It is either feast or famine when it comes to the final month of high school basketball. For the last two years, Alpena High basketball teams have played the majority of their home games in the months of December and January. But the next two weeks have Swami showing up at the gym for a showing on Thursday and the following Wednesday.

With the lack of action, the All-Knowing-One leaves the house early in the morning empty handed. You see instead of making a round trip of 45 miles, he brings his Wildcat attire with him. Having four games last week, Swami had the load and unload routine down pat. But this week, finds himself double checking as he feels he might have short term memory loss. There is still a solid month of basketball action, but it is just not at home. Let’s see how Swami does being away from his second home.

ALPENA (6-7) at CADILLAC (6-6) – Boys – This could not only be a turning point for Alpena, but also a chance to make a statement in the Big North Conference. The Wildcats have earned back-to-back wins against the likes of Traverse City Central and Gaylord, placing them in the middle of the pack. Next up on the list is the Vikings, who stand all alone in third place.

The Vikings snapped a six-game losing streak with a surprising win against league leading Petoskey and followed it up with a decisive win over Gaylord as well. Kegan Brooks paced Cadillac with 14 points in the win over the Blue Devils.

Another strong start propelled the Wildcats to a win over Gaylord on Monday night. If the Wildcats can get into a flow, the game comes to them. On the other hand, if Alpena digs an early hole, it definitely have a hard time overcoming it. But a 28 point performance by Chris DeRocher was what the doctor ordered, add 18 points from Cam DeCaire and the Wildcats earned a win.

Good things go the Wildcats way when they play a solid game and play as a team. The All-Knowing-One says they will have to hold the turnovers down to a minimum, or it will be a long night. Cadillac turns turnovers into points and for that reason the Vikings win tonight.

Swami Sez: Alpena 52, Cadillac 50.

ALPENA (8-3) at WALLED LAKE WESTERN (8-2) – Girls- Playing at the Palace of Auburn Hills is a chance of a life time, and the Alpena coaching staff is planning on making it enjoyable for every player. The Wildcats can also use it as a learning experience, going up against a very good team. Swami is considering this to be an upset if the Wildcats pull out the win. The Wildcats will host Gaylord tonight and then hop on a bus for a Friday morning trip.

Western is currently on an eight game winning streak, so the Wildcats will have their hands full as the Warriors like to play a ball control kind of game.

The All-Knowing-One says the Wildcats will show plenty of energy to pull out the Big North Conference win tonight. Swami says the Wildcats may surprise the Warriors, but, if not, I am sure it will be a fun filled game then they can sit back watch the professionals play in the evening.

Swami Sez: Walled Lake Western 50, Alpena 49.

HILLMAN (11-0) at WHITTEMORE-PRESCOTT (7-4) – Boys – The Tigers keep rolling along after taking a 64-46 decision over Hale on Tuesday. Swami says Hillman did what it had to do to win. A fast start and another well balanced scoring attack in addition to adding physical play are just some of the attributes that have accompanied their 11 game win streak.

Whittemore-Prescott had an answer for every attempt by Fairview to get back in the game, taking a ten point win. The Cardinal tandem of Azaiyah Bell and Kyle Colton combined for two-thirds of Whittemore-Prescott’s scoring effort as they have done.

The All-Knowing-One says the first meeting between these two might not be indicative of either team’s talents. Hillman took a 20-point win over the Cardinals, but had to use a hot second half. The Cardinals controlled the first half, but just couldn’t sustain it. Since this game the Tigers have come out strong and continued to play well. For the Cardinals to be a force, they must get Shawn Edmonds back in the flow. Swami thinks the Tigers defense will make sure this doesn’t happen.

Swami Sez: Hillman 68, Whittemore-Prescott 53.

OSCODA (5-7) at ROGERS CITY (10-3) – Girls – The Hurons want to stay in hunt for the Big Dipper Division title in the North Star League. The Hurons used a pair of double-double games from Taylor Fleming and Brooke Daniels to set them apart from Au Gres on Monday.

Oscoda had the type of game, everyone needs at least once in a season. It was an opportunity to get everyone in the act as the Owls dominated a game against Atlanta. Katelyn Etherton had a chance to pump in 21 points. The Owls are slowly moving up to the break even point and it is coming at the right time.

Swami thinks the Hurons better not be looking ahead for they might just stumble. If the Owls did spring the upset, Rogers City would not have enough time to right the ship before the all important meeting with Hillman. Judging by the first win over Oscoda in addition to playing on their home floor this go round, the Hurons are a heavy favorite.

Swami Sez: Rogers City 62, Oscoda 45.