Sectional Preview: 37
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 37.
Lewis Cass (14-9) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
This past season was a good one for Lewis Cass who had their 6th straight year with more than 10 wins. Now, though, they must rebuild a bit as they lost three outgoing seniors and some of their good size. They still return 6’7 Kace Kitchel who should come in as their leading scorer and top rebounding threat. If they can find another player or two to join him in the starting rotation, Cass could make it a 7th straight year and contend for a Sectional Championship.
Manchester (8-17) – Lost Sectional Finals
Last season, Manchester went into Sectionals with only six wins but gained another two as they knocked off Lewis Cass and Rochester to make it to Sectional Finals. Part of the reason for the low win total might have been due to lack of senior contributors. They return nearly every major player except David Mcatee. If they can continue their build with a much stronger senior class, this could be a sneaky contender for the Sectional Championship.
North Miami (8-15) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
North Miami will be one of the few teams not only switching Sectionals but also classes. They move from 1A to 2A and jump into a much tougher Sectional. Not only that, they lose their top two scorers and only return four players with any significant minutes last year. They have a standout sophomore in Tristan Working who should slide into a leadership role on the ball. It will be a tough year for them as they spend time rebuilding.
Oak Hill (20-4) – Lost Sectional Semifinals
In the last three years, Oak Hill has won 61 games and been one of the more dominant teams in the entire state. Last year could be considered a disappointment as they lost in the Sectional Semifinals to Southwood. Now, they will be looking to make a deep, deep run in the state tournament as they return everyone and hopefully will have a fully healthy roster unlike last year. This team will be ranked from start to finish and be the odds on favorite to take this Sectional.
Rochester (5-17) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Rochester hasn’t won more than seven games in a season since 2010-11. They have struggled to get much going for the better part of a decade. Now, they bring back three of their top five scorers and will have a new head coach this season. While they likely won’t compete for the Sectional Championship, if things fall right, they could use a very easy schedule to rack up some wins for the first time in a while.
Wabash (9-14) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Last season, Wabash managed to get nine wins on the season and now they are set to build upon that as they bring back their top four scorers including a large core of underclass talent. They are really young but they did that last year and almost broke double-digit wins. This season could be one were they are able to get 10 or more wins for just the fifth time since 1993.
Contenders For 2017-18: Oak Hill, Lewis Cass, Manchester
Prediction: Oak Hill
Player to Watch: Caleb Middlesworth (Oak Hill)