Sectional Preview: 55
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 55.
Anderson Prep Academy (1-23) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
For Anderson Prep, they are still a fairly new program and to date, the most wins in a single season for them is 6. Now, they are sitting in a good spot with only one major departure from last season. Obviously, you don’t expect a 20-win season but they could possibly get to reach their 6-win mark or surpass it.
Cowan (7-15) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Cowan is coming off a 7-win season and looking to replace their top scorer in Shea Ingles (17.7ppg). It won’t be easy but they bring back a pair of near double figure scorers in Declan Gill and Simon Underwood. They also get an easier Sectional with Liberty rebuilding a bit where they could be a strong contender this time around. They lost three OT games last year. Flip those around and you are right in things.
Daleville (5-19) – Lost Sectional Semifinal
Daleville was fairly competitive despite their bad record last season. They were in quite a few games. Now, they lost their top scorer but they bring back a ton of talent. They also have a post player in Nick Williams that could really have a big year and a true post in 1A could really boost them this year. Much like Cowan, you could easily see how they could improve upon last year.
Liberty Christian (13-15) – Lost Regional Finals
Liberty Christian has been on a run for some years now. They now have a new era coming in and will be some rebuilding. They lose a big senior class including Ronny Williams (22.9ppg) and Tarik Dixon (12.9ppg). That is going to be extremely difficult. Their streak of 6 straight Sectionals could be at risk this year. It will be up to Isaiah Brens and Josh Tufts to lead the new look Liberty Christian.
Southern Wells (12-11) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
For Southern Wells, they are looking at continuing to grow a bit as they bring back their top two scorers and three of their top five. They will also have some size coming back as well. This is a group that was able to amass 12 wins last year and just ran into Liberty Christian again. They are setup this year to be among the to teams again and Liberty might have to be rebuilding.
Wes–Del (17-8) – Lost Sectional Finals
Last season was a great one for Wes-Del as they won 17 games, the most since 2006-07. But, like everyone else in this Sectional for the last six years they ran into Liberty Christian in the finals. The issue they face now is that they will lose their top two scorers who combined to average 35.1ppg last season. That is a massive amount and will bring with it some struggles. Reality, though, is that this Sectional is now wide open for the first time in a while.
Contenders For 2017-18: Liberty Christian, Southern Wells, Wes-Del, Cowan, Daleville
Prediction: Southern Wells
Player to Watch: Joshua Tufts (Liberty Christian)