By KENZIE WINSTEAD
Content Editor
Silver Creek is loaded and the Dragons are ready to make a long run in the Class 3A state tournament.
However, for the Dragons (18-3), the first step won’t be an easy one. Silver Creek likely will face Brownstown in the first semifinal of the Charlestown Sectional.
Brownstown, Mid-Southern Conference champions, represents one of Silver Creek’s thee losses.
Back in January at Brownstown, the Braves slipped past Silver Creek 41-40.
Silver Creek coach Brandon Hoffman credited Brownstown but admitted the Dragons simply didn’t play well that night.
“As soon as that game was over, I think our kids were looking forward to playing them again,” Hoffman said.
The Dragons have plenty of offensive weapons at all five positions on the floor, led by dynamic sophomores Trey Kaufman (15.6 ppg) and Kooper Jacobi (13.8 ppg) and seniors Zane Gross (15.5 ppg) and Jack Hawkins (12 ppg).
Lead guard Ty Kessinger provides the leadership at the point. He has 135 assists so far.
In the meantime, the Braves must beat host Charlestown. Brownstown coach Dave Benter said they’re only talking about Charlestown.
“We struggle to score the basketball at times,” Benter said. “(But) I like our guys. They play smart and they’re really competitive. I really like the way our guys battle.”
KENZIE’S FAVORITE: Silver Creek. Even though the Dragons lost at Brownstown, Silver Creek has the most talent and the most weapons.
KENZIE’S CONTENDER: Brownstown. The Braves have 16 wins and they can shoot well from the perimeter — at times. However, the streaky Braves can have long stretches of offensive issues.
KENZIE’S DARKHORSE: If Silver Creek and Brownstown falter, Corydon could make a sectional run. The Panthers have a couple of guys who can really score — seniors Joey Wiseman (21.2 ppg) and Bradley Nalley (18.9 ppg).
CHARLESTOWN SECTIONAL
Gym capacity: 3,200
Defending champion: Silver Creek
Tuesday: Charlestown (9-11) vs. Brownstown (16-5), 7 p.m.
Wednesday: North Harrison (9-12) vs. Corydon (9-12), 6; Scottsburg (15-7) vs. Salem (12-9), 7:30 p.m.
Friday: Brownstown-Charlestown winner vs. Silver Creek (18-3), 6 p.m.; North Harrison-Corydon winner vs. Scottsburg-Salem winner, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: Final.
