild” label. When he gets hot, he can take over in games and he’s had his good share of moments against the Cougars throughout his career while still playing a solid defensive game.
Conclusion: This is the last game of the regular season for these two teams before they head into a very tough and competitive Westview sectional. With Fairfield now in 2A, they bring a lot of intrigue in this sectional, even when their record would have told you otherwise.
The one thing the Falcons will have to be better is how they react against teams like Westview and Busco that dominate on the scoresheet, size, and experience. But, that will come as the Falcons remaining core starts to mature and fully develops into the kind of group capable of competing in meaningful games.
Based on the draw itself, there’s a strong chance these two could meet in the sectional semifinal if these two take care of business Wednesday. It’s gonna be a fun ride from here on out. Welcome to Hoosier Hysteria!
Around the NorthEast Corner 