Preseason Team Rankings: #28

<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 #28.</p> <p><b>1A #28: Blue River</b><br /> This past season, Blue River got to 12-11 and had some momentum on the year. They lost in OT in the second round of Sectionals. Now, they only lose one significant piece in Jackson Thornburgh who produced 11.4 points last year. But they return a ton including Andrew Froedge, Brevin Hallett, and Cole Cross which is the majority of their offense. Their Sectional isn't particulartly difficult with Randolph Southern and Seton Catholic as potential threats. The offense and their size all come back and in 1A that is mroe than enough.</p> <p><strong>2A #28: Northeastern</strong><br /> Brent Ross and company were able to make a big run last year especially at the end of the season going all the way to Regional Finals and winning 15 of their last 18 games. They bring back a ton and should be one of the tougher teams in the state this year with guys like Kolden Vanlandingham and Carter Lumpkin leading the way. They have to replace the role players in Mikesell, Fisher, Hancock, and White, the four outgoing seniors that were their #3-#6 scorers. That won't be easy.</p> <p><strong>3A #28: Cardinal Ritter</strong><br /> Cardinal Ritter is coming off one of the better seasons they have had in a while going 16-9. Now, they have graduated the majority of their core that had been together for a few years now. The only one that is left is Damon Ogletree, a 6'6 forward who can be the difference maker this season. He was their 2nd leading scorer and rebounder last season. Aidan Cannon and Will Sandifer will be the two backcourt pieces to watch here. If they can get up to speed, Ritter's schedule and Sectional finally got a ton easier. Sneaky team to watch come February.</p> <p><b>4A #28: Northridge<br /> </b>One of the biggest surprises last season was the emergence of Northridge. They had a spectacular season going 19-9 and now they are bringing back so many pieces only really losing Jackson Erekson. The core is mostly intact with Alex Stauffer and Sam Smith, both of which have taken some big steps forward in their development. They won't surprise people this year but their opponents have taken some steps back at the high end. They could be in line for another near-20 win season. <b><br /> </b></p>