We have seen enough over the past few weeks to get a good idea of a where squads stand at this point in the young season on the boys’ side.
While some of the top teams have losses, it is difficult to drop them too far (if at all) if those defeats have come at the hands of squads outside of the area.
That said, we have some movement in Bounce’s first top 10 of the season.
No. 1 – WAYNE GENERALS (1-1, 0-0 SAC)
While the Generals have a loss, it is to one of the top teams in the entire state – Ben Davis. The only local squad that Wayne has faced off against so far is Leo, which it thumped by 15 points.
An interesting week for Coach Anthony Brewer’s squad ahead as it will take on New Haven and Snider on Wednesday and Friday, respectively, followed by a game against top-ranked Lawrence Central on Saturday at Southport.
No. 2 – CARROLL CHARGERS (2-1, 0-0 SAC)
With two good wins over Norwell and East Noble, Carroll is off to a fast start on the season. A road defeat to an undefeated Penn squad is nothing to sneeze at.
Why Not Higher?
To become No. 1 you need to beat No. 1. Carroll will have an opportunity to do that when it hosts Wayne on Dec. 15.
No. 3 – NORTH SIDE (2-0, 0-0 SAC)
The senior class of the Legends has gotten off to a fast start to begin the season, with the team’s top five leading scorers all members of the Class of 2024.
Arguably the most impressive has been Jaxson Fugate, who is averaging 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists as North has knocked off Blackhawk Christian (for the first time since 2017) and DeKalb.
Why Not Higher?
North has quickly jumped into the top three after being left out of the preseason top five. Let’s pump the brakes a bit. Road games at South Side and Warsaw this weekend will be telling.
No. 4 – ADAMS CENTRAL FLYING JETS (0-0, 0-0 ACAC)
What do you do when a team hasn’t played a game yet two weeks into the season? Well, it’s difficult to move ’em much in either direction.
Hoops took a back seat to football in Monroe due to the Flying Jets reaching the state finals again. AC will begin its season Saturday at home against Canterbury.
Why Not Higher?
Because the Jets haven’t played a game, perhaps?
No. 5 – BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN BRAVES (1-1)
It may take a bit for Blackhawk Christian to reach its potential, but don’t equate an early-season loss to North Side to the Braves going anywhere.
Junior Kellen Pickett has been a monster, and a varsity roster led by a cadre of juniors and seniors will be just fine.
Why Not Higher?
The defeat at the hands of North Side forced a bit of a drop, but the overtime dub against New Haven softened the fall.
No. 6 – LEO LIONS (1-1, 0-0 NE8)
Coach Cary Cogdell’s squad continues its three-game road trip to begin the season with a stop at Bishop Luers on Tuesday. How Leo slots into the NE8 will be an interesting storyline to watch throughout the year. For now, it is at the top.
Why Not Higher?
A 15-point loss to Wayne to begin the season. To be fair, a lot of teams are gonna get beat by double digits by the Generals.
No. 7 – WARSAW TIGERS (3-0, 0-0 NLC)
The Tigers are on a three-game winning streak to begin the year, something they achieved twice over the course of last season.
The win last Friday over Homestead was particularly impressive in holding off Sparty late.
Why Not Higher?
Warsaw is trending upward. A home game against North Side on Saturday will give us an idea of where the Tigers are.
No. 8 – HOMESTEAD SPARTANS (1-1, 0-0 SAC)
It has been a roller-coaster of emotions for Homestead over the last few weeks. On the court, the Spartans were able to put away Huntington North to open the campaign but fell in a close one to Warsaw last weekend.
It’s definitely a word in progress in a lot of ways without Will Jamison. A two-game weekend with Bishop Dwenger and New Haven looms.
Why Not Higher?
Just another team we are left wondering just how good they can be. Would be awesome to see Jamison back at some point.
No. 9 – BISHOP LUERS KNIGHTS (1-0, 0-0 SAC)
It was a wonderful weekend for the Truesdale family, with the junior twins Dereon and Drelyn shining on the court and little brother back in the Fort, per social media. The junior duo each reached double digits in an 11-point victory over Mishawaka Marian, which won 23 games a season ago.
Next up, home matchups with Leo and Northrop.
Why Not Higher?
Patience.
No. 10 – WESTVIEW WARRIORS (2-1, 0-0 NECC)
Two wins in three games to begin the campaign has Coach Chandler Prible’s squad off to a decent start. Is Westview the best team in the NECC? A matchup with Central Noble looms on Saturday.
Why Not Higher?
Due time.
UNDER CONSIDERATION
Central Noble, 3-0
Garrett, 3-1
Woodlan, 2-2
Jay County, 2-2
Concordia Lutheran, 1-0
Bellmont, 3-1
DeKalb, 2-1
New Haven 1-2
Snider, 1-0
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
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