Tuesday, February 28th
Jeffersonville (14-8) vs. Seymour (8-12), 6 p.m.
The first matchup of the sectionals is between the high scoring Red Devils and the host team, the Owls. Jeffersonville owns the 47th highest scoring offense in the state at 66.6 points per game. Seymour has the lowest in the sectional at 51.4 PPG, so Seymour will need to keep the first game of the sectional slow paced and low scoring. Jeffersonville won this matchup 63-46 on Dec. 9, and Jeffersonville currently holds a six game winning streak. Look for Jeff to advance to play Floyd Central behind junior Bailey Falkenstein, who posted 41 points in their last game.
New Albany (20-3) vs. Jennings County (13-9), 7:30 p.m.
The Panthers drew a worst case scenario, as they have to play the defending state champions, the New Albany Bulldogs. New Albany demolished Jennings County 84-55 on Feb. 2 without Romeo Langford, as Isaac Hibbard and Sean East had 27 and 26, respectively. Expect New Albany and their 20th ranked offense (70.4 PPG) in the state to move on to play Bedford.
Friday, March 3
Floyd Central (18-3) vs. Jeffersonville or Seymour, 6 p.m.
Assuming the games go as expected, rivals Jeffersonville and Floyd Central should meet up in the semifinals Friday night. The Highlanders hold the 29th ranked defense in the state, allowing just 45.9 points per game. This could be a tightly contested game, as indicated by the 55-49 score line in FC’s favor on Jan. 13. Both teams are hungry for the opportunity to play New Albany for the sectional championship, but most expect Floyd and their 14 game-winning streak to advance.
Bedford North Lawrence (8-15) vs. New Albany or Jennings County, 7:30 p.m.
Bedford North Lawrence should expect to play New Albany in the other semifinal, after enjoying their first round bye. The Stars played New Albany closer than most, losing 67-55 on Feb. 17. This one could be closer than most think, but the consensus is that New Albany will advance through their side of the bracket with ease.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 4
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.
Floyd/Jeff/Seymour vs BNL/NA/Jenn Co.
Assuming the bracket holds to form, New Albany and rivals Floyd Central should match up in the Sectional 15 championship. The top two teams in the sectional, the IHSAA draw set these two rivals in opposite sides of the bracket. The Highlanders and Bulldogs differentiate with NA being high scoring and fast paced, while FC is slower and defensive minded. New Albany won the matchup 65-42 on Dec 9. New Albany and Floyd Central have steadily been in the AP poll for most of the season, and while New Albany are favorites to win sectional, a Floyd Central upset is not out of the question. The Bulldogs will look to make this year their fourth straight sectional championship and add to their 51 sectional titles all time.