Sectional Draw Reactions – Class 3A
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It is officially almost time for Indiana High School Basketball to enter into the most exciting time of year. We have made it through over three months of regular season action and now culminate with a win-or-go-home state tournament. Here…
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Continue ReadingIt is officially almost time for Indiana High School Basketball to enter into the most exciting time of year. We have made it through over three months of regular season action and now culminate with a win-or-go-home state tournament. Here at Prep Hoops Indiana our staff will be previewing all 64 sectionals around the state over the next several days. Let’s take a broader look at the sectional draws in Class 3A.
Most Intriguing Sectional – Sectional 23 @ Peru
Anytime you see a sectional field with two 20-win teams, two other who have won at least two-thirds of their games, and a fifth who is above .500 it is going to grab your attention. Norwell and Oak Hill are ranked #8 and #10 respectively in the Prep Hoops Indiana Class 3A poll as 20 game winners. It was early in the season, but Norwell won their matchup over Oak Hill 76-50. You can expect the Golden Eagles, who have won six straight to end the season, to be ready for some revenge. However, 14-7 Peru led by junior wing Matthew Roettger Matthew Roettger 6'2" | SG Peru | 2024 State IN who averages 19.2 points per game and will make for a tough out in the semifinals. Bauer Maple Bauer Maple 5'10" | PG Maconaquah | 2023 State IN (26.6 points per game) and Josiah Ball Josiah Ball 6'5" | SF Maconaquah | 2025 State IN (20.0 points per game) are two other high scoring players who will make Maconaquah dangerous as well in the top half of the bracket. This is likely Norwell’s sectional to lose, but it won’t be easy to cut down the nets at Peru with all of the talent across the field.
State Title Favorite – NorthWood
The Panthers are on an absolute roll to finish off the season. They have won 13 straight including several blowout victories that have led to building their average margin of victory to over 22 points per game. Led by Huntington signee Cade Brenner Cade Brenner 6'3" | SG NorthWood | 2023 State IN and Grace signee Ian Raasch Ian Raasch 6'6" | PF NorthWood | 2023 State IN this is the best team in the Class 3A field coming into the tournament. Brenner averages 17.6 points per game while Raasch is at 15.6 points per game. 6’7″ sophomore Tyler Raasch Tyler Raasch 6'8" | C NorthWood | 2025 State IN and junior guard Ethan Wolfe Ethan Wolfe 5'11" | PG NorthWood | 2024 IN provide some additional depth for the Panthers who have reached back-to-back regional championship games. They will get a test in the Sectional 20 championship game against 20-3 West Noble, but that was a game they won on the road earlier this season. NorthWood is battled tested, has the top end talent, and the depth to make it all of the way and cut down the nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Best First Round Matchup – Heritage Christian vs. Brebeuf Jesuit
Less than two weeks ago these two Indianapolis area rivals played and Brebeuf Jesuit came away with a 54-52 victory. Purdue signee Myles Colvin Myles Colvin 6'5" | SG Heritage Christian | 2023 State #51 Nation IN gives Heritage Christian a chance to win every time they step on the floor, but with just an 11-11 record success has been very marginal this year. Junior wing Reis Butcher Reis Butcher 6'4" | SF Brebeuf Jesuit | 2024 State IN was excellent defensively the first time around, but you can expect Colvin will be ready to prove he can lead the Eagles on a state tournament run. Look for junior guard Evan Haywood to be the key in this one for the Braves. He is averaging 14.2 points per game to lead Brebeuf while senior forward Merrick Macaluso Merrick Macaluso 6'3" | SG Brebeuf Jesuit | 2023 IN is averaging 12.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. There is definitely better overall talent and depth on the Brebeuf sideline, but Colvin’s 20+ points per game can keep them in any game. This will be a a fun one to watch on Tuesday night at Indianapolis Shortridge.