Sectional Preview: 9
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 9.
Connersville (27-2) – Lost 1st Rd. Regional
Connersville lost five really good players and two of those can’t be replaced. Two guys who scored more than a point come back so this will be a year where Connersville rebuilds a bit. They will have a lot of wins but only because they play quite a few weak schools. I expect them to contend but just won’t win.
Greenfield-Central (12-13) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
Greenfield-Central has the pieces coming back this year to be successful and with a new coach, very well could be. Will O’Connor is one of the better players in this sectional and he led the team with 15.7 points a game last year. This year should be a better one for them and will contend.
Mount Vernon (Fortville) (14-9) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Mount Vernon had a few really good players last year and still couldn’t get past the first round of sectionals. This year they will struggle a bit after losing their top three players and are still relatively young. Their best talent is still in the junior class so they may still be a year away.
New Palestine (7-17) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
New Palestine this year could flip their record from last year and it wouldn’t surprise me at all. They are super young and only lost three guys to graduation. Their leading scorer from last year is now a sophomore and I wouldn’t be surprised if he leads them to a sectional championship.
Pendleton Heights (17-7) – Lost 1st Rd. Sectional
Losing just two main contributors to graduation last year and this year will have four juniors that see a ton of time. Eli Pancol is poised for a breakout year and will make opposing defenses fear them and they return two other guys who averaged more than 10 points a game as well.
Richmond (2-23) – Lost 2nd Rd. Sectional
There is only one way to go for Richmond and that is up. Christian Harvey returns and with that the bulk of their scoring comes back. After averaging 24.1 points a game last year, he will certainly increase that number and with that the number of wins will increase. Rickie Wedlow will also contribute a lot more than he did last year.
Contenders For 2017-18: Connersville, Greenfield-Central, New Palestine, Pendleton Heights
Prediction: Pendleton Heights
Player to Watch: Christian Harvey (Richmond)