Indiana High School Preview: Class 3A North Toughest Sectional
In 49 states it is just basketball, but this is Indiana. There is no better time of year than high school basketball season in the Hoosier state. Here at Prep Hoops Indiana, our staff will set out to bring the…
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Continue ReadingIn 49 states it is just basketball, but this is Indiana. There is no better time of year than high school basketball season in the Hoosier state. Here at Prep Hoops Indiana, our staff will set out to bring the very best coverage from throughout the state. Evansville, Gary, South Bend, Terre Haute, we will leave no corner of Indiana unturned.
Now that official practices are quickly approaching and we are just weeks away from tipping off the first game, it is time to dive head first into previewing the upcoming season. Over the coming weeks you can expect breakdowns of each class along with teams and players to watch, a look at the top Mr. Basketball and Indiana All-Star candidates, preseason team rankings, and much, much more. For even more coverage, make sure to follow our staff on Twitter: @BRamseyKSR, @kylerstaley, @HSIndianaBball, and @KrisMills37.
For more in-depth coverage you can check out our full Class 3A North preview as well as a look at the top players in the bracket. Now we will take a look at the toughest sectional in the 3A North as teams begin their journey to Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
There are several very balanced sectionals in the Class 3A North along with some teams changing classes and sites. Culver Academy returns to 3A and will become the immediate favorite in Sectional 18. The consolidation of Hammond, Hammond Clark, and Hammond Gavit changed the landscape in Section 17 and welcomed Hanover Central and River Forest. In east central Indiana, Sectional 24 is certainly the most balanced and makes a case for being the best as well. Both Delta and Hamilton Heights will be seeking revenge from being upset in the sectional. They both lost a lot of talent, but will still compete with the best in the area. Yorktown returns a very talented young core from a 14-8 season. Then, there is New Castle who won the sectional with wins over Delta and Hamilton Heights to salvage a 9-16 season. The Trojans will have the talent to repeat this year.
With due respect to Sectional 24 and the others in the north, Section 22 in Fort Wayne will be the toughest come tournament time. Returning the state runner-up is enough by itself, but the improvements at Bishop Dwenger, Bishop Luers, and Concordia Lutheran will be what makes it a gauntlet. There is no doubt that the Leo Lions are still the favorites, but let’s not forget that a 9-15 Luers squad took them to overtime in the second round of sectionals. Junior guard Nick Thompson Nick Thompson 6'2" | SG Bishop Luers | 2023 State IN and sophomore Isaac Zay Isaac Zay 6'0" | PG Bishop Luers | 2024 IN both bring back over 9 points per game and are ready to step into leading roles for the Knights.
At Dwenger, seniors Owen Shivley and Joe Kelly Joe Kelly 6'5" | PF Bishop Dwenger | 2022 State IN will be two of the better wings in the area with the size and athleticism to go up against the massive frontline at Leo. 6’8″ junior Preston Ross Preston Ross 6'8" | PF Bishop Dwenger | 2023 State IN will certainly help that cause as well. Similarly at Concordia Lutheran, 6’5″ junior forward Grant Hayworth Grant Hayworth 6'5" | PF Concordia Lutheran | 2023 IN , sophomore sensation Ajani Washington Ajani Washington 6'2" | SG New Haven | 2024 State IN , and his classmate Cole Hayworth Cole Hayworth 6'5" | SF Concordia Lutheran | 2024 State IN will be ready to compete with the Lions. Washington gives the Cadets one of the best players in Fort Wayne.
However, with all of that being said, this sectional still runs through Leo. The returning state runner-up added a potential Indiana All-Star in the offseason in Caedmon Bontrager Caedmon Bontrager 6'8" | PF Leo | 2022 State IN . The 6’8″ forward will join an already massive front line of future Division I footballs player D.J. Allen D.J. Allen 6'7" | PF Leo | 2022 State IN and Landen Livingston. On the perimeter, Brody Hiteshew Brody Hiteshew 6'3" | SG Leo | 2022 State IN , Ayden Ruble Ayden Ruble 6'2" | SG Leo | 2022 State IN , and Luke LaGrange Luke LaGrange 6'5" | SF Leo | 2022 State IN will balance out the inside-outside attack. After the Lions finish a deep run in the football state tournament, don’t be surprised to see them back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in March.