By RYAN WALKER
It’s that time of year again, that late February basketball Hoosier Hysteria for the 2023 boys’ state tournament.
Sunday night at 5 p.m., the IHSAA hosted its annual pairings show announcing each sectional field that includes the day, time, and opponent each school is seeking information for. The tournament is set to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Here are the results for all three Wells County schools.
Norwell (19-3): In the Peru sectional 23 in Class 3A, the Knights drew Northwestern (8-9) and will play at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1. Other schools in the drawing include Peru vs. Mississinewa, Maconaquah vs. Bellmont (winner to face Norwell or Northwestern), and Oak Hill got the bye.
The Knights have nearly dropped two in a row on a narrow escape at Jay County by one point and a loss at home to Concordia. Despite that, the Knights are one of the best area teams, with only three losses.
Bluffton (2-17): In the South Adams sectional 37, the Tigers drew Manchester (15-5) and will play at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 1. Other schools in the field include Adams Central vs. Whitko, South Adams vs. Blackhawk Christian (winner will face Bluffton or Manchester), and Bishop Luers drawing the bye.
The Tigers have dropped eight in a row and have a tough task against the Squires, who beat them earlier in the year 93-45.
Southern Wells (5-14): In the Southwood sectional 53, the Raiders drew Canterbury (5-15) and will play at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. The two opponents were the only two not to receive a first-round bye. Other schools in the field include Northfield vs. Southwood, and Smith Academy will await the winner of the Raiders and the Cavaliers.
Southern Wells is 2-4 in its recent outings but got a favorable matchup in the first round with a school even on the record sheet.
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