Varsity Insider

It’s going to be a fun week ahead. I’m set to see at least five or six games, including perhaps six teams I’ve yet to see in person.

Some of those games are listed below, but I hope to catch a couple more. Friday is jammed again, although there’s plenty to cleanse the basketball pallet until then. Here’s five for your consideration…

Wednesday

Yorktown at Brewster, 6:15 p.m. — The game came down to the final minute the last time these teams met. Points were precious, but Yorktown prevailed 44-41. The ‘Huskers can go a long way in clinching the league title if they can win at Brewster, but it won’t be easy. They’ll have to figure out how to stop Jack Dignan, who torched them for 21 points last time. But Yorktown’s proven it’s the best team in the league so far. I think the ‘Huskers go on the road and win this battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2. PREDICTION: Yorktown 54, Brewster 53.

Friday

New Rochelle at Mount Vernon, 4:15 p.m. — This could be a week of reckoning for Mount Vernon’s opponents. The Knights will meet their two fiercest rivals, and who better to ignite some improved play from Jabarie Hinds’ supporting cast? Those players have shown an ability to thrive against White Plains and New Rochelle already. Mount Vernon still needs to work on its defense and its rebounding, which were burnt over the weekend by Rice and St. Anthony’s, respectively. The Knights did fine in those areas last time vs. the Huguenots, and can probably expect more from Hinds. PREDICTION: Mount Vernon 70, New Rochelle 59.

Stepinac at Iona Prep, 7:30 p.m. — Last game was an absolute grind at Stepinac. Iona’s defense played an outstanding game before its offense ran out of answers in double overtime. Expect Stepinac to shoot a tad better this time — especially from the line — and to exploit the Gaels’ lack of experience down the stretch. If Stepinac can improve offensively, Iona won’t be able to keep up. PREDICTION: Stepinac 66, Iona Prep 56.

Saturday

Blind Brook vs. Valhalla, at Mount Vernon High School, 10:30 a.m. — The last time these teams met, Blind Brook grabbed control in the second quarter and didn’t relinquish it. This time, however, the bigger court and more Viking-friendly environment should help Valhalla break the Blind Brook defense. Still, it just seems like the Trojans have their rival’s number. I also can’t imagine a game so early in the morning producing a faster-pace, offense-friendly game. In that case, advantage Blind Brook. PREDICTION: Blind Brook 50, Valhalla 44.

Carmel at Mahopac, 2 p.m. — This will be another game where energy could be an issue. Both teams play a league game the night before, but no rest for the weary here. Carmel will be in need of a victory after falling to its rival the first time around. But in close games — and this will be close — few teams are better than the well-traveled Indians. PREDICTION: Mahopac 48, Carmel 44.

Sunday

Super Bowl XLV: Packers vs. Steelers, at Cowboys Stadium — Steeler Nation vs. the Cheeseheads. I’m guessing you’ll hear more from the Steeler faithful. It’ll be early cheers and late jeers because their black and gold can only lean so much on experience. With injuries along the line and Troy Polamalu slowed (nagging aches and pains?), Pittsburgh won’t have what it takes to slow Aaron Rodgers ascent to the NFL’s elite. PREDICTION: Packers 27, Steelers 21. MVP: Rodgers.

Last week: 3-2
Season: 29-14