www.jconline.com Jour nal Courier D7 Attica Red Ramblers Coach: Jake Turner (first season) 2013-14 results: 9-12 (4-3 Wabash River Conference), lost 51-32 to Central Catholic in sectional opener Top returnees: Kenny Little, 6-1, Keetin Arnold, 6-2, (8 5 Will Hargan, 6-7, (2 2 reb.) Others to watch: Carson Davis, 6-2, Liam Dobbels, 5-11, Sam Carlson, 5-11, Brian Day, 5-11, Jacob Marcov, 6-7, Brad Green, 5-11, Logan Harmeson, 6-1, Outlook: a new era of Attica basketball following the loss of leading scorer Bryce Cooper, who transferred to nearby Covington. Turner takes control of the program following Chuck Hutchins, who coached the Ramblers the last eight seasons. Carroll Cougars Coach: Matt Weaver (24-22 in third season) 2013-14 results: 12-12 (3-2 Hoosier Heartland Conference), lost to Rossville 61-45 in sectional championship Top returnees: Brandon Dillon, 6-5, (16.5 9.1reb.); Jarin Bush, 6-5, (12 5.9 Jared Miller, 5-11, (2 2.5 Spencer Sproul, 6-4, (2 2 reb.) Others to watch: Jarrett Gish, 5-10, Trey Filbrun, 5-7, Brandt McClain, 5-11, Adam Beaver, 6-6, Luke Atkisson, 5-7, Outlook: The Cougars always seem to pose matchup problems with their size and that is again the case, led by seniors Dillon and Bush, who both had all-conference seasons a year ago. The Cougars may be the early sectional favorite. Clinton Central Bulldogs Coach: Scott Leighty (6-39 in third season) 2013-14 results: 5-18 (0-5 Hoosier Heartland Conference), lost to Southmont 62-60 in sectional semifinal Top returnees: Jake Burton, 6-1, 6.8 3.4 Tyler Burns, 6-0, (6.3 2.6 Taylor Turner, 6-1, (3.2 2 Logan Adams, 6-2, (4.5 Brandon Eimen, 5-10, (3.5 Keenan Orr, 6-4, (5.7 3.1reb.) Others to watch: Jason Washam, 6-3, Tommy Davidson, 6-0, Austin Metzinger, 6-5, Jordan Clark, 6-4, Reece Mennen, 6-1, Triston Knox, 5-11, Outlook: The Bulldogs took a step orward with their first win in the sectional since 2008.
The Bulldogs almost backed it up with a second victory but fell in a heartbreaker to Southmont. With several contributors back, the Bulldogs could be a dark- horse for their first sectional title since 1983. Clinton Prairie Gophers Coach: Ryne Smith (7-13 in second season) 2013-14 results: 7-13 (2-3 Hoosier Heartland Conference), lost to Carroll 73-60 in sectional opener Top returnees: Kale Morris, 6-4, G(16 Merrick McGraw, 6-0, PG (8 Drew Scott, 6-0, (6.4 Jacob Price, 5-10, (8 Doug Coapstick, 6-5, Grant Ream, 5-11, Others to watch: Jared Stillwell, 5-9, PG; Sam Schoonveld, 6-1, Khristian Peters, 5-8, Cayde Selke, 5 -9, Outlook: now year two under former Purdue Boilermaker sharpshooter Smith. After starting 0-4 last season, the Gophers began to gel. Five of their final nine losses were by eight points or less.
