Semi-State Breakdown: Munster versus Snider

In the final breakdown leading into Semi-State Saturday, we turn our attention to the other 4A game featuring two teams with a combined two losses. The Munster Mustangs are a great defensive team ranked eighth in the state, while the Panthers thrive on the offensive end and come in sixth in the polls. Let's start by going deep with the Mustangs.

Munster Mustangs

Coach: Mike Hackett was 24-1 this season, leading the Mustangs to their first sectional and regional title in his tenure. In his ninth season at Munster, he has accumulated an impressive 161-47 record.

Scoring Averages: Munster scores 61.6 points per game while they only allow 40.2 points against.

Losses: at Merrillville (4A) 58-49.

Roster: by scoring average

Brian Stolarz: 11.2 points
Alex McGuire: 9.8 points
Krste Ruiz: 8.2 points
Tony DiCostanzo: 6.0 points
Kyle Ritz, Jr.: 3.8 points

Strengths: Munster hangs their hats on stellar defense, only allowing 40 points a game. They are also very unselfish offensively, with only one player in double digits. Stolarz is a tough match, with size and good athleticism.

Weaknesses: Saying they are a defensive team is another way of saying they struggle offensively. If they get down big, it will be hard for them to come back, knowing they are not built to put up big numbers.

Snider Panthers

Coach: Ray Sims was 24-1 in his 12th season as Snider's head man, leading them to their third sectional and first regional in that span. His overall record there is 173-95. This is his 19th overall season as a head coach, amassing a 242-202 record.

Scoring Averages: The Panthers score 69. points and give up 53.8 points against.

Losses: vs. Bishop Luers (2A) 66-57.

Roster: The Panthers feature five seniors who have played together for four season. Jonathan Sims leads them with 15.5 points a game. Six-five forward Reggie Hearn scores 15 points and 6'6 post Brad Sneary averages 14 points. Spencer Anderson is a deep threat who scored 18 points in the regional finals, while Carl Miller is a defensive standout.

Strengths: Senior leadership and experience is a big key for Snider. This group is good, and they are very comfortable with each other and have a deep trust in each other. They also have four legit scoring options who can go off in any particular game in all four seniors, besides Miller.

Weaknesses: While the seniors have played together for four seasons, this will be the first time they have advanced past regionals, so there might be some "big stage jitters." Their depth is a question mark too, and beyond their five seniors, there isn't much to go to.

P-Hoops Prediction: Snider will prevail in this one, able to overcome Munster's great defense, moving on to face South in the title game!