In 49 other states it’s just basketball, but not in this one, basketball means more here in the great state of Indiana. Buzzer beaters and Record breakers, this is the biggest stage for high school basketball and this is Hoosier Hysteria.
In Head Coach Ryan Abbott’s third season here at Carroll he is looking for a strong year with the team he has constructed. In year one Abbott his team was 2-21, year two saw the Chargers get back above .500 going 12-11 and losing to the North Side in the Sectional. Year three is primed to be one of the best ones in recent history for the Chargers with the amount of talent on this squad.
This preview will follow a similar outline to the Girl’s season with overall predictions at the top, followed by SAC predictions, and then jumping into how far the Chargers can go in the postseason. Below is a breakdown of every game.
General Predictions:
The Chargers are in a position to have the best season yet under Ryan Abbott and might approach the level of play that they had under Marty Beasley. The area polls have the Chargers ranked anywhere from 2-5 which is a reflection of how the team wants to do this season. My record prediction for this squad is 20-4. If this record happens it will be a huge step in the right direction for Carroll.
SAC Predictions:
Ironically 2 of the losses come in SAC play which would most likely be good for second or third in the conference depending on how the season shapes up. 7-2 is a very good milestone in the SAC this season. Carroll is trying to reclaim that sense of power that they had for a long time. This season in the SAC will set the tone for a few years to come in terms of real contenders.
Playoff predictions:
Being 5-0 against sectional opponents is a nice way to judge what might happen in February. While it’s good that the record points in the direction of the Chargers crazy things can happen in the playoffs. The clear sectional favorite this season is the Carroll Chargers. In the regional, if they stay away from Kokomo then a trip to the regional championship is well within the grasp of this squad.
Roster:
#5 Jaxon Pardon- SR- The 6’4 Bowling Green Commit is ready to impose will on the Chargers opposition this season. With his long wingspan and ability to capitalize on transition points, Jax is looking for his best season as a Charger.
#10 Cannon Houser -SR- Committed to Grace College, Cannon can shoot the lights out from 3Pt land and move the ball quickly. Look for Jax and Cannon to be on the court together a lot.
#11 Evan Hall- SR – After being cut last season Evan is back for his senior season and has the length to make an impact down low.
#33 Grant Peters -SR- After missing half of last due to an injury Grant is ready to bounce back this year bringing length into the post for the Chargers.
#2 Jaiyre Sampson -JR – Look for Jaiyre to get a little more playing time this season and he is ready to show what he is made of this year.
#14 Tyler Morris- JR- Tyler really can shoot the 3 ball and will be able to provide a rotation for the Chargers.
#28 Paxton Crane- JR- One of the tallest players on the squad, Paxton will be in the rotation in the post.
#4 Briggs Pardon -SO- The younger brother of Jaxon, Briggs can also hold his own out there and look for him to get reps at the point this season.
#15 Miles Herring -SO- Miles brings more youth and can shoot well when given the opportunity.
#51 Brody Fisher -SO- Brody will be one of the players in the post this season and should benefit from teams doubling Jax on the perimeter.
Games
Key- *is SAC game **Tournament Game *** Sectional Opponent
Game one at Norwell
After beating Norwell on a buzzer-beater last year, the Chargers hit the road to take on the Knights. This game might start close, but the Chargers will find a lead in the second half and pull away. Prediction: Carr0ll Wins 67-40.
Game two at Penn
Last year Carroll lost to Penn, but the Kingsman had Marcus Burton who was Mr. Indiana Basketball. This game will still be close, but the Chargers will get a signature win early in the year. Prediction: Carroll Wins 55-54.
Game three vs East Noble ***
Last season the Chargers put 98 up on the Knights, this game will resemble the last matchup. Prediction: Carroll Wins 89-53.
Game four vs Concordia *
This game ended in heartbreak for the Chargers last year with the Cadets winning on 3 free throws with 0:00 on the clock. This Charger squad won’t let it come to that though. The first SAC is always tough but the Chargers will win a close one. Prediction: Carroll Wins 62-53.
