Greencastle - Parke Heritage again, South Putnam vs Southmont on GIANT fm Sports

It has been said when two rivals meet in sports, teams and spectators can throw the records out the window.

And, while such may be the case for Greencastle and Parke Heritage, the fans of the Wolves may want to hold onto recent history a bit more. 

The two familiar foes will meet for the third time this season, as the two square off in the Class 2A Sectional 41 at Greencastle on Tuesday, March 3. The winner will take on South Vermillion (2-20) in the semi-final on March 6.

For Parke Heritage, it is an opportunity to not only knock off the Tiger Cubs for the third time this season, but also continue its quest of getting to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Class 2A state title game.

And, for Greencastle, it is an opportunity to get rid of demons that have haunted the Tiger Cubs since posting its last win over the Wolves on Dec. 28, 2020. 

Since then, the Wolves have reeled off six consecutive wins over the Tiger Cubs, including two this season. 

At 20-4, Parke Heritage has been led offensively by its "Big Three" all season. Senior guard Treigh Schelsky  leads the way with 15 points per game, while junior Carter Crum chips in with 13.8 points and senior center Issac Pickel adds just over 10. The Wolves enter the postseason having played a beefed up schedule that featured Fishers, Zionsville, Ben Davis and Terre Haute North. On the season, Parke Heritage averages 67 points and allows 43 points. The Wolves have advanced to the semi-state portion the last three years and look to get over the hump this season. 

The Tiger Cubs enter the postseason on a bit of a high, having captured a share of the first ever Monon Athletic Conference title. 

Bryce Rector's squad (17-7) has won three of its last four games since falling to Cloverdale in the final of the Putnam County Classic. Last time out, Trevin Long paced the Tiger Cubs with 17 points in a win over North Montgomery, while Sam Gooch added 13 to go over 1,500 career points. 

On the season, Gooch leads the way with 17 points per game, while Connor Sullivan averages 12 and Nate Sutherlin contributes with with just over 10 points per contest. 

Greencastle averaged 62 points and surrendered 50 points a game during the regular season. 

For South Putnam, it has been an interesting season for the Eagles, who endured a coaching change during the season.

Kevin Rounds is 9-3 since taking over and has the Eagles at 14-8 heading into Tuesday's first round contest against Southmont (9-13). South Putnam defeated the Mounties 51-47 last month. The winner faces North Putnam (9-13) Friday at 6 p.m. 

South Putnam enters with an experienced team, led by Isaac Garner and Khalil Jefferson, while Ty Benton can put up points in a hurry for the Eagles, as well. The Eagles, who have won six in a row, have lost to both Greencastle and Parke Heritage this season, but own a pair of wins over North Putnam. 

North Putnam, on the other hand, enters at 9-13. 

After finding itself on a five game losing streak to close out January and run through most of February, the Cougars have won two of their last three outings. 

Jayce Monnett leads the team with 17 points per game, while Owen Query chips in 12 points per game. 

The Cougars enter averaging 45 points per game and allowing 49 points per contest. 

Both of the games from the Greencastle site can be heard on WREB (94.3) and WAXI (104.9).

Also tonight, Cloverdale (15-8) opens postseason play against the home team at White River Valley (9-14). That game is a 6 p.m. tip.