Run it Back!

<p><i>The season didn’t end the way that these team had hoped for but the upcoming 2019-2020 season will give these squads a chance at redemption. We take a closer look at some of the teams that reached the state championship game last year and will be looking to make a return trip this year.</i></p> <p><b>Henderson Collegiate</b>: The talent that they have returning after an outstanding playoff run last season should only make fans in the Henderson area very excited. The difference between their team and many other public school squads is the chemistry that they seem to have as many of their players have played together for quite a few years. Be on the lookout for standouts such as: Kalib Matthews, Akhiris Holden, Kameron Brooks, Javonte Waverly and JaQuaveon Venable to all have some big time games throughout the year as they try and reach the goal that they came up two points short of last year.</p> <p><b>Village Christian</b>: VCA has been in the state championship game for three out of four seasons last year, winning back to back chips in 2016 &amp; 2017. They matched up with nationally ranked Carmel Christian last year who was a team with 7 seniors headed to play college basketball and a record that was pretty impressive. They Knights nearly pulled off an upset but would come up short in the final moments, however VCA will have a chance once again this year as they return two D1 prospects in Guards Zavian Mclean and Justin Thomas.</p> <p><b>Wayne Country Day</b>: WCDS would have to be considered the ‘‘ Cinderella’’ team in the NCISAA state playoffs last year as they came in as a low seed but made one of the more impressive runs that we got the chance to see. They lose some players due to graduation but return a nice amount of talent as well as adding some very talented transfers, we expect this group to only get better as the season goes on.</p> <p><b>Northwood Temple</b>: They had an up and down season last year but would come into the state tournament as the #3 seed. With one of the better backcourts in the state of Jamahri Harvey &amp; Josh Nickelberry, they were able to put the ball in the bucket at a high level and make it all the way to the state championship before coming up short to Greenfield. This season the roster will look very different but with transfer Guard Jaquantae Harris&amp; Jay Hickman along with Wing transfer Reggie Raynor, the Eagles should have another successful year.</p> <p><b>Christ School</b>: They came into the state playoffs as the #8 seed so for many, it wasn’t expected that they would make a run to the championship round. However they caught fire at the right time and showed that they had some prospects of their own that could compete, but would come up short to GDS. Don’t be surprised to see them make another run as they not only return a nice amount of talent but they also normally have a nice amount of talented transfers in.</p>