Notebook: Charlie Hughes Small School
This past weekend was the Charlie Hughes Shootout, one of the best June events all month. It was packed with 50 of the top Varsity teams from around the state of Indiana. Today, we are looking at some of the top teams from the Small School Division.
Covenant Christian – This Covenant Christian team will have some struggles again this year but they look headed in the right direction. They seemed more balanced and energetic. Jordan Webb and Josiah Grant should provide a big part of the scoring. They really lack size but with the improved effort and balance, they could eclipse their 8-wins from last season if the schedule falls right.
Broad Ripple – There were a ton of expectations heading into the State Playoffs last year for Ripple and they lost in the first round. They lose Patrick Wilburn and Sam Colbert but really they bring back a good chunk with guys like Caleb Brown, Demetrius Young, Noham Kibrom, and Evan Turner. They need a point guard to step up because they have all the wing and forward pieces to be really successful. If one of the guards shows the ability to control the game they could go on another regular season run again. Expectations are high again this year.
Indianapolis Howe – Not sure how the whole coaching thing will go down with Howe but they should have enough talent to be competitive again. However, they same issues they had last year remain. Outside of Tony Hopkins and Kycia Washington, who else can step up to be that dominant third scoring threat. Jeff Sultzer wasn’t bad last year and could be that guy. If he is, they could make another deep run in 2A.
Indianapolis Metropolitan – Metropolitan was just okay last year but they look like they could be a bit more competitive this season and possibly beat their 9-win season last year. They are long and athletic and have some size with a couple 6’5 forwards on the roster. 6’5 wing Mike Jones is back after averaging 12.3 and 6.5 last season. He could be the catalyst for this team this year.
Westview – This Westview team has been pretty solid for a few years now and they could do that again as Elijah Hales looks as good as he has for this group. The 6’2 guard scored 16 ppg last season and could and should repeat that. You also have Charlie Yoder who added 10.5 points. They don’t have size but they can handle the ball well and have a few guards that can really score the ball and have just enough toughness.