Basketball Game Preview: Hammond Central Wolves vs. 21st Century Charter Cougars

The Hammond Central Wolves will take on the 21st Century Charter Cougars in a holiday battle at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

As a matter of fact, Hammond Central put up the most points they have all season on Tuesday. They came out on top against Lighthouse College Prep Academy by a score of 60-50. The victory was some much needed relief for the Wolves as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.

Elijah Lewis

Points

12/12/25 @ Gary West Side	2
12/13/25 @ Michigan City	2
12/01/25 vs Bowman Academy	4
11/24/25 vs Hillcrest	6
11/25/25 vs Bloom	6

Hammond Central had a senior duo take command as Elijah Lewis shot 58% from the field to rack up 19 points in addition to five boards and five steals and Cylin Pointer went 7-for-17 en route to 20 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Lewis has scored all season. Semaj Davis also deserves some recognition as he grabbed his first steals of the season.

Hammond Central was working as a unit and finished the game with 11 assists. That's the most assists they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, 21st Century Charter earned a 58-48 win over Valparaiso on Tuesday. Those 58 points were actually the fewest the Cougars have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.

21st Century Charter had a senior duo take command as Terrence Hayes Jr. almost dropped a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds and Jerry Triplett III went 6-for-10 on his way to 13 points and six boards. Triplett III also set a new season-high mark in field goal percentage with 60%. Another player making a difference was Jacolby Donaldson, who posted eight points.

Hammond Central's victory bumped their record up to 2-7. As for 21st Century Charter, they now have a winning record of 3-2.

Hammond Central suffered a grim 81-59 defeat to 21st Century Charter in their previous meeting back in December of 2024. Will the Wolves have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.