Semi-State Match-ups: Jac-Cen-Del versus North Daviess

This morning P-Hoops will begin by breaking down the other 1A Semi-State match-up featuring the number one ranked team in the class, Jac-Cen-Del, and the number seven team, North Daviess. The Eagles have only lost two games all season long, while the Cougars are thanking their lucky stars to even be in this game. There has been much made of their win over Barr-Reeve during sectional play, where a game-winning shot by the Vikings was called of, despite replay showing clearly showing the shot should have counted. Despite the controversy, North Daviess is still a great team, and this should be a fantastic, highly competitive game. Let's begin by going in-depth with the Eagles.

Jac-Cen-Del

Coach: David Bradshaw led the Eagles to a 23-3 mark this season, and is 191-104 overall in his 13th year at the school. In his tenure, Jac-Cen-Del has won four sectionals and two regional titles.

Scoring Averages: Jac-Cen-Del averages 68.7 points per game and allows a mere 48.4 points against.

Losses: The Eagles' only two losses came to the same squad, 3A powerhouse Batesville led by Evansville recruit Colt Ryan. One loss was by a 72-62 margin, and the other was a 65-54 loss.

Roster: by scoring average, with notable stats

Matt Gehl 6'2 Sr - 20.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.5 steals, 1.4 blocks, 65% FG, 66% FT
Blake Sutton 5'10 Sr - 13.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 47% 3FG, 67% FT
Tim Arnett 6'3 Sr - 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, 77% FT
Trevor Arnett 6'3 So - 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 40% 3FG
Gerald Hardesty 6'4 Sr - 5.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 38% FT
Shane Adams 5'9 Jr - 3.7 points
Craig Houk 5'6 Sr - 2.2 points, 1.1 steals, 34% 3FG
Spencer Purdy 5'11 Jr - 2.1 points, 1.3 rebounds

Strengths: Gehl is one of the best players in all of 1A, and he is extremely versatile and tough to stop, much like LCC's Dru Anthrop. They are also very effective at controlling the glass, despite being a team with average height. Three players average 6.5 rebounds or more. Also, they are accustomed to winning, and have a winners mindset.

Weaknesses: Outside of Sutton, they do not have any real, consistent deep threats. Team will be apt to pack it in against everyone except Sutton and challenge the Eagles to beat them from deep. Gehl and others do most of their damage inside. Also, they have free throw shooting liabilities, most notably Hardesty (38% FT), who, while being a great rebounder and defensive presence, can't be counted on in close games or end of regulation situations.

North Daviess

Coach: Brett Dalrymple has led the Cougars to a 21-5 mark this season and is 115-97 in his ninth season at the helm for North Daviess. In his time there, they have won three sectionals and one regional.

Scoring Averages: The Cougars score 53.7 points per game and allow 43.7 points against.

Losses: vs. Washington (3A) 61-58, at North Central-Farmersburg (1A) 51-46, at Vincennes Rivet (1A) 57-39, vs. South Knox (2A) 63-41, vs. Loogootee (1A) 44-43.

Roster: very few stats available

Thomas Nugent 6'4 Sr - 20.8 points
Logan Wagler 6'3 Sr - double digit points
Kendall Wittmer 6'0 Jr - double digit points
Stetson Townsend 6'5 Jr
Jacob Miller 6'3 Sr
Jano Davis - Jr
Lucas Swartzentruber - Sr

Strengths: Size. The Cougars have solid size for a 1A squad. Their best player, Nugent, is a 6'4 versatile forward who can take you inside and out. Their two starting guards, Wagler and Wittmer, are gritty performers who have been in big game situations throughout their varsity careers. They also have the advantage of playing with the freedom that comes from being an underdog, as many foresee the Eagles as the prohibitive favorite in this one.

Weaknesses: They are undermanned defensively and it will take a great effort from them to limit Gehl, Sutton, and the elder Arnett. If they get into foul trouble, they are not too deep. This would be especially troublesome if Nugent picked up a few early ones. Their already limited scoring (53.7 ppg) goes way down with him out of the game. The rest of the team only averages 33 points per contest.

P-Hoops Prediction: The Eagles have too many weapons for the Cougars to deal with. The two studs, Gehl and Nugent, should wash each other out in terms of production, so I think the game will come down to the other options and role players. In my opinion, Jac-Cen-Del has more depth and punch outside of their star, which is what will give them the hard fought win in the end. It will be the Eagles and the Knights next week at Conseco!