4A @ Michigan City

Always a great venue for the regionals, and this year should be no different. I like Munster big in the opener against SB Washington, however game two should be a barn burner. Merrillville always plays well in the tournament, but Warsaw has had a terrific year, and with the Pirates having to play on Monday, they've had to deal with a short week. That alone is why I'm thinking the Tigers are my pick in game two, but I won't be shocked if Jim East's bunch advances, even with the short week. The title game will be outstanding, but I like Munster to become the first Region team since Merillville in 2000 to win back to back 4A regional titles.

3A @ Chesterton

I'm not going to go into all the controversy over why the regional is being held at Chesterton this year, so I'll just stick with what will be going on ON the court rather than off. I like Lew Wallace in the opener over Plymouth in what should be the best game of the three. The Hornets have been a top 5 team in 3A all year long, and this isn't one of Plymouth's best team, and now that they're not playing a regional game in their home gym, the Rockies are in for a rude awakening in game one, I believe. Game two should be interesting, but I think Andrean will fall to West Lafayette, although give Carson Cunningham credit for bringing Andrean back after a few down seasons. I like the Hornets of "L-Dub" BIG in the final against West Laf.

2A @ North Judson

This one's going to be hard for me to write. The semifinals are a no-brainer for me. Boone Grove shouldn't have much trouble with Fairfield, nor should Wheeler with Eastside. The Boone-Wheeler final will be the biggest game EVER in the history of this long time rivalry, without a doubt. Both teams are hungry to win their respective school's first ever regional championship, and nothing would be sweeter than to get it against the other. Boone is senior-dominated, but Wheeler might have the better talent, and does have a regular season win over the Wolves in OT. Much as I'd like to go with my heart and my alma mater, I think Wheeler advances to see DeShaun Thomas and Luers in the semistate with their first regional championship in hand.

1A @ Triton

364 days. That's how long the Bowman Academy Eagles have been thinking and looking forward to this day. Last year, the Eagles felt like they were robbed of the regional championship, but they have a second chance once again at the "scene of the crime" if you will. I not only like the Eagles to win game one against Pioneer, but to not attempt a single dunk just to make sure their full roster is available for the regional final. I like Triton big in game two, and in the title game, Bowman will be the most focused and fired up team of the 32 remaining teams in the tournament, and will defeat the Trojans in their own gym to win the regional they felt was taken from them a year ago.