Sectional Preview: 60
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 60.
Hauser (16-10) – Lost Regional Semifinal
This Hauser group from last year was steady all season and has been building after a 1-win season a few years back. Now, they are looking at a slightly tougher Sectional with the addition of Morristown. Senior post Alex Gross will be asked to step up this year and all signs this summer are pointing to his possible success this upcoming season. Hauser has a chance with legit size at the 1A level. Look for another 15+ win season.
Jac-Cen-Del (2-22) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
A year ago, Jac-Cen-Del didn’t have a senior on the roster. Not one. Now, they will bring back a half dozen upperclassmen along with a large and fairly talented sophomore group. They have size in the post with Connor Hubbard along with a pair of sophomores in Brandon Baber and Justin Ohlmansiek that could both help on the wings. While last year was one to forget, the youth movement should give them a better boost this season, however, they still might be one year out from really competing.
Morristown (17-9) – Lost Sectional Finals
Morristown gets lucky with their move to this new Sectional as the Edinburgh Sectional was extremely deep last year. Now, they should come in as the favorite with a great core of talent led by senior guard Hayden Langkabel. Between Hayden, Eli Streeval, and Logan Laster, that group will be the best in not only this Sectional but able to compete with any other 1A team this season.
Oldenburg Academy (22-4) – Lost Sectional Finals
Oldenburg had a tremendous season last year but came up short to Hauser in the Sectional Finals. Now, they are going to have to regroup as they lose their standout in Ben Kinker. In face, they lose their top three scorers and Owen Sprleder is top returning scorer averaging only 3.7ppg. It will be a much more difficult year but a lot of their younger players got some run last year so they have some experience after graduating a 5-man senior class.
Rising Sun (4-20) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
For Rising Sun, they are looking ahead following a season where they only won four games. They did win all four in the second half of the season with a very tough schedule. They bring back their top three scorers from last year as well as some legit size for 1A. They don’t lose anything massive and the Sectional as a whole shouldn’t be too difficult except the top two in Hauser and Morristown. Doubling their win total or even getting into double-digits is definitely within range.
Southwestern (Shelbyville) (10-13) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Southwestern has been solid the last couple years and they are just one year removed from their last Sectional Championship. Last year they started off a little slow but went 6-5 in the final 11 games last year. They are one of those teams that goes through runs of success and followed by lulls, the question will be can they keep this success going this season against two really good teams at the top of the Sectional.
Waldron (7-17) – Lost Sectional Semifinal
For Waldron, this is a turn-the-page moment for the program after issues last year along with only a 7-win season. They have a new head coach, lost four seniors from last year, and a new culture. Likely looking ahead to another down year, they should have a chance to find some success with a much easier schedule than a year ago.
Contenders For 2017-18: Morristown, Hauser
Prediction: Morristown
Player to Watch: Hayden Langkabel (Morristown)