Preseason Team Rankings: #27

<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 #27.</p> <p><b>1A #27: Wes-Del</b><br /> The Warriors will be looking to build off their solid 13-10 record a season ago. They will have every chance to do so as they will return their top five lead scores from last year. Wes-Del will likely be led by double-digit scoring trio Caedan MccLaughry (12.8 ppg), Keegan Newsome (11.9 ppg), and Evan Whitesell (10.4 ppg). Also look at other returning lead scorers like Eric Harlan (9.8 ppg) and Joel Dowling (8.4 ppg) to both have a breakout season and reach double-digit scoring numbers. This Wes-Del team returns a great crop of talent that has lots of varsity experience. Look for them to improve this year and be one of the favorites, along with Liberty Christian, to win Sectional.            </p> <p><strong>2A #27: Cloverdale</strong><br /> The Clovers will be looking to improve tremendously as they will be coming into this season off a bad 10-14 record and blowout Sectional loss to Monrovia. Cloverdale does however return a solid group of talent. They will be led by 6'1 sophomore shooting guard Kyle Thomas (17.1 ppg). This smooth scorer will be looking to build off of his incredible freshman campaign and look to be one the top guards in the state. Look for junior guard Nolan Kelly (7.7 ppg) to take a leap forward and distribute the ball better this year as well. This is a squad that will need some JV guys to come in and fill some huge roles. With that said, look for this year's team to still be one of the favorites in their Sectional.     </p> <p><strong>3A #27: Evansville Memorial</strong><br /> The Tigers will be coming into this upcoming season off a 16-10 record and Sectional Championship to add to it. They will, however, lose a really talented outgoing senior class that was crucial to their success last season. The good news is that they return their second lead scorer, Cade Graham (13.8 ppg). This prospect is one the top wing shooters in the state and will be looking to have a monster senior year. Look for players like Justin Waiz (6.3 ppg) and Danny Dixon (4.5 ppg) to step up and take some pressure off Graham. There are some roles that will need to be figured out this season with one of the main roles being the post presence. If this team can figure out who will fill what roles, this is a well-coached team that has a chance to upset Heritage Hills and repeat a Sectional Tittle.         </p> <p><b>4A #27: Marion</b><br /> The Giants of Marion will be coming off a fantastic 19-8 record and Regional Championship heading into this season. They return a very talented group. Marion will be led by one of the best players in the state, shooting guard Jalen Blackmon (26. 9 ppg). To complete one of the best high school backcourts in the state, explosive guard Jakylen Thomas (14.8 ppg) will also be one of the leaders for this squad. Look for breakout seasons for players like Rasheed Jones (9.4 ppg) and Josh Balfour (3.4 ppg). This is a team that could be in for a historic season. Along with Blackmon continuing his pursuit of the state scoring record, this is a team that has a chance to make a deep run in post-season. It will be up to the talent to see just how far this group can go.    </p>