MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week presented by the Indiana Army National Guard

With just four returning starters and two seniors total, Crown Point (Ind.) softball coach Ginger Britton was understandably concerned with her team's inexperience.

But those four starters were fortunately planted in key spots — one outfielder, one infielder and two pitchers — and the result has been nearly flawless.

The Bulldogs started the season 10-0, outscored foes 69-8, boasted a team .312 batting average and a 0.45 ERA. That has vaulted Crown Point to the top of the MaxPreps state computer rankings and earned the Bulldogs the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week honor, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

The development of the young players through the experienced players is what Britton has been most pleased with in the early going.



"Those (four) athletes have been instrumental in working with the younger athletes and the new freshmen athletes through their leadership on the playing field and on the practice field," Britton said. "The returning players push themselves individually to get better every day and in turn push the newbies with those same expectations.

"Because of the hard work to continually improve they have been able to pull each other into a team mentality that winning isn't enough, continually pushing to have improvements which showed in the start of the season.

"Personally I am most pleased with this aspect of the team. Getting an out is not enough, they want the double play. And while we may not always have the opportunity to go above and beyond in each game, they want to work on it and push each other in practice."

It helps to have two standout pitchers like sophomore Alexis Holloway (4-0, 0.28 ERA, 50 strikeouts, 25 innings) and junior Miranda Elish (3-0, 0.55, 52 strikeouts, 25.2 innings).

Britton said the duo lead both on and off the field.

"Each athlete has their own unique pitching style and strengths on the mound and the team is learning well how to play behind them," Britton said. "Miranda is the kind of athlete who will push herself harder than she will ask anyone else on the team to work. She expects the best from herself and is forever working to better herself for her team.



"Alexis, while only a sophomore, is always willing to take instruction. She is a leader while on the field even though she is younger than some of her teammates. Alexis is also pushing herself to be the best for her team. She is quick to give a high five to those that make plays behind her, giving credit to her teammates and not taking it herself."

Both aren't just superb pitchers, but excellent hitters too. They bat first and second in the lineup.

"It shows the humbleness of both athletes that they are willing to play and work so well together with equally talented players sharing time on the mound," Britton said.

The duo have plenty of support behind them. The Bulldogs have big contributors up and down the line-up. Among them (statistics through eight games): 

* Marie O'Malley (.429, four doubles, seven RBIs)

* Morgan Matalin (.391)



* Mackenzie Dunlap (.333, team-high eight runs)

Elish is also one of the team's offensive leaders, batting .409 with three doubles.

Britton loves the team's offensive attitude.

"Being a singles hitter isn't enough, they want to push themselves to better their batting averages with runners in scoring position and work hard at the plate and in the cages to focus when it counts," she said. "They … are disappointed when a missed opportunity isn't capitalized on."

The Bulldogs perhaps feel like they missed out last season when they won 29 straight before a 2-0 semi-state semifinal loss to Huntington North.

This team with just two seniors, four juniors, five sophomores and three freshmen on a 14-person roster is ready for its next opportunity, Britton said.



"Crown Point has never made a run deep into the state tournament and that shows just how difficult it is," she said. "It will never be handed to you, and others will always be ready to play you.

"But we'll (prepare) one day, one skill, one practice, one game at a time to prepare for the second season — the postseason."

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The Floyd Central (Floyds Knobs) softball team is winning, but it's how they are winning and who they have beaten that pleases coach Scott Castleberry.

The Highlanders are off to a 10-2 start and have outscored foes by a 85-33 count. Impressive enough.

"I am most pleased that we have played a very tough schedule and have figured out different ways we can win," Castleberry said.

Floyd Central defeated defending state champions from Tennessee and Kentucky on consecutive days at the Southern Warrior Classic in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

For their fast start, the Highlanders have been picked as the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.



Though there's only one senior on the Floyd Central squad, Castleberry said the Highlanders are definitely not inexperienced. Their 15-person roster also includes seven juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen.

"We have a lot of players who have played travel ball at the highest level and in the toughest travel tournaments in the country," he said.

Castleberry doesn't let the Highlanders rest on their laurels. They have an aggressive college-type conditioning program, he said, and the squad has a nice balance between speed and power — they've stolen 41 bases and hit .381 as a team.

Castleberry said another aspect of the game is what's leading the way.

"I've been impressed with our defense," he said. "We had a few holes to fill defensively and we have had a couple players really step up for us.

"Paige Meyer has done an outstanding job at second base, Jenna Endris has stepped up at first base and Maddie Probus has done a great job on the hot corner."



The team is led offensively by Gabbi Jenkins, who is No.1 in the state with 21 RBIs and 26 hits while hitting .605.

Other top hitters are Regan Hadley (.325, 14 RBIs), Lindsey Sparrow (.464, 13 hits) and Jensen Striegel (.462, 17 hits).

That's helped make life easier for senior pitcher Kassie King (6-1, 1.30 ERA). Lexi Heeke (4-1, 2.96) has also been solid.

What makes the team so special, Castleberry said, is that many of the players have played together since they were 9 years old. And Castleberry has coached them every slap hit and putout since that time, including Jenkins, King and Striegel.

"All three are very special players," Castleberry said. "Kassie is a very special pitcher. She has a great mix of pitches, spins the ball very well and executes one pitch at a time. More than that, Kassie is a winner. She has pitched against some of the best travel programs and high schools in the country and knows how to win.

"Gabbi is a worker. She is one of those special players who simply outworks everyone. She takes more reps than any player I have ever coached. Gabbi loves the game and plays with more passion than most players possess.



"Jensen has been a natural in the outfield since she started walking. She was diving for balls and making catches worthy of ESPN's Top 10 when she was 10. She is fast and worked hard to become a true triple threat and slapper. Jensen has a great can-do attitude that separates her from a lot of players."

The Highlanders are attempting to improve on last year's 25-6 season. The year before that, they were 20-7. They have won 12 section, two regional and four league championships.

They are seeking their first state title. Castleberry thinks the team's potential is boundless.

"The key to us reaching our potential this year is continuing to learn and improve every game," he said. "Each player is committed to getting better everyday because they want to be the best. That desire will propel this team.

"We define and separate ourselves by taking the season one game at a time and bringing a bunch of energy on every pitch. We will continue to do that and see where it takes us this year."
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It's early in the season for the Wheeler (Valparaiso) baseball team. The Bearcats are off to a 4-0 start, which is reason for optimism for coach Kyle Becich.

The fact they've outscored opponents by a whopping count of 76-14 is enough for Becich to do cartwheels. After all, the one point of emphasis during the offseason was offense, so for the team to open with run counts of nine, 24, 33 and 10 is more than a little encouraging.



For the onslaught and fast start, Wheeler has been selected the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

"Right now, we're taking it one game at a time," Becich said. "We hope to surprise some teams along the way and head into sectionals with a hot hand."

The Bearcats are sizzling now. They've piled up 76 runs on 66 hits, 18 doubles, six triples, three home runs and 20 stolen bases.

Wheeler has been more of a track team than a baseball squad the way it's rounding the bases.

"We knew coming into this season that we needed to hit better than last year," Becich said. "From day one, our players have put the work in to correct our errors and we have seen it translate in a major way to the field."

The team has been led offensively by Sam Bolla (5-for-9, nine runs, 14 RBIs), Austin Whitaker (9-for-11, nine RBIs, seven runs) and Jacob Armentrout (8-for-14, nine runs, nine RBIs).



Bolla, Keenan Miller and Jake LaFever have picked up wins on the mound.

"Sam has been a four-year starter for varsity baseball and is our No. 3 hitter," Becich said. "He is a dangerous batter who can hit for power or contact, depending on the situation."

Whitaker has been a three-year starter.

"He hits cleanup and has really become comfortable at the plate," Becich said. "He approaches every at-bat with confidence, no matter what the count is."

Armentrout has made a fast impression as a freshman.

"He hits second and has a great swing, plus he puts the ball in play," Becich said. "He is the fastest player on our team and will be able to beat out grounders and shoot for triples if the ball is put in the gap."



Speed is a big part of the team's game. LaFever has six steals and Bolla four.

"Our team speed is outstanding this year," Becich said. "We have several players that are going to be able to put pressure on the defense, provided they get on base.

"We also have three freshmen that courtesy/pinch-run for us that have been consistently producing on the basepaths. We'll need to be consistent at the plate in order to continue to provide opportunities for our speed to benefit us overall."
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Guerin Catholic (Noblesville) boys basketball coach Pete Smith was a little surprised when the Associated Press picked his Golden Eagles as the No. 1 Class 3A team in the state before the season started.

"I believe it was based on last year, when we had three seniors who graduated and played in college this season," he said.

Doesn't make much sense.

But despite, a rough 8-8 stretch in the middle of the season, Guerin Catholic made AP look smart as it won its second state title in four years following a 62-56 win over Griffith at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Saturday.



Matt Holba had game-high 29 points and 14 rebounds and Christian Munson 12 points as the Golden Eagles (23-8) ended the season on a nine-game win streak after starting the season 6-0.

"I can't say it was a surprise (they won it), but this team really had to figure out their own problems on the court in January," Smith said. "And they did. I thought they could win it, but there were times in the season I wasn't sure they were going to get it done."

It helps to have a talent like Holba, a 6-foot-6 senior guard who led the team in scoring (18.8 per game) and rebounding (9.7). Munson, a 6-5 junior, averaged 15 points per game and Matthew Godfrey, a 5-11 sophomore guard, averaged 7.9.

"Matt is a true wing," Smith said. "But this year he was asked to play in the post a lot due to his strength and size. He delivered down there too."

The best part about the move? Holba didn't even blink, even though he played guard on the team's 22-4 team in 2013-14.

"He's the ultimate team player," Smith said. "He was too unselfish the first half of the season, but he really evolved into an all-around, go-to guy down the last stretch of the season."



Though the team struggled in the middle of the season, Smith said that was key.

"We had some rough losses against pretty good opponents," he said. "Several of those eight losses we considered our own fault and we felt we beat ourselves.

