Defending state champion Marquette Catholic faces Blackhawk Christian out of Fort Wayne in the opening game. Marquette returns several players from last year's title team, most notably 6'8 Providence signee Ryan Fazekas, who is shooting 40% from behind the arc on the season. The Blazers won their sectional in impressive fashion, winning the three games by an average of nearly 30 points per game. Blackhawk Christian comes off a sectional blowout of their own, defeating Elkhart Christian 64-41 behind Wes Davidson's 21 point, 10 rebound effort and 14 points from Joey Morlan. Riley Reimschisel is a steady point guard that is capable of scoring for the Eagles as well. Oregon Davis comes in at 11-13, but has won eight of their last nine after avenging a regular season loss to Triton in the sectional final. Carl Schnekenburger nearly had a triple double in that game with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. They face a Tri County team that rolled through their sectional and is currently on an 11 game winning streak. Tri County is led by seniors Elijah Legler (16 PPG) & Dane Hardebeck (13 PPG). Legler had games of 27 and 16 points last week. Coach Ty Schere's team was upset in last year's sectional, so the Cavaliers are looking to make up for that with an extended March run.

 

Jeff's pick: Marquette Catholic

Trevor's pick: Blackhawk Christian

 

 

Frankfort Regional

Liberty Christian is back hoping to repeat as regional champs. They return Chris and Franklin Nunn, two major pieces from last year's team. Chris had 22 and Franklin 19 in the sectional final victory over Monroe Central. Liberty Christian outscored its sectional opponents 241-131 over three games. Awaiting them is a talented Seton Catholic team out of Richmond. They needed all of Desmond Bane's 35 points in their 56-55 sectional championship win over Blue River Valley. They rely almost entirely on their starting five, so any foul trouble could be disastrous for the Cardinals. Lafayette Central Catholic extended their sectional title streak to 14 straight, and they get former conference rival Rossville. The former Hoosier Heartland Conference schools played in December with Central Catholic winning 56-49. Guards Jackson Anthrop and Michael Vukas are the veteran leaders for Coach Dave Barrett and Central Catholic. The Hornets of Rossville are just 11-15, but have won five of their last six. Forward Clayton Howard scored 26 and 27 in their semifinal and final wins, respectively, last weekend.

 

Jeff's pick: Liberty Christian

Trevor's pick: Liberty Christian

 

 

Martinsville Regional

A true battle of young and old in the first game, as Clay City and their nine seniors take on Tindley, led by freshman Eric Hunter. Hunter burst onto the scene this year, averaging over 17 points a game and shooting over 40% from three. Fellow freshman Joe Johnson and sophomore Marcus Osborn contribute to the youth movement for Tindley. Clay City won their fourth straight sectional and also captured the regional crown last year. The Wels are looking for a repeat performance this year behind Noah Denker and Trevor Singer. Denker is shooting 47% from deep this season, but took it to another level in the sectional final, torching the nets by hitting 9-11 from three for 32 points. Indianapolis Lutheran has won just nine games so far, but six of those wins have come in the last seven games. Lutheran struggles to score, with just one player, Tommy Miner, averaging more than eight points per game. That could be a problem against Jac-Cen-Del, their semifinal opponent. Forwards Evan Borgman and Alex Pilz are both versatile frontcourt players who create a lot of different problems for opponents.

 

Jeff's pick: Clay City

Trevor's pick: Jac-Cen-Del

 

Loogootee Regional

Barr-Reeve is looking to make a return trip to the state finals, and they bring back four starters from last year's team. Addison Wagler is one of the best back to the basket scorers in the state, and Logan James displays toughness and leadership from the point guard spot. Duncan Roy is a jack of all trades, and Chris Wittmer and Seth Schwartzentruber provide outside shooting. James had 18 and Roy 16 in a blowout win against Vincennes Rivet for the sectional title. Christian Academy comes in after a pair of double digit wins in their sectional, and hasn't lost to a 1A or 2A team all season. The previous two sectional titles in Warrior history have also resulted in a regional championship as well. Orleans is one team that has managed to beat Barr Reeve, but they need to get past Wood Memorial first to get the opportunity again. Five of the six players in the Bulldogs rotation are seniors. Orleans guard Cale Hall is fresh off three 20 point performances in the sectional, shooting 7-14 from deep in those three games. Orleans only losses were by four to Barr Reeve and twice to ranked 3A school Brownstown Central. Wood Memorial on the other hand has jut one senior, but he's leading scorer and rebounder Conner Sevier. The 6'4 forward averages better than 16 and 8 per game. Freshman Lathan Falls averages 11 a night and fellow frosh Walker Nurrenbern leads the team in assists.