Sectional Preview: 41
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 41.
Cambridge City Lincoln (14-8) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Cambridge City lost a ton of talent but still have one of the best players in 2A on their team, Garrett Pumphrey. He alone can provide wins as he is a double-double machine and won’t let anyone in the paint to score. It’ll be a rough year but they do return enough I think they may have a shot.
Centerville (13-10) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Centerville lost a ton of players who contributed last year but they played so many players they return six who played in every game. They will be able to score but I am not so sure with the defensive players they lost they will be able to keep up. They will win about the same number of games this year but won’t highly contend.
Hagerstown (17-8) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Last year was a really good showing for Hagerstown as they won 17 games in the regular season. This year after losing four very good contributors they won’t be nearly as good as last year. They do return a high level player, Jalen Oliver, but he won’t be able to carry the load this year. They will be decent but not great.
Northeastern (22-6) – Lost Regional Final
When you lose your two leading scorers and over 60% of your scoring in a year usually you aren’t set up very well for the next year. Northeastern will be fine with a ton of talent still on this team and a few good freshmen coming in. They can shoot the ball really well and sophomore Jordan Stolle is poised for a breakout year.
Union County (13-13) – Lost Sectional Final
Union County had a good run to the sectional final last year and this year they return the bulk of that team. They lose their leading scorer from last year but that’s about it. They are senior heavy this year and when that happens it always is a potent team. I look for them again to make a deep run.
Winchester (11-11) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Winchester won 11 games last year but didn’t have much of a chance in sectionals with a ton of very good teams. This year after losing their top talent it will be even tougher for them to make a run. They will still be pretty decent but I don’t think they can compete with the top teams.
Contenders For 2017-18: Cambridge City Lincoln, Centerville, Northeastern, Union County
Prediction: Union County
Player to Watch: Garrett Pumphrey (Cambridge City Lincoln)