Game five at Col. City
This game had an ending that was seen on national TV with a 3/4 court shot that went in… except not for the Chargers. An overtime thriller last season, this squad would love to be able to get a win vs the Eagles. Prediction: Carroll wins 54-48.
Game six vs Wayne *
Wayne is the defending SAC champ and beat the Chargers at the horn last season. After winning 5 in a row this is one where the Chargers will falter slightly. Prediction Wayne Wins 65-63.
Game seven vs Warsaw
The Tigers beat the Chargers by 12 last year and this one very well could come down to the wire. Whoever has the arrow in the last minute of the game will pull away with a W. Prediction Carroll Win 54-53.
Game eight vs Munster @ Homestead **
The first tourney game that the Chargers played this year against a very good Munster squad. This is the first game where the Chargers truly won’t have their way. Prediction Munster wins 75-62.
Game nine vs South Bend Saint Joe @ Homestead **
The Chargers will bounce back in the afternoon at Homestead, the Indians have been inconsistent throughout the past couple of years and the Charger’s tougher schedule prepares them for this game. Prediction Carroll Wins 72-53.
Game 10 vs Zionsville @ Homestead **
The Eagles of Zionsville play a very tough schedule and play the same teams in the Homestead tourney as the Chargers. This will be a trying game for Carroll but they will fall short. Prediction Zionsville Wins 45-42.
Game 11 (1st,3rd,5th,7th place game in tourney)@ Homestead **
This is all based on who wins what game in what round. Based on the two losses from above this would place them in the 5th place game. Prediction Carroll wins by 5.
Game 12 at Dwenger *
Back to normalcy for the Chargers. The Saints have been good before, but the Chargers will be hungry to grab a win. Prediction Carroll Wins 76-54.
Game 13 at Dekalb ***
Another matchup with former Carroll Coach Marty Beasley and the Barons who love to play slow and methodical on both sides. A tough game for the Chargers but they should be able to get a win here. Prediction Carroll Wins 46-41.
Game 14 vs New Haven
The Bulldogs retooled a bit this offseason but the Chargers should be able to defend the home court. Prediction Carroll Wins 81-71.
Game 15 at South Side *
The Archers have been decent as of late, but with many of the players from last year gone the Chargers should be able to get out with a W. Prediction Carroll wins 67-56.
Game 16 at Fishers
Last year this game was only a 10-point loss which was a fairly close game for the first 3 and 1/2 quarters. The Tigers’ best player transferred out, so look for this game to be a low-scoring one like last year. Prediction Fishers win 46-41.
Game 17 vs Snider * ***
This one should be a good one at Charger FieldHouse. Last year the Chargers won by 20 on the road and that should remain unchanged this season. Prediction Carroll Wins 82-67.
Game 18 vs Yorktown
This is always a fun game to watch. Last year the Chargers lost on some questionable reffing which led to some techs being called on the Chargers. Prediction Carroll Wins 62-59.
Game 19 vs Hunt. North
The Vikings have a new coach this season, so that must play a factor in this one. Prediction Carroll Wins 69-50.
Game 20 at North Side * ***
North Side lost Tae Tae Johnson due to Notre Dame Football, which is a big blow to the Legends squad. Prediction Carroll Wins 74-45.
Game 21 vs Northrop * ***
This was a close game last year and The Chargers should be able to handle the Bruins here. Prediction Carroll Wins 72-65.
Game 22 at Homestead *
This one was close last year, and it will be close again. This is one of the best rivalries in the state and will be renewed at Spartan Arena. Prediction Homestead wins 63-61.
Game 23 at North Central
Last season the Panthers handed the Chargers a 12-point loss, and this year could be one of the big wins for this squad. Prediction Carroll Wins 65-62.
Game 24 vs Luers *
The Truesdale twins will give the Chargers a run for their money but the Chargers will run away in 4th. Predictions Carroll Wins 67-45.
