Sectional Preview: 7
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 7.
Harrison (West Lafayette) (13-11) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Benito Munoz had a great year last year and scored 17.4 points a game to lead the team. They do lose four guys to graduation but I don’t think that will impact them as much as some think. They have some guys who can really play. This was a tough sectional last year but almost everyone is going to be down opening the door for Harrison to contend.
Kokomo (18-7) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Last year Kokomo had a really good win streak at the end of the year but then just couldn’t do much in the postseason. This year they have their leading scorer Anthony Barnard back and a few incoming freshmen that could be really good. I am not sure that they can overcome the loss of four seniors but they will be right there this year again
Lafayette Jefferson (14-10) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
James Burns is coming into his senior year and this past summer he looked nearly unstoppable. They lose their best scorer from last year’s team but the have a bunch of seniors this year that will be looking to bring home the title in their last year. My only concern is scoring enough points to win games.
Logansport (23-2) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
A year after going 23-2 Logansport is going to struggle. They primarily played six players and four of those graduate. Only one returning guy played more than 12 games who didn’t play in every single game. Logansport has been good for a long time but this year is going to be the year that starts the change of being average.
McCutcheon (23-3) – Lost 1st Rd. Regional
Like Logansport, McCutcheon lost most of their valuable players besides Indiana commit Robert Phinese. McCutcheon lost three of their top four scorers which accounted for 42.6 points a game. They do have a few young guys who are intriguing but for the most part this team will be all Phinese’s. They lost a lot and may not even be the best team in Lafayette regardless of class.
Zionsville (18-7) – Lost Sectional Final
Zionsville loses two key pieces from last year in Dominic Genco and Tyler Leedy but still have more pieces that anyone in this sectional. Will Alcock is poised for a breakout year and Isaiah Thompson is as good as any junior in the state. They also have two freshmen coming in that could see some time. They are the favorite as of now to win the sectional.
Contenders For 2017-18: Harrison (West Lafayette), Kokomo, McCutcheon, Zionsville
Prediction: Zionsville
Player to Watch: Robert Phinesee (McCutcheon)