Preseason Team Rankings: #50
It’s now creeping up on the start of the high school season and we are looking to start our series of previews on some of the best teams in the state. Today, Eric Gardner and Kyler Staley join up to…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s now creeping up on the start of the high school season and we are looking to start our series of previews on some of the best teams in the state. Today, Eric Gardner and Kyler Staley join up to start our deep dive into some of these teams.
Our series will take a look at the best teams in the state for each class with our rankings. Starting at #50 and going to #1, we will look at each class ranking across all classes starting now with #50.
1A #50: Tri-Central
Last year wasn’t a great one for Tri-Central, but they only lose two Seniors and bring back incoming Senior Michael Carr who scored 10.1 points last year. This is also a program with a really light schedule and if they can find a way to produce more than their 47.1 points per game as a team, no game should be insurmountable. Look for Mason Pickens to be a possible standout this year with a larger scoring role.
2A #50: Whitko
Last year, going 13-10, Whitko seemed to figure something out at the end going 11-3 in their last 14 games. Now, bringing back 3 of their top 4 scorers, they should have enough pieces to push forward led by junior Brent Sickafoose. Their schedule is a little bit easier as the typically tough teams they see will be down a bit but their are more quality teams to watch out for. If Drake Lewis and Clayton Ebbinghouse can join Sickafoose as a trio for this 2A team, don’t be shocked if they surpass their win total from last year.
3A #50: Woodlan
Coming off a relatively underwhelming first season with their new coaching staff, expectations are a little higher as this Woodlan team returns all but one player from their roster. This is a team that has youth and high-end talent with some good size and now, backed by standout sophomore Joe Reidy, they should be in position to rack up some wins. Looking for their first Sectional title since 2013, Woodlan and seniors Ben Reidy, Aiden Bayman, Mitch Mendenhall, and Trevor Wiedenhoeft are looking for their most success to date.
4A #50: Crown Point
Crown Point is coming off a 14-9 season where a good chunk of their talent were outgoing Seniors. Now, they will look to some young talent to step up into new roles as they reboot this program a bit. Luke Hanlon and Ty Smith return as the main cogs on a thinned out roster. Look for a bunch of JV guys to step up like a Drew Adzia and Matt Zdanowicz to break out. However, a guy like Miles Lubbers might be asked to step up the most as size will be at a premium. With a strong, but small, top end in the Region, look for Crown Point to have some room to improve quickly. If talent plays up to potential, this could be a strong team by March.