A winning season, which would be first since 2004-05, is apossibility. Covington Trojans Coach: Kent Chezem (130-92 in 11th eason, 242-198 in 21st season overall) 2013-14 results: 18-2 (7-0 Wabash River Conference), lost to Central Catholic 65-54 in sectional opener Top returnees: Chandler Spring, 6-3, (18 3 2 Jordan Ahrens, 6-2, (15.8 7.6 4.5 Travis Coleman, 6-1, (9.3 3.6 2.5 Gage Hegg, 5-0, (4 2.1reb.); Spencer McCone, 5-8, (2.2 Halen Noble, 6-0, (4 Griffin Spring, 6-4, (3.4 pts.) Others to watch: Bryce Cooper, 5 -11, (20 3.8 3.8 ransfer); Luke Cooper, 6-3, (3.5 transfer); Ollie Pettit, 6-0, Ryan Fletcher, 6-6, utlook: You can argue a bit of aleap to label a team that even win a sectional contest as a Class A state title contender. The Trojans proved they could play with anybody last season and lost just one player while returning an outstanding senior class. Attica transfers Bryce and Luke Cooper just add more power to an already impressive arsenal. Crawfordsville A thenians Coach: David Pierce (39-47 in fifth season) 2013-14 results: 12-11(4-3 Sagamore Conference), defeated Western Boone 58-53 in sectional championship, lost to Edgewood 54-48 in regional Top returnees: Sam Page, 5-9, PG; Ryan Barr, 6-2, (2.4 pts.) Others to watch: Trent Johnson, 6-0, Elliott Stewart, 6-2, Devin Guard, 6-0, Konnor Smith, 6-5, Tanner Hutson, 6-0, Skylar Daniels, 5-10, Outlook: Led by a strong senior class, the Athenians won a sectional for the first time in 25 years last March.
Now the Athenians basically hit the reset button with almost no varsity experience back. Delphi Oracles Coach: Adam Ballard (first season, 19-49 in fourth season overall) 2013-14 results: 9-12 (0-6 Hoosier Conference), lost to Rensselaer 40-28 in sectional opener Top returnees: Adam Zink, 5-10, Blaine Walters, 6-1, Adam Shanks, 6-0, Weston Windell, 5-11, Mason Lane, 5-11, Brent Hawn, 6-0, sr. Others to watch: Cole Kesling, 6-2, Daniel Jakes, 5-11, Tyler Ross, 6-0, Kain Myer, 5-9, Valdimir anicic, 6-3, Cade Murray, 6-1, fr. Outlook: There are a lot of things new about the Oracles, including the coach. Ballard comes from Vincennes Rivet.
have the luxury of some top talent returning and has an opportunity to get off to a good start to open his Delphi tenure. Faith Christian Eagles Coach: Clayton Callan (31-53 in fifth season) 2013-14 results: 5-17, lost to Carroll 4 8-39 in sectional semifinal op returnees: Matt Rumpke, 6-3, (5.7 Christian Anderson, 6-0, (5.3 Lucas Deitrick, 5-10, Cam Berning, 5-11, (13.2 Blaine Day, 5-11, (6.2 pts.) Others to watch: Matt Dutton, 5-10, Nick Borga, 5-11, Luke Peter, 5-9, Andrew Rounds, 6-2, Luke DeHahn, 6-3, Outlook: DeHahn is a transfer from McCutcheon who is not eligible until February. Dutton, however, is a welcome addition as he returns to Faith after two years away. With five returning players, including leading scorer Berning and leading rebounder Rumpke, the Eagles should show signs of improvement. Fountain Central Mustangs Coach: Jason Good (41-28 in fourth season, 100-84 in ninth season overall) 2013-14 results: 15-8 (4-3 Wabash River Conference), defeated Southmont 53-47 in sectional championship, ost to Tipton 68-58 in regional Top returnees: Ethan Woodrow, 6-6, (22.1pts., 8.6 2 Koby Pierce, 6-3, (12.1pts., 4.6 3.8 Clayton Corey, 6-0, (8.9 3.9 3 ast.) Others to watch: Casey Walls, 5-11, Tyler Starkey, 5-9, Dallas Otero, 5-9, Andrew Golia, 6-0, Outlook: The Mustangs have earned early-season respect as one of the top teams in 2A among poll voters.
