To say Crawfordsville has had an up and down season is not an understatement. Injuries and sickness to key players have made it difficult for the team all season.
Coach David Pierce said the injuries have made other players step up and that should help the team in the Frankfort Sectional when they battle at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday against Brebeuf Preparatory (13-8).
“Our top two scorers have missed 10 total games due to injury and sickness and we lost all 10 of those games,” Pierce said. “So, for our young players fighting and learning to play at the varsity level has been a challenge, but they have come a long way.”
The Athenians are led by senior Alec Saidian who scores 12.1 points per contest. Junior Mason McCarty scores 11.3 ppg. and freshman Johnovan Smith averages 9.4 points.
Saidian also leads the team in rebounds at 6.2 per game and Smith averages 4.9 assists per game.
Sophomore Jacob Lee gives the Athenians some size in the paint and he has garnered 94 rebounds this season.
The Braves are led by junior Austin Ford’s 13.4 points per game. The guard also leads the team with 3.0 assists per game.
For the Athenians to win, Pierce said it will come down to preparation and execution.
“We will do our best to scheme and play as efficiently as possible,” Pierce said. “Our hope is that Wednesday will be the best basketball we have played all year.”
Pierce added that two seniors have been instrumental to the team — Saidian and Jantzen Thayer. He complimented both players as he reflected on the importance they have meant to the Athenians.
“Alec has shown tremendous patience in helping young guys figuring out the amount of mental toughness and focus that is required to be competitive,” Pierce said. “We are really going to miss our seniors. Great young men. Their families have done a great job.”
