Region 1 Preview
The Postseason is upon us. Region 1 has belonged to Kindred each of the last two years and the Vikings are once again the heavy favorite to return to the state tournament. Can someone pull the upset? Here’s what you…
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Continue ReadingThe Postseason is upon us. Region 1 has belonged to Kindred each of the last two years and the Vikings are once again the heavy favorite to return to the state tournament. Can someone pull the upset?
Here’s what you need to know about Region 1
Favorite: Kindred
There isn’t a region where the favorite is a heavier favorite than this one. Kindred has been the best team in Class B all year after winning the title last year. The Vikings have great experience, as four starters are of multi-year variety, great size, defensive ability and versatility on the offensive end of the floor. Abby Duchsherer is the best player in Class B and influences winning on both ends of the floor with her ability to score from all levels, pass, rebound, defend and do it when her team seemingly needs it most. Terryn Johnson would be the best player on a lot of teams as she’s one of the best interior players in the state. Kristina Freier and Jordyn Burner are steady hands on the perimeter who have proven they can make big shots. The Vikings are 20-0 and it’s going to take a whale of an effort to beat them.
Contenders: Central Cass
A team that shouldn’t be fazed by Kindred’s talent is Central Cass. The Squirrels are 16-4 on the year with losses to Kindred (77-59 in mid-January), Grafton/St. Thomas, Thompson and Carrington. Sophomore Kailey McKinnon is a solid player to watch. Isabelle Linnard has been steady as a senior. Ema Lee is a quality interior player. And the Squirrels have a lot of young talent including Rylie Holzer and Decontee Smith.
In the Mix: Richland, Northern Cass
Richland was the team that reached the region final a year ago and while the Colts haven’t sustained that same kind of success this year, they are dangerous in large part because of all-state guard Megan Roob. Roob is one of the most dynamic players in the state and can put pressure on defenders from all over the floor.
Northern Cass went 15-5 in the regular season with losses to ranked teams like Kindred and Thompson plus a tight loss against Central Cass at the end of January. The Jaguars are led by Halle Crockett, who is one of the best players in Class B despite being just a freshman.