"We overcame that stretch by valuing the basketball better, and we stopped giving up the baseline so much on defense."

It all translated into the school's second title in only nine years of existence. They've had a lot of success, going 22-4, 17-6, 24-6, 16-9, 15-12, 16-8 and 17-6 before this season.

Every season is different. This team persevered.

"The team bonded together and they all became accountable for their play," Smith said.
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The Homestead (Fort Wayne) boys basketball team is an agreeable bunch.



The Spartans opened the Section 6 playoffs by racing to an 88-45 victory, followed by a fast 76-57 semifinal win before winning the title with a 51-35 victory over Jay County.

That advanced Homestead to the state 4A tournament and it opened with a 59-57 squeaker over Carroll, followed by a 41-37 slowdown win over Carmel before a 90-69 semifinal win over South Bend Riley.

That vaulted the Spartans into a championship game this Saturday versus Evansville Reitz at Bakers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It is the first time they have reached the state final in program history.

"We will play at any pace the other team wants to play," Homestead coach Chris Johnson said.

That appears so for the state's fourth-ranked team and No. 78 team in the nation.

The Spartans have gone 30-2 going slow or fast, but always playing team basketball. That is why they are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.



"I have been most pleased with the way we share the ball, trust teammates and understand roles on the team," Johnson said. "It's a great group of young men who understand what it takes to make a team successful."

It helps that the team's starters go 6-foot-9, 6-8, 6-5, 6-2 and 6-1.

"Defensively, our length gives a lot of teams fits," Johnson said.

So does the balance. Every starter has scored at least 20 points per game, the last of whom was 6-8, 265-pound senior Caleb Swanigan, who is the No. 14 recruit in the country, according to 247Sports.

Swanigan has Kentucky, Michigan State and Duke among his finalists. In the team's win over South Bend Riley, Swanigan had 40 points and 19 rebounds. He made 13 of 18 shots.

"We saw on film they were going to have a tough time guarding Caleb," Johnson said. "He's a hard worker who wants to be the best, and a true competitor who wants to win and lead by example."



Jordan Geist, a 6-foot senior guard, had 23 against Riley and according to Johnson, "He's a hard-nosed defender who plays at a high level all the time."

Other starters with comments from Johnson:

Tahj Curry a 6-2 junior guard: "He's our leader in assists and finishes at the basket."

Teddy Ray, a 6-5 senior guard: "He defends other teams' best player. He also is a strong 3-point shooter who helps space the floor."

Dana Batt, a 6-9 senior forward: "A tough rebounder who can finish around the basket."

The 20-man roster is filled with 10 seniors, two juniors, seven sophomores and a freshman.



The team went 18-8 last year and 23-5 the two seasons before that.

What will it take to be successful against Reitz (29-1)?

"Handling their pressure by taking care of the ball and making the extra pass," Johnson said. "We need to defend their shooters and only give them one shot opportunity."

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With nine seniors on his team's 13-man roster, Frankton boys basketball coach Brent Brobston doesn't have to do much inspiring, or even teaching.

These Eagles have been through the wringer and they don't want their high school careers to end. Especially not now.

Frankton (25-2) is just two wins away from a first state title, which won't be easy with a tough Hammond Bishop Noll to play on Saturday. If the Eagles win that one, defending champion Park Tudor likely awaits on the other side of the bracket.

But with this experienced group, headed by leading scorer Austin Compton, Brobston believes all is possible.



"Our group of seniors is the key to us winning the state championship," he said. "These nine guys are winners, and they have been part of four straight conference championships — the most wins in school history — two sectional championships, and this year's regional championship. These nine always find a way to win."

For that, the Eagles have been selected the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

Frankton is extremely efficient on offense, averaging 66.1 points per game while shooting 51 percent from the field. The Eagles average 19 assists per game and ignite a lot of their offense with 13.4 steals per game.

Best of all, they allow just 44.1 points per game.

"I've been most pleased at the way we have defended all year," Brobston said. "We have been in the top 10 defensively in the state all season. That's been the backbone of our success."

The Eagles weren't initially successful — at least on the scoreboard — the first three years under Brobston, a former student and player at the school. They went a combined 20-45 in that time.



Since then, they've gone 14-11, 18-6, 21-3 and now 25-2.

"Our first three seasons our athletes worked hard, but we were going through a change for the kids into a new style and system," Brobston said. "Those kids our first three seasons poured their hearts into what we wanted to do and we feel actually helped us change the culture for these kids we have now.

"Even though they weren't successful by win-loss record, they were good leaders and kids off the court, and helped mold our younger kids into a new culture."

Now they not only have good kids, but also good players.

Compton, a 6-foot-1 point guard, leads the way averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Seven other players average at least 4.1 points per game, led by Nick Wright (9.5) and Brady Ashton (7.5). Other seniors on the team are Cameron Bates, Conner Bates, Blaine Reed, Brayden Ginder, Bailey Threet and Isaac Stuckey.

The three-pointer is a big part of the team's success, having made 196 of them, led by Wright (48) and Compton (44). Brobston said Compton's competitive edge is what sets him apart.



"He's the most competitive basketball player I have ever seen on the floor," he said. "To be a point guard and lead us three straight seasons in rebounds tells the entire story. He has the heart of a lion and is a true winner." {PAGEBREAK}
It's not easy to adjust when a new phenom enters the picture. Especially when he's three years your junior.

But the members of the New Albany boys basketball team have not only accepted 6-foot-3 freshman guard Romeo Langford, they've embraced him, showed him the ropes, got him the ball.

The combination of four seasoned senior starters and Langford has led the Bulldogs to a 25-2 record and last week's state 4A Section 15 championship.

New Albany didn't just win the title, it breezed through three section games winning by 20, 20 and — get this — 46 points in the finals. The Bulldogs' 79-33 championship win over Bedford North Lawrence caught everyone off guard, even longtime coach Jim Shannon, who won his ninth sectional title in 17 years.

For the team's ability to adapt, its unselfishness and remarkable section-winning triumph, New Albany is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

"It's difficult to describe our win over BNL," Shannon said. "Defensively we were able to turn them over and control their top scorers. We were also very efficient offensively, and (Langford) continues to improve tremendously each week."



Langford, who is on the radar of almost all major Division I college programs, had 22 points and 11 rebounds in the finals. Davon Winburn had 13 points, while DeAnthony Warren and Michael Maxwell added 11 points apiece.

Winburn is a 6-1 senior shooting guard, Warren is a 6-3 senior small forward and Maxwell is a 6-4 junior power forward.

Asked what he's most pleased with this season, Shannon said: "How our four seniors have accepted Romeo and that the entire team has bonded. They always make the extra pass and have become very unselfish."

Unselfishness is a trait of Shannon teams have shown over the years. Over the last 10 seasons, the Bulldogs have gone 16-6, 21-4, 26-1, 23-1, 20-3, 16-8, 14-8 and 18-7 before this year's sterling start.

They are ranked 10th in the state, according to the MaxPreps Computer Rankings.

"We thought we would be pretty good this year, but we were pleasantly surprised to emerge as a state contender," Shannon said.



Those who have emerged:

* Winborn leads the way among the seniors, with a 14-point scoring average. "He's an excellent offensive creator, scores off the dribble and is very athletic," Shannon said.

* Warren is very strong, an excellent defender "and almost always holds top scorers well below their average," Shannon said. Warren also averages about 9.5 points per game.

* Senior Nick White is a 6-5 forward who is an excellent rebounder and defender. He averages six points per game and "is very active," according to Shannon.

* Isaac Hibbard is a 5-10 shooting guard who is a deadly 3-point shooter. "He's very steady and heady," Shannon said.

Then there's Langford, who is simply athletic, gifted and skilled. He averages 19.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. A big-time recruit like him at such a ripe age may be assumed to be offense-oriented.



Not so, says Shannon. Langford leads the team in deflections and charges taken. He's also poised beyond his years against attacking, aggressive defenses and curious journalists.

"My dad always told me ‘Don't show emotion, just play through it,'" he told reporters after the BNL game. "That's what I've been doing my whole life."

It helps that Langford also deflects all the personal acclaim.

"Coach prepared us for this game," he said afterward. "We did whatever he told us to do. We just play as a team."

They'll need to do that at this weekend's Seymour Regional, which also features state powers Evansville Reitz, Franklin Central and Bloomington South.

"Whoever comes out of the regional will have earned it," Shannon said. "We hope it is us and we are confident, but we also know we will face a tall task in defeating Evansville Reitz."



Evansville Reitz defeated New Albany 81-51 on Jan. 2.

"To win we must handle Reitz's pressure, and we must also defend their prolific scorers," Shannon said.

Winburn said the Bulldogs definitely have bigger fish to fry than a sectional title.

"We're going to work even harder than we did last week to get the regional title," he told reporters. "That's what we're thinking about." {PAGEBREAK}

A big giant season filled with blood, sweat and tears — and even a possible state championship — can come down to one single possession.

That is what the Columbus North girls basketball team learned early on this season.

That lesson is quite possibly why the Bulldogs are one win away from a state 4A championship.



Columbus North lost a 64-60 game to Lawrence North on Nov. 29 and hasn't lost since, a span of three months and 24 games. The Bulldogs are 27-1 heading into Saturday's title game against Homestead (Fort Wayne) (26-2) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

"That setback reinforced to our players that every possession matters, and we have to treat each possession of each game with the importance it deserves," Columbus North coach Patrick McKee said. "We had a number of unforced turnovers in that game, and we have had far fewer of those since then, especially in our recent games."

For their more mindful and careful ways, the Bulldogs are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

They are No. 21 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 national rankings and No. 18 in the MaxPreps national computer rankings. They average 68.9 points per game, shoot 48 percent from the field and 69 percent from the foul line.

McKee said numbers and skills and taking care of the ball are all vital. But what this team has is sisterhood.

"(He loves) How our players work together and regularly lift each other when needed," he said. "If someone makes an error, another player typically picks her up. We are a team, and our players really understand that."



