SEC boys basketball: Conference outlook

It seemed like every game in the Southeast Conference basketball league was a thriller last season, but the top teams in the league did rise to the top, with Washington eventually pulling out the title for the third year in a row.

This season sees four of the Top-10 scorers from the league last year returning. That includes two players from Fairfield; Max Weaton and JJ Lane.

Weaton and Washington’s Ethan Patterson are the only two returners who scored more than 15 points per game last year. Mt. Pleasant’s Payton Hagans finished just outside of the Top-10 in scoring last year.

2021-22 SEC STANDINGS

1. Washington 19-4, 9-1

2. Burlington 17-8, 8-2

3. Fort Madison 18-5, 7-3

4. Fairfield 10-12, 7-3

4. Mt. Pleasant 9-14, 3-7

5. Keokuk 4-18, 0-10

TOP-5 RETURNING SCORERS

1. Max Weaton (SR), Fairfield: 19.9 PPG

2. Ethan Patterson (SR), Washington: 16.1 PPG

3. Merquiche Lewis Jr. (SR), Burlington: 13.2 PPG

4. JJ Lane (SR), Fairfield: 12.9 PPG

5. Payton Hagans (JR), Mt. Pleasant: 12.0 PPG