Why Muncie Central’s unfortunate sectional situation may (or may not) continue

Central's Chandler Thompson coaches against New Castle during their game at New Castle High School Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. (Photo: Jordan Kartholl / The Star Press)

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — On the surface, it all went according to plan. Muncie Central used its superior athleticism to overwhelm Columbia City on Wednesday night in its opening game of the postseason, the first step in what the team hopes to be its 60th boys basketball sectional championship.

And yet, there was something missing.

All things considered – like the 150-mile drive round-trip on a school night – Central had a decent fan turnout to see the 58-42 victory. But to put it bluntly, it didn’t feel like the sort of atmosphere you…