It helps to have one of the nation's best players in Ali Patberg.

The 5-foot-10 senior was selected as a McDonald's All-American and she's the state's No. 3 scorer at 25.7 per game. She also averages 8.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 3.2 steals per game.

Patberg is ranked the 14th best senior in the country by ESPN and she's headed to Notre Dame.

McKee said all of her basketball accolades pale in comparison to her character and personality. That's saying something, considering how talented she is.

"(Patberg) brings a special combination of size, speed, strength, skills, basketball IQ and coachability to the floor each time she plays," McKee said. "In 30-plus years of working with players at multiple levels, I have not seen anyone who works harder or smarter. Ali is a one-in-a-million person and a one-in-a-million player."

McKee has been around and he knows his stuff.



Since he took over in 2010-11, the Bulldogs are a combined 117-13. The school has a rich history with 16 section titles, five league titles and one regional title. But they are after an elusive first state title.

With a deep bench and other standout players like sophomore Maliah Howard-Bass (9.4 ppg), junior Paige Littrell (8.4 ppg) and senior Sheyanne Street (6.1 ppg), they have a good shot.

As long as they take care of the ball. And keep doing what they've been doing.

"We have played excellent defense in our recent games," McKee said. "Our opponent in the state championship game, Homestead, is a terrific team with a tremendous offensive game.

"We must have another strong defensive game that makes things difficult for their team to get easy baskets. We know we will not shut them down entirely. They are too good. But hopefully we can make it difficult for them to get easy points, and we can do well enough with our offense to be able to prevail."
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It's one thing to be good and have a spiffy record like 19-3.

It's another when everyone is contributing.



According to its assistant coach J.J. Williams, the Richmond (Ind.) boys basketball team is the epitome of team basketball and why he and head coach Joe Luce are so thrilled with the Red Devils.

"Each player brings a set of skills and strengths that complements everyone on the floor," Williams said. "There is a willingness to put the team before self and that has been really refreshing."

Williams isn't just spouting off. He has empirical proof. This Red Devils team has more assists than any since Luce took over in 2011-12. In that time, Richmond is 77-19.

For its team play and excellence, Richmond is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

The Red Devils average 69 points per game, shoot 49 percent from the field and average almost 20 assists per game. The team opened 1-2 before rattling off 17 straight wins.

"Our style of play is high-intensity, high-paced, both offensively and defensively," Williams said. "The 1-2 start was a combination of not yet being completely comfortable playing at the speed we were pushing for and playing some very good teams who took advantage of that.



"Once we got a couple of quality wins under our belt the confidence and the trust in one another just continued to grow with each subsequent victory."

It helps to have one of the state's top backcourts that includes point guard Joel Okafor (14.7 points, 6.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds per game) and shooting guard Davious Webster (15.1 ppg, 4.2 apg). Okafor has committed to Wisconsin-Green Bay.

What makes Okafor and Webster so special?

"First of all, they are both top-level high school basketball players year-round," Williams said. "What you see is a culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication to their craft. They are also very competitive personalities, which drives them to make each other better in practice, yet when the lights go on their only goal is to win the game. They are totally willing to sacrifice personal stats on any given night for the benefit of a team victory."

The team's third leading scorer is Auntonio Brown, a 6-foot-2 forward who averages 12.1 points per game.

Williams believes that sky is the limit for the Red Devils, but it won't be easy down the stretch.



"There are only four teams that go home happy at the end of the year," Williams said. "We feel if the ball bounces the right way for us we are very capable of being the last team standing in the 4A class.

"We've become much more than the Joel and Davious show. Guard Isaiah Rader is an explosive penetrator averaging nearly four assists per game. Junior guard Tommy Luce is leading the North Central Conference in 3-point shooting percentage. Adrion Burns, at 6-4, has become one of the most dynamic juniors in the state.

"This team believes it can be done."

That's because the Red Devils are a complete team, from top to bottom, Williams said. It wasn't always that way, he said.

"Depth was a concern early in the year, but as our team has grown and matured so has our bench," he said. "Obviously an injury or foul trouble for players of the level of an Okafor, Webster or Burns would be tough to weather, but we've been able to do so on several occasions late in the year.

"Juniors Dominique Walker, Brenden Vanlandingham and Luce have provided quality minutes when called upon."
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Coach Ric Mauch and his South Bend St. Joseph (Ind.) girls basketball team are on a roll.



The Indians won a state title in 2004-05 and finished 25-1, and the following year went 23-3. But then hard times followed and seasons of 11-10, 5-18, 8-11.

St. Joseph rebounded in 2011-12 at 20-7, but fell back the next year to 8-14.

That's when Mauch entered and the Indians are on the upswing once again.

They've won a lot in his tenure, including a 24-1 start in 2014-15. Relying on quickness and strong defense, the Indians average 67 points per game and give up just 39.5.

For its superb season, St. Joseph is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

With a roster filled with juniors and not a 6-footer among any of them, the Indians opened with a 79-73 win over visiting Gary West Side. Other than a 49-44 win over Lake Central on Jan. 10, they've won every other game by at least double digits.



The team's only loss was 52-46 at home to Penn on Jan. 13, and heading into the week has won eight straight. The Indians started the season with 17 straight wins.

Before the season, Mauch told The Fan Varsity Sports Network "Our new group of seniors and juniors are going to have to continue the chemistry piece." He also said "There's feistiness in the NIC, so you just have to keep a good focus and balance."

Turns out all of that did happen.

With only three seniors, the future looks even more promising for the Indians, who also have seven juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen. Eleven of their 17 players stand between 5-9 and 5-11.

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It's the most important time of the season, says Danville (Ind.) boys basketball coach Brian Barber.

"The team that improves the most in February wins championships in March," he said.



And Barber's team plans to win multiple titles.

"As many championships as possible," he said.

The Warriors appear well on their way, off to a 14-3 start, thanks to a well-balanced group that includes four seniors, six juniors, a sophomore and two freshmen.

For their balance, chemistry, depth and overall defense, Danville is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

Barber has been at the helm since 1999 and his teams have been a model of consistency. Since 2005, the Warriors have had just one losing seasons, having gone 17-9, 12-9, 18-6, 17-5, 25-2, 19-5, 11-12, 18-6 and 17-5 before this year.

The Warriors have won five of their last six with the help of top two scorers Luke Callahan (14.6 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game) and Ryan Cloncs (13.2, 5.7).



"Luke leads by example and his sheer presence," Barber said. "He's versatile in the he rebounds, defends, blocks shots, is a good passer and can shoot both inside and outside.

"Ryan is a very intelligent player who can see things happening ahead of most players. He rebounds, takes charges, is an excellent passer and can score both inside and outside."

Sounds like a familiar theme with the Warriors.

Other capable scorers are Jake Elliott (8.6 ppg), freshman Austin Cowart (5.3 ppg) and Jayson Stone (5.2 ppg).

The Warriors average 18.3 assists per game and shoots 46 percent from the field. Elliott is one of the state leaders while averaging 6.2 assists per game.

The team's ability to pass effectively and share the wealth is a big reason why the chemistry is so strong.



"I feel like our team has improved in all facets of the game," Barber said.

That has helped make 2014-15 so enjoyable so far. Barber said how the players mesh is a big reason why he enjoys coaching overall.

"The thing I enjoy the most about coaching is the relationships," he said. "From players to coaches to everyone involved."

The team has shown a strong bounce-back quality as well. After opening the year with an 81-29 win over visiting South Putnam and 33-point at Rockville, it lost at Mooresville.

The Warriors responded with a season-high seven-game win streak, before a loss to Brownsburg. They responded with four straight wins, before a decisive loss at home to the state's No. 23 team McCutcheon.

Once again, Danville bounced back with a 57-51 win at Frankfort. It hosts Avon this week and has two more home games next week against Fall Creek Academy (Indianapolis) and Crawfordsville. {PAGEBREAK}

With a cumulative 3.90 GPA, the Lebanon (Ind.) girls basketball team is collectively quite bright. And get this: the Tigers are also adept at chemistry.



At least among themselves, they are, and combined with a lot of talented players it makes it easy to understand why they are 21-2 and the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

With a mix of three seniors, four juniors, four sophomores and a freshman, Lebanon has put it all together to win 10 straight and earn a No. 26 state ranking. Coach Beth DeVinney loves the team's balance, work ethic and ability to get along.

It comes pretty naturally. Winning, of course, helps.

"We have outstanding team chemistry," DeVinney said. "The kids are friends on and off the floor and really enjoy being around each other. Everyone knows their role and fulfills it to the best of their ability. Winning is the most important thing to this team."

Lebanon has done plenty of it over the years.

Over the previous four seasons, the team has combined for 78 wins against just 19 losses. But this is the most the team has won in the past 11 years, tying it with the 2012-13 team that went 21-4. How has this team got it done?



"Our varsity team GPA is 3.9, so we have intelligent kids," DeVinney said. "We transition well and attack the basket. All of our players are capable of scoring 10-12 points on a given night. We make teams plays 32 minutes all-out."

Though balanced, they are led by the state's leading scorer, junior Kristen Spolyar, who averages 32.8 points per game, along with 9.4 rebounds, 6.0 steals and 4.3 assists.

The 5-foot-10 shooting guard also plays volleyball. She's coming off a 46-point performance, a season high, on Friday, a 95-26 win over Southmont.

Spoylar has also had a game of 45 in an 85-64 win over Crawfordsville, and scored at least 30 in 10 games, including five in a row.

She's made 32 3-pointers, shoots 70 percent from foul line and 63 percent on 2-point field goal tries. Her other season highs are 16 rebounds, seven assists and 11 steals.

"Kristen has the unique mix of strength, great foot speed, great hands and can get to the basket in a variety of ways," DeVinney said. "She makes everyone around her better and is very unselfish in the process, averaging six assists per game."



Other top players are sophomore Brooke Montgomery (10.9 ppg), senior Mallory Cast (9.1 ppg) and junior Peyton Terrill (8.3 ppg).

