Jeff Schoenle and I break down each 4A sectional and post our predicted winners. Sectional play begins throughout Indiana on Tuesday with the finals on Saturday evening. Carmel is looking to win its third straight 4A state title. It should be a great tournament. Here are our picks...
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 1 – Lake Central. East Chicago Central, Munster and Lake Central are the players in this sectional. East Chicago lost its last three regular season games. They did defeat Lake Central though. Lake Central beat Munster early in the season by 9 points. Munster is on the opposite site of the bracket from East Chicago and Lake Central; that could be a major advantage. East Chicago has 2015 point guard Hyron Edwards and 2016 Damien Jefferson. When Edwards is playing well, East Chicago is tough to beat, but he has had an up and down season. Munster has 2015 Illinois-Chicago commit Drew Hackett. He has had a great season for Munster. Lake Central has Butler signee Tyler Wideman on the block. I think it comes down to Lake Central and Munster in the championship game with Lake Central winning by a narrow margin.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 1 – Munster. The Mustangs have quietly built one of the best 4A programs in the state under Coach Mike Hackett. The sectional also features talented players such as Lake Central’s Tyler Wideman and East Chicago Central’s Hyron Edwards, but I expect the Mustangs to advance to regional play.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 2 – Crown Point. I wanted to be a homer – I went to Chesterton – and pick the Trojans to win this 8-team sectional. The loss of 2015 Western Michigan commit Chris Palombizio to a foot injury will make it extremely tough for Chesterton to win this sectional. The winner of the Crown Point/Michigan City first round game will be in position to win the sectional. Both teams have been a bit up and down this season. LaPorte could easily make a run behind seniors Josh Fleming and Gage Ott as well. Valpo is in the mix as well. There is a lot of parity in this sectional, but I'm going with Crown Point.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 2 – Michigan City. This sectional looks to be wide open with 7 of the 8 teams having between 9 and 12 wins on the year so far. In the end, I think Michigan City will defeat Valpo in a rematch of an earlier game where Michigan City won by 5. But nothing would surprise me in this sectional.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 3 – Penn. The 19-1 Penn Kingsmen received about the toughest draw possible. Penn faces a solid South Bend Adams team in the first round. Adams is led by senior guards Terry Davis and Michael Bush along with junior Jordan Simpson. If Penn gets by Adams, South Bend Washington is waiting for them after receiving the bye. Washington has 2014 guard Traveon Johnson, and they are 14-4 on the season. In the championship game, Penn could face Plymouth or South Bend Riley. The favorites will have to run the gauntlet to capture the title.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 3 – Penn. The Kingsmen look to bring veteran coach Al Rhoades his first sectional title since 2000. They have a very balanced lineup where any of several players could have a big game on any given night.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 4 – Northridge. 2014 unsigned wing Nate Ritchie leads 18-2 Northridge into Sectional 4. They received the bye and will play the winner of Concord/Elkhart Memorial. Concord is led by 2015 forward Filip Serwatka. Northridge is set up well to win the sectional.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 4 – Northridge. Northridge received a bye into Friday’s semifinals and thus would only have to win twice to capture the sectional. Senior wing Nate Ritchie has had a stellar season for the Raiders, whose only two losses have come at the hands of Penn.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 5 – Fort Wayne North Side. Fort Wayne Snider against North Side would have been a great match-up a few weeks ago before Snider dropped a some games. This is a tough first round match-up for the 21-1 North Side favorites. On the other side of the bracket, Carroll received the bye and then will face a sub .500 team in either DeKalb or Northrop. Caroll has a one-two punch of 2015 guard Chandler White and 2016 forward Kyle Mallers. North Side is heavy with seniors and is extremely balanced. Trevion Crews and Mike Davis make North go.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 5 – FW North Side. The Redskins may not have a marquee player, but they feature a very athletic lineup that puts pressure on opponents on both ends of the floor. Their first round matchup against Snider may well be the de facto sectional championship game. Carroll looks to be the best team on the other side of the bracket.