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The Bowman Academy boys basketball team has played the strongest schedule (10.8) so far this year in Indiana, according to MaxPreps' Computer Rankings.
The Eagles are ranked No. 32 in the state this week despite their 3-4 record. Their big victory was a 60-48 triumph over previously unbeaten Chesterton, which is No. 12 this week with a 6-1 record. They lost a close 65-61 decision to No. 48 Gary Roosevelt and fell by a slim 73-69 margin to tough Crown Point.
The No. 2 strength of schedule goes to No. 88 Frankfort at 10.5. The Hot Dogs have won just once in their first six outings, but among their defeats were to No. 2 and unbeaten Twin Lakes 64-45 and No. 18 Clinton Prairie 62-59.
Southport and Western Boone are next with 9.7 rankings even though they both are 0-6 and hold down the No. 125 and 129 rankings, respectively, in the state.
Southport lost its best player, 6-4 senior guard Paul Scruggs, a Mr. Basketball candidate, to a prep school this fall. Still, the Cardinals bowed by just 10 points (61-51) to No. 10-ranked and undefeated South Bend Riley and also lost 56-45 to No. 76 Bloomington South.
Among the Western Boone losses were to No. 4 McCutcheon, No. 19 Southmont, No. 37 Rossville and No. 62 Covington. The Covington loss was by a paper-thin 50-49 margin.
La Lumiere, loaded with Division I players, has the No. 9 strongest schedule at 8.0, even though it is 10-0 and rated No. 1 in the country by most publications. The Lakers' biggest in-state wins were over No. 5 Horizon Christian Academy 99-55 and defending Class 4A state champion New Albany 85-63 in a nationally-televised game.
The top 10 strongest schedules (minimum of six games had to be played) follow with state rank, record and schedule ranking:
Top 10 Strength of Schedule
1.
Bowman Academy (Gary), No. 32, W-L 3-4, 10.8
2.
Frankfort, No. 88, W-L 1-5, 10.5
3.
Southport (Indianapolis), No. 125, W-L 0-6, 9.7
4.
Western Boone (Thorntown), No. 129, W-L 0-6, 9.7
5.
Twin Lakes (Monticello), No. 2, W-L 6-0, 9.2
6.
Lafayette Jefferson (Lafayette), No. 14, W-L 4-2, 9.1
7.
East Chicago Central (East Chicago), No. 38, W-L 4-5, 8.8
8.
Evansville Harrison (Evansville), No. 39, W-L 3-3, 8.3
9.
La Lumiere (LaPorte), No. 1, W-L 10-0, 8.0
10.
West Lafayette (West Lafayette, Ind.), No. 44, W-L 3-3, 8.0
La Lumiere, despite being arguably the best team in the nation, is No. 9 in Indiana strength of schedule.
Photo by Mark Jones
