High School Spotlight: South Ripley Raiders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school season is still a few months away but with team workouts starting to take place, it is the perfect time to start previewing the season. In this series, we will be a look at some quick hitters, the top player, potential breakout player, other roster roster members and notable games of the upcoming season. For today's spotlight, we take a look at the South Ripley Raiders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Quick Hitters</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Finished 11-13</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lost to North Decatur in Sectionals </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Steve Beach returns for 2nd year as head coach. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Player: [player_tooltip player_id='1907681' first='Cole' last='Henry'] </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have been impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1907681' first='Cole' last='Henry'] ever since the first time I watched him. The 6'6 PF has been one of the most consistent stock risers in the in-state 2025 class. He plays like a true, modern power forward as he can overpower the defense in the post while also taking his defender out to the perimeter and shooting from there. He is also an elite rebounder and rim protector as well. He will be 'the guy' at South Ripley the next couple of seasons. Buy stock in [player_tooltip player_id='1907681' first='Cole' last='Henry'] right now. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Breakout Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2053681' first='Blaine' last='Ward']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ward is another player that I have always been higher on due to his shot making ability, especially behind the arc. He is not going to 'wow' you with his size or strength but he will impress you with his grittiness and overall willingness to play tough on both ends. The ball sticks with him a little too often, but as a catch-and-shoot threat, he is underrated in that regard. He should be the top backcourt option for the Raiders this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Important Roster Members</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Chancie Volz (2025)</strong> - Volz will be another shooting option for the Raiders. He is a smart player that works well off the balls and does not make many mistakes when on the floor. He will help them win games this season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2140354' first='Drew' last='Volz'] - The younger Volz is only a freshman but will come in right away and produce. He may be on the smaller end, but he is one of the tougher guards in the 2027 class. He can score, defender and do all the little things you need to win games. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Games (Confirmed)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Southridge Tournament (12/29) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ripley county Tournament (1/3)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Southwestern (Hanover) (2/1)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Seymour (2/10)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Greensburg (2/17)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->