4A Regional Wrap Up

The Semi-State sites and times have been set and teams are back in the gym preparing for the last step before Conseco Fieldhouse. Last weekend's Regionals were full of good games, including overtime thrillers and buzzer beaters. Now it is time to take a look back at the headlines from each Regional site.

Michigan City

Undefeated Munster (25-0) advanced on to the Lafayette Jeff Semi-State. However, it took two tough games to get there, winning by 4 points in the first game and 2 points of Valparaiso in the Regional Final.

Marion

This site hosted what was probably the most entertaining Final, played by Kokomo and Pendleton Heights. Kokomo came away with the title, pulling out a double overtime victory, 58-55. However, Junior Guard Kellen Dunham of Heights stole the show in a losing effort. The Butler recruit went for 29 points in the final and had 41, including 6 3's and 17-17 free throws in their morning win over Fort Wayne Northrop. Junior D.J. Ballentine scored 16 in the championship game to lead Kokomo.

Lawrence Central (Hinkle)

This was by far the most anticipated Regional of the day Saturday. With 4 of the top teams in the state along with multiple Division 1 prospects fans came in droves to watch the action. North Central over came the 1 game suspension handed to Junior sensation D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera in the opening round with a 79-73 win over Pike. University of Kentucky signee, and Mr. Basketball Candidate Marquis Teague had 20 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in his final high school contest. In the championship game, NC took on Hamilton Southeastern, and DSR came out strong after having to watch from the bench that morning. He lead all scorers with 37 points to capture the victory 83-72. Bruce Weber, Tom Crean, Brad Stevens, Fran McCaffery (Iowa) and Tom Izzo were all in attendance to watch the great collection of talent.

Seymour

Bloomington South came in as an overwhelming favorite and did not disappoint pulling off two of the most lopsided wins of the day. They faced off with Castle (22-2) in the title match-up and came away with an impressive 68-49 victory. Lots of people around the state are writing off the other teams in favor of North Central, but I would certainly not sleep on Bloomington South.

4A Regional Breakdown

Michigan City

Final: Concord vs. Munster

Champion: Munster

This undefeated Munster team should have no problem advancing on to the semi-state. With most of the talent loaded into the Regional at Hinkle Fieldhouse, many of the other sites seem pretty clear cut as to who will come home with another trophy.

Marion

Final: Kokomo vs. Pendleton Heights

Champion: Kokomo

Even without guard Kendall Waters, Pendleton will probably be able to win another game to set up a interesting Regional final game against Kokomo. However, the talent of Kokomo should finally be able to send home the relentless Arabians.

Indianapolis:

Final: Pike vs. Center Grove

Champion: Pike

One could argue that 4 of the 6 best teams remaining will all be here at Hinkle on Saturday morning. I actually picked Pike prior to the suspensive of DSR, but now I am even more certain that Marquis Teague and company will come home with a title.

Seymour:

Final: Bloomington South vs. Castle

Champion: Bloomington South

Castle should give them a good game, but too many weapons on South will help them prevail to another Regional title.

Class 3A Regional Breakdown

Class 3A really got shock up during the past weeks Sectional play. Only 2 of the top 10 teams in the class survived to the "Sweet 16." #1 Washington will look to win a second straight State Title on the back of Mr. Basketball Candidate Cody Zeller.

Indianapolis Roncalli, from the Shelbyville Regional, is currently ranked #8 in the state. They should be battle tested coming off of three hard-fought Sectional victories.

The most interesting match-up could be the potential final at Crown Point between Culver Academy and defending State Runner-Up Gary Wallace.

Come tournament time one thing is usual a given, you cannot sleep on Coach Chris Benedict and the Columbia City Eagles. Look for them to take care of business and take home a Regional Championship.

Crown Point:
Final: Culver Academy vs. Gary Wallace
Champion: Culver Academy

Blackford:
Final: Columbia City vs. Norwell
Champion: Columbia City

Shelbyville:
Final: Batesville vs. Indianapolis Roncalli
Champion: Indianapolis Roncalli

Washington:
Final: Sullivan vs. Washington
Champion: Washington

Class 2A Regional Breakdown

As a Centerville High School graduate I always look forward to spending a March Saturday at the Spartan Bowl watching my Bulldogs play. However, I won't be able to make the trip this year because Hanover has a baseball game down in Kentucky.

Anyway, Class 2A offers 2 undefeated teams in Hammond Noll and Forest Park. Also, Park Tudor, the defending state runner-ups will look to make a run back to Conseco. In the Tipton regional, I still expect the home court advantage to help lead the Blue Devils to a title, but the absence of star point guard Greg Dickey will certainly make it more difficult.

