Open Gym Notebook: Zionsville
The month of September brings with it the beginning of open gym season. Over the next month-plus, we will be out on the road checking in on different high school programs from around the state. Here are our notes from our trip to Zionsville.
Last Season: This past season was a big success for Zionsville who was able to be competitive all year long and pull off an 18-win season and a close finish to a very tough McCutcheon team in the Sectional Finals. That was the third year in a row that Zionsville had posted 18 or more wins in a season.
Biggest Changes: From last year, though, this team will undergo a bit of a new look. Dominic Genco is now gone and he was a big part of the offense for Zionsville last year. They also lose Cole Gardner, Tyler Leedy, and Ethan Hartzel. The loss of that veteran size will really hurt as well as their second leading scorer in Genco.
Player To Watch: Nathan Childress (Jr.) – Childress was a guy that got some minutes last year but wasn’t a big impact guy yet. Now, he’s going to get every opportunity to be that guy from the forward spots. He won’t have to play as a true post as Zionsville already has a handful of those players so he’s going to get matchups that should work for him. He’s taken big steps in the summer and could become quite a bit better in the high school season.
New Face On Roster: Hogan Orbaugh (Jr.) – Orbaugh had a body change last season and is now taking advantage of that. He’s trimmed up and moving really well. Skill is starting to develop but he still has that ability to be super physical on the block. He’ll be a rotation player in this season but one that should provide help on both ends of the floor.
Expectations: This season will be one that Zionsville should be expected to capitalize. The Sectional is down considerably from last year and they are coming off of three straight 18+ win seasons with many top players coming back. Their regular season schedule is pretty spaced out with regards to tough games. Junior Isaiah Thompson brings a ton of offense with him but he has more capable scoring threats around him this season. If Childress and Will Alcock can really excel in the front court, that should help open up some things along the wing.