Preseason Team Rankings: #17

<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 #17.</p> <p><b>1A #17: Providence Cristo Rey </b><br /> The Wolves are heading into this season coming off a 16-9 record and tough Sectional loss to Greenwood Christian. This year's squad returns a loaded incoming senior class. As far as scoring leaders go, look for bucket-getting guards Elkin Ramirez (10.4 ppg) and Jamil Chandler (9.3 ppg) to be the focal point of the offense. 6'7 center Anthony Williams (8.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg) has a chance to be one of the top centers in 1A. Also look for athletic guard/forward Chris Manson (8.4 ppg) to have a breakout season. This could be Coach Bitting's best team yet. Expect this to be a fun, competitive team come Sectional.            </p> <p><strong>2A #17: Frankton</strong><br /> As one of the reigning 2A Regional Champs, the Eagles will be coming off a great 25-4 record heading into this season. However, they lose a heavy amount of talented outgoing seniors. Look for this team to be led by tough defender Ethan Bates. Forward Ayden Brobston and a bunch of solid JV guys will be looking to step up and provide important varsity minutes. The Frankton Eagles' schedule is one of the more favorable ones this season. This team will be extremely well-coached and be a favorite in a competitive Sectional.    </p> <p><strong>3A #17: Norwell</strong><br /> The Knights of Norwell will be heading into this season off a record of 14-10. They will be led by incredible senior forward Will Geiger. This 6'4 big man can really do it all like dominate in the post on both sides or even step-out and pop some threes.They also have some great returning players like Connor Torson and Drew Federsiel. Norwell is in for one of their best seasons in school history. They have a favorable schedule and Sectional which gives them a great opportunity to go on a deep post-season run. Geiger and crew should be a real fun team to watch.             </p> <p><b>4A #17: Indianapolis Pike </b><br /> After coming off a 14-10 record and tough Sectional loss to Ben Davis, the Red Devils will also lose a heavy amount of outgoing seniors but, they return some solid talent. Incredible athlete Jasen Graves (8.4 ppg) and fantastic shooter Davion Bailey (7.2 ppg) are bound for breakout seasons. Look for small forward DeJuan Pearson to step up this year. Though it will be tough to replace studs like Ahmoni Jones and Chris Robinson, this team seems up to the challenge. Even though they have a tough schedule, look for this to be a complete team and one of the favorites, along with Ben Davis, to win their Sectional.    </p>