Everyone looks for that break to have time to recharge your batteries. With just a handful of games left in the high school basketball schedule, it is time to evaluate how we got here. The All-Knowing-One had no idea that some teams would have the records they do. But that is where hard work, dedication, and repetition all come into play to make teams. Like it has been said so many times before there is no I in team.

That is fine for the teams that have excelled, but what about the teams that are having ups and downs? They put forth as much effort and are dedicated to the game. But sometimes the player rotations are different, schedules are different and sometimes there’s a little luck thrown in. The All-Knowing-One is predicting those records will change a great deal to the positive side of the ledger, as there is almost a half a season left.

ALPENA (4-8) at PETOSKEY (10-1) – Boys – Thursday – The cancellation of Monday’s game against Cadillac may be a blessing for the Wildcats who were run ragged against Traverse City West last week. The Titans took advantage of another slow start by the Wildcats, and when Alpena was able to make progress on the offensive end it did not make a difference. The Titans only had one thing on their mind, to gain a much needed conference win.

It is out of the fire and into the frying pan for the Wildcats, Petoskey boasts a perfect record in the Big North Conference and a loss to Cheboygan. That is something Swami can not imagine, the same team the Wildcats rolled over last week.

The Northmen bolstered their lead to one game by beating Traverse City Central with a tight 62-57 win. Once again it was the sharp shooting of Jason Bur, who took over the third quarter with 11 of his game high 19 points to put Petoskey at an arms length and the defense sealed the win.

Swami Sez: Petoskey 65, Alpena 49.

OGEMAW HEIGHTS ( 5-9) at ALPENA (10-5) – Girls – Friday – The Wildcats will have to shake off a lopsided loss to Bay City John Glenn. It is fortunate for the Wildcats in more ways then one as the loss did not hinder their chances for the Big North Conference lead. A non-conference game like this not only brought the Wildcats down a notch, but pointed out things that needed to be corrected before Friday’s contest. The Falcons may have a great record, but they’ve been very close to a few more wins.

Swami’s word to the Wildcats is do not take the Falcons too lightly, for Alpena could easily drop down to second in the standings. In the loss to the Bobcats, Jasmine Schultz and Emma Jore combined for a majority of Alpena’s points. Shelby Miller has been the only double digit scorer through 14 games for Ogemaw. The All-Knowing-One figures if the Falcons were to change up their offensive scheme, Ogemaw Heights could be a tougher team with some support for Miller.

Swami admits it would be surprising if Alpena were to lose. It would be pure shame, if the Wildcats let this one get away. He figures the Wildcats have too much at stake to let that happen. A total team effort will keep the Falcons from swooping down to pick up the upset win.

Swami Sez: Alpena 55, Ogemaw Heights 38.

MIO (5-7) at ALCONA (10-4) – Girls – Thursday – A relatively new coach for Mio has the Thunderbolts regrouping and winning. Alcona has been humming along with an impressive record and held off Posen for a win on Monday. The Tigers were in command after three periods and had to withstand a furious comeback, before Alcona salted it away at the charity stripe. It was Posen’s first league loss, while the Tigers continue their strong hold on the Big Dipper Division with a game lead over Hillman.

Brittany Decker led the way for the Tigers with 16 points. The All-Knowing-One says Alcona is not a one man team, Decker may have been the leading scorer, but she received plenty of help in crucial portions of the game.

The Thunderbolts have bounced back, winning back-to-back games and are looking to make it number three this evening to get back to a game under .500. Mio fell on hard times earlier this season, dropping six in a row. The insurgence of new coach has made all the difference in the world, the Thunderbolts have rallied and once again are looking to make noise in the league.

Lauren Kuffel, Claudia Wilson, Leslie Asman, and Jordan Butler have led the way for the resurging Thunderbolts. While Mio is up and coming, Swami feels that the Tigers are at the plateau and are looking to keep the momentum going in an attempt to widen the gap for the conference crown. It would be a feather in Alcona’s cap if they could gain that goal and have momentum going into the playoffs. The doubting Swami has changed his tune.

Swami Sez: Alcona 60, Mio 41.

AU GRES (9-4) at FAIRVIEW (7-7) – Girls – Friday – Fairview started the season off strong, but it’s been a rollercoaster every since. Fairview is looking to get back above .500. The biggest hurdle that the Eagles are going to face will be Au Gres in a battle for the division title.

Au Gres showed why they are only a game behind first place demolishing Rogers City on Monday night, 53-30. Swami is seeing the emergence of a very good team with their chemistry, it was figured that the Wolverines would be higher than second place. Preseason expectations had the Wolverines blowing through conference play.

The All-Knowing-One is pulling for the Eagles to take flight, but his mind is telling him differently. It’s difficult to play in Fairview, but Au Gres won’t be distracted.

Swami Sez: Au Gres 63, Fairview 55.