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 6 – Homestead. Jay County has a much easier path to the championship. Wayne has Wright State signee Justin Mitchell and received the bye. Homestead has not been playing very well lately. I'm still taking 2016 post Caleb Swanigan and Homestead to win the sectional though. It is a dangerous pick on my part.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 6 – Homestead. Look for sophomore big Caleb Swanigan to dominate this field. The Spartans biggest challenge could come from Wayne and Wright State signee Justin Mitchell in the semifinals.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 7 – Kokomo. The safe pick would be McCutcheon because they are a good team and almost guaranteed a spot in the championship due to the bye then playing a 5-win Lafayette Jeff team or a 6-win Lafayette Harrison team. Marion and Logansport might put up 100 on each other in the opening round game. Kokomo is the host school and received a bye. Kokomo has been playing really well since Northern Kentucky signee Tayler Persons came back from his ACL tear. It should be a good, competitive sectional overall. Kokomo will have to find a way to contain Indiana University signee James Blackmon Jr. in order to win the sectional.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 7 – Marion. Marion coach James Blackmon is no stranger to March success, having won two state titles at Bishop Luers with Deshaun Thomas. He has another high scoring stud in his son, James, who is a contender for Mr. Basketball honors.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 8 – Carmel. The toughest sectional in the state once again this year. Carmel (19-1), Hamilton Southeastern (19-3), North Central (15-6), Noblesville (14-6) and Zionsville (13-6) are all in the sectional. I'm picking Carmel because of their offensive balance and defensive aptitude. 2015 guard Ryan Cline has had a fantastic second half of the year. Vermont signee Zach McRoberts does a lot of little things on both ends of the floor. 2015 wing Keegan Culp has given Carmel another shooter that stretches the floor. Hamilton Southeastern has had a great season behind the play of 2014 unsigned guard Eric Davidson. He is one of the best pure shooters in the state. As a team, Hamilton Southeastern has a ton of outside weapons. If they get hot, they can beat anyone in the state. North Central is playing much better down the stretch after a slow start to the season. Anything could happen in this sectional.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 8 – Carmel. In maybe the toughest sectional in the state, anyone who survives this field can be called a contender for a state title. When all is said and done, Scott Heady and his Greyhounds will advance on their quest for a third straight state title.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 9 – Richmond. Mt. Vernon's first round match-up with Richmond isn't quite the same without senior CJ Coleman. He had season-ending surgery a few weeks ago on his ankle. A potential Richmond-Pendleton Heights championship game could be interesting. Richmond senior Michael Tillman has had a big season with his outside shooting.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 9 – Pendelton Heights. With the injury to Mt Vernon’s CJ Coleman, look for junior Sean McDermott to shine in this sectional. Richmond is a very formidable opponent that could face Pendelton Heights in Saturday night’s title contest.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 10 – Arsenal Tech. This sectional is extremely tough as well with all teams over .500. Arsenal Tech is the favorite behind Kentucky signee Trey Lyles and Ball State signee Jeremie Tyler, but it will not be an easy road. They start off against Daeshon Francis and Lawrence North. They are a capable team. Tech would play Lawrence Central in the second round if they beat LN. Lawrence Central is dominated by sophomores with Kyle Guy, Mekhi Biffle, Chris King, Nash Griffin but the backbone is their seniors Devin Heath-Granger and Abdul McGraw. On the other side of the bracket, Cathedral, Warren Central and Roncalli will fight it out. Cathedral played very well the second half of the year. Roncalli's Jimmy King is emerging as a player to watch. He has had a very good season. This is going to be an exciting sectional.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 10 – Arsenal Tech. Every team in this sectional is above .500, but Jason Delaney’s crew has been battle tested against the best schedule in the state. Mr. Basketball candidate Trey Lyles and his supporting cast are on a mission to be the first IPS school to win a state title in 34 years.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 11 – Pike. This sectional will have some interesting match-ups. Ben Davis could potentially play Pike in the semis. Ben Davis has been playing well lately and could give Pike a game. 2015 forward Brennan Gillis has been playing at a high level for BD. Southport is trying to beat Perry Meridian for the third time this season in the opening round. Southport's young players Paul Scruggs and Joey Brunk are developing nicely. They could make a run for the sectional title. I'm going the safer route with Pike though. Pike's Justin Thomas has quietly had a very nice season for Pike.