A Look Ahead: 3 Teams, 3 Games, 3 Players
Each week this year we are going to preview the upcoming games by listing our 3 teams, 3 games, and 3 players to keep an eye on. This will be a post that happens every Monday this season to tune you into the things you need to keep an eye out for. These are the things you should keep an eye on for the week of November 26th – December 1st.
3 Games
Hamilton Heights vs. New Castle
Lots of storylines in this one as New Castle is going to be a team to keep an eye on this year. Hamilton Heights looked really good in a win against Lebanon but then dropped a contest against Mt. Vernon (Fortville). New Castle beat Greenwood last week but it was a lot closer than people thought it would be. It’ll be interesting to see how New Castle handles Hamilton Heights and their guards. Luke Bumbalough is going to have to have a huge game.
Cathedral vs. Center Grove
One of the biggest games this week takes place at Center Grove. Cathedral beat a good 2A team, Howe, last week and showed that they are really able to run with the ball. Center Grove presents a much different challenge as they have one of the best players in the state. The guard play is a question mark for Center Grove and this will really test it early on. This will be the place to be on Friday night.
Westfield vs. Zionsville
This past week we watch both of these teams and found out some key things that we are going to have to watch in this one. Zionville has one of the biggest lineups in the state but behind Isaiah Thompson, lack guard play. Westfield’s guards really impressed us and they are looking like the best group they have had in a long while. I don’t expect Zionsville to lose this one but it is going to likely be closer than a lot of people expect.
3 Teams
Bloomington South
While Bloomington South lost a little talent from last year, I don’t think anyone expected them to drop both of their first two games. They lost by six at 3A Edgewood and by seven at 4A New Albany. The schedule doesn’t get any easier this week as they host 4A Bedford North Lawrence. BNL just won the Linton-Stockton tournament which included a big win over the hosts. Bloomington South really needs a win in this game to avoid an 0-3 start for the first time in over 25 years.
Avon
Avon looked terrible in their season opening loss to Plainfield, but then looked quite a bit better in a huge win over Mooresville. I think that this is a team this year that is going to be very up-and-down with two transfers in at the guard spot. They are looking to run with the ball this year and this week we will really see if they are able to do so. They play HSE on Friday and Danville on Saturday. If they play like they did against Plainfield – this could be a long week for them.
Fort Wayne Blackhawk
FW Blackhawk did not play a game last week, so their opening two games come this week. They have two formidable opponents in 4A Fort Wayne North and 3A New Haven. FW North is not nearly as strong as in years past and New Haven looked solid in a 19-point win this past week. These two games are going to be really tough for FW Blackhawk to start the year as a 1A program. The favorite to get to state from the North, winning these two would make a statement.
3 Players
Luke Brown (Blackford)
Brown has gotten off to another really good start to the season and he’s got 75 points through the first two games. They play Monroe Central and Blue River this week and I think to get two wins, he is going to have to score 40 or more points in each game. Brown is going to lead the state in scoring this year again and he’ll have to play like it if Blackford is going to get to next week 4-0.
Cameron Alford (Brownsburg)
Alford is going to face two very different teams this week. Franklin Central on Friday and then Laporte LaLumiere on Saturday. Alford is going to be a key guy in both of these games. He will have to play really well on Saturday to give Brownsburg a chance of staying close. Friday will be a good warmup for him although I would love for him to start showing a little bit of range. Franklin Central presents a good opportunity for him to do so.
Lucas Kroft (Richmond)
We will finally see what the new look Richmond Red Devils look like this week. They travel on the road for a game Friday against North Central and then Saturday head to East Central. Both of these teams are likely to poise a new challenge challenge to a team with four transfers in this year. Kroft, one of those transfers, is going to be a key player since he has faced this type of competition before. Look for Richmond to look for Kroft to provide some direction. I will be keeping a close eye on the North Central game.