Tournament Preview: Wabash Valley Classic
The Wabash Valley Classic is back for another year although we all miss the Pizza Hut. Yesterday, they had the draw for the event and we fell into some solid matchups. Here is the breakdown for the first round of…
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Continue ReadingThe Wabash Valley Classic is back for another year although we all miss the Pizza Hut. Yesterday, they had the draw for the event and we fell into some solid matchups. Here is the breakdown for the first round of the Classic at Terre Haute South.
Game 1: Robinson (IL) vs. Terre Haute North
Terre Haute North has been about as solid of a team as you can find in the area the last few years and in that time, Robinson has yet to beat them. They have lost the last four games but this might be about as even a matchup there has been in a while. Look for Dylan Dirks and Walker Sandschafer to be the keys for Robinson to exert their size on North.
Game 2: Edgewood vs. Owen Valley
Last year, Edgewood was really deep and had a fairly successful season. However, even after losing some key pieces they are rolling early with a win over Martinsville and a very, very close loss. They look good to start. Owen Valley is off to a bit of a rough start but have played two tough opponents. If Cooper Bybee comes out and hits for another 20 points, this could be another tough game for Owen Valley.
Game 3: Sullivan vs. Riverton Parke
On paper, this looks to be like one of the weaker games of this event but Sullivan is a solid team with a player worth watching in Ty Drake. Not to mention, Riverton Parke is off to their best start in over a decade. This could turn out to be a close midday game.
Game 4: Rockville vs. Shakamak
Lance Hopkins will look to lead Rockville to a great start again this year. They are 3-1 so far and could have a great record heading into the game. However, Shakamak destroyed North Central (Farmersburg) already this season. The best test leading up to the day comes this Friday as they take on Bloomfield on the road. Both teams have put up big offensive numbers this season which could make it a fun back-and-forth game.
Game 5: Terre Haute South vs. South Vermillion
Terre Haute South is loaded up this year and one of the best 4A teams in the state. With Jaylen Minnett, DeAvion Washington, and company, look for this to be a quick one against South Vermillion. South Vermillion is already 1-2 on the season and these are two completely different styles of play in this one.
Game 6: Linton-Stockton vs. Cloverdale
This is either the best or second best first round matchup of the event. Linton-Stockton is always tough no matter who is on their roster. With Josh Dieball leading the way, they are going to be tough. However, Cloverdale should be one of the better teams in the area with sharpshooter Cooper Neese and quick point guard Jalen Moore in the backcourt. Different styles of play thought with Linton typically a team that will slow it down and Cloverdale wanting to run-n-gun. Should be fun.
Game 7: Casey-Westfield (IL) vs. West Vigo
West Vigo lacks a lot of offensive weapons but are set to shoot the ball quite a bit. Corey Vickers will put it up from the point and forward Austin Sappingfield will provide the size along with the ability to stretch the floor. They should be able to play with Casey-Westfield though as to this point they haven’t put up a ton of offense either. Could be a low scoring but close matchup.
Game 8: Marshall (IL) vs. Northview
The best game of the night could be Marshall and Northview. Northview is a really loaded team in the area with guys like Drew Lumsdon, Brigham Booe, and Jensen Kellett. However, it will be interesting to see how Northview tries to defend Marshall standout Josiah Wallace. He can really score it from all over. Also, freshman Jesse Burdick is a name to watch for Marshall.