Sectional Preview: 30
The coming high school season is almost upon us. With that, we are taking a look at each Sectional in the state. Starting with 64 and ending with 1. Today, we are previewing Sectional 30.
Brownstown Central (24-3) – Lost Regional Semifinal
For Brownstown Central, this past season has been about par for the course as they are among the most consistent teams in the state at any level. They have now won 20 or more games in every season except one since 2008-09, also winning 6 Sectional Championships. Just a ridiculous record that isn’t topped by many all time in Indiana. However, this Sectional was very down last year relative to other season. They should be back on the upswing with teams like North Harrison, Silver Creek, and Charlestown getting a youth boost. They are still the class of 3A South but it won’t be as easy as last year.
Charlestown (12-11) – Lost Sectional Semifinals
This past season was one where Charlestown wasn’t able to capitalize as much as they would have wanted. They drew the bye game in tough Sectional but then got Brownstown Central. Now, they will have a big rebuilding project to endure as they lose five of their top six scorers including standout Jordan Knoebel who averaged 20.8 points per game. They only return Isaiah Harris (10.4ppg) that averaged more than 3.0ppg last season. It will be a long year unless they are able to put together a big development of multiple players. Might be a year or so off from really doing a ton of damage in this Sectional.
Corydon Central (8-16) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
It has been a few years since Corydon Central has been able to really compete in this Sectional. 2014-15 was the year where most of their talent graduated. They have been building it back up and while they lose a good chunk of seniors, they bring back Joey Wiseman (10.3ppg) and the rest of a big incoming Senior group. If they can get some of these guys going, they could continue to build this program back up a bit and have a relatively competitive season. Double-digit wins is possible for this group.
North Harrison (11-12) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
This could be the team that is able to compete with Brownstown Central in this Sectional as they bring back nearly everyone and add a big time freshman to the mix. Only Jake Troxell has graduated and they have plenty of size on this roster. They also bring in 6’6 freshman Langdon Hatton who should impact things from Day 1. He’s a guy that will be a higher level prospect state-wide in this 2021 class. Given their 11 wins from last year and more coming in than leaving, there could be a big boost with another year of development across the entire roster.
Salem (22-3) – Lost Sectional Finals
Salem put together a great season last year, amassing 22 wins and having their best season since arguably 2008-09 when they went 20-5 and lost in the Regional Finals. While they are losing a big senior class with guys like Jalen Nice (Anderson Univ. commit), they do bring back two key pieces in Hunter Weedin and Xavier Haendiges. They had times last year where they were able to be big impact guys. Now, they should be able to be your duo in 2017-18 and give Salem another year to compete at the top of this Sectional.
Scottsburg (5-19) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Scottsburg is a program that has had a bunch of solid seasons but no great ones, not since the early 2000’s. The last time they won a Sectional was 2004-05 when they went 21-5 and made it all the way to Regional Finals. Now, they come off a season with a new head coach and a 5-19 record. Things likely will still be tough for them as this is a very top loaded Sectional but if they can right the ship a bit, they could be ready in another season to compete.
Silver Creek (15-9) – Lost Sectional Semifinals
Along with Brownstown Central, Silver Creek has been the class of 3A South for quite a while and this team is set to have another big year and compete at the top for another Sectional Championship. They only lose two seniors, one of which is Cameron Stephens who averaged 15.6 points per game last season. However, most of the team is back and they also bring in some solid freshman that could help early on in their careers. They also have Zane Gross back who scored 15.0 ppg last year and should be able to improve upon his numbers and lead this team into March.
Contenders For 2017-18: Brownstown Central, North Harrison, Salem, Silver Creek
Prediction: Brownstown Central
Player to Watch: Zane Gross (Silver Creek)