Sectional Preview: 57
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 57.
Bloomfield (11-14) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
This past season was a tough one for Bloomfield as they have a very tough schedule with a ton of close games. Now, they return a big chunk of their team and have a couple really nice pieces in guys like Isaac Combs, A.J. Sipes, and Turner Royal. They will have more size than any other 1A team in their Sectional and they have found success using that before. This should be a big year for this program and would make some noise even into Regionals.
Clay City (7-17) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Clay City is still trying to get back to prominence from their 24-win season in 2014-15 as they have been building with youngsters the last few years. They only got 7 wins last year but they were in on enough of those losses that they could have been at 11-12 wins. Another year of development and growth could start to trend the win total back into double-digits this season.
Eminence (9-15) – Lost Sectional Finals
Eminence will be looking for a complete new direction with a new head coach and essentially a whole new roster. They lose six seniors and all of their size from last year. Now, they will bring back Shawn Michaelis, a junior, who averaged more than 10 points per game last year and hope that some of the underclassmen can give some effective minutes. Might be a tough year in for new head coach Scott Adams but in a Sectional that shouldn’t be too tough.
North Central (Farmersburg) (0-24) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Things can only go up from here for North Central as they lost every game last season. They went 0-24. They are also now on their third head coach in the last three years. Things won’t be fixed in one season but this team is only three years removed from a 13-win season. Some stability with the coaching staff would go a long, long way but things should get better moving forward, just not going to compete this season.
Shakamak (15-11) – Lost Regional Semifinal
Shakamak had a solid season last year under new head coach Nate O’Neal. They were only four games over .500 but were able to get through to Regional but fell to eventually State Champ, Indianapolis Tindley. Now, they lost their dominant scorer in Tanner Yeryar but have a deep incoming senior group that might bring a more balanced attack. Will be interesting to see who, if any can step up to replace Yeryar’s 21.7ppg. Still a strong program and could be in the mix at the end of the year.
White River Valley (5-19) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Last season might have been a tough one for White River Valley but this season could be a good one. They only won five games but Sectional Champ Shakamak likely won’t be as strong as last year. They also bring back all but one player, John Fink. This is still fairly a young team but one that is developing and a big jump in the win total wouldn’t shock at all. They bring back their top scorer and their size. A potential 10-15 win season should be right in there for potential.
Contenders For 2017-18: Bloomfield, Shakamak, White River Valley
Prediction: Bloomfield
Player to Watch: Isaac Combs (Bloomfield)