Surprise Teams In 2015-16 Season
With the conclusion of the 2015-16 regular season, we wanted to take a look at the teams that surprised us with their performances. Merrillville (22-1) It wasn’t that I thought Merrillville wouldn’t be good this year, it was that I…
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Continue ReadingWith the conclusion of the 2015-16 regular season, we wanted to take a look at the teams that surprised us with their performances.
Merrillville (22-1)
It wasn’t that I thought Merrillville wouldn’t be good this year, it was that I wasn’t very confident that they could make a run at a State Championship. Clearly, a 22 win season will do a lot for confidence and to look at who they beat and how they beat them, this team is a legit contender in 4A to do so. Their only loss looks like an aberration as they only managed to score 50 points, 19 less than their average. The storyline of Merrillville and T.J. Lux’s season may only be getting started.
Shenandoah (20-2)
You knew at some point Shenandoah was going to be pretty good. Dave McCollugh is one of the better coaches in the state but he worked his magic pretty quickly with this bunch. At 20-2, this is their best record since 2006-07 when they lost in the Regional Championship game. The strength of schedule hasn’t been too tough but still, to navigate that many games and only get two losses is pretty good. True test? Taking down Indianapolis Howe in Sectionals.
Bloomfield (20-3)
I had high hopes for Bloomfield last season. I thought they have some pieces that could really make an impact but that only resulted in a 13-10 season. Maybe I was only one year off as now they are sitting at 19-3 and one of the best teams in 1A this year. They have 5 wins against 3A opponents so they are a little battle tested. And, of their losses, they came against Bloomington South, Linton-Stockton, and Washington. No bad losses and quite a few key wins is why Bloomfield made the list.
Greenfield-Central (19-4)
Head coach Michael Lewis found success at Delphi and after a transition year with Greenfield last year and a 10-15 season, he’s looking square at their best season in nearly 20 years. With only four losses, Lewis has set up his senior-laden squad for a possible upset in Sectionals. This wasn’t unexpected success but maybe a little quicker than expected. They have been tested this season and with only one win away from a 20-win season, next week’s matchup against Richmond in Sectionals holds a little more weight for GC.
Other Surprise Teams:
Lowell (18-5)
University (19-5)
South Newton (21-2)
Seeger (19-3)
Oak Hill (19-3)