North Judson:
Final: Hammond Noll vs. North Judson
Champion: Hammond Noll

Tipton:
Final: Tipton vs. Carroll
Champion: Tipton

Winchester:
Final: Park Tudor vs. Winchester
Champion: Park Tudor

Southridge:
Final: Forest Park vs. Brownstown Central
Champion: Forest Park

1A Regional Breakdown

Regional action will begin Saturday morning, so its time to start in on the breakdowns, beginning with Class 1A.

Triton:
Final: Fort Wayne Canterbury vs. Triton
Champion: Triton

I expect Triton to take advantage of the home court advantage and bring home the regional title. Triton is currently ranked #2, while Canterbury is #3. If the final works out the way I predict, it could be one of the most hotly contested games across the state on Saturday.

Frankfort:
Final: Rockville vs. Lafayette Central Catholic
Champion: Lafayette Central Catholic

LCC may have 5 losses on the year, but if you look at the schedule you would instantly forget about their record. I expect them to have a pretty easy day on Saturday and cruise on to the semi-state.

Martinsville:
Final: Indy Metro vs. Shawe Memorial
Champion: Shawe Memorial

I had the opportunity to Shawe play a couple of weeks ago when they played Rock Creek and I came away very impressed with both teams. Shawe is well coached, have one of the best defenses I have seen in a long time, and all of their players have great basketball IQ. Indy Metro has the athletes that could challenge them, but I expect Shawe to come out on top.

Loogootee:
Final: Trinity Lutheran vs. Rock Creek Academy
Champion: Rock Creek

Rock Creek is one of the most athletic teams I have seen play this season. While they may not be the best pure basketball players around, they can push the tempo and simply out score their opponent. Especially at the 1A level an athletic team can cause a lot of noise come tournament time.

Looking forward to see how things play out on Saturday! Good luck to all teams.

Centerville Captures 3rd Consecutive Title

This game was a great example of good, old fashioned Indiana High School Basketball. Every possession was meaningful, each shot hotly contested, and many players diving around for loose balls or rebounds. In the end, the poise and composure of the Centerville Bulldogs prevailed as they took home the Sectional 42 trophy once again with a 63-59 overtime win over Union County.

Union County Coach Mark Detweiler said after the game that his game plan was to make somebody besides Matthew Schauss beat them. His game plan worked in a way, Senior Guard Zach Sandlin stepped up for the Bulldogs and poured in a career high 29 points, including the first 11 of the game. With around 10 seconds remaining in regulation Sandlin connected on one of his 4 3-pointers to send the game into the extra session. Senior Guard Matthew Schauss scored all 19 of his points in the second half to help lead Centerville to the title. He also aded 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. For Union County, Andrew Strait lead the way hitting 9 3-pointers for 29 points.

Centerville will head to Connersville on Saturday to take on defending 2A State runner-up Park Tudor.

Sectional Finals Preview

Well I have been in Winter Haven, Florida for the past week with Hanover Baseball for the first 6 games of our season. The condos we were staying out were not equipped with WIFI so I have been unable to write during this very important week of basketball. However, I am back in Indiana now and ready for tonight's Sectional finals to get underway. There are some very interesting match ups tonight...

4A

Sectional 8: Richmond vs. Pendleton Heights

Richmond has been playing great ball of late. They have great team speed and athleticism led by Senior Small Forward Jon Trawick. Pendleton Heights will be without guard Kendall Waters and that will play a big part in this game. I look for Coach Luce and the Red Devils to pull out the schools first Sectional title since 1996.

Sectional 12: Avon vs. Pike

This final will pit two of the best teams in Class 4A. Mr. Basketball Candidate and University of Kentucky signee Marquis Teague will look to lead Pike deep into the tournament, while 20-2 Avon will avenge their double overtime loss to the Devils earlier in the season. I will take Pike in this one.

3A

Sectional 27: New Palestine vs. Shelbyville

This Sectional was headlined by Rushville and Hamilton Heights, however both bowed out earlier in the tournament. What is left is 10-11 New Pal and a very underrated Shelbyville squad. Look for Shelbyville to build off of their wins over Rushville and Mt. Vernon Fortville and pick up a Sectional title.

2A

Sectional 40: Guerin Catholic vs. Tipton

Two of the best teams in Class 2A will face off in the Taylor Sectional final. Guerin is certainly battle tested, as they play one of the toughest schedules in the state. Tipton also is used to playing in big games against good competition. The Blue Devils have multiple scoring threats and better athletes and that should lead them to a victory this evening.

Sectional 42: Centerville vs. Union County

This is the game that I will be attending. Centerville is seeking their 3rd straight title and are coming off of a 73-58 upset over Eastern Hancock. Bethel College recruit Matthew Schauss scored 40 points last night in that win. Union County will have Junior Power Forward Brad Hartman available tonight, he missed the regular season battle between the conference rivals. I expect Centerville to really clamp down in their 2-3 zone and neutralize the Patriots inside game on the way to another Sectional title.

Should be a great night of Indiana High School Basketball! Lots of trophy's to be handed out this evening...good luck to all teams!!