By GREG MENGELT
To win its first semistate championship, the Pioneers will have to beat a team with significantly less tradition than Southwestern, Linton and Forest Park. But it’s an Eastern Hancock team that is plenty good this year.
The Royals enter the Seymour Semistate at 22-5 and ranked ninth in the state. They’ve outplayed that ranking in the postseason, outscoring their five playoffs opponents by an average of 25 points per game.
The team from Charlottesville — a tiny town between Greenfield and New Castle — has an entire roster of players who can shoot and pass. They’re led by senior Landon O’Neal, who plays like a bull with skill. He prefers to get to the basket with his strength but can also hit from mid-range and shoots 44 percent from deep. In fact, seven Eastern Hancock plays shoot 35 percent or better from deep.
Junior twins Jacob and Silas Spaulding — the sons of 23-year Eastern Hancock head coach Aaron Spaulding — combine for almost 25 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists and four steals per game.
“They’re a very, very good, talented team,” Providence third-year coach Ryan Miller said. “They’re a very complete ball team and their skill level is significant. They play well together. They share the ball well. It’s going to a big challenge for us.”
Providence has been balanced all season but also has a go-to player in junior Casey Kaelin, who scored 26 of the Pioneers’ 44 points in Saturday’s regional championship win over Forest Park. Providence is 19-6 overall but is 10-0 against Class 2A teams this season.
“Casey’s been a great for us. It’s been great to see Casey really turn the corner,” Miller said. “The best thing about Casey, and all our boys, is they are 100 percent about the team.”
Miller said his is a team deserves the success it’s had this season.
“Even though we may not be the biggest team, our guys will give everything for you,” Miller said. “They just battle each and every day. … We demand a whole lot of them, a lot of their time and full effort, and they give it to us.”
Before Providence battles Eastern Hancock, No. 2 North Daviess (25-3) will face No. 10 Jac-Cen-Del (22-5) at Seymour for a spot in the Class A state championship game. Tipoff for the Class A tilt is scheduled for 4 p.m.
“I’d imagine all four teams will bring great crowds,” Miller speculated. “I’m sure the Pioneers crowd will be out in full force, just an hour up (Interstate) 65. We had a great showing from our fanbase this past weekend there in Huntingburg and I’m sure they’ll do the same for us this weekend.”
CLASS 2A SEYMOUR SEMISTATE
PROVIDENCE VS. EASTERN HANCOCK
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour H.S. (1350 W. Second St., Seymour)
• Records:
Providence 19-6. The Pioneers have won five games in a row.
Eastern Hancock 22-5. The Royals are on a 9-game winning streak.
• Coaches:
Providence — Ryan Miller (49-22 in third season at Providence)
Eastern Hancock — Aaron Spaulding (281-240 in 23rd season at Eastern Hancock)
• Rankings:
Eastern Hancock —No. 9 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Providence — No. 90, No. 9 Class 2A
Eastern Hancock— No. 44, No. 3 Class 2A
• Regional results:
Providence — Defeated Linton-Stockton 50-47, defeated Forest Park 44-37 (Class 2A Southridge Regional)
Eastern Hancock — Defeated Southmonth 63-47, defeated University 54-47 (Class 2A Greenfield Regional)
• Sectionals titles (most recent): Providence 0, Eastern Hancock 0.
• Regular-season result: Did not play.
• Last matchup: First meeting.
• Potential state championship opponents: No. 3 Central Noble (27-2) or No. 6 Carroll (24-1). The Class 2A state championship game will be played at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (formerly Conseco Fieldhouse) in downtown Indianapolis.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern Hancock 54, Providence 49.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern Hancock by 5.
• Outlook: Providence is the underdog again. That hasn’t seemed to matter much lately. The Pioneers have already taken out Forest Park and No. 3 Linton-Stockton and beat sectional host and supposed contender Southwestern by 24 points. It’s hard to imagine Eastern Hancock is much better than Linton, so the Pioneers definitely have a legit shot at a spot in the state finals … but I’ll take the Royals in a close one.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern Hancock 59, Providence 56.
