Open Gym Report: South Ripley Raiders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of my favorite parts about working with Prep Hoops Indiana is being able to get out and spend time with the many outstanding coaches across the state of Indiana. That is why I value getting to as many open gyms and fall workouts as possible throughout the months of September and October. This time of year provides an excellent opportunity at a more intimate view of individual programs while also building a relationship with each coaching staff. Our journey across the state has gotten underway this fall which included a trip to South Ripley High School Wednesday afternoon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Ripley's season came to a bit of an abrupt halt in the postseason last year with a 52-51 loss to Hauser. The Raiders finished the season 13-10 overall. While they didn't experience overwhelming success last season, this is a team entering the 2024-2025 season with high expectations. Coach Seve Beach's team will have a chance to be a preseason Top 10 team in Class 2A, but will have to make it through strong competition in Southwestern (Hanover) and Switzerland County to cut down the nets in Sectional 45.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ultimately, the Raiders season will go as far as their dynamic duo can take them. 6'7" senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1907680' first='Cole' last='Henry'], who holds offers currently from IU-East and Saint Francis, is the star bringing back 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. His combination of length, fluid athleticism, and shooting ability will make him one of the toughest matchups at the Class 2A level this season. Henry has the capability to pick-and-pop on one possession and then slash through the defense for a dunk in traffic on the next possession. His running mate is senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2053681' first='Blaine' last='Ward'] who averaged 15.8 points and 3.5 assists per game last season. Ward can really fill it up from beyond the arc. These two veterans have a chance to finish as the top two scorers in South Ripley history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140354' first='Drew' last='Volz'] will help run the show in the backcourt with Ward while Volz' older brother, senior Chancie Volz, adds some additional outside shooting. Junior wing Bryson Sipples is another return to watch for in the rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the reasons for optimism heading into this season for South Ripley is the trio of very talented freshmen entering the equation. [player_tooltip player_id='2539946' first='Eli' last='Gilpin'], a 6'2" guard, could make the biggest impact of the group. Don't be surprised if he becomes a big part of what the Raiders do by the time the end of the season rolls around. 6'3"-6'4" wing/forward [player_tooltip player_id='2477290' first='Blake' last='Gunter'] will factor into the equation as well. His length and burgeoning skill level will draw some easy comparisons to a young [player_tooltip player_id='1907680' first='Cole' last='Henry']. Gunter really impressed defensively at the Raiders open gym on Wednesday afternoon. Landon Warner will likely be a part of the rotation as well as a freshman. All three of these talented freshmen will participate in Sunday's Prep Hoops Indiana Freshman Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off of a 13-10 season that ended in the first round of Sectional there wouldn't necessarily be a lot of reason to expect South Ripley to be a Top 10 team this season. However, bringing back a one-two punch like [player_tooltip player_id='1907680' first='Cole' last='Henry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2053681' first='Blaine' last='Ward'] at the Class 2A level can get you pretty far. There is enough returning firepower, perimeter shooting, and an influx of young talent to set expectations high down in Versailles, Indiana.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->