Sectional Preview: 49
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 49.
Gary 21st Century (19-9) – Lost Semi-State
Gary got a lot farther than I would have imagined last year They had a freshman step up and play big minutes and score a lot of points. They also return one of the best 1A players, DeAndre Gholston, who is committed to Kent State. These two alone would lead them to the sectional crown, but they have some other pieces that are going to help them this year.
Hammond Science & Tech (1-21) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Hammond Science and Tech had a bad year last year and this year it won’t be much different. The team struggles to score the ball and with not much talent on the team, they year will be no different for them.
Kouts (12-11) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Kouts last year should have had more wins as they had six losses within seven points. They lose their second and third leading scorer but return everyone else that played a role. They have four guys returning that played a lot and they are in a position this year to do pretty well. A 15-17 win season isn’t out of the question
LaCrosse (5-18) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
LaCrosse struggled mightily last year even though they had three guys average double-digit scoring. They lose two of them so that means they are going to even struggle more this year. They will have experience with 13 returners coming back that saw varsity time, but it’s hard to replace the scoring they lost.
Morgan Twp. (10-12) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Morgan Township is going to be a different team this year than they were last year and that’s not a bad thing. They lose two seniors and with them goes 40% of the team’s scoring last year. This team is loaded with senior role players and two very good juniors. I think they may pull off a 12-13 win season this year and look like one of those teams that could be dangerous in the postseason.
Washington Twp. (12-10) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Washington Township was a little down last year but I think that they will be right back in it this year even though they lose two of their top three scorers. They have four guys coming back that played a ton and they all showed that they can score the ball. I don’t think that they will be in a position to win the sectional, but they could sneak out with a upset win.
Westville (19-7) – Lost Sectional Final
Westville had a really good year but just couldn’t get by Gary 21st Century in the sectional final. This year they will return their two leading scorers but not much other than that after losing four seniors. Their top four last year all scored 9.1 a game or more highlighted by returner, Cade Albers who lit it up at 19.0 points a game. This year will again be good for them.
Contenders For 2017-18: Gary 21st Century, Kouts, Morgan Twp., Washington Twp., Westville
Prediction: Gary 21st Century
Player to Watch: Cade Albers (Westville)