Howard County Basketball: Feb. 7 Preview and Predictions
Saturday’s schedule looks different than usual, with all four featured matchups set for afternoon tipoffs instead of the typical evening starts. The earlier game times bring a matinee feel across the area as teams continue late-season conference and postseason pushes.
Each matchup includes teams either building momentum or trying to steady their play down the stretch. With recent streaks, milestone watch lists and conference implications in play, the afternoon slate offers several meaningful contests to watch.
Western (6-10) vs Maconaquah (2-12)
Western enters this weekend’s game against Maconaquah having lost four of its last five. The Panthers found success early in the season but have struggled to sustain that level of play. One positive: Western owns a winning road record entering the matchup at Maconaquah.
Maconaquah has been one of the area’s most inconsistent teams. The Braves have dropped six of their last seven and have been noncompetitive in multiple games. Western’s Carter Biggs is nearing 1,000 career points, and his ability to score at all three levels has been difficult for opposing defenses to contain. Maconaquah is allowing 67.9 points per game.
Winner: Western
Northwestern (12-3) vs Pioneer (4-11)
Northwestern is one of the hottest teams in the county, having won six of its last seven games, including capturing the Three Rivers Conference title during that stretch. The Tigers are led by three players who are difficult to slow down. Their recent success provides momentum heading into a road trip to Pioneer.
Pioneer has won back-to-back games for the first time this season. The Panthers return home after three straight road games, adding excitement for a home-court matchup. The Pioneer’s offense has struggled against stronger opponents on its schedule, a challenge against a Northwestern team that can score in bunches.
Winner: Northwestern
Eastern (Greentown) (9-7) vs Northfield (1-14)
Eastern (Greentown) is playing its best basketball of the season, having won six of its last seven games. The Comets’ offense has surged late in the year, boosting team confidence entering this weekend’s road game at Northfield.
Northfield has struggled throughout the season, with the Norsemen rarely competitive in most of their matchups. One positive: their lone win came on the same home court where this game will be played. Eastern’s Colton Lindsay is closing in on the school’s all-time scoring record and is in the middle of one of the county’s top scoring runs this season. His production, combined with Northfield’s defensive struggles against strong offenses, gives Eastern an edge entering the matchup.
Winner: Eastern
Yorktown (8-7) vs Taylor (11-5)
Taylor has shown signs of regaining its early-season form, winning four of its last six games. The Titans celebrated a milestone Thursday when Javionne Harris scored his 1,000th career point in a win over Clinton Prairie. Senior Drey McClatchey is next in line to reach the mark and could do so Saturday when Yorktown visits Center Court.
Yorktown has also won four of its last six and enters on a two-game winning streak for the second time this season. The Tigers’ record can be misleading, as they have faced several strong Class 4A and Class 3A opponents, including a 12-point win over Class 4A Pendleton Heights. Taylor has handled its Class 3A matchups well, but Yorktown presents a different challenge. The matchup projects as a close game, with Yorktown positioned to gain separation late.
Winner: Yorktown
Several of these games feature teams trending upward, which should lead to competitive finishes across the board. With multiple squads entering on recent winning stretches, execution in the second half will likely determine outcomes.
The Kokomo Post Sports team will be on site at Yorktown vs. Taylor, providing live updates, score tracking and highlights throughout the afternoon.
Jay’s stats
Last week: 4-0
2025-2026 sports season: 62-25 (71.3%)
