Class 1A North Semi-State Preview
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64 Sectionals became 16 Regionals which are now down to 8 Semi-States. Obviously, that last number is a little different than in years past because the IHSAA flipped the two-game Regional and single game Semi-State format this season. Also, a…
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Continue Reading64 Sectionals became 16 Regionals which are now down to 8 Semi-States. Obviously, that last number is a little different than in years past because the IHSAA flipped the two-game Regional and single game Semi-State format this season. Also, a “re-draw” was held on Sunday as an added wrinkle prior to the Semi-State round. After beginning with approximately 100 teams per class we are now down to the final eight and that will be cut to just four by Saturday evening. Then, two teams from each class will survive and advance to the IHSAA State Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. As we have prior to each round of the state tournament, our staff at Prep Hoops Indiana is here to give you all of the information that you need ahead of Saturday’s games. Let’s dive on in and take a look at the Class 1A North Semi-State being hosted by Lafayette Jefferson High School.
The Matchups: Southwood (13-12) vs. Fountain Central (23-4) @ 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time followed by Marquette Catholic (20-7) vs. Kouts (17-9). Championship game is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
Players to Watch: Nathan Lehner (Southwood H.S. 2023), Will Harmon Will Harmon 6'1" | SG Fountain Central | 2024 State IN (Fountain Central H.S. 2023), Mason Larkin Mason Larkin 6'9" | C Fountain Central | 2023 State IN (Fountain Central H.S. 2023), Jason Kobe Jason Kobe 6'1" | SG Marquette Catholic | 2023 State IN (Marquette Catholic 2023 – Manchester), Lukas Balling Lukas Balling 6'5" | PF Marquette Catholic | 2023 State IN (Marquette Catholic 2023), Spencer Andrews (Kouts H.S. 2023)
Game 1 Analysis: This Semi-State matchup at Lafayette Jefferson will feature one of the more surprising participants in Southwood who entered the state tournament at 10-12 overall. However, the Knights rattled off a pair of victories in Sectional 53 followed by a 57-38 beat down of Blue River. They will have their toughest test yet though against 23-4 Fountain Central who was ranked #6 in the regular season final Class 1A Poll. Senior guard Nathan Lehner is one of four Knights in double-figures averaging 15.4 points per game. Fellow seniors Cole Winer and Jason Oprisek along with junior Will Winer add 13.6 points, 10.6 points, and 10.2 points per game respectively. Their balance and veteran leadership has led Southwood to their somewhat surprising run to Semi-State. Fountain Central has had a much more traditional path to state tournament success with a 23-4 record and #6 ranking in the Class 1A poll. Seniors Will Harmon Will Harmon 6'1" | SG Fountain Central | 2024 State IN and Mason Larkin Mason Larkin 6'9" | C Fountain Central | 2023 State IN have consistently been excellent all season long while Isaac Gaylor led the Mustangs in scoring in their 54-52 win over Liberty Christian. Fountain Central has not lost to a Class 1A opponent this season and have won 10 straight and 15 of their last 16 games.
Game 2 Analysis: The other semifinal matchup at Lafayette Jefferson will feature Marquette Catholic and Kouts. After playing their way through a very difficult schedule to begin the season the Blazers have now rattled off 15 straight victories. It should be noted that they have not lost to a Class 1A opponent this season. Meanwhile, Kouts avenged two regular season losses to Morgan Township and won the postseason battle to cut down the Sectional 49 nets. Senior dynamic duo Jason Kobe Jason Kobe 6'1" | SG Marquette Catholic | 2023 State IN and Lukas Balling Lukas Balling 6'5" | PF Marquette Catholic | 2023 State IN give Marquette Catholic as much talent as any remaining team in the Class 1A field. Senior Spencer Andrews has been the go-to guy for the Mustangs, but it could be hard for them to keep up with the Blazers firepower.
Predictions: Fountain Central over Southwood, Marquette Catholic over Kouts, Marquette Catholic over Fountain Central