By KENZIE WINSTEAD
Content Editor
At Borden, Christian Academy will try to repeat as sectional champions, and the Warriors are legitimate favorites.
A year ago, the CAI watched its season end at Loogootee in a heartbreaking 48-47 loss to Barr-Reeve in the regional title game.
“We’re on a mission to get back to Loogootee this year,” CAI coach Steve Kerberg said.
Riding a six-game winning streak, the Warriors certainly are playing their best basketball. Since Jan. 1, they’ve lost just twice — to Class 4A Jeffersonville 57-50 and to Class 2A’s No. 1-ranked Southwestern 66-44.
Recently, Kerberg saw the return of one of his best players. 6-foot-8 center Bailey Conrad, who suffered a non-contact broken foot while warming up for the New Washington game on Dec. 1, missed 16 games after scoring 23 points in the season-opener against Floyd Central.
“We’re starting to play well,” Kerberg said. “I don’t think we’ve gotten anywhere near where we can be, because of that injury . . . I have a group of young men who are getting tougher.”
In addition to Conrad, CAI is led by guard T.J. Proctor. “I think he’s one of the better guards in Southern Indiana,” Kerberg said. “He’s played unbelievably for us this year.”
KENZIE’S FAVORITE: Christian Academy. The Warriors are 9-0 against Class 1A schools and undefeated in five games against sectional opposition. If they do get through the sectional, don’t be surprised to see the Warriors back a deep run in the Class A tourney. Kerberg said it’s his deepest team as he plays up to nine players on a given night.
If they advance to Loogootee, No. 2 Barr-Reeve (20-2) could be waiting for the Warriors again.
KENZIE’S CONTENDER: South Central. The Rebels (15-7) have reeled off eight straight, including wins over Charlestown and Providence. South Central is led by sophomore Lucas Stewart (14.5 ppg) and Chase Schoen (11.2 ppg).
KENZIE’S DARKHORSE: Lanesville. The Eagles (11-10) have won four of the last five contests before losing to Class 2A power Crawford County. On Jan. 11, they only lost to CAI 40-35. Lanesville weathered an eight-game losing streak during the middle of the season.