"I have been most pleased with our progression as a team," DeVinney said. "No. 1, the unselfishness of the kids on the team to do whatever it takes, to allow us to win. And No. 2, the daily improvement and hard work of each and every kid on our team."

Since a 77-60 loss to Noblesville, the Tigers have won 19 of 20, with their lone defeat being 88-61 to Homestead on Jan. 3. Since then, they've won 10 straight by margins of 12, 44, 31, 32, 64, 51, 29, 23, 23 and 69.

So, what are the Tigers capable of?

"Really there are no limits on this team," DeVinney said. "I believe we have the capability to make a run at the state finals, but as in every tournament you have to be playing well at the right time, get a good draw, treat each opponent with respect and know that in order to advance you must play at a high level each and every day.

"And, of course, a little luck doesn't hurt."


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After three straight 20-win seasons, Fort Wayne Snider (Ind.) girls basketball coach Kelley Meiklejohn took over last season a young team and struggled at 8-12.



Helped largely by the state's second-leading scorer Deja Wimby and a talented sophomore class, the Panthers have started 2014-15 with a 12-4 record and are No. 26 in the state, according to the MaxPreps computer rankings.

For their vast and quick improvement, Fort Wayne Snider is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

"Our sophomores are stepping up into their roles," said Meiklejohn of the team's improvement. "We are playing team basketball and executing on the offensive and defensive end."

It helps to lean on Wimby, a 5-foot-8 senior guard, for offense. And defense. And everything in between.

She's averaging 27.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 6.7 steals per game. Wimby has signed a letter of intent to Western Michigan.

Asked what makes her star player so special, Meiklejohn said "Her versatility. She can do so many things on offense but also helps create easy shots for her teammates."



Kyla Covington (10.9 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game) and Daysianae Hinton (6.8 ppg) have cashed in on the offensive end as well.

"These girls play hard and are very determined," Meiklejohn said. "They study the game plan and work together to compete at a high level."

With eight sophomores on a 15-playerroster, the future looks bright for the Panthers.

"There is a lot of talent in that group," Meiklejohn said. "They are special and they keep getting better every day with their work ethic. Some of them have been playing together for years. They have great relationships and they trust each other, which helps on the court with how well they play with each other."

The main goal of the Panthers is to stay focused.

"There is a lot of potential with this group," Meiklejohn said. "We just have to stay focused and take it one game at a time."

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As the defending state 2A champion, the Park Tudor (Indianapolis) boys basketball team has been the hunted all season. It was to be expected.



But a 10-0 start in response to that challenge has been a pleasant surprise to coach Kyle Cox and staff.

The Panthers, now 10-1, have been extremely active on the defensive end, allowing just 47 points per game. And behind 21.3 points per game from Bryce Moore and superb all-around rebounding, led by Evan Frank (12.1 per game), the team should make another strong state title run.

For their strong start and overall play, they are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.

"Our kids have done a tremendous job of staying focused on the task at hand and that is winning one game at a time," Cox said. "Every game this season we have gotten the other team's best effort and that comes with the territory of being hunted. Last year's experience has prepared us for, hopefully, another strong run."

It helps to have scorers like Moore, a 6-3 guard who also averages 5.9 rebounds per game. Six-foot-4 forward Dwayne Gibson (11.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Frank (10.0 ppg), a 6-9 post, are other top scoring threats.

Sophomores Kobe Webster, a 5-10 guard, and Jaren Jackson, a 6-8 forward, each average nine points per game.



"The upside for our sophomore class is off of the charts," Cox said. "Jaren and Kobe developed great chemistry last year in junior varsity games and varsity practices. That chemistry continued into the summer during their AAU seasons and has taken off for us so far during their high school season.

"The hardest thing that young guys have to learn is how to be consistent on both ends of the floor each game and that is something they have been working on every day. They never show any signs of being hesitant or unwilling to make big plays in crucial times of games."

Much of those duties, at least scoring-wise, lie with Moore, who is one of the hardest workers Cox has ever been around.

"He and I sat down at the end of last season and identified some areas of his game that would need to be different for us to be successful this year," Cox said. "He has taken great pride in becoming more of a leader on and off the floor. He has really improved his decision making and shot selection which leads to better output on game nights."

Game night has gone well for the Panthers for the last four seasons. Heading into 2014-15, they were 94-11 including 24-4 last season. They also won a state title in 2010-11.

Before that, however, the Panthers had only one winning season in the previous five. Obviously something has changed.



Repeating as champions won't be easy. But Cox certainly isn't ruling it out.

"To repeat will take a lot of luck," he said. "We have one of the toughest roads of any team in the state regardless of class. Our sectional and regional feature six of the top 10 teams in 2A. The south regional champion is always a great team as well.

"Speaking to our team's needs to repeat, we have to continue to get better each and every time we take the floor. Staying together and healthy complete the recipe for success."
{PAGEBREAK}


Taking over a program that had won 122 games and lost just 24 over the previous six seasons couldn't have been easy.

But Matt Stone, the former boys basketball coach and school athletic director, has thus far made it look so.

The girls' basketball team at Wabash (Ind.) is 11-3, has won five straight and appears to be peaking at just the right time.

For their fine season, the Apaches are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.



Led by Claire Cromer, a dynamic 5-foot-2 senior guard, Wabash hopes to advance farther than last year's team, which reached the state quarterfinals. If they play defense like they have during the win streak, it's a strong possibility.

"We have really clamped down on defense after the first game of the streak," Stone said. "We've given up 27, 32, 36 and 30 points. And we have also had our other players step up and start to score more."

Most of those duties have been relegated to Cromer, who is 10th in the state in scoring at 23.4 points per game. She also averages 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 2.6 assists per game.

Cromer opened the season with a 42-point explosion in a 60-44 win over Mississinewa and followed that up with 34 points in a 62-55 win over Marion.

She made a combined 12 3-pointers in the two games out of 20 attempts and for the year she's made 38. She also shoots a cool 81 percent from the free throw line (123 of 152).

"Despite being 5-2, she has the ability to score anywhere on the floor and she is an excellent free throw shooter, which makes it tough to hold her down," Stone said. "She is also an excellent ball-handler and passer so when people junk her up she is great at getting everyone else good shots and involved."



Sarah Puckett, a 5-10 senior, is the only other Apache to average in double figures at 10.0 per game. She also averages 4.1 rebounds. The next leading scorer is Kristin Cromer at 4.4 points per game.

With their stellar defense, the Apaches don't have to score in bunches. They just need energy to come in waves.

"We have been really good at causing turnovers and controlling tempo and wearing people down," Stone said. "Also our depth has been a huge advantage in many games. We play 10-11 kids every night."

With many contributions, Wabash's win streak might continue for a while.

"We need to keep getting everyone besides Claire to be confident on the offensive end and just continue to keep our defense sharp," Stone said.
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It’s been a long climb for Kyle Simpson and his Southport (Indianapolis) boys basketball team.
 
In Simpson’s first season as head coach in 2012-13, the Fighting Cardinals went 1-19. They improved vastly to 15-8 last year and this season, not only are they off to a 9-0 start as of Monday but they are No. 17 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 national rankings.

"From day one my staff and I have worked to change the culture of the program. Southport has had a history of being successful, and we have been reminding them of that every day. The big key for us so far is the buy-in by our team," Simpson said. "A wise coach once told me 'If you don't care who gets the credit, we can have success.' The team has a pretty good relationship on and off the court, and I think it shows in our play.



"It's a great honor to be recognized on a national stage, and a tribute to the hard work of our players and coaches. This is something we don't talk much with the team. Our target was big already with some of the success we have had early on this season, and with being ranked nationally it makes it that much bigger."
 
Southport, which has won 21 sectional titles and two regional championships but no state crowns, was challenged twice early in the season by Ben Davis and Bloomington South, winning 55-52 and 66-61, respectively.
 
Since then, they’ve won six games handily to earn honors as the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.
 
The Cardinal is led by the trio of senior Malik Bennett (18.0 points per game), junior Joey Brunk (17.6) and sophomore Paul Scruggs (15.3).

"Malik Bennett is a three-year starter in our program. I think the biggest thing in his success is how much he has grown not as a player, but a person. He plays with a high motor, and I think he is a very underrated guard in the state of Indiana," said Simpson."Paul's game is continuing to develop. While he has the body of a senior, he is only a sophomore. He has handled the ball more at the point this year than last. He, like Malik and Joey, has a high motor and loves to compete. All three kids are gym rats. They are constantly working on their game."
 
Brunk, a 6-foot-10 post, is ranked the No. 88 junior recruit in the country by 247Sports. He averages almost 10 rebounds a game and has received offer from Butler, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan State, among others. He’s shooting 68 percent from the floor (57 of 84).

"Joey Brunk is a second-generation Southport Cardinal. His father Joe Sr, played here in the late 70s. Joey is a player that continues to improve every time he steps on the floor. This season he has battled a lot of double and triple teams, but I believe he has been very patient, and has continued to grow," said Simpson.
 
Bennett and Scruggs have combined for 55 steals, which have led to numerous easy buckets. Both are shooting better than 50 percent from the floor.

"I think the biggest thing that has pleased in the early going is that these kids love to work in practice and get better. We are by no means a finished product yet, and they still are hungry to get better," Simpson said.
{PAGEBREAK}

Liberty Christian (Anderson) boys basketball coach Jason Chappell makes no bones about it.

"I think this team is capable of going far in the tournament, possibly all the way," he said. "I feel that this team could be the greatest group of athletes that our school could ever see. We want to make it count."

Big statement, but Chappell has been watching this group of players participate since elementary school.



Plus the big numbers warrant the big statement.

The Lions are averaging 88.2 points per game and giving up just 55.2 for a 33-points-per-game margin. They are off to a 5-0 start.

For the big start, Liberty Christian is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

The Lions came out roaring with a 105-44 win over Cowan and haven't slowed down much since, scoring 81, 77, 92 and 86.

