Howard County Basketball: Feb. 20 Preview and Predictions
Conference races are tightening, Senior Nights are arriving and postseason implications are growing clearer with every tipoff. Friday’s slate of games across the area features teams riding momentum, others searching for answers and several matchups that could shape how the final weeks of the season unfold. With winning streaks on the line and standings at stake, intensity should be high from start to finish.
All five Howard County teams take center stage, each facing a meaningful test that will reveal where they stand as tournament time approaches. From surging contenders to teams hoping to play spoiler, expect packed gyms, emotional moments and competitive basketball throughout the night.
Anderson (12-7) vs Kokomo (15-5)
Kokomo has continued its strong play, extending its winning streak to eight games while also clinching the North Central Conference championship. Drew Schauss is the first Kokomo coach to win the conference title in his first season leading the program. Those accomplishments are notable, but the Wildkats cannot afford to lean on them heading into Friday’s game against Anderson High School.
Anderson enters the matchup having won three of its last five games. The Indians are coached by Kokomo graduate Don Bowling, who is seeking his first back-to-back wins over Kokomo since becoming Anderson’s head coach. Their record may be deceiving, as a challenging schedule has prepared them for a tough test inside Memorial Gymnasium.
Still, Kokomo is playing its best basketball of the season, and it would be a surprise to see the Wildkats drop their final NCC game of the year.
Winner: Kokomo
Western (9-10) vs Benton Central (7-13)
Western enters Friday’s Hoosier Conference playoffs riding its second three-game winning streak of the season — and with momentum on its side. Indiana All-Star candidate Carter Biggs has fueled the surge, recently breaking the program’s single-game scoring record while leading the Panthers to an upset of Class 1A No. 5 Rossville. Western will look to carry that momentum into a road matchup at Benton Central.
Benton Central, meanwhile, is searching for answers after dropping six of its last seven games. The Bison have struggled to generate offense during that stretch, surpassing 50 points only twice. With Western playing confidently and successfully away from home this season, Friday’s game sets up as a key opportunity for the Panthers to keep their run alive.
Winner: Western
Northwestern (15-3) vs Blackford (15-5)
Northwestern remains red-hot, extending its winning streak to seven games while securing the outright Three Rivers Conference championship with a perfect 9-0 record. The Tigers will look to keep that momentum going during a road trip to Blackford.
Blackford, meanwhile, has cooled off, losing five of its last seven games after opening the season with 13 straight victories. That recent slide looms large entering this matchup. Northwestern is playing consistently strong basketball on both ends of the floor, while Blackford will try to leverage home-court advantage to halt the Tigers’ surge. Northwestern’s defensive activity could be a key factor in securing another significant road win.
Winner: Northwestern
Lakeland Christian (6-14) vs Eastern (Greentown) (13-7)
Eastern (Greentown) is playing its best basketball of the season, winning nine of its last 10 games. Indiana All-Star candidate Colton Lindsay has been an efficient scorer whom opponents have struggled to contain. Friday’s home game against Lakeland Christian Academy also serves as Senior Night, adding extra emotion inside the gym.
Lakeland Christian enters trending in the opposite direction, having lost six of its last eight games and struggling to stay competitive during that stretch. That downturn makes it difficult to envision the Cougars spoiling Eastern’s celebration. The Comets’ defense has been especially sharp late in the season, frequently turning stops into transition opportunities. With momentum, home court and defensive intensity on their side, Eastern appears well positioned to control the pace and finish Senior Night with a strong performance.
Winner: Eastern
Carroll (Flora) (8-11) vs Taylor (13-7)
Taylor enters Friday night’s matchup riding back-to-back wins. The Titans recently celebrated a milestone as Drey McClatchey became the fifth player in program history to join the 1,000-point club. Taylor will look to keep the momentum going in a Hoosier Heartland Conference game against Carroll (Flora).
Carroll is also playing well, winning five of its last seven games. The Titans and Cougars sit third and fourth, respectively, in the conference standings, raising the stakes for both teams. Taylor’s trio of Javionne Harris, Drey McClatchey and Keyshawn Galloway has fueled the recent surge with consistent production. Their ability to complement one another presents matchup challenges, particularly against a Carroll defense that has allowed the sixth-most points in the HHC.
Winner: Taylor
Friday night features a full slate of meaningful matchups across the area, highlighted by a Senior Night showdown between Lakeland Christian Academy and Eastern. With conference positioning, momentum and pride all on the line, each of the five games carries added significance as teams make their final pushes toward the postseason. Expect intense atmospheres, emotional moments and highly competitive basketball throughout the night.
The Kokomo Post Sports team will be on site at the Lakeland Christian–Eastern game, providing live updates, highlights and postgame coverage. Fans are encouraged to pack the gyms across the area and support their local teams — this time of year often produces some of the most exciting basketball of the season.
Jay’s stats
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2025-2026 sports season: 70-25 (73.7%)
