Section 4A Preview

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments set to begin in the next few weeks, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CHOF won the Section 4A championship last year, using a high-powered offense to reach the state tournament. The Lions are back and have a terrific offense again. And they are likely going to be the heavy favorite as this section only has four winning teams. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s a look at Section 4</span></p> <p><strong>Favorite: CHOF</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CHOF is enjoying another terrific season, sitting at 17-5 on the season and tracking towards the No. 1 seed in the section. The Lions just had an eight-game winning streak before losing to Minneapolis Edison this week. Offense has, once again, been the catalyst for the success, as CHOF averages nearly 75 points per game while allowing just 57. Senior guard Isaac Collins has been the breakout star, averaging 22 points per game while also contributing on defense, on the glass and as a playmaker. He’s been outstanding, showcasing the ability to score from all three levels on the floor. Senior swingman <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/preston-alleman/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/preston-alleman/">Preston Alleman</a></a> has been steady, averaging better than 14 points and six rebounds. Junior guard Drake Eckman has been an excellent third scorer, averaging better than 13 points per game. This team has excellent balance, legitimate high-end shot-makers and the athleticism to cruise through this section and get back to state. </span></p> <p><strong>Contender: Legacy Christian</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Legacy Christian Lions are sitting in the No. 2 slot in the section with 20 wins and if there’s a team that seems best equipped to give CHOF a run, it’s this group. CHOF beat Legacy by 17 at the end of January but it’s still a team with the kind of firepower that can go deep in the postseason. There is excellent balance offensively, as three guys average double-figures in scoring and five more average 4-9 points. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jake-wald/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jake-wald/">Jake Wald</a></a> is the go-to guy and he’s been outstanding, averaging 18 points, five rebounds, five assists while knocking down more than 50 3-pointers on the season. Harley Kendall and Trenton Harrison average double figures in scoring as well with Harrison leading the team in rebounding. </span></p> <p><strong>In The Mix: West Lutheran, Liberty Classical, Heritage Christian</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">West Lutheran is tracking towards a top-four seed in the section despite being around .500. The key cog in the Warriors’ attack has been senior forward Troy Kokkinen, who averaging 17 points and nine rebounds. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heritage Christian doesn’t have a great record - 8-15 on the season - but the Eagles can be dangerous because they’ve played a tough schedule and generally have the athletes that can put pressure on people. Senior forward TJ Guggenberger and junior guard Ethan Virshek form a rock-solid duo, averaging 28 points per game combined. Guggenberger leads the team in rebounding at better than seven per game. Virshek knocks down 42 percent of his 3-pointers and junior guard Steph Sawtelle provides solid complementary scoring and shooting. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Liberty Classical is another team lurking in the 3-6 range of the seedings and the Lions will be dangerous to any opponent because of their ability to push the tempo and put up points. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/thomas-conroy/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/thomas-conroy/">Thomas Conroy</a></a> is a scoring machine, routinely putting up 20-30 points with relative ease. Jeremiah Pedro has been productive too, averaging nearly 20 points per game. There isn’t a lot of depth on this team, but all five starters have proven to be capable of hitting shots and making plays. </span></p>