The IHSAA football state finals are this weekend and will conclude the fall sports season. The girls high school season got underway last week, with the boys to follow this week.
Tonight, many high school teams tip-off their season before Thanksgiving break in the state of Indiana. The talent in the state is arguably one of the best in the country. This winter basketball season, many players will showcase their talent in a very skilled season.
I will head to Pike tonight to check out my alma mater, the Panthers of North Central. Doug Mitchell’s team is coming off the 4A state championship last March at Conseco. The Panthers lost their best player and Mr. Basketball runner-up Terone Johnson who is now playing at Purdue. NC also returns junior D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera who committed to Xavier along with Patrick Ingram, Ronnie Johnson and sophomore Darius Latham. This team certainly has the talent to make another run but it won’t be easy. The Panthers enter the season ranked ranked No. 12 in the ESPN RISE Preseason Fab 50 national high school rankings.
The Red Devils of Pike have struggled in the past. Led by Marquis Teague, the highest ranked player in Indiana and Kentucky-bound guard, Pike aims to get out of sectionals. They are surrounded with talent including R.J. Hunter who has multiple D1 offers, yet their style of play and selfishness has held them back. This team has the skills, if only they play as one.
Another couple 4A teams to keep your eye on is Lawrence North and Lawrence Central. The Wildcats boast Michael Chandler, a top-rated uncommitted senior and LC is led by junior Jeremy Hollowell.
Meanwhile another team to watch is Park Tudor. Junior Kevin ‘Yogi’ Ferrell carried the other Panthers to the state championship last year only to lose to Wheeler. Trevon Bluiett, a 6-5 freshman will also help lead the charge.
Last March, the best matchup of the state finals was no question Gary Wallace versus Washington. The dual features Michigan State signee Brendan Dawson against Indiana’s Cody Zeller. Zeller willed the Hatchets to victory for another Washington state championship.
There’s nothing better than Indiana basketball. After all, in 49 states its just basketball…but this is Indiana. Many fans argue that the state is becoming a football state with the help of the Colts and Peyton Manning. I’d argue differently because of the interest level and tremendous talent level at every level in the state.
Time to tip-off another special year.