Now they have to prove it. It until winning a sectional and challenging Tipton in the regional that FC showed how good it could be. Woodrow leads a strong senior group after earning Small School Player of the Year last season. Frontier Falcons Coach: Rush McColley (89-103 in 10th season, 138-162 in 15th season verall) 2 013-14 results: 7-15 (4-3 Midwest Conference), lost to Rossville 49-23 in sectional semifinal Top returnees: Jarrett Burroughs, 5-10, (3.7 2.1ast.); Zach Loy, 6-3, (2.1pts., 2.3 Seth Normington, 6-1, Dakota Burghardt, 5-9, thers to watch: Zeb Davis, 6-1, Cole Fesler, 6-0, Dane Chapman, 6-3, Cody Gutwein, 5-9, Colt McCracken, 5-9, Outlook: The Falcons have little arsity experience back from a team hat lost seven of its last eight games last season. Newcomers will have to fill oles of last departures.
North Montgomery Chargers Coach: Joel Grindle (30-55 in fifth season, 55-73 in seventh season overall) 2013-14 results: 7-14 (1-6 Sagamore Conference), lost to Western Boone 54-34 in sectional semifinal Top returnees: Grant Gayler, 6-6, (18.6 Owen Randolph, 5-9, Elijah Dugard, 6-2, Austin Donahue, 6-0, Baylee Adams, 6-1, Alex Parsons, 6-1, Devon Zachary, 6-1, Caleb Randolph, 5-9, Others to watch: Jordan Lewis, 5-9, Jordan Banta, 6-2, LJ Smith, 6-2, Outlook: With Gayler, the Chargers may have the best player on the floor most nights. They key will be having others around him helping to shoulder the load. North White Vikings Coach: Eli Henson (33-37 in fourth season) 2013-14 results: 17-9 (3-4 Midwest Conference), defeated Tri-County 56-37 in sectional championship, lost to Marquette Catholic 79-49 in regional championship Top returnees: Luke Diener, 6-2, F(14 6.5 Caleb Hendress, 5-11, (8 3 3 Clint Hendress, 5-11, (6 6 Javier Benitez, (3.2 3 Levi Diener, 6-6, (2 3 Ty Mattix, 5-10, (2 Jarod Shane, 6-3, (2 pts.) Others to watch: None listed Outlook: The Vikings received a boost in the latter half of their season when Luke Diener returned from a broken leg suffered during football season. Now Diener is fully healthy, but senior departures will force an outstanding junior class to have expanded roles if they are to build off last memorable season. Rensselaer Bombers Coach: Mark McFarland (first season, 28-36 in fourth year overall) 2013-14 season: 13-10 (1-5 Hoosier Conference), lost to Winamac 47-40 in sectional semifinal Top returnees: Joey Claussen, 6-5, (13.6 8.5 Bryce Deno, 6-0, (7.1pts., 2 3 Nate Myers, 5-10, (3.1pts.); Devin DeWees, 6-3, (4.1pts., 4 Isaiah Velencia, 6-4, (4 3.3 Austin Fleming, 6-2, (5.4 4.5 Chandlger Gull, 6-1, (4.6 3 reb.) Others to watch: Aron Mattocks, Landon Balch, Ben Hillan, Luke Branson, so.
utlook: The Bombers have an pportunity to compete for Hoosier Conference and sectional titles with a strong group coming back. Claussen was a double-double machine a year ago and exemplifies the roster as a whole with size, experience and athleticism. McFarland comes to Rensselaer after a 14-8 season at Mississinewa ast year. Rossville Hornets Coach: Cory Dunn (first season, 60-111in ninth season overall) 2013-14 results: 16-9 (5-0 Hoosier Heartland Conference), defeated Carroll 61-45 in sectional championship, lost to Central Catholic 74-55 in regional Top returnees: Clayton Howard, 6-3, 7 Kyle Bordner, 6-1, sr, (6 3 Elijah Beard, 6-4, (2 2 Grant Mohler, 5-11, (2 pts.) Others to watch: Neil Berry, 5-11, Josh Kessler, 5-9, Christian oward, 6-2, Jared Warren, 6-4, Matt Homco, 5-10, Blake iller, 6-3, Outlook: The Hornets won a sectional title. But Rossville graduated its top three scorers and now has a new coach, as Dunn comes from Sheridan.
