Region 6 Preview
With three legitimate contenders and four with at least 15 wins, Region 6 is one of the best in Class B. Two teams have been ranked in the top-10 most of the season, yet there might be some serious unpredictability…
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Continue ReadingWith three legitimate contenders and four with at least 15 wins, Region 6 is one of the best in Class B. Two teams have been ranked in the top-10 most of the season, yet there might be some serious unpredictability once the region tournament starts up.
Here’s a look at Region 6
Favorite: Velva
Velva went into the District 11 Tournament with just nine wins and on a four-game losing streak. Yet here the Aggies are as the favorite because they got hot, winning three straight games and beating Rugby to claim the district title. Traditionally one of the strong teams in Class B, the Aggies’ record is as much a product of an extremely difficult schedule as anything, and while they are just 12-9, they are to be taken seriously. They play elite defense and while they can get stuck in a big way on the offensive end of the floor, they’ve got some really good individual players in senior forward Kaitlyn Lund, freshman guard Olivia Passa and junior guard Madison Effertz.
In all reality, the Aggies might not be any better of a bet to beat Rugby or Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood (the two ranked teams from Region 6) but since they won District 11, they won’t have to go through both of those teams to win the region. If the seedings all hold, Velva would only have to play one of those teams – inherently creating a big advantage in a one-and-done setting.
Contenders: Rugby, Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood
Rugby won the region a year ago and got as far as the state championship before losing to Kindred. The Panthers were supposed to be facing a rebuilding season. Instead, they’ve been one of the five best in Class B. Defense has been the strength, as the Panthers allow just 34 points per game. Brooke Blessume and Mykell Heidlebaugh have been terrific, averaging 12.5 and 11 points per game. Sarah Blessum has turned things on over the second half of the year, giving the Panthers a third offensive engine.
MLS is another team that has spent a good chunk of the season in the rankings and won the district 12 championship. Leah Feland is one of the best guards in the region and Janie Savelkoul has been solid on the wing. Sophomore guard Kylie Abernathy has had some excellent moments throughout the year and freshman forward Allison Undlin has emerged as one of the best posts in the region. Her development has been instrumental for a team that has a legitimate shot to get to state.
Watch Out For: Our Redeemers
Our Redeemers reached the District 12 championship game and has 15 wins on the season. The Knights have one of the best offenses in the region, making them an interesting change from the slew of defensive juggernauts in the region. Hailey Roberts has been terrific this year and was an all-district honoree. This team is otherwise very young – but still very talented. Eighth-grader Maya Vibeto earned all-district honors and has been a bright spot all year.