Outside the Huddle is breaking down each area boys basketball sectional with the postseason kicking off this week.
Today we look at Class 4A Sectional 6, which will be hosted by Wayne.
FAVORITE
HOMESTEAD (21-2)
Without a loss since late January and winners of five straight sectionals, trends in both the short-term and long-term favor the Spartans here.
This is a confident group right now. From stars Luke Goode and Zak Krueger to role players who have come up big like Trent Loomis and Will Smith, this team is primed to make it six straight sectional titles.
The biggest hurdle will be beating teams with contrasting styles. The Spartans will be challenged by the methodical approach of Huntington North to open the sectional, but will eventually have to deal with the run-and-gun style of South Side and perhaps Wayne later in the week.
CONTENDER
HUNTINGTON NORTH (19-4)
The Vikings have lost just one game to a team inside Indiana in 2019 – an overtime defeat against South Side a few weeks ago. This is a prototypical Craig Teagle-coached team, with a deliberate motion offense coupled with a sound defense allowing just 43 points per game.
Huntington North may be the team that can give Homestead the most trouble, particularly if Zach Daugherty is hot from the perimeter.
SOUTH SIDE (11-8)
Need a sneaky pick in this sectional? The Archers have been playing good basketball of late, knocking off Snider and Huntington in recent weeks and nearly taking down Blackhawk Christian.
South Side is in an advantageous position in that it gets a bye into Friday.
WAYNE (13-9)
Everything that was written about South Side also applies to the Generals. Despite nine losses, this team has the athleticism and talent to be a problem for anyone in this field.
Wayne’s last loss came at Homestead in early February, although that game was close late.
THE REST
MUNCIE CENTRAL (12-10)
This is a much-improved Bearcats team in Chandler Thompson’s second season as coach. But it is also a young team, with the top four scorers underclassmen, including freshman Reggie Bass (12.4 ppg).
This looks and feels like a team that is a year away from being a real threat in this sectional.
JAY COUNTY (13-9)
Just last week the Patriots lost by 35 points to Homestead on the road. Ouch.
If Jay County can find a way to knock off Wayne on Wednesday, it could potentially find its way into Saturday’s final. But without some help in terms of upsets, the Patriots cannot contend with the likes of the Spartans.
COLUMBIA CITY (8-14)
Mitchell Wilson is as good of a shooter as anyone in this sectional, including Homestead’s Luke Goode. Unfortunately, the junior doesn’t have much in the way of proven help around him.
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