Brown County Semi-State Preview
By David Schulz
This year’s Brown County Semi-State will be one of the most competitive semi-states the south has seen in many years. With 3 teams ranked top 15 the south will be looking ahead to have a good showing at the big race on Halloween.
The Course
The Brown County Course has had a few adjustments from last year’s competition. The first turn that used to make the pack funnel between a tree and thorny foliage was adjusted to resolve this scrunched up mess. Also, the narrow winding trails by the mile marker have been widened to allow for navigation around the inevitable mud puddles. These changes should allow for quicker times. However, if the weather this week turns out to be anything like last year’s we should expect slick turns and muddy trails.
Here is a breakdown of the teams and top individuals in the Brown County Semi-State.
The Favorite
Terre Haute North
Being the defending semi-state champs, the Patriots will be looking to grab their second straight title. Terre Haute North boasts the number 1 ranking all year in the south as well as a consistent top 5 ranking in the state. With John Mascari leading the team followed closely by Milton Brinza and Brian Depasse, the Patriots have great depth. For the second time, Terre Haute North will be looking to place their scorers in the top twenty resulting in an extreme clean up at Brown County.
The Contenders
North Harrison
The Cougars have surprised many this year as this relatively young team has battled their way to tenth in the state. Led by the seemingly fearless leader Tyler Byrne, North Harrison will be looking for an even bigger surprise at Brown County. With a solid top 4, this team will be looking for a huge race from their number five to round out the scores. We can’t deny that North Harrison has a chance at the title.
Bloomington South
With a tight pack coming through across the line each week, Bloomington South has proven themselves as a top 15 team in Indiana. This team will most likely bring their number five man through before North Harrison’s and the race for second could come down to the wire. On Paper the Panthers may not have a reasonable chance of claiming the championship. However, they surely have a chance of grabbing silver at Brown County.
Looking to advance
Perry Central
Looking for their 3rd time in a row to advance to the State Finals, Perry Central has shown that they mean business. With an upset win over New Albany at the Crawford County regional, the Commodores will use this moment to grab their best finish yet at semi-state.
Martinsville
After a heartbreaking 7th place finish last year, the Artesians will be striving hard to earn a trip to Terre Haute. Martinsville’s 1-2-3 punch lead by a solid Jace Lowry will have no problem finding a good position; however, they will need a decent finish from their 4 and 5 guys if they don’t want to have a replay of last year’s turnout.
New Albany
The Bulldogs have been ranked top 25 all year and, while lacking a front runner, have proven they are a worthy pack in the south. Unfortunately for this team sickness has come at the wrong time. This New Albany team has what it takes to make it out of the semi-state, but it will all come down to the health of the runners come race day.
Seymour
After a win at the Bedford regional, the Owls are looking at a chance to be top 6 at Brown County. With Nolan Fife scoring low points and a decent pack behind him, Seymour should be in good position to upset one of the favorites.
Looking for a miracle
Evansville Memorial
This team has had surprising success in the south. Coming off of a regional win at Pike Central Evansville Memorial will be looking for a solid finish at semi-state. With Strict competition and no front runner it will be a close call for Memorial.
Bloomington North
The cougars have a tightly wound 1-4 pack which could do some damage at semi-state. As a pack they will need to all move forward if they want a chance to advance. Also, they will need their 5 man to step up significantly.
Castle
A top preseason pick, Castle has had yet to prove themselves against the bigger guns at Brown County. With a pack of five separated by only 30 seconds, Castle should have a good outcome.
Bedford North Lawrence
The Stars have really put a nice team together this post season. With Logan Berrett running up front with a solid crew following don’t be surprised if BNL works some magic at Brown County.
Happy to be here
Brown County
Brown County barely edged out Terre Haute South at the Brown County regional to advance.
Jennings County
With a 3rd place at the Bedford North Lawrence regional, Jennings county returns to the semi-state looking to top their 18th place finish from last year.
Scottsburg
With a good 1-2, Scottsburg, led by Kris Sandlin, placed 4th at the BNL regional.
Silver Creek
Silver Creek Placed 5th at the BNL regional after placing 3rd in their sectional.
Floyd Central
Led by Cory Portwood, the Highlanders placed 4th at the Crawford County regional.
Heritage Hills
Heritage Hills managed a 5th place finish at Crawford County after a 3rd place at the Jasper sectional.
Barr-Reeve
Showed strength at the Pike Central regional and grabbed a 3rd to advance them to semi-state.
Mater Dei
Mater Dei grabbed a 4th place finish at Pike central regional.
Evansville North
Evansville North rounded off the Pike Central regional with a 5th place finish.
Predictions
1. Terre Haute North
2. North Harrison
3. Bloomington South
4. Perry Central
5. Martinsville
6. Seymour
7. New Albany
8. Bloomington North
9. Evansville Memorial
10. Castle
11. Bedford North Lawrence
12. Brown County
13. Barr-Reeve
14. Mater Dei
15. Jennings County
16. Scottsburg
17. Floyd Central
18. Evansville North
19. Silver Creek
20. Heritage Hills
INDIVIDUALS
The Favorite
Tyler Byrne, North Harrison
The defending semi-state champ has proven himself to be the best in the south as well as a top contender in the state. Tyler Byrne has yet to lose to anyone in this semi-state. Being one of the finest big meet runners in the state, Byrne should easily be able to hang on to his title.
The Contenders
John Mascari, Terre Haute North
Leading the Terre Haute North pack, John Mascari has plenty of experience to bust a move at Brown County. He was the runner up at last year’s semi-state falling short of Byrne’s victory by 5 seconds. If Mascari wants this title he will have to bring a serious kick.
Nolan Fife, Seymour
After a relatively low finish at last year’s semi- state, Nolan Fife has risen up to be a top runner in the south. He has shown solid performances at Flashrock as well as the Brown County Invite and he means business. Expect a good race from Fife. It’s in his blood.
Jace Lowry, Martinsville
The Artesian junior has posted impressive times this year. With strong finishes at the Artesian Classic and the Brown County Eagle Classic, Jace Lowry has plenty of experience racing in big meets. Lowry earned himself a trip to state last year and this year he will be looking for something better than a yellow ribbon.
The Darkhorses
Drew Gambill, Shakamak
This senior from Shakamak earned 5th place at semi-state last year. During this year’s season, Drew Gambill wasn’t showing times that were outrageously spectacular, but if we’ve learned anything from Drew it’s that it can all come together in the post season. With a 3rd place finish at the Brown County regional, Gambill will have a good chance to surprise people at semi-state.
Josh Genet, Northeast Dubois
After an 8th place at semi-state last year, Josh Genet will be looking for a top finish again this time around. After a second place at the Crawford County regional to Tyler Byrne, Genet will have a large amount of momentum heading into the race this Saturday. Be prepared for huge race from him.
Predictions
1. Tyler Byrne, North Harrison
2. John Mascari, Terre Haute North
3. Nolan Fife, Seymour
4. Jace Lowry, Martinsville
5. Josh Genet, Northeast Dubois
6. Drew Gambill, Shakamak
7. Milton Brinza, Terre Haute North
8. Brian Depasse, Terre Haute North
9. Taylor Head, Terre Haute South
10. Justin Chen, Bloomington South
11. John Reynolds, North Harrison
12. Jordan Gornall, Bloomington South
13. Kris Sandlin, Scottsburg
14. Ryan Foster, North Harrison
15. John Davis, Terre Haute North