Outside the Huddle is breaking down each area sectional, giving you a detailed look at the field and what to expect this week, culminating in crowning sectional champions on Saturday night.
We continue our breakdowns with a visit to the Class 3A sectional at NorthWood.
FAVORITE
NORTHWOOD (16-6)
The Panthers have beaten the other four teams in this sectional already this season by an average of 20 points, so NorthWood is the clear favorite for a reason.
Coach Aaron Wolfe’s squad is a good mix of experience and young talent. Five seniors lead the way, including Trend Edwards, who scored 17 points in the penultimate regular-season game against Elkhart Christian.
Sophomore Jamarr Jackson and Cooper Wiens are also sizable scoring threats for a team that lost just twice over the final nine games of the season.
THE REST
WAWASEE (13-9)
Former DeKalb coach Jon Everingham is in his fourth season with the Warriors. While his team did receive the bye into Friday’s semifinal, a potential rematch with NorthWood on Saturday will mean a rematch of a 54-38 Panthers win in January.
TIPPECANOE VALLEY (9-13)
A young Valley team may be a year or two away from being a factor in this sectional, but could put up a fight this week if things go right.
Freshman Paul Leasure leads the Vikings in scoring at 13.3 points per game. Senior Tanner Trippiedi also averages double digits, but the rest of the scoring is dominated by as host of sophomores and freshman.
Can Valley give NorthWood a game if the two meet? Well, just three weeks ago the Vikings lost to the sectional favorite by 21 points.
WEST NOBLE (8-14)
The Chargers enter this week winners of three of their last four, a much-needed boost following a six-game losing streak prior.
West Noble actually gave NorthWood a solid game on Feb. 11, an 11-point win for the Panthers on their home floor. The Chargers are led by a trio of seniors in Josh Gross, Colten Cripe and Joel Mast. Could the experience on the floor lead to an upset on the floor?
LAKELAND (6-16)
The Lakers have lost eight straight games, with five of those coming by double digits. It is not a good sign as the team will take on Tippecanoe Valley to open the sectional.
Lakeland has had difficulty putting the ball in the hoop against solid teams. With Valley’s propensity to be stingy on the defensive end, the Lakers will need to find some offense quickly to have a shot at winning a game this week.
CLASS 2A SECTIONAL 21 AT NORTHWOOD
Tuesday
Tippecanoe Valley (9-12) vs. Lakeland (6-16), 7 p.m.
Friday
West Noble (8-14) vs. NorthWood (16-6), 6 p.m.
Wawasee (12-9) vs. Tippecanoe Valley/Lakeland, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Final, 7:30 p.m.
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