Preseason Team Rankings: #11
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 #11.
1A #13: Oldenburg Academy
The Twisters will be coming off a great 16-6 season and return their top three scorers. The leaders for this team will be Jacob Johnson (19.6 ppg), who is a great shooter and knows how to score, and Andrew Oestering (10.3 ppg), who is a smart guard. Look for forwards Zach Wegman (6.8 ppg) and Dempsy Bohman (4.1) to take care of the post. This is a big team that has the talent to play with anybody. They have a fairly easy Sectional thus giving them a good opportunity to go on a deep post-season run.
2A #11: Wabash
The Apaches of Wabash are heading into this year off a 21-5 season and Sectional Championship. To make things even better, they return three of their top four scorers. The leader of this team will be senior point guard Trenton Daughtry (18.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg), who is a tough-minded player. Look for guard Dereck Volgel (8.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and forward Elijah Vander (7.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg) to make the leap forward this year. This team crashes the glass extremely well. Even though players will need to step up their scoring a little bit, this could be another great year for Coach Paul Wright’s team.
3A #11: Brebeuf Jesuit
The Braves will be coming off a great 16-6 record but with a tough sectional loss to Indianapolis Attucks to add to that. They also lose a good chunk of talent that were outgoing seniors. They, however, return some really good talent like 6’3 small forward Alec Bevelhimer and 6’6 power forward Evan Altman. They also have a 2022 class that is bound to breakout with prospects like small forwards Billy Smith and Brendan Wood, and shooting guard Paul Stubblefield. With a team that loves to move the ball and create the best shot, expect this squad to play to their potential and make a State Championship run.
4A #11: Evansville Reitz
After a 12-12 season, the Panthers return nearly every important varsity player from last season. They will be led by a top junior prospect Khristian Lander (22.0 ppg) and smooth scorer, junior guard Owen Dease (11.8 ppg). Look out for a breakout season from big man Gavin Schippert (7.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Last year’s performance does not show what this team is capable of. This team comes into this season a year older and has the opportunity to improve with the same schedule they had last year. Lander will show why he is one of the best in the state and look to prove doubters wrong.