Preseason Team Rankings: #19

<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 #19.</p> <p><b>1A #19: Indianapolis Metropolitan </b><br /> The Pumas are coming off a solid 16-10 record and Sectional Championship heading into this season. Even though it will be hard to replace a player like Noah Jordan, they return two of their top four scorers. The team will be led by brothers Warren and Wesley Williams, both who averaged a combined 17.0 ppg for the Pumas last season. Look for player like Emanuel Lewis (4.6 ppg) and Derek Anderson (4.5 ppg) to make a big leap forward this year and provide some huge varsity minuets. This is an athletic team that runs the floor very well. Come Sectional time, look for them to be a complete team and compete with Indianapolis International for another Sectional Championship.    </p> <p><strong>2A #19: Tipton</strong><br /> The Blue Devils are heading into this season off a great 17-4 record but with a tough Sectional loss to Madison-Grant to add to that. The good news is that they return a great group of talent led by awesome 6'6 power forward Ben Humrichous. Humrichous has a great supporting cast such as brothers Jayce and Sam Edwards. Look for an athlete like Drew Pearce to have a breakout season. This squad for Tipton has a chance to repeat a great regular season. Look for them to be the favorites to win their Sectional and go on a deeper post-season run than expected. </p> <p><strong>3A #19: Danville </strong><br /> The Warriors will be coming into this season off a solid 15-9 record. They return a roster full of varsity experience. This team will return a couple of leaders such as 6'6 power forward Dillon Ware and 6'5 small forward Sam Comer. Ware (14.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg) is extremely active on the glass whereas his teammate Comer (10.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg) is a great defender. Look for a huge breakout season for great combo guard Peyton Roof (8.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg). This is a well-built roster with some great pieces. If they can get past Greencastle in Sectional, they have a shot to go on a deep post-season run. Look for Coach Brian Barber to get this team back on track.    </p> <p><b>4A #19: Center Grove  </b><br /> The Trojans are coming off one of their best runs in school history. They are one of the reigning 4A Regional Champs but have the hard task of replacing a player like Trayce Jackson-Davis. Luckily, Center Grove has one of the best returning classes in 4A this year. Their frontcourt is loaded with players like 6'5 senior Ben Cooney, who is a great defender in the post, and 6'6 junior Austin Booker, who is really mobile for a big man. They also have a really good backcourt with players like floor general Landin Haker and and great shooter Tayven Jackson. Even with a player like Jackson-Davis leaving, this team has all the talent to possibly make a State Championship run.  </p>