Sectional Previews: 45
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 45.
Milan (12-12) – Lost Sectional Final
Milan had a really good year last year for their talent. They had eight guys on the roster and everyone played in 23 or more games. The problem with that is three of them were seniors and five were juniors so Milan is going to have to rely on their five returning players plus whatever freshmen they bring in this year and players from JV with no experience. Gonna be a tough year for them this year.
North Decatur (8-15) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
North Decatur had a down year last year with a ton of height on their team. You would have expected a better showing from a team with four guys taller than 6’5. This year North Decatur will be better but not great although I think since they have so much experience they will be able to contend a little for the sectional.
South Decatur (12-13) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
South Decatur had a ton of seniors last year but they do return their leading scorer and rebounder in the form of 6’6 Matt Cornett. Other than him, South Decatur will really be struggling for scoring this year. They return five guys, so like Milan they are going to have to get some guys with no varsity experience in and ready to play. With Cornett back, they will contend.
South Ripley (15-12) – Lost 1st Rd. Regional
South Ripley made a nice run in the tournament last year as they made it through sectionals and onto regionals. They lose their top two scorers but do return a lot of pieces that impacted the game last year. The loss of four seniors will hurt, but they do return quite a bit this year. I expect them to be a good candidate to repeat this year.
Southwestern (Hanover) (13-10) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Southwestern had a good year last year and won 13 games. I do expect that they will be around the same this year but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they win 10 games or if they win 16 games. This team is really a toss up after losing a few players but they will still contend this year.
Switzerland County (14-9) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
A big reason Switzerland County won 14 games last year were the twin towers inside the paint. Two guys standing 6’7 are always a hassle to defend and Switzerland County had that fortune. This year they lose one of those along with five others. It’ll be a tough task to replace but Switzerland County has the guys to do it with and I think they will contend this year.
Contenders For 2017-18: North Decatur, South Decatur, South Ripley, Southwestern (Hanover), Switzerland County
Prediction: South Ripley
Player to Watch: Matt Cornett (South Decatur)