"We are extremely blessed to have the players we have," Chappell said. "That is what we train our players to do. It is a fun way to play basketball and it is easy to get buy in. We really don't worry about the score, we just play our game and try to execute our game to the best of our ability. Our practices are short, but there is a lot of movement to build stamina, yet keep them healthy."

The team is led by the state's second-leading scorer in senior Chris Nunn, a 5-9 guard, (26.0 ppg) and followed by his cousin Franklin Nunn, a 6-3 junior, (19.3). Ronny Williams, a 5-6 sophomore, is third at 9.3 per game.



Chris Nunn has made 41 of 52 shots (79 percent) and the team is hitting 55 percent of shots. Chris Dunn also leads team in assists with 18.

"Chris is a very gifted athlete," Chappell said. "He has quickness and great body control. He is a great defender and scorer. He cares about his craft and does a good job of putting his teammates in a position to succeed. He and Franklin make for a powerful duo no matter what class."

Chappell said he's known this is a special group for years.

"We had a group of players that we have been grooming since elementary," he said. "Some players went to other schools, some left and came back, and some have stayed the course. The guys who are here and believe in what we do are reaping the benefits."

And there are a lot of them.

"I am extremely pleased with our depth," Chappell said. "I feel as if everyone is contributing. If we can get 100 percent buy in from everyone, we can accomplish some great things. Sophomore Ronny Williams and freshman Joshua Tufts have really stepped up and come out of their shell."{PAGEBREAK}
In a perfect basketball world, a team's starting five would all average double-figure scoring and rebounding.



The Princeton (Ind.) girls basketball team isn't nearly that, though their junior class has put up a pretty remarkable 114-8 record since they've played varsity.

Much of their scoring is handled by the state's best, Notre Dame-bound Jackie Young, a 6-foot junior who is averaging 33 points, 11.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 3.6 steals per game.

Charles Mair, who has been coaching since 1978, said he's glad he's coaching her and not trying to defend her.

"If I were coaching against Jackie, I would probably find myself just watching her," he said.

Young isn't just a great individual talent, but also a superb teammate and largely because of it, the Tigers are off to a 6-1 start. They opened 4-0, before being humbled by 31 points by Bedford North Lawrence.

Last week, they responded with decisive wins over Mt. Vernon (73-42) and Evansville Harrison (81-58).



For their response, the Tigers have been selected the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

Mair, in his 35th year as coach, said he's been most pleased with his team's defensive intensity.

"We play a varied defensive package of multiple mixes of man, zone, combination-man-and-zone, plus half-court and full-court pressure," Mair said. "It's a far cry from when I started when we basically played a 2-1-2 zone the entire season."

Of the team's response to the Bedford North Lawrence loss, Mair said: "It seemed to motivate this team to raise their game to the next level."

Transition offense has been a big improvement over last year. That starts with defense, rebounding, boxing out and getting the ball out quickly. Assistants Rachel Thompson and Ron Hudson have helped with daily drills to help with those areas.

Besides Young, the team is led by sophomore Brooke James (12.1 points per game), and the junior class of Hannah Brewer, Samanth Hyneman, Ashleigh Chestnut and Kiana Hardiman.



Princeton won their first Big Eight Conference championship since 1980 and had the school's first and only undefeated regular season at 20-0.

Seniors Kelsey Kolb-Blume, Alyssa Koberstein, Raelynn Thompson have also been mainstays.

But make no mistake, Young makes it all go. This is what Mair imagines he'd watch if he was the opposing coach:

"(She'd) glide up and down the basketball floor, switching hands as she attacks the basket and shooting a right- or left-handed running bank shot that hits nothing but net," he said. "Or making an unbelievable whipping no-look pass to a teammate for an easy shot, faking everyone in the gym out of their seats including me."

To advance deeper into the IHSAA state tournament, the Tigers won't be sitting around watching Young, but contributing in all ways.

"We need to become more balanced offensively," Mair said. "We also need to improve our outside shooting, especially from behind the three-point line. We need to keep stepping up our defensive improvement in order to overcome the occasional off-night shooting."{PAGEBREAK}
Down 17-0 in the state championship game, the Ben Davis (Indianapolis) football team had Carmel just where it wanted.



The Giants scored 42 of the next 49 points to win their eighth state title, a 42-24 6A state crown, the team's first since 2002.

The deficit was par for the course for Ben Davis, which fought from behind in four of the five playoff games to finish 12-2 and No. 1 in the state, according to the MaxPreps Computer Rankings.

The win also avenged a 37-14 loss to Carmel on Oct. 13, two weeks after the Giants avenged a 28-21 loss to Warren Central with a 40-36 victory in the quarterfinals.

"It is always rewarding when you get a chance to play great teams again and reverse the outcome," Ben Davis coach Mike Kirschner said. "Warren and Carmel are two powerhouses in Indiana, have great coaches, and play the game the right way. We were fortunate to be able to play well against them the second time around."

For their penchant for comebacks and reversal, the Giants are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

"(The comebacks) show the character of the young men we coach," Kirschner said. "They believe in the system and they believe in each other. They never knew they were down, and always played with passion."



In the championship game Chris Evans, a junior back, rushed for 131 yards and a 38-yard touchdown late for the Giants.

Quarterback Kyle Castner threw a touchdown pass to Stori Emerson, and Dorian Tate added a touchdown run to cut the lead to 17-14. Castner also ran for a touchdown off a fake field goal, to make it 35-17 with 5:38 left to seal the win.

Tate finished the season with 1,282 rushing and 18 touchdowns. Evans had 1,249 yards rushing and 18 scores.

Castner finished with 3,410 passing yards and 34 touchdowns and completed 277 of 437 passes.

"Kyle is a great student-athlete," Kirschner said. "He ranked 13th (academically) in a class of 1,019 students. He demands as much from himself as the coaches demand of him. Kyle has a great work ethic and passion for the game."

He spread the ball beautifully, with five receivers catching between 45 and 52 passes, a remarkable feat.



Leading the way was Emerson (56-883) and Brennan Gillis (57-685), along with Trew Smith (52-571), Evans (51-676) and Rashawn Bond (47-526).

"It is a combination of the system and a quarterback who can read defenses and get the ball to the right guy," Kirschner said. "It also takes a group of unselfish receivers who worked as a group to make each other better."

Defensively, the team was led by Asmar Bilal (155 tackles) and Dallas Pitts (91 tackles, 13.5 for losses). Omar Beasley had 109 tackles with 11 for loss. Pitts led the team with 10.5 sacks. Jailyn Harden and Chaz Stringer had six interceptions apiece. Bilal has committed to Notre Dame.

"Asmar is very balanced," Kirschner said. "He does not get real emotional and is not very vocal, but loves to play and hit. When being recruited nationally he said to me, ‘I want it to go away so that I can just play football.'"

Kirschner doesn't want this current group of Giants to go away any time soon.

"We were led by 45 seniors who have great character, great work ethic on and off the field, and are great students," he said. "Their leadership helped the young players develop and helped keep us balanced when times were tough." {PAGEBREAK}
It's not like these Panthers have been on the prowl for a playoff berth, let alone a state title.



But the Bloomington South football team, winners of a total of 11 games against 39 losses the last five seasons combined, are 11-1 in the 2014 campaign and just one win from an appearance in the state finals.

Do these Panthers actually have a shot?

"When a team has not won for such a long time you never know when you are going to get over the hump," Bloomington South coach Mo Moriarity said. "It has been very pleasing to have such a great year and to still be competing for a chance at a state title."

For their drastic turnaround, a 36-22 quarterfinal win over Terre Haute South Vigo and their 11-1 record, the Panthers are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

In the quarterfinal win, Richard Williams rushed 30 times for 212 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Bryce Stancombe threw for 192 yards and three scores.

Two of those went to Keenan Franz and one to Carson Lien. It was the second win of the season over South Vigo, having won 55-35 on Sept. 26.



The team's explosive offensive has piled up 494 points this season, led by Stancombe, who has completed 162 of 241 passes for 1,958 yards and 28 touchdowns with just two interceptions. That ratio isn't by accident.

"I have never had a quarterback or any player study film like Bryce does," Moriarity said. "He knows what the defense is going to do when the ball is snapped."

It helps to have a running back like Williams, who at 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds, isn't very big. But his numbers sure are. He's rushed 195 times for 1,595 yards and 18 touchdowns.

"Richard is extremely quick and strong," Moriarity said. "He has the ability to find an opening no matter how small and shoot through it."

Tabin Breedlove has rushed for 541 yards and eight scores. Franz has 67 catches for 881 yards and 16 touchdowns while Lien has 41 catches for 485 yards and five scores.

Defensively, sophomore Sam Helm is tied for 14th in the state with 147 tackles (12.3 per game). Another sophomore, Thomas Richardson, has 114 tackles.



It's quite unique to be led defensively by two sophomores. Moriarity said Helm and Richardson are two unique talents.

"Both are great football players and great young men," he said. "We are excited that we have them for two more years."

Other top defenders include Tyler Richardson (93 tackles), Ryan Freeman (95) and Ty Love (88).
Thomas Henderson leads the team with six interceptions. The team has 19 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries overall.

Both are high numbers and they help to explains the team's drastic turnaround. The rest of it is explained on the inside, Moriarity said.

"We have been able to turn things around because our players have worked extremely hard," he said. "It has been a combined effort from many including a strong parent group which has worked hard to improve our facilities." {PAGEBREAK}
For two seasons, the Carmel girls volleyball team has been knocking at the door of a state 4A championship.

So what was the difference this season following a 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18 win over top seed Indianapolis Central at Ball State to take the 2014 state crown?



"Unwavering confidence and selflessness," Carmel coach Rich Coleman said. "We've faced some adverse situations throughout the tournament and the confidence that the team had in themselves and each other, combined with everyone playing for each other allowed them to push through this year.

"The girls worked extra hard by watching film, staying after practice to do extra work, and they were really focused on what our keys were to be successful."

