2A Regional Preview
With the completion of the Sectional Championships this past weekend, we take a look at every Regional in the state. Here we take a look at 2A. Greenfield–Central (Cloverdale, Northeastern, Broad Ripple, Indianapolis Howe) – You knew coming in that Cloverdale…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the completion of the Sectional Championships this past weekend, we take a look at every Regional in the state. Here we take a look at 2A.
Greenfield–Central (Cloverdale, Northeastern, Broad Ripple, Indianapolis Howe) – You knew coming in that Cloverdale could be solid but outside of Cooper Neese, they weren’t sure who would step up but sophomore Jalen Moore is averaging over 18 points per game and has given them a legit second scorer. In 2A that is enough to win a lot of games. The problem is that Northeastern is among the best in the state regardless of class. Broad Ripple has plenty of skilled guys who can shoot and handle the ball and play a tick faster than most. However, a first round matchup with Howe will be a huge test as Broad Ripple has already beaten them by 7, a second win will be tougher. A Howe vs. Northeastern game is the expected matchup and would provide plenty of fireworks if it came about.
Lapel (Oak Hill, Covington, Eastern (Greentown), Lapel) – Oak Hill has continued to be a really good team despite losing some guys last season but they have a pair of difficult matchups in front of them. Covington isn’t one of the better teams left in 2A but they can still spell upset if they get all of their pieces going in the same game, something that has been tough at times. Eastern has already upset some teams this season and Lapel is on alert heading into this one. If all ends the way it is predicted, an Oak Hill vs. Lapel game would be one of the best in the entire state on Saturday night. Both teams have an asset that other 2A teams really don’t have, Lapel is one of the longest teams and Oak Hill is one of the tallest. It could be a battle and a toss up in the Championship game.
Paoli (Providence, South Spencer, Linton-Stockton, North Decatur) – In this Regional, you have two teams that stand above the other two and a lot of the reason why is because of their past experience. Linton-Stockton and Providence. In the last four years, Linton has won 4 straight Sectional titles, 2 Regional titles, and a Semistate Championship. Providence has two Sectionals Championships and a Regional title with as many or more wins than anyone else in 2A. However, North Decatur has been very good the last two years. Linton-Stockton is the team to watch, though. They went five overtimes against South Knox and that can only make you a little tougher in a pivotal time of the year.
North Judson (Marquette Catholic, Hammond Noll, Fort Wayne Canterbury, Westview) – Hammond Noll’s upset of Bowman Academy has a lot of eyes on them in this round. They went to Semistate last season and are trying to make another run this year. However, Marquette Catholic is standing in their way. Noll won the first matchup this season but Marquette seemed to take a step forward after the loss, improving their offense and winning 8 of their next 9 games. One the other side of the bracket, Canterbury has had to fight to get to this point. They only outscored their Sectional opponents by 11 combined points. Westview as the same way, outscoring their opponents by 8 combined points. Both teams have double-digit losses but their fighting spirit down the stretch could make it entertaining. However, would guess the first game of the first round will likely be for the Championship.