Semi-State Breakdown: Franklin Central versus Bloomington South

Folks, today let's turn our attention to the two 4A Semi-State games going on this weekend. Four great teams are still alive, vying for the largest class' top honor. Who will advance to Conseco Fieldhouse? Let's first go deep with the Franklin Central - Bloomington South match-up.

Franklin Central

Coach: Mark James led the Flashes to a 21-5 mark this season, his 24th at the helm for Franklin Central. In that time, he is 366-187, winning five sectionals and one regional since 1993. He has a 409-214 overall record in 27 years of coaching.

Scoring Averages: The Flashes score 58.6 points per game and give up 48.0 points against.

Losses: vs. LCC (1A) 65-59, at Lawrence North (4A) 53-39, at Bloomington South (4A) 77-45, at Decatur Central (4A) 54-50, at Pike (4A) 60-49.

Roster: by scoring average, with notable stats

Patrick Bade 6'8 Sr - 17.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 66% FT
Casey Coons 5'10 Sr - 11.5 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 86% FT, 47% 3FG (60 for 129)
Jordan Weidner 6'1 Jr - 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 80% FT, 38% 3FG (38 for 100)
Brian Higdon 6'3 Sr - 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 73% FT
John Goodlow 6'2 Soph - 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 59% FT
Kyle James 6'0 Soph - 3.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 41% 3FG, 50% FT
Joe Talhelm 6'3 Sr - 1.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, 33% 3FG

Strengths: Bade, a Purdue recruit, is playing possibly his best ball ever. He is easily the best big man in this game, and his size, athleticism, and versatility will give any defender problems. Coons is a heady point guard who rarely turns it over and keeps the Flashes running. They are also full of confidence right now after knocking off Lawrence North in regional play, which they were not given much of a chance to do.

Weaknesses: As stated above, FC has already played South once this season, with disastrous results, losing by 32 points. The Panthers are one of the top teams in the nation, and this game may be out of reach for the Flashes, no matter how good they are.

Bloomington South

Coach: JR Holmes led the Panthers to a 24-0 mark this year and a number one state ranking, as well as a top ten national ranking. In his 27th year at South, he has amassed a staggering 461-169 mark, including seven sectionals, four regionals, and one semi-state title since 1993. Overall, in his 39th year of coaching, Holmes has a 604-287 record.

Scoring Averages: The Panthers score 75.0 points per game and give up 49.9 points defensively, over a 25 point differential.

Losses: None, and their closest game this year was a six point win over Detroit Country Day. Their closest games against Indiana opponents are two elven point wins in postseason play.

Roster: by scoring average

Jordan Hulls- 15.9 points
Dee Davis - 13.1 points
Spencer Turner- 12.1 points
Eric Fromm- 9.8 points
Chaz Cooper- 6.1 points
Jake Mulinix- 5.5 points
David Blackwell- 3.1 points
Marcus Etnier- 2.5 points
Rickey Washington- 2.1 points
Curtis Payton- 1.6 points

Strengths: Guard play. Hulls is the best leader in the state and is the likely choice for Mr. Basketball. His stats aren't eye-popping, but he does so much for one of the best teams in the nation, as the engine who makes them go. Davis and Turner are in the back court with Hulls, forming a deadly trio. Hulls runs the show, Davis slashes, and Turner is deadly from the outside. They also have a winners mentality, expecting to come out on top. So many good things to say about them.

Weaknesses: There aren't many. Their size is not overwhelming, but adequate, but Fromm is 6'8 and should be able to make Bade work for what he gets.

P-Hoops Prediction: South wins big again, and moves on to the title game.