For their championship and extra hard work, the Greyhounds (32-7) have been selected as the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

What made this title extra sweet is that Carmel had been the state runner-up the last two seasons to Avon. Sweeter still was that Cathedral had won six previous titles, the last coming in 2008.

Carly Skjodt led the way with 22 kills.

"She's the real deal," Cathedral coach Jean Kesterson told the Indianapolis Star of Skjodt. "She's a great player. There's a reason why she's a first team All-American." Coleman has said on more than one occasion that Skjodt is the best player in the state.



"She proved it tonight," he told the Star. "She does everything well. She's a great leader and a great person."

Skjodt entered the championship match with 562 kills, which ranked seventh in the state. She also had 453 digs.

"She is such a tremendous competitor — her drive and focus to help her team in every way possible is second to none," Coleman said. "What many people don't know is how much film she watches or how hard she pushes herself in the weight room and practice gym to provide her an advantage during competition. She can do everything on the floor offensively and defensively and is such a true leader."

But of course, volleyball teams are made of many components. And the Greyhounds had multiple standouts.

The offense was stout. Other top hitters were Carly Cason (211 kills) and Madeline Armstrong (211), freshman McKenzie Kiesle (191) and Lauren Gold (174).

Carmel entered with a gaudy 264 serving aces led by Hannah Costlow with 42. Six others had at least 24.

Jamie Scherb led the team with 582 digs, followed by Skjodt, Armstrong (256) and Morgan Seaman (239).

Setter Seaman, a sophomore, had a remarkable 1,103 assists, which ranked fifth in the state.

Before the state tournament, Carmel lost its last regular-season match of the season to Elkhart Memorial 25-21, 18-25, 15-11. The loss didn't necessarily wake the Greyhounds up, but it might have toughened them up.



"The tournament provided enough motivation for the team," Coleman said. "However, playing Elkhart Memorial just before the tournament prepared us well for the difficult path we had to the state finals, as they were such a physical, determined team, similar to those we saw throughout the tournament." {PAGEBREAK}
Like Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck reading defenses, it's a progression.

In 2012, the Decatur Central (Indianapolis) football team was 4-6. In 2013, the Hawks improved to 5-5. And in 2014, they've broken through to an 8-2 campaign and are ranked 20th in the state.

For their steady improvement and determined 24-20 win over Zionsville in the snow last week, the Hawks are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

"We've got a lot of veteran leadership on our team," Decatur Central coach Justin Dixson said. "We have a great senior class. We have a lot of varsity starters that have developed, so I think experience is one reason why we've been able to improve. It's been a constant improvement, not only physically but mentally."

It took a lot to pull out last week's win, the team's sixth straight. Dixson said it was a crazy game that came down to one late drive.

"Zionsville is a great program and plays in a great conference," Dixson said. "Their record (3-6) didn't really reflect how good of a team they were. We played outstanding in the first half defensively. The wind and the weather kind of wreaked havoc in the second half.



"There was a complete white out — it snowed about two inches. It was kind of a crazy end to the game. Fortunately we were able to save our timeouts and we have a great quarterback who drove us down the field with two minutes left, and scored with 30 seconds left to win the game."

That quarterback, Tommy Stevens (6-foot-4, 200 pounds), is the 18th best dual threat quarterback in the country, according to 247Sports. He's committed to Indiana University.

In the team's first nine games, he had completed 96 of 161 passes for 1,507 yards and 15 touchdowns. He had also rushed 128 times for 779 yards and seven more scores.

"He can beat you throwing the ball and with his feet," Dixson said. "Obviously our scheme lends itself to doing that with our spread options. But more importantly he's just a really gritty, tough competitor. He prepares for the game really well as far as understanding what we're trying to do and what defenses are trying to take away. He's just a really intelligent football player and a dynamic athlete."

The Hawks have other dynamic and tough players as well.

Tyrone Tracy has rushed 62 times for 501 yards and seven scores, while Dakota Sidwell (108-494-10) has been equally effective.



Stevens has three main receiving threats in Connor Ray (37 catches, 531 yards, three scores), Chandler Barnes (20-366-7) and Ryker Stout (19-384-4).

Defensively, John Sidwell leads the team with 84 tackles, followed by Ryan Harrison (71) and Calvin Thomas (59). Anthony Graves has four interceptions and eight pass deflections. 

Tracy and Thomas are freshmen, but Dixson hasn't been surprised by their contributions.

"They can compete on the field physically and mentally because of what dynamic athletes they are," he said. "I think they're mature beyond their age as far as being able to understand the Xs and Os of the game and apply it to the field.

"I just think they're used to winning. That freshman class didn't lose a game growing up, so they're used to having success. And all those things contribute to them being very, very good."

So does having outstanding linemen, an area where the Hawks have an abundance.



Trent Maynard (6-5, 301) is the best of the bunch and has Division I offers. Austin Osborn, Austin Walker and Ryan Harrison also stand out on the line.

Dixson said what impresses him most about this team is the players' willingness to engage in the process.

"I like the way our guys prepare week in and week out," he said. "It's just a constant effort to get better. I feel like we're playing our best football at the end of the season, which every coach wants to do." {PAGEBREAK}
Roncalli (Indianapolis) girls volleyball coach Missy Marsh knew she had a special group heading into the 2014 season.

But 34-3 special? Top ranking in Indiana extraordinary? Section championship match sweep special?

"I definitely did not see this much success coming," Marsh said. "I don't know if any coach could see that. My staff and I knew this would be a special group with so much potential. We knew them so well because our team did not change much from the year before, so we knew what type of athletes we had coming back.

"We added Samantha Fogg and A.J. Lux who have proven to be great additions both in play and chemistry on the floor. These girls are very driven and know how to effectively practice. They want to still be playing."



And they are. Following a 26-28, 25-18, 25-23, 25-20 4A Regional win over Columbus East on Tuesday, the Rebels play Avon in Semi-State on Saturday.

They enter with 23 wins in their last 24 matches, and all but five have been by sweep.

For their breakthrough season under Marsh, the Rebels are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

With seven seniors and four juniors, all but two of which played on last year's 22-11 team, Roncalli is a very cohesive group, Marsh said.

"They feel very comfortable with one another," she said. "These young ladies have played at high levels of volleyball and know how to compete. We are very athletic. We may not always be the tallest of teams, but we are fast, we have very good ball control, and serving, passing and floor defense are big strengths of ours."

Heading into the week, they were lead offensively by Bailey Schnell with 373 kills, followed by Kalyn Schreiber (265), McKenna Lundy (183) and Annie Strevals (110).



Six girls have between 20-28 aces, led by Olivia Gillum and Schnell with 28 apiece. Fogg has a whopping 471 digs to lead the team, though Schnell (321) and Kenzie King (329) are both over 300. Senior setter King is one of the state leaders in assists with 931.

Asked about Schnell, Fogg and King, Marsh said: "All three are tremendous athletes and all three are as competitive as they come. They would rather fight you than lose to you.

"Bailey is a four-year starter, who has worked to become a six-rotation player. She can score against the biggest blocks in the state.

"Kenzie plays a thousand times bigger than what she measures. She will go toe-to-toe at the net with anyone. She is a very smart player who reads the court well and can run an effective fast-paced offense.

"Sam is new to us but runs the back row. She flies around that floor and works to better the ball continually. She reads hitters, passes consistently and plays remarkable floor defense."

This is Marsh's fourth season and, after a couple of mediocre seasons at 13-12 and 15-17, the team improved to 22-11 last season. The Rebels took another huge step forward this year and hope to add a fourth state title to the program's resume.



They've won one in each of the previous three decades: 1981, 1998 and 2006. Marsh thinks the Rebels have the ability to win a fourth, but there are many strong teams standing in the way.

"We have the physical ability and are mentally tough enough to hang with any team," she said. "At this point in the season it comes down to minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on given opportunities. These young ladies play calm and can have fun, so if they remain relaxed and continue to execute they have a chance." {PAGEBREAK}
It went down as a 48-8 season-ending defeat. But to Mike Jones and his Winchester Golden Falcons it was simply a reference point — a place to learn and grow.

A young and talented Winchester team indeed has licked its wounds and grown up bigger and better since that 2A playoff defeat last year to Indianapolis Scecina Memorial. The 2014 Golden Falcons are now 8-1, winners of seven straight while outscoring foes 331-48 in that span.

The most recent win was Friday's 40-8 victory over Centerville.

For its vast improvement and win streak, Winchester, a school of about 500 students about 10 miles South of the Ohio border, is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

"It wasn't the outcome we wanted," Jones said of the season-ending defeat. "But we saw how a championship team went about its business. We saw the caliber of team we want to be. Our young guys competed and they came back in the off-season like troopers. They worked really hard in all facets and are ready for the next challenge."



It helps to have one of the nation's top junior running backs in Kiante Enis, a great nephew of former Penn State great and NFL running back Curtis Enis.

Kiante, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder, leads the state with 2,560 yards (284.4 per game) to go along with 39 touchdowns. He averages 11.6 yards per carry. He had 466 yards on 28 carries and six TDs in a 49-6 win over Union City on Sept. 26. He's also had games of 393 and 332 yards. He's been held to less than 200 yards only once, and has scored six touchdowns three times.

Last week Indiana University offered him a scholarship.

"He's unbelievably good," Jones said. "He's special. He's extremely fast (was timed 4.3 in the 40-yard dash over the summer), is good in the weight room (has squatted 460 pounds) and he just produces game-after-game. When your worst game (195 yards) is a career night for anyone else, that tells you just how good he is.

"The truth is he plays only about three quarters of every game."

He has the benefit of a superb offensive line that includes 6-5, 315-pound tackle Elijah Chalfant and 6-1, 260-pounder Kainin Frost. That's also helped sophomore Elias Gates (6-1, 160) rush for an additional 447 yards and eight touchdowns.



Defensively, led by coordinator Scott Hargrave, the Golden Falcons have recorded three shutouts in the win streak. Amazing, considering the team starts only two seniors on defense.

