Preseason Team Rankings: #38
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 #38.
1A #38: Springs Valley
The Blackhawks are coming into this season off a 17-7 record and close Sectional loss to Wood Memorial. The team this year will mostly be made up of a huge chunk of incoming seniors. They will be led by senior guard Connor Nelson (8.1 ppg), who was a top three scorer for the Blackhawks last season. Also leading Springs Valley this season will be junior Javon Gilmore, who is the team’s top returning rebounder at 3.3 rpg. Look for juniors like Lashawn Tutt and Jordan Curtis to have a breakout season as well. This is a very experienced team that will be looking to possibly get revenge on Wood Memorial come Sectional time.
2A #38: Manchester
The Squires are coming off a solid mediocre record of 14-11 and tough Sectional Championship loss to Wabash. That being said, Manchester will be returning a good crop of talent for this upcoming season. All eyes this year will be on stud junior guard Weston Hamby (15.6 ppg, 3.0 apg, 3.1 rpg). Hamby is a quick prospect that has great passing ability. Next to Hamby will be senior guard Thane Creager (8.3 ppg), who will be the leader for this team. Look for senior center Kreeden Krall (2.0 ppg) to step up and provide a post presence. This is solid team that can improve even more from last year. They will have to be competitive if they are wanting to have a chance to escape a loaded Sectional.
3A #38: Washington
Coming off an impressive 16-9 record followed by a blowout loss to Princeton the Sectional Championship, the Hatchets return a loaded squad. Their backcourt will consist of senior guards Grant Niehous, who has incredible length, and Kyle Mason, who is a fantastic defender. Their frontcourt will be controlled by sophomore power forwards Trey Reed, who protects the paint on defense at 6’5, and Julius Hardiman, who is a very athletic big man. With the impressive team that Washington has coming into this season, they should be one of the favorites, along with Princeton, to win their Sectional.
4A #38: Bloomington North
The Cougars will be coming off a 13-8 record with an overtime loss to Columbus East in Sectionals. Last year’s team had a bunch of outgoing seniors that made up most of their talent. The good news for the Cougars is that they return their leading scorer, junior point guard, Isaac Vencel. Vencel, who is a great defender and shooter, averaged 13.8 ppg and 3.7 rpg last season. They will also be led by senior shooting guard Tim Brewster (10.5 ppg) and will provide his great, all-around offense this year. Look for senior power forward Jeremiah Blair (8.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg) to have a breakout season and improve his numbers. Though this may be a different looking team, this is a great defensive squad. Them, along with their neighbor Bloomington South, should be one of the favorites to win their Sectional.