Preseason Team Rankings: #30

<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 #32.</p> <p><b>1A #30: Covenant Christian-DeMotte</b><br /> Over the last few years, Coveant Christian-DeMotte have not only had some interesting recruits but some really talented teams. Last year, they went 22-5. Now, they do lose Gavin Herrema to transfer but they bring back a duo of Ben Lins (21.9ppg) and Cade Walstra (13.8ppg) both of which are taller than 6'3 on the wings. For a 1A team that gives them a ton of upside. Their schedule won't be too difficult but their Sectional is stacked with Gary 21st, Kouts, and Washington Twp. They will need to get through that gauntlet still but I wouldn't be shocked if they put up some numbers this year with wins.</p> <p><strong>2A #30: Prairie Heights</strong><br /> Prairie Heights is coming off a 20-6 record last year, one of the better ones in recent memory. They got all the way to the Sectional Finals but were not able to overcome Westview. But, they might be one of the more veteran groups in the area after they return their Top 3 scorers who average a combined 40.0 ppg. Elijah Malone is starting to get some traction as a player to watch this year as a 13.5 point and 9.8 reb per game post player. Their Sectiona is still tough with teams like Westview, Churubusco, Fairfield, and Central Noble but PH might be able to make their best run yet.</p> <p><strong>3A #30: Bishop Chatard</strong><br /> Bishop Chatard is under a new head coach and looking to get moving in the rigth direction with a big senior class that should provide a bunch of help. Edreece Redmond, Sam Richey, and Tim McNeils should be the upperclassmen to provide leadership but look for guys like Brennan Beausir, and Noah Carter to give this team depth. It has been since 2011-12 that Bishop Chatard has won 15 or more games and made a run in Sectionals. With a different look in Sectoinals, they could make a run now.</p> <p><b>4A #30: Warren Central  </b><br /> This Warren Central team has been the class of the state the last couple years but with a few changes to the coaching staff, graduation of a ton of seniors, and a whole new direction, expectations are a bit different. The one full time Varsity player from last year that is returning is Malik Stanley. They do have some younger players stepping into new roles like Aaron Humphrey, Sean Black, Freddy Murray, Courtland Jackson, and Chandler Jackson. There is a lot of speed and defense in that group but will be interesting to see how the offense develops. This is a whole new team.</p>