Preseason Team Rankings: #33
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…
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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 #33.
1A #33: Cowan
The Blackhawks will be coming into season off a terrible 6-16 record and blowout Sectional loss to Southern Wells. They lose a heavy chunk of talented outgoing seniors but do return three of their top four scorers from last season. All eyes this season, for the Blackhawks, will be locked on 6’10 junior center, Riley Duncan. This dominant big averaged a double-double last season as he scored 15.1 ppg and averaged 10.6 rpg as well. While Duncan may be the main cog in this offense, look for a player like junior guard Jacob Thomas (8.1 ppg) to continue his great pressure defense. Cowan will also return stud forward Simon Underwood (7.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg), who brings back his great rebounding and post scoring. This is a very experienced squad that is returning. Look for them to improve from last season’s poor performance and have the opportunity to come out of a wide-open Sectional bracket.
2A #33: Fort Wayne Canterbury
The Cavaliers are coming off an awful record of 6-14 and close Sectional loss to Eastside entering this upcoming season. The good news for this team is that they return their top four scorers. They will be led by junior guard Will Shank (14.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), who has incredible court vision and scoring ability. Alongside Shank will be confident shooter Noah Drapala (12.7 ppg). Look for 3rd and 4th returning scorers Holidey Stephenson (5.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and Chris Diwis (4.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg) to both have a breakout season and contribute even more. This is a small team that is going to rely on quickness and shooting in order to play with the larger teams they may face. If this squad can play to their strengths and eliminate some weaknesses, they have a chance to compete come Sectional time.
3A #33: Lawrenceburg
Coming off a bad 7-17 record and Sectional loss to Rushville, this Lawrenceburg team will return a varsity experienced group. However, even with all that experience, the Tigers are shaping up to be a one man team as of right now. Senior point guard Gavin Yoon will likely be the main focus this year for this squad. This athletic scorer averaged an outstanding 19.5 ppg last season. Look for a player like younger brother, Garrett Yoon (6.2 ppg), to step up and take some scoring pressure off of his older brother. This is a guard heavy team that is going to need to find guys to step up this season. One of the questions remaining is just who exactly is going to provide the post presence and rebounding? Lots of questions and roles will need to be addressed before Sectional time. The Tigers may be in a loaded Sectional, but if Gavin Yoon can get some help from his experienced team, this is a squad that can shock some folks.
4A #33: Fort Wayne Carroll
The Chargers are coming off a great record of 15-8 but have a tough sectional loss to Fort Wayne Northrop heading into this upcoming season. This team is already facing challenges as they will lose a host of talented outgoing seniors that carried them last year. A lot of players like great shooter Richie Gross (5.0 ppg) and tough-minded Roy Vollmer are going to have to break through the glass ceiling this season. The question is, just what other players will step up? Even with questions of players and their roles, we think that this will be well coached team that will still impress the state. Look for them to be coached well enough to compete in a tough Sectional.