We can hype this game up as much as we want, but there’s no need to. Any way you chalk it up, the Ben Davis boys basketball team’s matchup hosting the Lawrence North Wildcats on Thursday is huge. With a MIC Championship on the line, it’s undoubtedly the most critical game of the season thus far.

Despite a 5-0 start for Ben Davis in MIC play, a certain Carmel senior named Ryan Cline has created chaos in the standings. After a 32-point effort against the Giants two weeks ago, giving Ben Davis their first MIC loss of the season, he shot the game-winner against Lawrence North last week as part of a 25-point showing.

As a result, the race for the MIC title is closer than ever. North Central, Ben Davis and Carmel all only have one loss, with Pike and Lawrence North still in contention with two losses. Any slip up from these teams could easily cost them what likely will be a share of this year’s MIC title.

In short, Ben Davis needs to win on Thursday. It’s possible to still get a share of the MIC title even with a loss against Lawrence North, but it’s highly unlikely. Putting the title on the shoulders of a possible MIC loss from both Carmel and North Central in the coming weeks is a very risky bet. A win would take all the scenario stress away, and would bring in the Giants’ first MIC title since 2002.

Finally at full strength, coming off a strong win at Avon and having the home court advantage, the Giants have a solid case for being able to overcome the No. 9 ranked Wildcats. However, no matter what kind of upper hand Ben Davis will have, Lawrence North’s freshman Kevin Easley will be sure to have an impact as well.

At 6’6”, Easley is leading the team in rebounds. He’s already being coveted around the nation, receiving offers from IUPUI and Purdue. Along with Giants’ Tylor Shane and Brennan Gillis — both 6’6” seniors — the battle at the rim should be fierce. Controlling the boards will be a key if Ben Davis wants to pick up the win.

JV tips at 6 p.m. on Thursday with varsity tipping at around 7:30 p.m. The Ben Davis crowd should be packed, so come on out and support the team in their MIC title hopes. With two teams keyed in on making good state tournament runs, this game should be a great indicator of where the squads are at heading into sectionals.

But above all — the MIC Championship is at stake.