Varsity Insider

Each week, Dan and I will give our predictions for the five games of the week. It’s time for out latest installment, which will actually include a six-pack of picks.

Dan continued to pad his lead last week, posting a 4-1 week vs. my 3-2. I picked Tappan Zee to beat Albertus and was wrong. That gives Dan a three-game lead.

If you want to send us your picks or suggestions for the upcoming week (Jan. 14-20), you can find us on Twitter @LoHudInsider and @LoHud_DeFran. Hashtag your games of the week #GOTW.

2012-13 Records —
Josh: 8-9
Dan: 11-6

Monday
Eastchester at Pelham, 4:30 p.m. —
Josh: Eastchester, 55-46. Pelham has won five straight but I’m not sure any came against an opponent Eastchester’s caliber. Eastchester is the league favorite right now.
Dan: Pelham, 55-50. The Pelicans have been on a roll lately. They’ve won a couple of one-score games lately, which shows that when things get tight they don’t back down. I like them at home.

Tuesday
Albertus Magnus at Pearl River, 4 p.m. —
Josh: Albertus Magnus, 55-48. Pearl River can be a tough place to win, but the Pirates have already dropped two at home. I think it’ll be three. The Pirates just don’t have the balance right now to keep up with Albertus, which has more than just Jack Sullivan.
Dan: Albertus Magnus, 65-58. It’s been over a month since the last time the Falcons lost a game. While Pearl River did recently give North Rockland one of their toughest games this season, that’s not enough for me to pick against one of the hottest teams in the section.

Wednesday
Clarkstown South at Clarkstown North, 5:30 p.m. —
Josh: Clarkstown South, 57-56. Yes, I think it’ll be that close. North is on a hot streak. South just suffered a hit to its confidence. But South can really shoot and it’s weakness (inside play) will not be exploited by North to the extent it was vs. North Rockland.
Dan: Clarkstown South, 50-40. Yes, picking the team that is coming off a 16-point loss isn’t exactly encouraging. North Rockland is the best team in the county though, and while I’d have liked to seen a closer game out of South, I won’t hold it against them. The fact that it’s a rivalry game scares me though. Also, North plays well at home, just ask Tappan Zee.

Friday
Pearl River at Tappan Zee, 7 p.m. —
Josh: Tappan Zee, 50-45. I incorrectly picked against TZ last time but won’t do it again. TZ’s defense is too good and makes it too hard for Pearl River to score.
Dan: Tappan Zee, 54-47. Tappan Zee won this match up earlier in the year. I really don’t trust this Dutchies team, but I think they’ll put it together for this one.

Spring Valley at North Rockland, 7:30 p.m. —
Josh: North Rockland, 68-61. What a great battle of big men with Elijah Tillman vs. Kai Mitchell. Mitchell will test Tillman’s quickness, but Tillman will be a beast for Mitchell to contend with inside. The difference will be North Rockland’s defense, which is better right now.
Dan: North Rockland, 65-59. Spring Valley has had some nice wins of late and I don’t see the Red Raiders going undefeated through the entire regular season. With all that being said, I still think North Rockland gets it done at home.

Saturday
Eastchester vs. Saunders at NewRoc City, 2 p.m. —
Josh: Eastchester, 67-63. Very tough call. Saunders had Eastchester beat last year before the Eagles’ wild run rallied them from a 20-point deficit. I think Eastchester is better so far, but Saunders will be up for this game and keep it close going into the final minutes.
Dan: Eastchester, 63-53. Jack Daly puts up a big game as the boys play for a great cause.