3A Guerin Catholic vs. Norwell

Norwell might be the most surprising team in the state finals because of the fact they had to go through the 3A favorite in Nick Osborne and his Muncie Central team and then Norwell had to face off with one of the top point guards in the nation (Demetrius Jackson) when they beat Mishawaka Marian in the semi-state.

Kyle Fillman (Grace College) was a monster against Marian; posting 18 points and 18 rebounds in the win. That is nothing new though as Fillman has averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds all season.  Grace has a good one in the 6’7” skilled, post player. Junior point guard Josh VanMeter has averaged 19 points a game for the 24-2 Norwell Knights. VanMeter is a great outside shooter, but also a steady ball-handler.

Guerin Catholic upended the extremely talented Evansville Bosse in the Seymour semi-state. I was not shocked that Guerin won, but the margin was surprising especially when Bosse jumped out to an early lead. Guerin has played a tough schedule and has done well against some of Indianapolis’ best teams.

Sophomore Aaron Brennan has led Guerin all year and last week was no different. Brennan had 20 points in the win over Bosse. Brennan is attracting recruiting attention from Big Ten programs plus the likes of Butler and Xavier. Bryan Hall is a do-everything 6-4 senior. Sophomore Whit Rapp was very good against Bosse and will be tested again by VanMeter. Riley Rapp is an outside shooter that can open up the inside for Brennan.

This should be a very good match-up. On paper, it looks like Norwell has more options and firepower but Guerin was outmatched on paper against Bosse. So, I will not count Guerin out and I’m excited to see how this game plays out.