Sectional Preview: 40
The coming high school season is almost upon us. With that, we are taking a look at each Sectional in the state. Starting with 64 and ending with 1. Today, we are previewing Sectional 40.
Elwood (8-16) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
This past season was a tough one for Elwood but by the end of the year they seemed to be playing better. They return two of their top three leading scorers including Jack Bennett who had 16.9ppg. The problem, though, is that Elwood now moves from Sectional 39 to 40 which is much more difficult. They bring back a ton and all of their size so they will have a shot but Frankton and Lapel are the class of this Sectional for a long time.
Frankton (23-6) – Won State Finals
Coming off a year where they won the 1A State Championship, they will look to rebuild as they really only lose one piece. Now, that one piece was Maurice Knight and his 21 and 7 average. That is a big loss but the team chemistry is right there. They have a ton of size for a 2A team and has the ability to have another 20-win season. Having the sophomore duo of Kayden Key and Rylan Detling in as Juniors should make them a big contender in 2A statewide.
Lapel (17-9) – Lost Sectional Finals
Much like Frankton, Lapel is always a competitor and talent-rich. This year is no different as they have a solid trio of upperclassmen with Luke Richardson, Austin Lyons, and Preston Scott. They have the size to compete and experience to boot. They won 2A State Championship two years ago. It will be a fun year to watch Lapel and Frankton battle as two of the best in 2A. Might give the slight edge to Lapel just because they are a bit older.
Monroe Central (22-3) – Lost Sectional Semifinals
Monroe Central had one of their best seasons in school history winning 22 games and being among the top teams in 2A. However, they ran into Frankton and they showed why they were a State Champion. Now, they will lose nearly all of their scoring. Only Isreal Nash (16.1ppg) returns with any significant contributions as their top scorer. Replacing 3/4 of their scoring will be extremely difficult in a very good Sectional.
Sheridan (9-15) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Sheridan is looking to get back to a double-digit win season since 2012-13. They have a chance to do just that as they lose two of their top five scorers but no one last year averaged more than 8.0ppg. They bring back quite a bit of younger talent that they could build upon it. Will be tough but the schedule this year lines up for quite a few wins if they hit their upside.
Wapahani (15-7) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
For Wapahani, they have a really good shot to be competition for the Sectional Championship as they return their top two scorers and four out of their top five. They lose a 6’5 senior post which will hurt but they have the ability to score some points this year maybe more than before. A repeat of 15-wins is definitely on the table.
Contenders For 2017-18: Frankton, Lapel, Wapahani
Prediction: Lapel
Player to Watch: Luke Richardson (Lapel)