Thursday and Friday Previews

<p>With Monday and Tuesday's games wrapped up, we look ahead to some of the best matchups the state has to offer for Thursday and Friday. As the the temperatures have gotten below freezing outside, district races continue to heat up on the hardwood. We have a couple of really intriguing non-district matchups as well. If you are looking for a game to attend for Thursday or Friday night, these are definitely some to consider. </p> <p><strong>Thursday's Matchup:</strong></p> <p><strong>Zwolle (29-4) @ Many (13-9)</strong></p> <p>Zwolle is no stranger to big games. The 2018 class B state runner-up is also used to playing against strong competition. These two teams have split the 2 previous times they've met this season. Zwolle took a 51-46 win back in early December, but Many answered with a 52-43 victory of their own month later. Many is coming off of a big win over St. Mary's Monday night, so we will see if they can ride that momentum in this one. I expect this one to be back and forth the whole night. </p> <p><strong>Friday's Matchups:</strong></p> <p><strong>Franklin Parish (21-6) @ Neville (13-15)</strong></p> <p>This game could very well determine the district champion in 2-4A. Neville comes into this one undefeated in district play and riding a 6 game winning streak. The red-hot Tigers are led by 6'0 freshman Patrick McCraney. This will be the third matchup between these two teams this year. Franklin Parish won the first one in the Don Redden Classic 62-41, while Neville took the win once district play started 38-35. For Franklin Parish, it all begins and ends with their defense. Coach Lonnie Cooper has done a great job of turning around the Patriots' philosophy on the defensive end, and turning them into one of the better defensive teams in the Monroe area. Franklin Parish comes in after a big 3-point win Monday night on the road at Simsboro. Neville can all but wrap up the district title with a win Friday night. </p> <p><strong>Dunham (22-4) @ Madison Prep (21-7)</strong></p> <p>This very well could be the matchup of the week. Everyone knows Dunham's Jordan Wright is a big time player, but look out for sophomore Carlos Stewart. The 6'0 guard has shown he can do it all. Dunham has played some elite competition on the year, including taking District I favorite and nationally ranked Scotlandville down to the wire. For Madison Prep, it all goes through UAB commit Jahein Spencer. Madison Prep, like Dunham, has some nice additions to their star player though. Juniors Jason Perry and Jordan Johnson both bring a lot to the table for the chargers led by Jeff Jones. Madison Prep comes in with some serious momentum following a big win over class 2A Rayville this past weekend. This one should be fun to watch. </p> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <p>Dunham- 6'6 Sr guard Jordan Wright and 6'0 So guard Carlos Stewart</p> <p>Madison Prep- 6'4 Sr guard Jahein Spencer, 6'3 Jr guard Jason Perry, and 6'6 Jr forward Jordan Johnson</p> <p><strong>Carroll (16-12) @ Wossman (25-6)</strong></p> <p>These two rivals will go head to head once again in this district 2-3A matchup. Wossman took the first game between the two in district play by a score of 71-50. Casey Jones' teams are know intense man defense, and this one is no different. For Wossman on the offensive side of the ball, they will look to get a spark from 5'8 sophomore Devonte Austin. Carroll will have to take care of the ball and handle the pressure from Wossman if they want to have a chance in this one. </p> <p><strong>Arcadia (16-5) @ Jonesboro Hodge (20-5) </strong></p> <p>In the first district matchup for these two, Arcadia pulled off the upset with a 46-43 win at home. Jonesboro Hodge will be out for redemption this time around. Jonesboro Hodge features a big time prospect in Ladamien "Poppa" Bradford. The 6'4 junior guard leads the way for the Tigers. He's already racked up offers from La Tech, Iowa State, and Wichita State. Jonesboro Hodge shows signs of being really special when Bradford is playing well, it will be interesting to see if they can get things going the second time around against Arcadia in this district 1-1A game. The winner will put themselves in prime position to possibly take home the district championship. </p>