I’m a glutton for punishment.

If you’ve followed my picks long enough you caught on at some point that I have grown a strong disdain for Oregon-Davis and its fans. I usually only run into the Bobcats when they play Triton in girls or boys basketball. During those games is where my strong disliking began. But, as I said, I only run into them when they play Triton. Except for last night.

That’s right, I’m starting December with a rant. Scroll down for the picks if you want to skip my rambling.

The Warsaw Lady Tigers traveled to hamlet to take on the Bobcats, currently ranked No. 2 in Class 2A. I volunteered to cover the game because I had to go back there. I had to return to “The Den”, a round, domed gymnasium that plays host to O-D indoor sports. I needed to go there to make sure that my last experience in that gym (the 2013 Class 1A Girls Sectional) was merely a fluke. It was not.

In 2013 I witnessed elderly fans mocking a group of Triton students, this group of Trojan faithful did not heckle or egg on any O-D fans or players. Nevertheless, O-D fans (adult fans) felt obligated to voice their opinions to this group of Triton students. Oh, it should be mentioned that this group totaled out to being five loyal fans. Five.

The next few times I saw O-D, their fans continued to be what I have no problem describing as obnoxious and loud. There’s a difference between being supportive, energetic and loud and being rude, aggressive and loud. My disdain only grew more in each of these contests that I witnessed with O-D fans in attendance.

Don’t get me wrong, I admire the passion. O-D fans are committed to a successful program. They give great support. These fans are used to things going their way and heaven help the refs or anyone else in their path when things don’t.

So, anyway, I returned to their neck of the woods Thursday night and left with more questions than answers.

I walked in to the strong smell of fish. Yes, whatever it is you’re imagining, that was it. It wasn’t really a “Hey, we’re having a fish fry!” kind of fishy smell.

It was more of a “Hey, I just went fishing and brought my big catch with me to the game so I could show my buddy.” kind of fishy smell.

Now, there may have been a fish fry going on somewhere in that school. I don’t know. I never found out, but I will tell you that the fish smell lingered throughout the venue for the duration of the game.

(Yeah, I’m piling on about little things, but this is my article!)

During the JV contest the fans finally started to get into form. One man berated an official, I am not exaggerating, for no calling three second on Warsaw. Immediately following this the man started yelling for a travel and finally screamed for a foul. All within 30 seconds this outraged patron saw three calls that he felt the official missed and felt obliged to scream his opinion for all three. Did I mention that this was in the JV game?

Much of the same continued in the varsity game. There were hardly any fouls called in the first half. The refs let the teams play and, in my opinion, it was fine. But in the second half fouls started to be called on both teams and you would have thought there were human sacrifices taking place on the floor by the outrage from some of the O-D fans. As I stood shooting photos I heard several comments from two women, directed at officials and players, that I can’t repeat.

Also, there was a 50-something year-old man that was in the pep band. I’m fine with that. A lot of pep bands add a few adults/instructors. It’s all good. But this guy was leading chants and jumping up and down like he was at Cameron Indoor. I hate that. Hate it. You’re no longer in high school, so you don’t get to act like a student anymore at games.

As I left the gymnasium I nearly ruined my new shoes by stepping in a huge pile somebody’s chew. Yes, chewing tobacco. And I mean a big wad of it. Just casually dumped out on the parking lot for anybody to step on. That’s just gross.

As you can tell basketball is back, so are my rants. We’re easing into the winter slate so I’m just doing a handful of games right now.

So, without further delay, let’s get to the picks.

Wait, one more thing...IU IS GOING BOWLING!

Boys Basketball 12/4

No. 3 NorthWood (2-0) at Triton (2-1), 7:30 p.m.
The Scoop: NorthWood is one of the most talented teams in the state this year. DK Fox, Braxton Linville and Vincent Miranda create a ridiculous trio for any team to plan for. Triton is one of the teams that could pose a threat to the Panthers during their regular season slate. I see tonight’s game being a really, really good one. If you’re not doing anything tonight, you need to be at this game…or at the Tiger Den, but more on that later…
Jordan Anderson is one of the best shooters in the area and he can help Triton pull an upset here. The Trojans are always among the best prepared teams so I truly expect a great game in the Trojan Trench tonight.
However, the Panthers won 23 games last year and I think they will at least accomplish that same feat this season and that includes a win in Bourbon. If Triton wins it will be via a solid defensive effort as NorthWood averages over 70 points per game.
Nick’s Pick: NorthWood 59, Triton 51.

Manchester (1-1) at Wawasee (0-2), 7:30 p.m.
The Scoop: It’s been a rough start to the season for an inexperienced Wawasee squad. The team had a solid showing at Fairfield but looked very lost against Angola in last week’s home opener. The Warriors are in a weird spot because the schedule is not getting any easier the next few weeks, putting this Manchester game close to “must-win” status.
Wawasee has played good defense, something that has become a staple under head coach Steve Wiktorowski, but the offense has not really looked too good through two games so far.
Definitely a winnable game for the Warriors, but a win will come early offensive production. If Wawasee gets going early then I expect a win for the Green and Gold. Wawasee has enjoyed one of the best home court advantages in recent years and I look for that to continue this year and contribute tonight. I have a good feeling about sophomore Jairus Boyer for the Warriors tonight.
Nick’s Pick: Wawasee 42, Manchester 37.

No. 10 Homestead (1-0) at Warsaw (2-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Scoop: How is Warsaw not a top-10 team? Are we serious with that?
The Tigers welcome in the defending 4A state champion Spartans for what should be a fantastic game. As Jerad Shaw tweeted out last night, “No need for a shot clock in this one” and I completely agree.
I’m not going to mess around here, Warsaw is pulling the upset. This is a huge game for Warsaw to proclaim that they are a legit contender in 4A because I know there are a lot of people south of IN-14 that don’t think so. I am calling out Warsaw’s cheer block tonight. You better get out and support this team tonight. Home court advantage will be huge in this one if the fans make an effort. To be clear, Warsaw fans always put on for their team, I’m just stressing it for tonight. It will be close and it will be fun. Tigers defense steals the show in this win.
Nick’s Pick: Warsaw 56, Homestead 49.

Girls Basketball 12/5

No. 8 Tippecanoe Valley (6-1, 1-0) at Wabash (6-2, 1-0), 7:45 p.m.
The Scoop: It will be a huge game for Three Rivers Conference implications. Both of these teams played in the Tiger Den for semi-state last season, Valley in 3A, Wabash in 2A. That’s all the hype I’m giving here. Valley is the superior team and I would honestly be surprised if the Vikings dropped this game.
Meredith Brouyette is who I’m highlighting for a big game here. Calling four threes for her. Valley wins by double digits in enemy territory.
Nick’s Pick: Valley 52, Wabash 40.

No.7 Whitko (7-1, 1-0) at North Miami (4-2, 1-0), 7:45 p.m.
The Scoop: The Lady ‘Cats are having a fantastic season and that will continue through February. I like Whitko to win the TRC this season so that requires a win tonight in Denver.
Aly Reiff is arguably the most talented player in the area and she has a great supporting cast around her. North Miami will try to shut down Aly all night so I look for big games out of Kennedy Krull and Jen Reiff. Aly will get hers, so will Brianna Cumberland, but I have a good feeling for Kennedy and Jen as this team continues its journey for a conference title.
Nick’s Pick: Whitko 64, North Miami 49.