Way-Too-Early Preview: Shiloh Christian
Shiloh Christian has been one of the most consistently excellent teams in Class B in recent years. The Skyhawks played in the state title game two years ago and won a third straight Region 5 championship last spring before the…
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Continue ReadingShiloh Christian has been one of the most consistently excellent teams in Class B in recent years. The Skyhawks played in the state title game two years ago and won a third straight Region 5 championship last spring before the state tournament was canceled. The core of those teams is gone though. So what’s next?
Go-To Guy: Carter Englund
Englund started as a sophomore last year and showed he’s capable of producing against high-level competition. The 6-foot-6 center is skilled, athletic and will be the focal point of a Shiloh offense that seems to always have a solid interior presence. He’ll have to do it more consistently and with defenses likely more focused on slowing him down, but the skill and talent is there for him to average 15-plus points and 10 rebounds.
Breakout Candidate: Kohl Blotske
Blotske saw sparing minutes last year as an underclassman, showcasing a solid shooting stroke and scoring ability. He’s got good size to play on the wing, and the athleticism to score and defend at a high level. The offense will run through Englund and senior guard Luke Wanzek, but Blotske – among others – will have a big opportunity to shine.
Question: Can the Skyhawks Win Region 5 Again?
Shiloh’s dominated Region 5 in recent years, getting through to the state tournament five out of the last six years. This iteration of the Skyhawks is perhaps the most unproven/least experienced the program’s had in quite some time though, and there will certainly be challengers with New Salem/Almont, Flasher along with up-and-coming outfits like Garrison. Shiloh is rarely at a talent deficit – so even if there are a lot of unanswered questions at this stage of the equation, the Skyhawks should be in the mix.
Season Outlook
Shiloh Christian will go into next season with a lot of question marks. All the guys who played on the team that played in the state championship team two years ago are gone. Jaden Mitzel Jaden Mitzel 6'3" | SF Shiloh Christian | 2020 State ND carried a huge load last year for the Skyhawks – seemingly willing them to more wins than they were expected to get – and is now gone. Are the role players from last year ready to ascend into prime spots? This Skyhawks team might not be a top-five team in state like they’ve been in recent years, but don’t expect them to be a pushover either.