Jay opens ACAC play on Friday

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 2-0 (0-0 ACAC)

Coach: Jerry Bomholt, sixth year (41st overall)

Conference: Allen County

Saturday vs. Richmond: It took Jay County a bit to get going but once it did Richmond was unable to keep up in a 42-29 Patriot win. JCHS scored 15 straight points in the first half to get its lead. Ethan Dirksen scored 14 points and Gavin Muhlenkamp added nine.

Season leaders (per game): Points — Ethan Dirksen 19, Dusty Pearson 9.5, Josh Dowlen 8.5. Rebounds — Dusty Pearson 12, Bennett Weitzel 6.5. Assists — Josh Dowlen 2.5.



vs.



Woodlan Warriors

Woodburn, 3-0 (0-0 ACAC)

Coach: John Baker, fourth year (10th overall)

Conference: Allen County

Tuesday vs. Garrett: Three players scored 13 or more points for Woodlan in a 67-38 win against the Garrett Railroaders. Braden Smith led all players with 22 points, and Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Week Joe Reidy ended with 20 points. Alex Miller finished with 13 points.

Season leaders (per game): Points — Joe Reidy 28.7, Braden Smith 13, Alex Miller 11.3. Rebounds — Joe Reidy 13.3, Braden Smith 3.3. Assists — Alex Miller 3.7.



Last season: Joe Reidy and the Woodlan outscored Jay County 17-5 in the second quarter en route to a 56-47 victory. Reidy scored 18 of his game-high 27 points in the first half. Jay County led 14-13 at the end of the first quarter but trailed 30-19 at half. Ethan Dirksen scored 14 points, and Gavin Muhlenkamp scored a career-high 13 points.

Game notes: This is the ninth meeting all time between Jay County and Woodlan, and the series is even at 4-4. The Warriors have won each of the last three meetings, including twice during the 2019-20 season ... Woodlan senior Joe Reidy had 37 points and 17 rebounds in the Warriors’ 67-65 season-opening win over New Haven on Nov. 24. Dusty Pearson’s 16 rebounds in Jay County’s 79-31 win against Hagerstown on Nov. 23 were one shy of the school record set by Aaron Dirksen ... The Warriors have scored 64 or more points in each of their first three games ... Jay County’s defensive average (30 points per game) is tied for ninth in the state and third in Class 3A, while its margin of victory (31 PPG)?is 17th overall ... John Harrell’s website predicts Jay County to win, 53-50.