> SOUTHERN INDIANA — There seems to be an awful lot of average teams in Southern Indiana girls’ basketball.

New Albany and Floyd Central are 3-2, Jeffersonville is 2-3. Charlestown is 2-4, Borden 3-2. Even Silver Creek — considered a Mid-Southern Conference and sectional favorite — is just 4-2 after Saturday’s loss to Corydon Central.

Of the 12 area teams, only New Washington at 6-1 is more than two games over .500.

Of course, records can sometimes be deceiving. Some of these teams are average. Others aren’t.

The Hoosier Hills Conference teams — Floyd, Jeff and New Albany — get a chance early this week to show they’re at least better than average.

Jeff has a big one at traditional Kentucky power Sacred Heart on Thursday. On the same night, New Albany goes to Class 3A No. 12 Scottsburg. (The No. 12 ranking is way too low). On Wednesday, Floyd Central can avenge a 16-point loss from last season — a season when the Highlanders really were about average — at home against South Oldham (Ky.).

Of the three, the Highlanders have the best chance for a win. Of the three area HHC teams, Floyd may have the most success in 2012-13. With Brooke Hinton returning from an ankle injury, this season could be a big one for the Floyd girls.

If it’s going to happen, the Highlanders have to win games like Wednesday’s.



GAMES TO WATCH (TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY)



GAME OF THE WEEK

GIRLS — MADISON AT NEW WASHINGTON

Date: Tuesday

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Records: Madison 6-0, New Washington 6-1.

Rankings: Madison, Class 3A No. 8; New Washington, Class A No. 11.

Last year: At Madison 65, New Washington 47.

Greg’s Assessment: The two teams are a combined 12-1. They’re both ranked and they’re both obviously sectional favorites. If I hadn’t seen Madison play at Jeffersonville on Friday, I would have been tempted to take the Mustangs, particularly at home. However, the Cubs are big, fast and balanced. There’s not much they don’t do well. New Wash is going to have a big, big season, but beating Madison will take a monumental effort.

Greg’s Pick: Madison 63, New Washington 48.



TUESDAY

BOYS — HENRYVILLE AT CHARLESTOWN

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Records: Henryville 0-3, Charlestown 1-0.

Last year: Charlestown 64, at Henryville 58.

Greg’s Assessment: Winning at Scottsburg to start the year showed that the Pirates are on their way to a nice season.

Greg’s Pick: Charlestown 66, Henryville 41.



GIRLS — ROCK CREEK AT CLARKSVILLE

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Records: Rock Creek 0-3, Clarksville 2-5.

Last year: Clarksville 56, at Rock Creek 25.

Greg’s Assessment: Clarksville has more ability to put the ball in the basket.

Greg’s Pick: Clarksville 44, Rock Creek 28.



GIRLS — BORDEN AT SALEM

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Records: Borden 3-2, Salem 5-3.

Last year: At Borden 56, Salem 35.

Greg’s Assessment: It won’t be easy, but the Braves should get it done on the road.

Greg’s Pick: Borden 38, Salem 35.



WEDNESDAY

GIRLS — SOUTH OLDHAM (KY.) AT FLOYD CENTRAL

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Records: South Oldham 0-2, Floyd Central 3-2.

Last year: At South Oldham 61, Floyd Central 45.

Greg’s Assessment: The Highlanders are about to take off to a 13- or 14-win season.

Greg’s Pick: Floyd Central 59, South Oldham 54.



THURSDAY

GIRLS — NEW ALBANY AT SCOTTSBURG

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Records: New Albany 3-2, Scottsburg 5-1.

Rankings: Scottsburg, Class 3A No. 12.

Last year: At New Albany 66, Scottsburg 56.

Greg’s Assessment: Scottsburg is explosive. Later in the year, the young Bulldogs might win this game, but not on Thursday.

Greg’s Pick: Scottsburg 63, New Albany 58.



GIRLS — JEFFERSONVILLE AT SACRED HEART (Ky.)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Records: Jeffersonville 2-3, Sacred Heart 2-0.

Last year: Did not play.

Greg’s Assessment: Sacred Heart should be a contender for the state title again in Kentucky.

Greg’s Pick: Sacred Heart 71, Jeffersonville 53.