Open Gym Notebook: Carmel
The month of September brings with it the beginning of open gym season. Over the next month-plus, we will be out on the road checking in on different high school programs from around the state. Here are our notes from our trip to Carmel.
Last Season: Last year, Carmel one again had a great season but came up short in Regionals. However, a 22-win season is really well regarded after they had some struggles early in the year. They got big efforts from their younger core players that helped to stem things through until the end of the season.
Biggest Changes: The biggest changes from last year is obviously a new head coach. Scott Heady is now at Marian University and his top assistant Ryan Osborn is taking over. Ryan should provide a lot of the same qualities that Heady did but also maybe a little bit different style. Carmel also lost guys like Sterling Brown, Alex Falender, and P.J. Baron. They are younger than they were a year ago but a deep junior and senior class.
Player To Watch: Andrew Owens (Jr.) – With the way this team is setup, expectations are that size will be impactful. Carmel is guard heavy with talented players but they will need a player like Owens to be able to drive and be physical in the post and in the middle of the floor. He’s got the chance to own his role and provide a different element which could help stabilize this team.
New Face On Roster: Cole Brady (Jr.) – Brady has really developed in the last year. He’s a guy that has started to figure things out and now will come in as a capable role player with legit size in the post. He’s someone that can provide some offense as well. This team always seems to get some football players to fill roles but Brady can be a much bigger upgrade in the post on both ends of the floor.
Expectations: Expectations for Carmel are always going to be high and this year is no exception. There is a little unknown with how this team might run where in the previous seasons you knew exactly what they are doing without having to ask. They have the talent on the roster to put up massive amounts of offense but if their shots aren’t falling they may have a bit of a downswing. Schedule is tough as always with key games against New Albany, Cathedral, Hamilton Southeastern, and Lawrence North. Getting back to Regionals is within reach but HSE will be there and waiting once again.