Howard County Basketball: Feb. 13 Preview and Predictions
Friday night brings a full slate of local action as several area teams look to gain momentum with the postseason quickly approaching. With programs battling through late-season pressure, every possession carries added weight, and small runs could prove decisive in tightly contested matchups.
Whether it’s teams trying to snap recent skids or others aiming to extend strong stretches, the urgency should create an intense atmosphere across the board. Expect physical play, emotional swings and a premium on execution as squads fight to position themselves for a strong finish to the regular season.
Kokomo (13-5) vs Richmond (6-15)
Kokomo is one of the hottest teams in Howard County, riding a six-game winning streak. The Wildkats also lead the North Central Conference standings, adding significance to their road matchup at Richmond.
Richmond has struggled to find consistency this season, dropping four of its last six games. The Red Devils could use a key conference win to build confidence, especially with a defense allowing 65.9 points per game. Kokomo enters after an eight-day layoff and a 113-mile trip, factors that could lead to a slow start. If the Wildkats settle in early, they are well positioned to control the tempo and protect their unbeaten conference record.
Winner: Kokomo
Whitko (6-11) vs Northwestern (13-3)
Northwestern is making a case as the hottest team in the county, riding a six-game winning streak. The Tigers have already secured the Three Rivers Conference title, and Friday’s matchup against Whitko marks their final conference game. Northwestern will look to finish league play with an undefeated record.
Whitko is trending in the opposite direction, having lost four of its last five games. The Wildcats’ lone win during that stretch was an 87-82, four-overtime victory over Peru. Despite that outlier, Whitko has struggled offensively in recent weeks and has been held below 40 points in multiple games. Northwestern’s aggressive approach and balanced scoring options position the Tigers well entering their conference finale.
Winner: Northwestern
Clinton Central (2-14) vs Eastern (Greentown) (11-7)
The buzz surrounding Eastern (Greentown)’s boys basketball team is the highest it has been in recent years. Senior Colton Lindsay is the Comets’ all-time leading scorer and sits 36 points away from passing Flory Bidunga for fifth place on Howard County’s all-time scoring list. Eastern has also won eight of its last nine games, adding momentum ahead of Friday’s Hoosier Heritage Conference matchup against Clinton Central.
Clinton Central’s season has been uneven. The Bulldogs opened the year with two wins in their first three games before dropping seven straight and have struggled to remain competitive in several contests. Eastern, meanwhile, is playing some of its best basketball of the season, fueled by defensive pressure that creates transition scoring opportunities. Combined with Lindsay’s elite scoring ability, the Comets are well positioned to secure another conference victory.
Clinton Central
Winner: Eastern
Tri-Central (6-12) vs Taylor (11-7)
Taylor is in the midst of its toughest stretch of the season, having lost four of its last five games. Despite the skid, the Titans have had reason to celebrate as seniors Javionne Harris and Drey McClatchey became the fourth and fifth players in program history to reach 1,000 career points, both achieving the milestone during this stretch. Taylor will look to build positive momentum at home against Tri-Central in a Pink Out game honoring Mrs. Shimer.
Tri-Central is also struggling, having lost seven of its last nine games. The Trojans sit eighth in the Hoosier Heritage Conference and could use a conference win to boost morale ahead of the postseason. With the pressure of milestone pursuits behind them, Harris and McClatchey can focus solely on performance. If Taylor’s top scorers produce as expected, the Titans are positioned to bounce back with a home victory.
Winner: Taylor
Several of these matchups feature teams building momentum at the right time, setting the stage for competitive battles throughout the night. With four games on the slate and plenty at stake, composure, defensive stops and late-game execution will likely be the difference in who comes out on top.
The Kokomo Post Sports Team will be on site at Whitko vs. Northwestern, providing live updates, score tracking and highlights throughout the evening.
Jay’s stats
Last week: 4-0
2025-2026 sports season: 66-25 (72.5%)
