Basketball Game Preview: Wheeler Bearcats vs. Andrean Fighting 59ers

The Wheeler Bearcats will challenge the Andrean Fighting 59ers at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Wheeler came up short against Washington Township on Tuesday, falling 69-47. The loss continues a trend for the Bearcats in their matchups with the Senators: they've now lost five in a row.

Marek Barton

Rebounds

02/25/25 @ Washington Township	9
02/22/25 vs North Newton	4
02/21/25 vs Knox	4
02/18/25 vs New Prairie	4
02/11/25 @ Illiana Christian	3
+ 11 more games

Wheeler's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Nick Scott, who posted 11 points, and Marek Barton, who almost dropped a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. That's the most boards Barton has posted since back in December of 2024. Another player making a difference was Tyne Vettickal, who earned six points.

Andrean has been a dominant force so far, but they're in the middle of a mini-slump at the moment. They took a 67-59 hit to the loss column at the hands of Hammond Central on Tuesday.

Wheeler's loss dropped their record down to 11-11. As for Andrean, their defeat dropped their record down to 15-8.

Wheeler took a serious blow against Andrean in their previous matchup back in November of 2017, falling 74-42. Thankfully for Wheeler, Curtis Jones (who shot 86% from the field on his way to 15 points and five assists) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.