Preseason Team Rankings: #26

<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 #26.</p> <p><b>1A #26: Attica</b><br /> Attica is coming off their best season is a while going 11-13 and getting a win in Sectionals as well as being ranked late in the year. Now, they have some momentum as they bring back some pieces to build on. Their schedule is quite winnable and if some guys like Brandte Pattengale, Seth Hartman, and Eli Kirkpatrick can return and take steps up to replace the loss of a guy like Aulton Martin, there is some upside for this team.</p> <p><strong>2A #26: LaVille</strong><br /> Over the last few years, LaVille has been causing a ruckus with their winning streaks. They won 23 straight before losing their only game in 2017-18 against Westview in Sectionals. Last year, they started off the year going 8-0 but were bounced in Sectionals again. Their team returns some upperclassmen but they lose their top three scorers. However, Sectional realignment has moved Westview out and should give them a better chance at the end of the season.</p> <p><strong>3A #26: Batesville</strong><br /> Batesville is one of those teams led by coach Aaron Garrett that just brings back guys and competes each and every year. They have a talent pipleine that can keep them in play every year. Senior guard Colt Meyer is back with his 14.3 points per game and should be very difficult to play against. They might have lost some size but their team is almost going to entirely be built on seniors and juniors. Look for this team to be in the mix in every game this season.</p> <p><b>4A #26: Fort Wayne Northrop<br /> </b>Northrop is one of those teams that on paper lost a ton but could bounce back very quick. They are losing Isaac Anderson and Sydney Curry are massive blows as both were difference makers. However, they have a good freshman class coming in along with some size on the wing. Qualen Pettus (6'4) and Khamani Smith (6'5) on the wing will be so tough to deal with. Looks for Tenoah Ridley and Tarron White to step up this year into leadership roles. While most Fort Wayne schools are in a little bit of a rebuild, Northrop and Blackhawk should battle this out for the best teams in the area.</p>