Sectional Preview: 58
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 58.
Bethesda Christian (21-5) – Lost Sectional Finals
Last year, Bethesda Christian won 21 games but it should have been more. They had some close losses to bad teams but this year they could be even better. Only losing four seniors, only one of which averaged 2.3 points, they return 10 seniors. I look for Bethesda Christian to be a dark horse in 1A this year due to their sheer return of players last year.
Indiana Deaf (11-13) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectionals
Indiana Deaf lost three of their top four scorers from last year and they look to enter a bit of a rebuild type year this year. They have a sophomore that’s really good who was second on the team in scoring last year, but he won’t be able to lead them to a winning record this year. They have the parts and the youth, they just need one more year.
Indiana Math and Science (15-9) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
After a 15-9 season, IMS has a new coach. Coming over from Guerin Catholic, the former girl’s coach hopes to make IMS a contender. With six seniors gone, it will be a process. But with a plethora of quick guards, IMS could make some noise in this sectional if it comes together.
Indianapolis International (11-12) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
International isn’t a typical power but with one of the tallest players in the state on their team (6’10 JR Mawich Kachjaani), they can’t be taken lightly. They lost four seniors but return their top three scorers from last year so this could be a very interesting year for International. Expect to see a lot of double-doubles coming from their big man.
Indianapolis Metropolitan (6-16) – DNC
Last year Indianapolis Metropolitan struggled to gain any momentum. They lost six seniors and with that a lot of scoring. They return two pretty decent players so I don’t think they will be awful, they will continue the trend that started after their win at state six years ago.
University (13-11) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectionals
University was off to a hot start last year and then faltered hard down the stretch losing ten of their last fifteen games of the year. They have a huge senior class this year and only lost two players. They should be better this year but probably will still be an average team that has the potential to pull off a few upsets.
Contenders For 2017-18: Bethesda Christian, International, University
Prediction: Bethesda Christian
Player to Watch: Mawich Kachjaani (International)