If you are interested in an alternative to this week’s SAC Holiday Tournament, Huntington North may offer what you need. The Viking program has long held tournaments over the holiday break, but this one will be a little big smaller and all held at Huntington North High School.
Here is the schedule for the event:
Friday, December 27
Jay County vs. Leo, 10 a.m.
Merrillville vs. New Haven, Noon
Jay County vs. Huntington North, 2 p.m.
New Haven vs. Warren Central, 4 p.m.
Leo vs. Huntington North, 6 p.m.
Warren Central vs. Merrillville, 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 28
TBD games at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m.
Now let’s take a close look at the six teams that will be participating in the event.
HUNTINGTON NORTH VIKINGS (2-4)
Why they could contend
The Vikings are in a serious rebuild mode but have the chance to go 2-0 on day one of their own tournament still. The comforts of home always help when everyone else has a little bit of travel involved. As they try to find balance, the Vikings can rely on a couple of guys who have a Sectional title under their belts; that is an advantage.
Potential tournament star
Deven Newcomb has as much ability as anyone else in this tournament to take over a single game. He is quick off the dribble and shoots the ball very well in spurts, though struggling this year shooting at just 38 percent from the field. He can be a star if he can be consistent.
Potential tournament breakout player
Jordan Hollowell doesn’t need to breakout if you follow the Vikings, but their leading scorer could make a major statement on the local scene with a good tournament. He is shooting the ball at a 61 percent rate to start the season.
LEO LIONS (5-2)
Why they could contend
The Lions have played extremely good basketball and even last weekend’s setback against South Bend St. Joe isn’t a bad loss. The Lions can contend because they shoot the ball extremely well and spread around the wealth. Stopping them consistently is a problem for most teams as the Lions are going to come away with a basket far more possessions than not.
Potential tournament star
Blake Davison is the guy and there shouldn’t be any doubt. He has established himself in the argument of the Northeast 8 Conference’s best player this season so far. He is shooting the ball well, getting to the rim and spreading out the floor for more team success.
Potential tournament breakout player
Chase Bates has played his role for Leo well for several seasons now. If you look for a player in the area that makes the most of his minutes on the court, that can be Bates. He is going to be a reliable defender and spot up shooter.
JAY COUNTY PATRIOTS (2-4)
Why they could contend
Jay County, as usual, is good at getting teams to play their pace. This is not a super experienced Patriots team compared to the last few seasons, but they have still imposed that will on a couple of occasions, notably their wins over Richmond and Hagerstown. They have however lost four straight.
Potential tournament star
Brayden Sprunger is an aggressive scorer who isn’t shy about shooting in a lineup that makes its money on slowing things down and being methodical. He is their leading scorer for a reason and will be again in this tournament.
Potential tournament breakout player
Bennett Weitzel has some size that could be used in Jay County’s advantage. The freshman is still getting his feet wet but this could be a big weekend for him to make some waves.
NEW HAVEN BULLDOGS (4-2)
Why they could contend
Depth has been a major strong suit for this team this season. They have five guys who can consistently score of them and the tempo they push is exciting. It could be a challenge for any team in this tournament to match both New Haven’s pace and their physicality.
Potential tournament star
Jamarr Hutchins is a guard that is never to be taken lightly. He can take the ball from you anytime he wants, he can score with it or facilitate with anyone in the NE8 and likely as good as anyone in this tournament too.
Potential tournament breakout player
Ja’Kar Williams has played well throughout the season but in a tournament that has the potential to come down to interior play, his big frame and willingness to use it could make him the most impactful player on any of the teams.
MERRILLVILLE PIRATES (3-4)
Why they could contend
The Pirates play some tough competition, as good or better than anyone else in this tournament. Coach Bo Patton acquired a program that tests themselves and with just two home games under their belt, they are not afraid to play on the road and get comfortable in that environment.
Potential tournament star
Keon Thompson is already a star and this tournament is only going to further that for some fans who haven’t seen him in person yet. Snider was able to hold him to “just” 20 points, but the junior’s 41 point outing against Andrean on 62 percent shooting was fantastic. He is the toughest guard in this tournament.
Potential tournament breakout player
Dylan Coty is able to score, but he had the chance to be a quality distributor that can push the pace.
WARREN CENTRAL WARRIORS (4-0)
Why they could contend
As the only unbeaten team in this tournament, you have to look at them as a potential favorite. Averaging 78.5 points per game, the Warriors are also under a first year head coach. The Warriors move the ball well and were able to isolate the area’s Bishop Luers in big parts of their contest while scoring a season high 98 points.
Potential tournament star
Malik Stanley open his season by scoring 39 points against Arsenal Tech. Not bad right? Stanley isn’t shy about putting up a lot of shots from anywhere and everywhere. He scored 24 in their post recent win over Ben Davis and his matchups with New Haven’s Thomas Latham and Merrillville’s Deon Thompson will both be a lot of fun.
Potential tournament breakout player
Sean Black can shoot the ball well enough to spread out the court for this team. He is a capable scorer, passer and rebounder. Because of that, he is a difficult guard because he can sometimes transcend typical positions.
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