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 11 – Southport. A balanced field could result in a Pike-Southport showdown for the championship. The size of Joey Brunk and growth of freshman phenom Paul Scruggs is just enough to give Southport the hardware. Don’t count out Ben Davis and head coach Mark James, who has had success with less heralded teams before.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 12 – Brownsburg. Brownsburg is 18-2 on the season while Mooresville is 18-4. They will likely face each other in the semifinals. Martinsville should have a much easier path on paper since they won't have to play anyone over .500 until the finals. Brownsburg is winning with guard play. Senior Trevor Lucas and juniors KJ Walton and Darrian Ringo have played well on both ends of the floor for Brownsburg this season. Mooresville is led by the one-two punch of Jacob Johnson and Carter VanWanzeele. Troy Spears has had great senior year for Martinsville. He does a little bit of everything for them. I'm picking Brownsburg despite the tough path.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 12 – Brownsburg. KJ Walton and the Bulldogs will be tested by Mooresville and Jacob Johnson in the semifinals on Friday, but look for Trevor Lucas and Darian Ringo to step up and help carry their team to a sectional title.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 13 – Franklin Central. Only two teams in this sectional start play with a record over .500. Franklin Central has the bye. They recently had a five-game losing streak. They will likely play the hosts, Center Grove, in the semifinals. Franklin Community and New Palestine should be a good game in the opening round Tuesday. 2015 guard Ryan Curry has had a big season for New Pal.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 13 – Center Grove. Going out on a little limb here, but I think the Trojans avenge an earlier defeat to Franklin and cut down the nets. Junior Michael Benkert and senior Tyler Bryant are a quality one-two punch on the wing for Center Grove coach Cliff Hawkins.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 14 – Columbus North. The semifinals should feature the two Columbus schools facing the two Bloomington schools. Bloomington South's Keaton Hendricks has played well all season. This is the last chance for the Bloomington North seniors, Grant Sims, Saikou Jallow and Tyler Truesdel, to get a sectional championship. Columbus East has a dangerous one-two punch of Bryce Lienhoop and Connor Umphress. East is in a good position to win this sectional. I'm going with Columbus North to win it behind the play of 2015 forward Josh Speidel and seniors Elliott Welmer and Evan Henry. This is a sectional that is up for grabs though.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 14 – Columbus North. If the Bulldogs are to win this title, it will be at the hands of their frontcourt of Josh Spiedel and Elliot Welmer. Not many teams in the state possess their combination size and skill. Both Bloomington schools as well as crosstown rival Columbus East will look to have their say in the race.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 15 – New Albany. No team in this sectional has a great resume. New Albany has the best of the bunch though. Jeffersonville recently beat Columbus East; that is a good win. Jennings County could make a run if Brad Hunt plays really well.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 15 – New Albany. New Albany has won 7 of the past 12 sectionals, and look for them to capture this year’s crown as well. Jennings County was able to beat New Albany in early February, but I’m seeing a different outcome in the potential sectional title rematch.
Trevor Andershock's Take:
Sectional 16 – Evansville Reitz. This will be a tough road for Reitz. They open with Evansville Harrison. Reitz beat Harrison by 32 points a few weeks ago. Will they be overconfident? Harrison is a capable team with the Duncan trio of Ernie, Everett and Stanley. Castle received the bye and is waiting on the winner of Reitz/Harrison. Castle is a very solid team that has lost two close games to Reitz this season. Evansville Central is on the other side of the bracket in the semifinal already. I'm picking Reitz behind the play of juniors Mario Barnes, Jaelan Sanford, Alex Stein, Jacob Norman and Nate Hansen.
Jeff Schoenle’s Take:
Sectional 16 – Evansville Reitz. At the beginning of the year, Harrison was thought to be one of the top teams in the state behind the trio of Duncan brothers. Harrison defeated Reitz early in the year, but Reitz sent a message to the sectional field by dismantling Harrison by 32 just over a week ago. They will kick off play in the sectional on Tuesday night. Look for junior Jaelan Sanford to make his name known statewide.
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