Sectional Preview: 39
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 39.
Alexandria (14-10) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Alexandria played a relatively easy schedule last year and made the most of it winning 14 games. Most of their losses came by 10 or more points so they were winning the games they should and losing to the tougher opponents. Avery Paddock comes back as their leading scorer from a year ago and he should lead them to another double-digit win total since only four seniors left the squad.
Eastbrook (6-18) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Eastbrook had two really good players last year and they both return for this year. They only lose two guys who contributed a lot last year. Their best player is a senior and he scored 19.7 points a game. I think that Eastbrook will at least double their wins this year.
Eastern (Greentown) (8-17) – Lost Sectional Final
Eastern loses three players from last year but return their leading scorer who averaged just 9.9 points a game last year. Eastern has a shot at being better this year but last year they just couldn’t score the ball. For this reason I think they’ll stay right about the same amount of wins and may hit double-digits while contending again this year since they can get hot at times.
Madison-Grant (13-12) – Lost 1st Rd. Regional
Madison-Grant won the sectional last year, but I don’t think they will repeat this year. They lose six seniors from that team and only return three guys, one being their leading scorer from last year. They will probably still win 8-10 games but I just don’t see them making it to regionals again this year.
Taylor (7-19) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Taylor struggled last year but still won seven games. They lose five seniors but return 12 seniors this year so that will be good for them since they will have some experience coming back. I don’t expect them to contend but they may win 10 games or so this year.
Tipton (17-9) – Lost Regional Final
Tipton has been really good for a long period of time. Even though they lose three guys that played a ton of minutes including their best player, they are so well coached I down think they will miss a beat and they will continue their streak of single digit losses. They are going to be better than people think this year because they are so tough nosed. Moving back down to 2A this year will help as well.
Contenders For 2017-18: Alexandria, Eastern (Greentown), Tipton
Prediction: Tipton
Player to Watch: Ryan Mansberger (Eastbrook)