Doug Ogle and the Warsaw Tigers will attempt to answer a few early season questions Saturday night as they hit the road for the second consecutive game.

Just how good is this group of Varsity players led by junior Nic Moore and Senior Justin Clemens? Can Warsaw get amped up three days after playing their arch-rival Valley Vikings? Is Columbia City for real this year after their thrashing of Whitko Wednesday night?

Saturday night will answer these questions. This game stacks up to be worth the 30 minute drive for Tiger fans. Let's review the facts as we currently have them: Warsaw thumped the Tippecanoe Valley Vikings on their home court Wednesday night 62-49. The Tigers were led in scoring by all-area guard Nic Moore's 25 points and 6 dimes. Moore played aggressive yet intelligent basketball as he consistently found open teammates for easy baskets. The prime beneficiary of Moore's passing was senior standout Justin Clemens. Clemens ran the floor exceptionally well while capitalizing on his field goal attempts for 15 points inside the paint to lead the Tiger bigs. Both Moore and Clemens appeared to be playing at a higher level than the rest of the players on the Valley home court.

As the rest of the Tiger cast, including seniors Andy Conrad & Zack Linky, find their groove this well-coached group should provide no shortage of great basketball for their loyal fans. Junior forward Jalen Roscoe and sensational sophomores Lucas Grose & Jordyn Coon provide an explosive depth to the Tiger lineup that will be tough for opponents to handle.

What about these Eagles? To say that Columbia City's victorious march into hostile Whitko gymnasium Wednesday night was a surprise is an understatement. We have all heard about Rob Irwin's Whitko Wildcats and their big expectations after last year's regional finals run and the fact they returned most everyone who led them in scoring. Yet, the Eagles imposed their will on the Wildcat's home turf to the tune of an 11 point spanking. Shocking to say the least.

Coach Chris Benedict's 67-56 victory has captured the attention of Northern Indiana hoop fans. These guys are for real y'all. Led by senior Bryce Lantz's 16 point effort, the Eagles had FIVE other players pour in 7 or more points. Sophomore Brandon Gay chimed in with 14 while senior Chris Bachelder scored 10, senior Matt Schmidt 10, junior Tyler Mosher 8, and freshman Drew Benedict finished with 7. How will the Tigers handle six players who can score the basketball? Defense will be key. Coach Ogle has been preaching defense to his group as a focal point for this season. The Tiger defense will be tested early and often Saturday night by this Eagle offense. Another great early season matchup is in store for us here. Get your Orange & Black on (assuming it still fits after Thursday's eating festivities) and make the short drive heading East on US 30. You will be glad you did. Go Tigers!

Photo's provided by Your Average Joe Photographer

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