NORTH JUDSON - As the LaVille basketball team returns from holiday break, it's time to pick up the Hoosier North Athletic Conference slate once again. A road trip to North Judson-San Pierre closes out a doubleheader weekend for coach Michael Edison's club. The Lancers are coming off a 53-43 loss against 2A #16 Westview on January 5 at Dale E. Cox Gymnasium. LHS battled a very good Warrior basketball team before the guests hit some pivotal second-half shots and departed Lakeville with a win in their first-ever visit. As the two HNAC rivals get set for action, North Judson is 8-1 overall following a pair of victories at the Kouts tournament in late December.  The latter, a 52-41 victory over Frontier in the championship game. "North Judson is playing extremely good basketball right now as they have only lost one game and I believe are ranked in the top 10 in the state in 2A." NJSP enters Saturday's game averaging 52.9 points per game, while the defense allows 35.7 points per outing. Coach Kent Chezem's team is the top rated 2A defense statewide and third overall regardless of class. "North Judson is very well coached," Edison said of the Blue Jays.  "They play very physical and have basketball players in football player bodies. They play with a lot of confidence and are tough to beat on their home court." According to Edison, senior Quinn Bales comes in as the top scoring threat. "Bales is their best player," Edison said of the 6'-2" guard.  "He is the one they go to on the offensive end most of the time." LaVille and Triton are tied atop the early-season HNAC standings at 2-0.  North Judson-San Pierre stands at 1-0. Edison understands how much Saturday's game means. "All games are important, but when you are playing a conference game it means a little bit more," explained Edison.  "It will be a very big challenge for us after a tough team in Westview on Friday night." Beyond taking care of the ball and rebounding, Edison says that, "Controlling the tempo of the game," will be very important for LaVille to pick up a victory. The Lancers average 50.4 points per game, while the defense gives up 49.0 points per outing. Game On . . . GAMEDAY Teams: LaVille (3-4) at 2A #10 North Judson-San Pierre (8-1) Site: The Nest, North Judson-San Pierre HS Tip: JV - 6pm | Varsity: 7:30 p.m. Coaches: Michael Edison, 218-138 in 16th year at LaVille. Kent Chezem, 60-25 in 4th year at North Judson, 379-271 in 29th year overall. Last Outing: LaVille lost to Westview, 53-43. North Judson-San Pierre defeated Frontier, 52-41. Series: North Judson leads LaVille, 26-15. Last Meeting: North Judson-San Pierre defeated LaVille, 55-52, Jan. 7, 2023.