Junior Titus Edwards leads the squad with 120 tackles, followed by Dillan Williams (97) and Johnathan Thornburg (69), who also leads the team with five sacks. Enis also leads the defense with three interceptions.

A ball-control offense helps keep the defense off the field. Winchester is fourth in the state with 3,507 rushing yards (390 per game). It's had rushing games of 562, 522, 475, 470 and 411 yards. With 4,271 total yards, the Golden Falcons average 474 yards per game.

"We believe in molding our offense around the talent of our kids, rather than the other way around," Jones said. "We do spread our offense and we run a lot of read option."

To help with the team's passing offense and to become more diverse, Jones recently moved sophomore Austin Lawrence to quarterback and former QB Dustyn Hangen, a superb 6-3, 220-pound senior athlete, to tight end.

The move should help the team's playoff drive, a place where it has never gone too deep. Before Jones, a 1989 Winchester graduate, arrived, the Golden Falcons were 1-9. They have since gone 6-5, 7-4 and now 8-1.



"When I first got here, I talked about the playoffs and the kids thought I was crazy," Jones said. "They were like ‘Gosh, coach, we can barely win a game.' But I believe if you ask kids to do something and work as hard or harder than them, they will buy in.

"We have tough kids who believe. Just a couple seasons ago after nine games they were 1-8 and now they're 8-1. That's pretty amazing. You just have to stick to your guns and have faith that you're teaching them all the right things, and then hold them accountable. Kids want to live up to those expectations. They really do. Our kids are living up to them. I'm proud of them." {PAGEBREAK}
Carroll (Fort Wayne) football coach Doug Dinan doesn't hide from it. He fully admits it and wants his players to know it.

"Our goal has never been to be undefeated or to win the conference championship," he said. "Our goal is to win the state championship."

The Chargers weren't close to that mindset from 2005 to 2010, when they went without a winning season while going 19-42. But Dinan took over and all has changed.

They've gone 8-4, 10-3 and 9-3 since, while starting the 2014 season at a perfect 8-0. Not that it's been easy.

Other than a 40-7 win in its opener over Goshen and another rout, 45-17 over Bellmont, Carroll have won five games by a touchdown or less, including back-to-back 22-19 games over Huntington North and Norwell.



They won Friday by a 41-35 count over Columbia City in overtime.

For their perfect start and resolve, the Chargers are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

Of his team's propensity to pull games out late, Dinan said: "You never know when certain situations are going to happen. We've shown great resolve, commitment to each other and the ability to play hard. Regardless of whether we need a score or we have to make a stop, we've been able to do it. That's a testament to the character and toughness of the kids."

Carroll has utilized two quarterbacks all year, as juniors Aidan Smith and Cody Dinan have thrown for 755 and 530 yards, respectively and combined for 10 touchdown passes.

Four different runners have rushed for more than 100 yards, led by junior Alex Anzeveno. Smith has rushed for 268 and Blake Schumacher, also a junior, has 221 yards rushing. Senior Chase Blotkamp has carried the ball just 13 times but has a team-high four touchdown rushes.

The leading receiver is senior Eric Lauer (23 catches, 500 yards, four touchdowns).



Defensively, junior Dylan Conner leads the team with 60 tackles, including 13 for losses. Other top defenders are junior James Jamicich, junior Tyler Lengerich (seven tackles for loss), senior Eric Dunten (52 tackles) and senior Seth Johnston (seven tackles for loss).

Dinan said it wasn't that hard to turn around the culture of the team and turn the Chargers into a winner.

"The important thing is to understand how to be successful, and that comes through hard work and investing in each other. It takes unity, synergy and being together. There's no secret or shortcut. We don't talk about winning. We talk about hard play and investing in each other.

You learn to expect success and anticipate success. Winning is inevitable if you do the right things."

Teaching a winning attitude is one thing. Getting so many kids on the same page — Carroll has 92 on its varsity roster on MaxPreps – is extremely challenging.

"It's not a one-person job. It becomes a staff issue. A big part of my job is making decisions and delegating responsibility. Everybody's role is significant.



"It trickles down to the kids when they understand how much you've invested in them. It sounds cliché, but it's not how much you know, it's how much you care." {PAGEBREAK}
When you win your first seven games by a combined score of 373-32, there would seem to be a drive.

For New Palestine, the push came from a season-ending loss in 2013, a humbling 49-14 defeat in the state 4A semifinals to Columbus East, the eventual state champion.

The lopsided loss came after 13 straight victories under then first-year coach Kyle Ralph, who inherited a program that was just 3-7 in 2012, with just four double-digit win seasons since 2004.

Ralph helped turn that all around, and has taken the Dragons to an entirely different level by averaging a state-best 53.2 points per game. The closest score was 31-3 and the largest margin of victory was a 72-3 win over Shelbyville last week.

For the team's drive and utter domination, New Palestine has been selected the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

Ralph said last year's defeat was a huge learning experience.



"We learned a lot about how far we had to go to consider ourselves one of the elite teams in this state," he said. "(Last season) was a memorable and record breaking season for us but we fell short of the ultimate goal.

"Getting to the semifinals showed us how much our hard work paid off in regards to how far we came. Losing to East,though, showed us how much more work we had to put in if we wanted to ever get over the next hurdle."

And by all accounts — the proof is in the scores — the Dragons put in their due diligence during the offseason.

"Our kids did a tremendous job this offseason of pushing themselves every single day, whether it was in the weight room or out on the field conditioning," Ralph said. "We still have a long way to go this season but, regardless of how it ends, I am proud of our kids for all they have done to put us in the position we are in right now."

The Dragons are incredibly balanced, led by junior QB Alex Neligh who has thrown for 1,240 yards and 12 touchdowns (three interceptions). Senior James Young leads the team with 672 rushing yards and a state-best 17 touchdowns, but four others have rushed for more than 100, including Neligh (340), Sterling Curran (218), Chaz Hill (116) and Nick Brickens (103). Noah Grable and Duke Blackwell have combined for 43 catches and nine touchdowns.

"Our average yards per play is high and our turnovers are very minimal," Ralph said. "To couple with that our kids have executed very well overall offensively. At the end of the day the kids have to have attention to detail and accountability on the field and they have shown that. However, I would be remiss without saying our scoring total is largely in part because of our defense and special teams."



Defensively, senior Gabe Estes (10.4 tackles per game), Curran (9.4) and Hill (6.5) lead the way. Grabble has a team-high nine sacks and Estes has added eight, while Garrett Kuhn and Joesph Izbicki have three interceptions each.

"Our defense not only gets us the ball back quickly but has scored more points than they have surrendered this year," Ralph said. "Our special teams has done an excellent job of scoring (they have four special-teams touchdowns). We practice a tremendous amount of special teams and it has paid off."

It also helps to have a runner like Young, who not only produces on the field, but serves as a tremendous decoy.

"Everyone has focused on James this season because he was our workhorse running back last year and had over 1,200 yards as a junior," Ralph said. "Most teams have loaded the box to take him away so his yardage totals may not be what other people's are, but he has earned every one of them.

"He means an incredible amount to our team. He is without question one of the hardest workers I have ever been around, he trained amazingly hard this off-season to prepare his body to withstand the punishment of a long season, and he practices with 100 percent effort every single rep of every single day. He isn't the flashiest or most athletically gifted back in the state, he just gets the job done any way he can and the results have shown this year." {PAGEBREAK}
It's been five seasons since the girls volleyball team at Center Grove (Greenwood) won 22 matches, a feat this Trojans' squad has already accomplished.

And the meat of the team's schedule still remains.



Expect the Trojans to "up the ante," significantly.

Center Grove has not only won all but two of its matches, but it has also won 16 by sweep.

For their dominating ways, the Trojans, the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps state Computer Rankings, are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

"The team has put in a lot of hard work in the off-season and we continue to do well in practice," Center Grove coach Dana Daprile said. "That hard work is driven from great leadership through captains Alison Line, Taylor Hammill and Regan Wentland."

Line, a senior, and junior Madison Smeathers are a tremendous one-two punch with 279 and 245 kills, respectively through 23 matches. Line also has contributed 138 digs and Smeathers 115 digs, high numbers for middles.

"Ali and Madison are unique in that they are both middle blockers with great ball control and the ability to be six-rotational players," Daprile said. "You don't see many teams at the varsity level that have experienced middle blockers that can play six rotations. It gives our team an edge having their leadership and experience on the court at all times."



It doesn't stop there, of course.

Macy Carrabine, a sophomore, is a dig machine with 292, while Devynn Merriman has added 130 digs. Junior setter Hammill is second in the state with 727 assists.

"Macy runs the defense and Taylor runs the offense. She's the quarterback," Daprile said. "We focus on knowing our role and being good at that role. We focus on paying attention to details, and being good at the little things. We also focus on higher expectations. Up the ante, as we say."

But can they up it all the way to 38 wins like they did in 2000, when the Trojans lost just two matches and won their only state championship?

Is that feat in the back of their minds?

"Our school has a rich volleyball tradition," Daprile said. "Our boys and girls programs have experienced a lot of success over the years. Our girls know about the state championship team, but we also know and respect every opponent we will face this year. We know nothing will be easy or handed to us.



"We strive to 'up the Ante,' every time we take the court." {PAGEBREAK}
It's really systematic for coach Andy Hape and his Evansville Reitz football team.

The Panthers (5-0) have put up 216 points, including back-to-back 56-point efforts. This after a stellar 8-4 campaign in 2013 and perfect 15-0 seasons in 2007 and 2009, leading to state 4A championships.

With 107 on their roster, the Panthers are a huge draw at the school and always a title contender.

For it all, Evansville Reitz is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

Hape said 2014 came down to a to a 5-point plan:

"1. Go undefeated.
2. Win the city championship.
3. Win the conference.
4. Win the West Side Nut Club championship.
5. Play deep into the playoffs."

So far, so good.



The Panthers have used superlative balance to start 5-0, passing for 744 yards and rushing for 740 more.