Players will be asked to adjust to new roles to compensate for the departures. Seeger Patriots Coach: John Collins (49-34 in fifth season) 2 013-14 results: 10-9 (4-3 Wabash River Conference), lost to Fountain Central 67-45 in sectional semifinal Top returnees: Jordan Bailiff, 6-3, (4.6 3.2 Trevor Bowlus, 5 -9, (4.2 Aaron Shipman, 6 -2, (2 Terron Wade, 5-10, (8.3 2.4 Borden Kenne- 6-1, (14.1pts., 6.3 3.6 Nick McGowen, 6-1, (5.6 2.5 Josh Orahood, 6-5, (9 3.8 reb.) Others to watch: Addison Martin, 6-2, Charley Fry-Schutt, 6-3, Adam Peterson, 6-1, Logan Stout, 5-10, Cal Stover, 5-8, Outlook: The Patriots should be strong this year in a loaded Wabash River Conference. Martin missed last season and the four newcomers all were contributors to the JV, while the key members of last 10-9 varsity squad are all back. South Newton Rebels Coach: Michael Hall (262-215 in 23rd season, 302-262 in 27th season overall) 2013-14 results: 5-14 (2-5 Midwest Conference), lost to North White 55-48 in sectional opener Top returnees: Jarrett Hammel, 6-5, (13.8 7.3 John Dafcik, 6-0, (6.3 3.1reb.); Skylar Sanders, 6-0, (11.2 3.2 3.1ast.); Levi Hall, 6-2, (3.5 3.3 Mason Wittenborn, 5-10, Aaron Hoaks, 6-1, Chandlor Weiss-Brinkman, 6-0, Others to watch: Jay Hammel, 6-5, Craig Wheelock, 6-3, Ross Kindig, 5-8, Outlook: The Rebels certainly have the talent to be successful and in their three returning juniors have major scorers. Last win-loss record overly impressive until you factor in that the program had won just a combined two games the previous three seasons.
Southmont Mounties Coach: Jon Sparks (20-24 in third season) 2013-14 results: 4-18 (0-6 Sagamore Conference), lost to Fountain Central 53-47 in sectional championship Top returnees: Heath Whalen, 6-2, (7 2.6 Mitch Dehne, 5-6, (3 2 Nathan Jent, 5-10, (2 2 Nathan Truncone, 6-0, (4 Kaleb Swick, 6-2, F(5 3.8 Jarrett Todd, 5-11, 4.3 reb.) Others to watch: Camden Chadd, 6-0, Outlook: If it could go wrong, it did go wrong for the Mounties last season. Marred by injuries, young players were forced to play unexpected roles. The silver lining is now they should be more ready for this season after nearly winning a sectional title a year ago. Tri-County Cavaliers Coach: Tyler Scherer (41-28 in fourth season) 2013-14 results: 16-7 (5-2 Midwest Conference), lost to North White 56-37 i sectional championship op returnees: Dane Hardebeck, 6-0, (8.5 Elijah Legler, 6-1, Blake Justice, 5-11, (4.5 Trystn Taylor, 6-1, Nate Patton, 5-10, Others to watch: Austin Schneider, 5-11, Trevor Miller, 6-0, Ben Cook, 6-0, Kyler Walder, 6-6, Outlook: The Cavaliers were on the brink of their first sectional title since 2008. Their top player is now competing at the college level.
The returning players were all strong players last year but now will have to step up to replicate the success of first three seasons, all above .500. West Central Trojans Coach: Kyle Evans (first season) 2013-14 results: 7-13 (2-5 Midwest onference), lost to Tri-County 37-26 in ectional opener Top returnees: Keegan Dillman, 5-10, PG (4.5 3.5 Brandon Brickley, 6-1, (7.5 2.2 Dylan Ingram, 6-4, (8.4 4.5 reb.) Others to watch: Matt Poortenga, 6-4, Nate Neeley, 6-0, aleb Evans, 5-8, Jordan Brigman, 6-1, Outlook: The top two scorers are gone from last team. Three starters return in Dillman, Brickley and I ngram but no other players have arsity experience and those three will be asked to carry the load. HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL AREA CAPSULES COURIER Ethan Woodrow of Fountain Central was the Small School Player of the ear last season..
