PREDICTED CHAMPION: WESTVIEW
It would be easy to say that Lakeland, the leader of the NECC, should be the favorite.
But Westview is tough, has the IN THEORY easier side of the bracket and would have a home game in the tournament finals should they make it to that point.
So Westview is in the driver’s seat in many ways.
The team has relied heavily on four guys all season. There is absolutely a school of thought that you would want more consistent depth and that is something we have seen haunt Westview when they need an extra push, like in the recent loss to East Noble. That said, Westview’s top four scoring depth is more than what most, if not all, teams in the NECC have with each of those guys capable of a 20 point outing or better.
We knew Austin Schlabach was going to be a real problem and he has likely been Westview’s most consistent high scoring threat with his grit getting through defenses. The length and tenacity of Kaden Grau is another major punch for this team as he can be one of the smoothest scorers in the conference. Daniel Yoder was the nice surprise to those on the outside as he came out with 20 point scoring games to open the season and has been consistent ever since. Owen Brill is a nice shooter who is also capable of blowing up in any game.
TOP CONTENDER: LAKELAND
Lakeland is 5-0 against NECC teams this season, including a win over OTH’s tournament favorite Westview. That basically makes Lakeland as “Favorite 1B” to Westview’s “1A.”
The Lakers are a team with good scoring depth, but perhaps more important they have a lot of consistency. Lakeland isn’t a team that you can rattle or work over easily at all and they have a lot of guys who can make an impact offensively. Even Levi Cook, who is not tops on scoring hierarchy, has displayed how he can take over a game around the basket.
Kyle Hartsough, Justin Carlson, Keegan Merrifield, Keyan Arroyo and Cole Riehl can all fill it up at different times, but may be able to fill it up at the same time too which greatly changes things if they do. This team has shown they are deeply committed to a first year head coach and having the buy in that they do is huge.
BEST FIRST ROUND GAME: ANGOLA vs. GARRETT
This game is a rematch from Angola’s 12 point win in December and that was one of the best games this season in the NECC. The crowd was rowdy and these two teams play a similar enough wild style that is made for a lot of intensity on the floor.
The difference last time around was literally an 11 point advantage for the Hornets in the third quarter when they held Garrett to just four points. Other than that, it was virtually even minus an Angola buzzer beater before halftime that gave them a one point advantage in that stanza.
Tyler Ruple was tough at creating and being able to hit on all levels against the Railroaders, scoring 12 points in the 56-44 win while Niles Knox, the physical freshman, led the way with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Garrett was led by Carter Coffman’s 16 points, but were outrebounded by Angola – something that doesn’t happen often to Garrett.
Will a change of venue make a big impact? Angola’s home crowd and student section were great the first time the two teams met at The Hive, but this one will be at Paul Bateman Gym in Garrett.
THE UPSET TO WATCH FOR
Central Noble over Lakeland, Quarterfinals
Could the fly around, take charges defensive stylings of Central Noble hamper the conference regular season leaders?
Lakeland plays pretty calm and under control, so for the Cougars to be the first NECC team to topple the Lakers this year, they will really need to speed them up. That starts on the hands of Redick Zolman, who can be a difference maker when he finds the right place between too calm and too out of control. He is a guy who can score quickly and score in bunches as he creates opportunities for himself. Colt Kirkpatrick and his knack for taking charges is key too.
The Lakers and Cougars feel like the best quarterfinal game right now and is going to be a highlight of Wednesday no matter how Tuesday games go to create other quarterfinals.
Lakeland is a perfect 4-0 on the road right now, so travel doesn’t seem to be something that rattles them.
PLAYERS TO MAKE NOISE
Daniel Yoder, Westview
Yoder has been a pleasant surprise early in the season for the Warriors, adding another high level scorer to this core. He can really fill it up and was one to be a firestarter on this team at the beginning of the season, then has started to fill in when needed. If he get going this week, it will lend a big hand towards Westview’s title hopes.
Mason Mast, Churubusco
Mast has been a lengthy and strong shooting presence for the Eagles. He averaged 7.7 points per game through Busco’s first seven games and even though they now sit at 2-7 overall, his presence has helped them play some close games including a near comeback win over East Noble. It helps that Busco opens with a game opposite Fremont, who they just topped last week.
Ryan Stuckey, Angola
On a team that thrives in playing scrappy and physical, Stuckey has been able to be that guy for Angola. He is an aggressive rebounding presence who works the offensive glass but also isn’t afraid to put the ball on the floor offensively and get to work.
Parker Reed, Garrett
Reed may be the catalyst for Garrett on both ends of the floor. His length helps him get into passing lanes and be disruptive in creating turnovers. The lefty adds a scoring punch at times and his ability to get downhill was important in the Railroaders then-signature win over Woodlan.
FULL BRACKET
See Bounce’s picks for winners
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