Sectional Preview: 19
The coming high school season is almost upon us. With that, we are taking a look at each Sectional in the state. Starting with 64 and ending with 1. Today, we are previewing Sectional 19.
Culver Academies (21-3) – Lost Regional Semifinals
This past season for Culver was a big one. They racked up 21 wins I made it all away to the regional semi finals before ultimately losing to twin Lakes. Now, they’re set up to have another big season and should be among the best 3A team in the state. They bring back senior guard Ethan Brittan-Watts, sophomore guard Trey Galloway, and sophomore forward Deontae Craig. They are expected to be the best team in the sectional and it wouldn’t shock it all if at the end of the day they ended up in the state finals with a talented trio.
Jimtown (4-19) – Lost Sectional Semifinal
Jimtown is coming off just a four win season and will be under the new head coach this year. They lose their top scorer in Sam Pawlak but that is it. Jimtown will now look to a much younger core of players pool lead by Nick Fans, Austin Pearison and Clay Campbell. The sectional is a difficult one at the top it’s not expected for them to compete this coming season. However, a new head coach and he much younger players could lead to some development and a possibility in a few years down the road.
John Glenn (8-15) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
The season for John Glenn will be a difficult one but one where they are able to maneuver through and have an improved season. Alisa once Senior and Matt Strong who was the clear leading scorer but they have such a strong junior and senior class such depth that they should be able to really improve and could look to flip their record around from last season. They also bring back a size which should help and a very strong sectional. Look for Mike Machnic and Zac Mago to be the standout players this season as Glenn looks to possibly compete at the top of this Sectional.
Mishawaka Marian (14-10) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
This Mishawaka Marian team should be one of the better teams in northern Indiana this year. There was absolutely everybody including senior guard Michael Hemingway and Zach Lattimer. You also have a potential breakout star Kyron King that should have a much bigger impact the season. Both Zach Lattimer and Kyron King saw a big improvement over the summer. Coming off a season in which they won 14 games, Marian will be a definite contender for this Sectional along with Culver Academy.
New Prairie (12-12) – Lost Sectional Semifinals
Last season was a good one for New Prairie where they were able to make it to the Sectional Semifinals and have a .500 record. However, this off-season is a big one as they losefor the top five scorers from last season. This will be a complete rebuild for them as a way bring back one Player with any significant minutes at the varsity level in Bryce Bloods. This upcoming year will be a difficult want to stay trying to navigate a tougher schedule and an even more difficult sectional full of talent. Most likely of scenarios is an ability to contend this year but maybe next year.
South Bend St. Joseph (8-15) – Lost Sectional Finals
This past season for South Bend St. Joseph was just a middle-of-the-road year. They only won eight games and it was their worst record since 2011. They’re coming out for season which they lose three of their top four scorers and will now have to endure a long rebuild. The only bring that to players was significant to the varsity level in Brady Powers and Hunter West. However they have an excellent freshman class coming in that should get loads of varsity minutes early. While this will be a down season, this could be the start of a very long run of talent for St. Joseph’s.
South Bend Washington (10-13) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
This past season south on Washington played at the 4A level, but now they will be moved down to a 3A team that is built around a huge group of seniors. They bring back Cory McKinney, Da’Qwan Dockery and Trey Petty as seniors. They also bring back talented junior Tony Stuckey and sophomore standouts Demarcus Vaughn and Jalen Petty. This group is set up to have a big year and should be among the top three contenders for the Sectional crown.
Contenders For 2017-18: South Bend Washington, Culver Academies, Mishawaka Marian, John Glenn
Prediction: Culver Academies
Player to Watch: Trey Galloway (Culver Academies)