Valparaiso heads list of top teams in NWI to start season
TOP 1 0 TEAMS 1. Valparaiso (19-5):
Expectations are high for the Vikings. Senior forward Mason Jones (18.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists), a Ball State recruit who was an Indiana Junior All-Star, is an elite player. Sophomore guard Jack Smiley (6.8 points) showed his skill and potential last season and should make additional strides. Senior forward Connor McCall and senior guard Derrick Brooks also return.
2. 21st Century (23-5): The bulk of the Cougars’ core that lost in overtime to Lafayette Central Catholic in a semistate returns. Senior guard Ashton Williamson (19.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 11.4 assists, 4.0 steals), a Division I prospect who was an Indiana Junior All-Star, is an outstanding player. Senior guard/forward DJ Moss (14.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals, 2.9 blocked shots) and senior guard/forward Quintin Floyd (15.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.2 steals) also are part of the team’s talented triumvirate. Senior guard Roy Cast and sophomore forward Lemetrius Williams are among the other returnees for the Cougars. Coach Larry Upshaw said, “We’re playing with a chip on our shoulders all year, and only one moment can knock it off.”
The Mustangs return four starters from the Northwest Crossroads Conference and sectional champion. Senior forward Brandon Trilli (21.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists), a Northern Michigan recruit who was an Indiana Junior All-Star, is a premier player. Junior guard David Cundiff (9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists) gives them a standout one-two punch. Junior guard Nolan Kinsella (8.1 points) and junior forward Jermaine Coney (4.1 points) also started last season.
Mr. Basketball finalist Travis Grayson graduated after the Trojans’ undefeated run to the state final. But the dynamic junior duo of forward Justin Sims (9.1 points, 5.9 rebounds) and guard Tyler Parrish (10.2 points) are back. Senior guard Owen Guest (4.5 points) gives them three returning starters.
5. Hammond Central (16-8): The Wolves return 11 players and should be spurred by the memory of a sectional semifinal loss to Munster. Senior guard Jordan Woods (17.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 3.8 steals) is a high-level player. Senior guard Kenneth Grant (13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds) and junior guard Matthew King (11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds) also are back. They should be bolstered by junior forward Daniel Garza (7.7 point, 4.8 rebounds), a Bishop Noll transfer.
6. Crown Point (17-6): Senior guard AJ Lux (17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds), a sharpshooting Bellarmine recruit, leads the way for the Bulldogs. They’ll be seeking production from complementary players surrounding him, such as senior forward/center Keaton Buuck (4.7 points) and senior forward Connor Cotton. Coach Clint Swan said Crown Point will be guard-oriented, so defense and rebounding will be especially key.