Quarterback Evan Deig has completed 48 of 75 passes for 744 yards and 11 touchdowns. Not only does Malik Higgins lead the Panthers in rushing with 510 yards and four scores, but he leads in receptions with 22 for 287 yards and five more scores.

"Having Evan and Malik definitely enhances the offensive production, but the great part is that we have nine other players giving everything they have to ensure our team plays the best it can on Friday night," Hape said.

And defensively, the Panthers are definitely a cohesive and well-rounded group.

Three players have recorded between 26 and 28 tackles, led by freshman Joey Diekmann. Isaac Flowers also has four interceptions in four games, while the secondary has seven overall.

Hape said: "We have a great group of seniors who have made sure our commitment and work ethic is focused day in and day out. Leadership really is the key."



Evansville Reitz hopes to continue its unbeaten season Friday in its Homecoming game against Evansville Memorial (2-3).

"We are preparing this week just like any other," Hape said. "We always want to play our game — hard, smart, Reitz football. We feel like if we can do those things on Friday night then we will have an opportunity to achieve the goals that we set out to achieve at the beginning of the year." {PAGEBREAK}
It was an uphill climb for Bill Peebles when he first took over the football program at Southport (Indianapolis).

In his first three seasons, the Cardinals went a combined 2-28.

Slowly, then swiftly, Southport has picked up steam, highlight by last year's 11-1 squad that won a section championship. The Cardinals got over the proverbial hump.

Rather than rest on their laurels, head coach Peebles and the Cardinals are off to a 4-0 start in 2014 and because of it — led by the state's leading passer Luke Johnston — they are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

"It obviously feels good to be off to a good start," Peebles said. "It has been different this year in that we are the ones with the target on our backs. Our players have handled the pressure well so far and they have stepped up when adversity has struck."

The biggest target is on the back of Johnston, a junior who has completed 89 of 127 passes for a state-best 1,347 yards and 15 touchdowns.



Peebles said Johnston's leadership has been as valuable as his vast talent.

"This is my 20th year coaching and I've never been around a player like Luke," Peebles said. "He is unconditionally respected by his teammates. He is a quiet leader and a tough competitor. What sets him apart on the field is his uncanny accuracy, quick release and high football IQ."

His main offensive weapon is senior Cardell Tucker, who has not only rushed for a team-best 316 yards and five touchdowns, but has also caught a team-best 31 passes for 376 yards and four scores.

Junior James Wright is also a big threat with 18 catches for 193 yards and six more touchdowns.

The Cardinals, ranked ninth in the state in the MaxPreps Computer Rankings, won their first three games by double-digits, but then needed its defense in a big way to pull out a 21-17 game over Terre Haute North Vigo.

In that game, Johnston completed 18 of 32 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Tucker rushed for 67 yards and a score and caught seven passes for 100 yards and another touchdown. Wright also caught a 31-yard touchdown.



The defense got a huge effort from senior Darius Bryant with an impressive 18 tackles, while sophomore Jalen Williams and senior William Griffin had 10 tackles apiece. Williams added a sack and a fumble recovery, while junior Justin Herring an interception and two pass deflections. The Cardinals had 13 pass deflections overall.

The secondary did an outstanding job as Terre Haute North Vigo sophomore quarterback Nick Barrett attempted 38 passes but managed just 167 yards (4.4 yards per attempt).

Southport selected 6-foot-3, 250-pound senior tackle-defensive end Dondaycee Millbrook as its overall Player of the Game. Other players of the game throughout the season have been Tucker twice and Johnston once.

In a 62-21 win over Perry Meridian on Sept. 6, Johnston completed 20 of 25 passes for 463 yards and six touchdowns, two to Tucker, who had seven catches for 192 yards. Kevin Wagner had four catches for 121 yards in that game as well.

The Cardinals have a huge game Friday, when they travel to Bloomington South, which is also 4-0 and has outscored opponents 150-44.

Peebles said patience has been a key in building a winner at Southport.



"Each season we have taken another step in the process," he said. "I have been fortunate at Southport. The administration is extremely supportive. They were patient early and they have allowed me to put a great coaching staff together. Our players have bought into the program and they believe in it."{PAGEBREAK}
It's all about the rebound for the Brownsburg football team.

Last season the Bulldogs went 3-7 following four superb seasons when they had gone a combined 34-11, including back-to-back nine win seasons starting in 2011.

So, when Brownsburg opened 2014 with a humbling 59-19 defeat to Pike, the Bulldogs could have taken the attitude "here we go again."

Instead, they've gained more determination and rattled off a pair of impressive victories, including a 34-27 win last week at Franklin Community after they fell behind 14-0.

It's all about the comeback.

"Our kids did indeed come back strong after our opening game loss," said head coach Brett Comer. "This year’s group has also used the word 'family' more than any group we have coached in a number of years. They did rally together to secure a win over Lawrence North and then Franklin. ... We also stressed that the Pike game was indeed just one game and we will learn from our mistakes and take the lesson from that night forward."



For their comeback prowess, the Bulldogs have been selected as the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

Talented 6-foot, 200-pound junior tailback Toks Akinribade, behind some superb blocking, rushed for a career-high 351 yards and four touchdowns. He now has 683 yards on the season on just 66 carries (10.3 average), which ranks him third in the state.

Akinribade also had a big game in a 28-14 win over Lawrence North with 23 carries, 227 yards and three touchdowns.

"Toks obviously means a lot to our team. He is a very good player and has experience even though he is only a junior," said Comer. "He had rushed for over 2,000 yards during his freshman and sophomore years and is leaned on heavily by his team to continue to make plays on the field. He is growing as a leader and is learning how to be a more vocal member of our team.

"Right now he leads more by example both on the field and in the weight room. His ability to cut and accelerate make him very difficult to tackle and when kids do get their hands on him he is a very strong kid who can run through arm tackles."

Senior 6-2, 187-pound quarterback Hunter Johnson also had a fine outing against Franklin Community, completing 8-of-13 for 113 yards. This came after he was 10 of 13 for 106 yards and another score versus Lawrence North.

Johnson's favorite receiver all year has been Tyler Kirtz, who has nine catches for 134 yards and all three touchdowns.
The Bulldogs are led defensively by 5-11, 180-pound senior linebacker Seth Bronger (13.5 tackles per game). He's had plenty of support from senior Brad Guilinger (9.0) and Michael McCoy (9.0).



Comer has been the coach since at least 2004 and during that time, the Bulldogs have had to fight back several times.

Before their four seasons of winning, they had struggled somewhat with a combined five-year run of 20-31. But all that changed in 2009 when Brownsburg went 9-4 behind a rugged defense and a balanced running attack led by Darryl Jordan and quarterback Robby Robbins, who each rushed for 11 touchdowns.

"During our leadership academy in May we tried to identify our reasons for losing the previous year," said Comer. "We actually wrote them down on poster boards and then prior to our first practice of the year burned them in the middle of our field as our seniors spoke about how they would avoid the same pitfalls and what they would do this season to be successful.

"One of our sayings is that 'old guys teach young guys and young guys grow up to do the same,' and our kids are following the idea well. We also took our seniors on a canoeing trip to help build team bonding."

The Bulldogs hope to continue their winning ways Friday at home against Avon (2-1), which defeated Brownsburg 41-13 at home.{PAGEBREAK}
It's been a remarkable run for Bob Gaddis and the Columbus East football team.

The Olympians are defending state 4A champions, having finishing off a perfect 15-0 season with a 28-27 victory in the state finals against Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger.



The year before that, Columbus East reached the state semifinals and was 13-1.

Since 2004, in fact, the Olympians are one of the most successful programs not only in Indiana, but in the country, with a remarkable record of 119-13.

Despite all that success, the Olympians have hardly rested on their laurels, as they've opened the 2014 campaign with two decisive victories over Bloomington North (42-19) and Columbus North (42-14).

For their fast start and decisive play, Columbus East is the initial MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

"Our players and staff had a tremendous offseason," Gaddis said. "The momentum from last year carried over to great offseason and preseason workouts. We have played two good football teams and have played well defensively, offensively and on special teams."

Thus far, the Olympians have been led by the nation's second leading rusher, Markell Jones, who has piled up 596 yards and six touchdowns.



In the win over Bloomington North, Jones carried the ball a whopping 38 times for 301 yards and two scores and Steven O'Neal and quarterback K.J. McCarter — a pair of juniors — combined for 22 carries and 137 yards and two scores.

All told Columbus East piled up 549 yards of total offense, including 438 on the ground.

"Markell is a gifted athlete and has been a four-year starter for us," Gaddis said. "I am sure he would be the first one to credit his offensive line teammates. It is no secret that he is going to get the ball. We have seen some different defensive schemes to try to stop him and our players have blocked and executed well. Markell also had a great offseason and is stronger and faster than last season."

It showed in the win over Columbus North. Jones carried 27 times for 295 yards and four touchdowns, and completed his only pass for a 27-yard score. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior has already committed to Purdue.

Though Jones earns lot of the attention, the Olympians have numerous other weapons. McCarter has completed half of his 24 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. O'Neal has rushed for 117 yards and a score and he has four catches for 56 yards and another touchdown.

Defensively the team is led by another junior, Sam Dwenger, who has 26 tackles, followed by senior Brock Greiwe and Connor Roberts, with 14 tackles each. Nick Andrie also has 12 tackles.



The Olympians, No. 4 in the state by the MaxPreps Computer Rankings, are loaded in the defensive backfield and have already intercepted six passes, two each by Cameron Curry and Nick Beamish.

Despite playing winless Seymour (0-2), surely Columbus East won't rest this week either. The Olympians host the game.

Gaddis likes the mix and work ethic of the squad.

"This team is a blend of several seniors who have a lot of experience," said Gaddis of a team that returns 11 starters. "Those returners were integral parts of the state championship run last year. Our seniors are providing great leadership by example for our young players.

"Our team goal is to improve weekly, continue to do a great job in our in-season strength and conditioning program, and be playing our best going into the tournament. All of our team understands that great teams win games in November."