Record: 25-4
Best Win: Carmel
Worst Loss: Columbus East
Final AP Poll: 1st
Averaged 70.7 PPG, Allowed 52.3 PPG
The Bulldogs began the 2016-17 season as the defending 4A state champions and had high expectations. They stayed in the AP poll the entire season and won their fourth straight sectional title. They advanced to the regional final before being taken down by Castle, 72-64. Though the road to state was stopped short, the Bulldogs still had a strong and competitive season. New Albany has gone 85-8 over the last three years including a state championship. They lost three seniors at the end of this season, including second leading scorer Isaac Hibbard. New Albany expects to be back in the fight for another state title next year.
November/December: Big Games- Floyd Central, North Central, La Lumiere, Carmel
New Albany started off the season as a contender for the state title, looking to repeat. They started off with a big win over ranked Bloomington South, and had a three game winning streak to start the season, including a win over rival Floyd Central. They suffered their first loss in 363 days when they were beaten by fellow top team North Central. They then faced nationally ranked #1 La Lumiere on ESPN, where they took their second loss in a row despite 30 and 40 point games from Romeo Langford. They then bounced back with an overtime win against Carmel at home to round out the month.
January: Big Games- Jeffersonville
The Bulldogs did not lose a game in the month of January, as their schedule lightened up with local teams that were no match for the Bulldogs. They faced rival Jeffersonville to begin the month, beating them in a close game. New Albany won six of their eight games this month by 30+ points. They finished this month on a 12 game winning streak, blowing through the competition.
February/March: Big Games- Providence, Indianapolis Manual, Floyd Central, Center Grove, Castle
New Albany took their only loss in the months of February to Columbus East, during which star Romeo Langford was out with an injury. The Bulldogs responded with a rivalry win over then #1 2A Providence. The Bulldogs then rounded out their regular season with tough home wins over Indianapolis Manual (in overtime) and Bloomington North. New Albany breezed through the first two rounds of sectionals, and survived a scare against Floyd Central in the final. New Albany advanced to regionals to play Center Grove. The Trojans made it tough for New Albany, but the Bulldogs pushed through to win 57-52. They made it to the regional final to play Castle and Iowa commit Jack Nunge. New Albany fought valiantly, including 44 points from Langford, but the inside attack from the Knights was too much as the Bulldogs ended their season 72-64.