Preseason Team Rankings: #44

<p>It’s now creeping up on the start of the high school season and we are looking to start our series of previews on some of the best teams in the state. Today, Eric Gardner and Kyler Staley join up to start our deep dive into some of these teams.</p> <p>Our series will take a look at the best teams in the state for each class with our rankings. Starting at #50 and going to #1, we will look at each class ranking across all classes starting now with #44.</p> <p><b>1A #44: Shakamak </b><br /> The Lakers are coming into this season off a horrid 6-20 record last year. The team this year is loaded with incoming seniors thus should make them a very mature team. Look for 5-11 smooth guard Coy Gilbert and 5-7 captain Devin Stienstra to control the backcourt this season. As far as the post is concerned, look for 6-4 big men Ethan Webb and Tyler Vivian to provide the post presence. They do have a better chance to improve this season and avenge their close loss to Bloomfield last year in Sectional. If Shakamak can show off their maturity and be smart with their decision making on the court, they have a tremendous opportunity to have a great turnaround from last year’s terrible showing. Look out for the Lakers.</p> <p><strong>2A #44: North Decatur </strong><br /> After coming off a solid 14-9 record and close Sectional loss to Milan, the Chargers return a loaded class of incoming seniors. They will be led by a great senior backcourt duo Garrett Wood and Craig Adams, who are both smart players that can also stroke it from behind the arc. Look for senior power forward Sean Means to be the main man in the post. This is an extremely guard heavy squad and they will need to answer a lot post questions. Even with the post concerns, they still should be one of the favorites to win their Sectional along with Milan. If this team can figure out their post needs, they could be one of the more dangerous squads this season.</p> <p><strong>3A #44: Jimtown</strong><br /> After coming off a solid 13-10 record, Jimtown will have 8 incoming seniors that will make up most of this year’s squad. Most eyes will be locked on 6-7 big man, Preston Phillips. This senior is one of the most well-rounded talents in the state with his incredible pass accuracy and presence down low both offensively and defensively. This is a very physical team and has an incredible chance to have a much better regular season even with great teams such as Mishawaka Marian and South Bend Washington still in their Sectional. This will be a very mature team with the talent to lead them to success at the same time. Look out for the Jimmies this upcoming season.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><strong>4A #44: Franklin Community <br /> </strong>Coming off a 19-8 record, Franklin Community will be looking to avenge their one-point loss to Center Grove in the Sectional Finals a season ago. This year, the Grizzly Cubs will only return one of their top four scorers from last season. That returning lead scorer will be senior forward Drew Byerly, who averaged 9.5 ppg and 4.7 rpg. Look for 6ft senior wing Cody Mahler and junior guard Damon Dickey to make a leap forward and provide some much-needed perimeter shooting. Franklin Community has a chance to repeat a great regular season. It will be their Sectionals that will truly test this team as Center Grove and Shelbyville will be ready to compete. With the talent they have returning, Franklin Community should be in for a great season.</p>