High School Spotlight: East Chicago Central Cardinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The High School Spotlight Series is back and we are excited to feature multiple teams throughout the state once again! The season is still a month away, but with practices happening, it is the perfect time to start previewing the season. In this series, we will be taking a look at some quick hitters, the top player(s), a potential breakout player, other roster members, and notable games for the upcoming season. For today's spotlight, we take a look at the East Chicago Central Cardinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Quick Hitters</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Went 22-5 last season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lost to Mishawaka in Regionals.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Head Coach Alaa Mroueh returns for his 3rd season as the head coach. 32-7 overall record.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Graduated 7 seniors from a season ago.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Player: [player_tooltip player_id='1297020' first='Dominique' last='Murphy Jr']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was never going to be any question as to who the top player for this East Chicago Central as arguably the best over player in the Region happens to be on this roster. [player_tooltip player_id='1297020' first='Dominique' last='Murphy Jr']. returns as the leading guy for this Cardinals squad bringing back 20.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game a season ago. Throughout his career, he has gotten better and better each season and is easily one of the top guards we have in the state with a chance to be an Indiana All-Star before it is all said-and-done. He is also one of the top remining uncommitted seniors we have in the state so it will be interesting to see if there is a even bigger boost in his recruitment this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Breakout Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2390221' first='Yamauree' last='Wallace']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While a lot of the eyes goes towards Murphy for this team, his backcourt running mate [player_tooltip player_id='2390221' first='Yamauree' last='Wallace'] is a standout player as well and a guy looking to have a breakout season. Wallace brings back 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game from last year and will be looking to increase those number even more. He is a high-upside prospect that has excellent physical and athletic tools projecting as an impressive two-way threat. Wallace plays above the rim, attacks the basket hard driving it right, and is capable of guarding several positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Key Roster Members</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Keontaye Bell - Senior</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2625504' first='Joseph' last='Watkins'] - Junior</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Games</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>vs Crispus Attucks (Sneakers For Santa, 12/7)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Crown Point (12/10)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Homestead Tournament (12/27-12/28)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>vs Portage (1/11)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Cathedral (2/15)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->