Sectional Preview: 23
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 23.
Bellmont (4-19) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
For Bellmont, they are looking at a long line of subpar seasons behind them and hoping to change the culture with a new head coach this year. Jonathon Fuelling takes over a team that hasn’t won double-digit games in a single season since 2004. That is a hard trend to overcome, especially coming off a 4-win season. Their Sectional also got more difficult as they brought in Marion this season. Big changes in the win total could come with an easy high school schedule this year but there are some tougher teams in this Sectional for much to be done in just one season.
Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (19-8) – Lost Semistate Finals
This past year for Bishop Luers was a big one for the program as they made it as a Sectional and Regional Champ before losing to Twin Lakes in Semistate. It was their first Sectional Championship since 2012-13 and most wins since 2008-09. Now, they are in full rebuild mode as they lose everyone off a very senior-heavy team. They lost Anton Berry, Ray Walker, J.J. Foster, and many others. They come back as a very young and inexperienced team that will have to come a long way.
Heritage (11-11) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
This past season, Heritage was one of a few teams that went ultimate slow-down mode and tried to keep the score as low as possible in hopes of having an advantage. Ultimately, it ended up with them going 11-11 and one of the lowest offensive teams in the state. They bring back a good chunk of their team from last year but they may have to change things up a big as they were unable to win any games above their head with that strategy last year. Teams like Marion and Mississenwa would be able to handle things easier than most.
Marion (10-13) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
For Marion, they make a move to an easier Sectional from top to bottom but they are coming off a season where they lost a good chunk of their team. However, they bring back stellar freshman Jakylen Thomas and standout senior Tyrese Cobb as well as one of the best freshman in the state in Jalen Blackmon. They should be very good on the perimeter with plenty of speed. If they can find some size inside that can compete they have a chance to pull out another Sectional Championship.
Mississinewa (16-8) – Lost Sectional Semifinals
The last three years has been a build up to this season with head coach Andrew Evertts and his senior duo of Jerod May and Thabit Gault Jr. May is the big time scoring threat from the arc with Gault being a bit inside presence. This team has a lot of pieces coming back that are going to be key and coming off a 16-win season, they should be the favorite to win this year. They got tripped up by a Luers team that was in their place last season. Luers is down this season and while Marion will be tough, Mississinewa is just setup to take advantage of any opportunities they have.
Norwell (14-11) – Lost Sectional Semifinals
Norwell isn’t always going to be at the top of the Sectional Contenders list but they are almost always on it because of their consistency. Last year was as down a season they have had in recent years but Norwell has four Sectional Championships since 2010. With a lot of teams in this Sectional down this year, Norwell should have a chance with a good draw of being a contender and getting a shot in the Finals game come early March.
Contenders For 2017-18: Marion, Mississinewa, Norwell
Prediction: Mississinewa
Player to Watch: Jerod May (Mississinewa)