Most Likely 1A Teams to Breakout
As we get into the swing of previews, we will track each class with teams that we are interested in. First up in our list of superlatives are the 1A teams that we think will break out this season. Up next will be the five 4A teams who will most likely lead the state in scoring.
Greenwood Christian (13-10 last year)
Greenwood Christian was a respectable team last year and this year will be no different, although they are much improved. They do lose two seniors off of last year’s team, including the leading scorer who scored 16.7 points a game. But, they do gain a transfer in the way of Tim Adetuski from California. Adetuski is a 6’6 PF who is a physical specimen and is going to really be a game changer for this team. Watch for Greenwood Christian to turn some heads this year.
Indianapolis International (12-11 last year)
International has always been on the verge of a really good year. Now that senior center Mawich Kachjaani is a senior, this should be the year that they do some work. Kachjaani is a 6’11 inside presence that really no one in 1A can matchup with. Now that their sectional is a little weaker due to other teams losing some players, I see no reason that they can’t make it to regionals. Sophomore Jaden Thomas is also going to have a really solid year giving them an added weapon on offense.
Parke Heritage
Turkey Run and Rockville consolidated after the completion of the last school year to become Parke Heritage. That consolidation is already showing dividends in athletics as their football program has only lost one game. The upcoming year will be a good season for them due to the returning players that both programs would have had. Landon Newnum is the best returning player with his average of 21.6 points a game. They should be able to win their sectional in the school’s first year of existence.
Eminence (5-18 last year)
Eminence has never been known for their basketball ability being such a small school in northwest Morgan County with just 222 students. But this year could be different. They are going to be a senior laden team this year and they have all of their starters returning. Shawn Michaelis averaged close to a double double last year with 19.8 points a game and 9.5 rebounds a game and should look to bump both of those numbers up this year. I look for Eminence to field a competitive team this year and reach double digit wins.
Seton Catholic (8-19 last year)
Seton Catholic is just a couple years removed from Desmond Bane wreaking havoc in 1A, and they are back on the rise. They don’t have any players that are capable of putting up numbers like Bane, but they do have some key players who will be able to make an impact on the court this year. Sophomore Jake Moynihan is one of the better young players in the state and he is a stat sheet stuffer. They should be able to get back up to 12-14 wins this year and maybe more. Despite losing their top scorer, Seton Catholic will be right back in the mix this year in 1A.