Sectional Preview: 50
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 50.
Caston (2-22) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Caston really struggled last year just because they don’t really have much talent in terms of scoring ability. None of their returning underclassmen scored more than two points a game and they only have one player returning who scored more than three points a game. This will be another down year for them.
Covenant Christian (DeMotte) (9-16) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
The silver lining is their leading scorer return is returning for this year. The bad news is that their next three leading scorers all are gone this year. They have a decent sized senior class this year but not many of them contributed last year. This will be a two man show this year.
North White (3-20) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
North White loses their two leading scorers from last year and only return four guys who saw any type of varsity action. This team will be in full rebuild mode with a host of juniors and sophomores on the roster this year.
Pioneer (15-9) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Pioneer had a good year last year but this year will be much different. They lose half their contributors this year but do return their leading scorer from last year who will have to shoulder much of the load this year. With six juniors this year I think they are a year away from competing for a sectional.
South Newton (20-6) – Lost Sectional Final
South Newton had a great year last year but lose half their team to graduation. Returning is their leading scorer but not much other than that. They will compete again this year but they will not win as many games as last year due to sheer talent loss. Only two players that averaged more than a point a game return.
Tri-County (23-3) – Lost 1st Rd. Regional
Tri-County has had some sustained success over the past few years and this year will be no different. They do lose some impact players but return their workhorse, Bennie Patterson, along with a few other contributors from last year. Tri-County won’t be as good this year but still look to be the best team in this sectional.
West Central (2-21) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
West Central was bad last year and they’ll be even worse this year. They lose their leading scorer but return their second leading scorer, after that though, there isn’t anything behind him. It’ll be a rough year for West Central again this year.
Contenders For 2017-18: Pioneer, South Newton, Tri-County
Prediction: Tri-County
Player to Watch: Bennie Patterson (Tri-County)