Weather or not, that is the question.

Lately, this has been a real stickler for the high school basketball schedule. One of Alpena High’s games was not only canceled once, but twice, first it was the weather, then the second illness. That is where the second part of the opening sentence comes into play. True, in years past there has been sickness, but it did seem to the extent of this season.

In writing this week’s article there is a chance for another postponement because of weather this time. The season is in its waning days, so makeups are at premium.

Swami, it is time for a break, not from basketball just yet, but from the snow accumulations that have wrecked scheduling. Let the boys and girls of winter have a couple more weeks of enjoyment and not have to worry about the weather. Let’s see what happens this week.

CADILLAC (13-5) at ALPENA (5-12) — 7 p.m. Friday — boys — With the season winding down, an upset win would be a confidence builder for Alpena. It would prove that the Wildcats can play with anybody, in addition to play earlier in the season, when they suffered more than double-digit losses. Swami can say he has seen a remarkable improvement in the work ethic of the Wildcats. Before it was the three-point shot, that had hopes of keeping them in the game, now it is working the ball down low, making drives to the basketball, in addition to making at least three passes before a shot is taken.

The second half of the game against a very good Petoskey team, proved that point, even though foul trouble and injuries did not allow the Wildcats to come all the way back. Connor Cameron led Alpena’s attack with 16 points, Oliver Duthler added eight, before fouling out, and Andrew Bebout contributed seven.

Cadillac participated in the Northern Michigan Showcase against Canton on Saturday, before taking on McBain on Tuesday. Canton did a good job of holding the potent Viking offense, and likewise did the same on their defensive end in a tight 35-33 loss. Kyle McGowan was limited to eight points, having a 20-plus scoring average going into the contest. Eli Main their shooting guard led the way with 13.

The All-Knowing-One does not think the Wildcats will be able to duplicate that feat against McGowan, but they may be able to keep the outside shots from falling.

Swami Sez: Cadillac 62, Alpena 48.

CADILLAC (11-5) at ALPENA (8-8) — 7 p.m. Thursday — girls — Alpena will have a chance to avenge a loss to Cadillac 51-44 in back-to-back games with the Vikings. The Wildcats could not get over the hump, as Cadillac owned a single-digit lead after the first and never relinquished it. They say home court is worth three points, so the Wildcats will have to shore up its defense or gain momentum on the offensive end to come out with a win.

Faith Dragiewicz and Natalie Maychen kept the defense of Cadillac on their toes, shooting the ball. The Wildcats inside game was controlled and that appeared to be the difference. With the short turnaround, Alpena looking for that cohesive unit that has them bouncing around 500.

With five straight wins, Cadillac has become a force in the Big North Conference, only a game out of first. The Vikings, playing without a starter due to illness, held the upper hand in the win, as Caleigh Swiger paced the Vikings with 16 points and seven rebounds. In addition to Addie Main’s 12 points, the well-rounded Viking offense including Sanna Jalovaara with eight points and seven rebounds, and Ari Bryant adding nine, to go along with five steals and six assists paced Cadillac.

Swami is wondering what will the addition of their missing starter do for Cadillac and can the Wildcats regenerate their inside-out offense? The All-Knowing-One has seen what the high-low post players of Alpena can do to change the game; the real question is can the Vikings neutralize the efforts of Reaghan Fitzpatrick and Kiera Prue? The answer to that question should be answered in the opening minutes of the game.

Swami Sez: Cadillac 55, Alpena 52.

OSCODA (15-0) at ALCONA (3-12) — 6p.m. Thursday — girls — It has been a season that the Alcona Tigers would like to forget as they started the season off on the wrong foot. The game on Thursday will definitely be an uphill battle from the opening whistle. Monday, saw the Tigers on the losing end against a talented Rogers City squad.

Oscoda has run off 15 straight wins and has not been really challenged, with Tawas the latest to take a loss in a 49-26 game. The Owls full-court press led by Luella Whipkey and Emma Michaud put them out in the lead in the opening quarter. Even with the perfect record, Oscoda needs to improve in the rebounding department, it certainly isn’t in the scoring department. Whipkey has the ability to work down low, then pop out to stroke the three-ball, as she led the Owls to the win with 18 points. Kingsley Backstrom also was in double figures accounting for 11.

Alcona has a group of hard-working girls which include double-digit scorers: Gracyn Tracy, Rilee Tracy, and Elliyana Grimshaw. Joanna Steiner, Isabella Bravata, Hanna Reuchenski, and Twyla Barton also have made valuable contributions for the Tigers. Can the Tigers make this game close, the All-Knowing-One says if they can figure out how to break the press, it is very possible. But if the Owls put the hammer down early, it will be another long night for the Tigers. Swami is hoping they can to lift their spirits with a morale victory.

Swami Sez: Oscoda 72, Alcona 55.

ROGERS CITY (12-6) at CHARLETON HESTON (14-5)– 7:30 p.m. Friday — boys — Charleton Heston started off with a bang, out distancing the opposition to have a perfect record, but was brought to a halt with a 47-33 loss to Rogers City. The Hurons likewise were on the winning end of six of their first seven contests.

This contest will either see avenge by the Patriots or complete dominance by the Hurons, taking it a step further the game is not just for bragging rights, but position in the tight North Star Conference race. The Hurons enter with a 9-3 conference record and are in contention for the top spot, whereas the Patriots are just a game behind them in the race.

Justin Romel, Jase Wenzel, and Jacob Catalano have been the go-to players who have led the Hurons. Rogers City has developed into a team-orientated group, with that said Alex Collins, Andrew Bruski, and Charles Allen have fit into the mix nicely.

Charleton Heston in previous years was considered to be an easy win for the opposition. The Patriots have turned the tables averaging 54 points per game, while only giving up 36, an improvement that has led to their overall record. Outside of the Hurons, only a few have led to losses. The Patriots have received contributions from who have been on the floor at any given time, which makes them hard to defend. The Patriots can go a variety of ways offensively, fast break, set up, or can stop and pop beyond the arc.

Swami has to say the Huron defense has to come ready to play as the Patriots will not play into their hands. Another thought, the All-Knowing-One can see a much closer outcome.

Swami Sez: Rogers City 48, Charleton Heston 44.