2A Frontrunners: Lapel
The season is getting closer and closer and we are starting to dive into the rosters and Sectionals that will help to determine who are the top competition for each class. Today, we take a look into 2A and the frontrunners. Today, we breakdown Lapel.
Last Year’s Record: 17-9
Head Coach: Jimmie Howell
Top Returning Players: Austin Lyons (Sr.), Preston Scott (Sr.), Luke Richardson (Jr.)
Top Departures: Jon Ross Richardson (Graduate), Will Jones (Graduate)
New Additions: N/A
Why A Frontrunner: Lapel is always a frontrunner, that much is hard to deny. Since 2004-05 when head coach Jimmie Howell took over, Lapel has won two state championships. Also, his lowest amount of wins in a season is 11. That kind of consistency is tough to have and coming off a State Championship two year ago, they have players on their roster that have been there before. They have enough talent with their three-headed monster of Austin Lyons, Preston Scott, and Luke Richardson. Also, There are likely to be others that step up in bigger roles as is usually with this program. Could see a Carson Huber or Bryce Carpenter become an impact player. With their experience and understanding of how tough it is to win, this team has enough talent and a head coach that can get them there.
Outlook: This season should be a good one. They should surpass the 17 wins they had last year. They only have a few really difficult games with matchups against Frankton, Pendleton Heights, New Castle, Guerin Catholic, and Shenandoah. They could have 20 wins before heading into the playoffs if they can knock off a bigger opponent. Lapel will have a difficult Sectional as Frankton is still pretty good but if they can make it past that they should be able to get through their first round opponent in Regionals before a possible face-off against Oak Hill. The winner of that game should have a great shot finishing the rest of the tournament.