Class 2A Season Preview: Sectionals #41-#44
The beginning of the high school season is right around the corner, as we are less than one week away from the first official games. With that in mind, I wanted to continue our thorough preview of the 2019-2020 season.…
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Continue ReadingThe beginning of the high school season is right around the corner, as we are less than one week away from the first official games. With that in mind, I wanted to continue our thorough preview of the 2019-2020 season. In this article, I will take a look at the first Class 2A South Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectionals #41 through #44. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis. I will continue previewing the upcoming season over the next week and a half, with my final preview articles likely posting at the end of the first week of games.
(SAG = Final 2018-2019 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (403 teams); SOS = Final 2018-2019 Strength of Schedule)
Sectional #41
Shenandoah (20-5) SAG 116; SOS 320
Union County (19-5) SAG 180; SOS 271
Northeastern (17-8) SAG 184; SOS 294
Hagerstown (9-13) SAG 254; SOS 258
Centerville (6-16) SAG 309; SOS 284
Knightstown (3-19) SAG 342; SOS 194
After losing to Triton Central three consecutive years, Shenandoah moves from Sectional #42 to Sectional #41 and suddenly becomes the favorite. That was also helped by Winchester Community moving up to Class 3A due to their tournament success. Shenandoah has a nice 2021 group right now, led by Junior point guard Kathryn Perry (17.0 ppg, 3.3 apg, 4.2 spg) and Junior front-liner Erikka Hill (14.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 4.0 spg). Those two are clearly the backbone of the Lady Raiders success, but they get help. Junior Jenna Stewart (4.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.0 apg), Junior Rachel Soden (3.7 ppg), and Senior Stormie Fitch (2.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg) have logged considerable minutes the last couple of seasons. Shenandoah is without the graduated Faith Muterspaugh (6.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.9 apg), but assuming they stay healthy, the Raiders should be the team to beat in Sectional #41 this year.
Union County and Northeastern would probably suggest we slow down a bit before crowning a champion, as both teams have been succeeding with their own young talent. During each of her first two years, Union County Junior forward Madison Gray (16.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg) has been the most productive player on the team. Her size, athleticism, and versatility definitely help. Senior guard Taylor Pinkerton (11.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 3.0 spg) had an outstanding Spring & Summer, and she could be their X-factor this year. And Sophomore post Sophia Knock (3.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg) picked up some experience late last season. The Patriots did graduate Tara Williams (5.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.7 apg), Fayth Hill (2.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), and Rainey Shepler (2.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg), so they’ll need others to step up their production this season. Northeastern returns their entire starting lineup, their most productive bench player, plus they add a talented Freshman. Junior wing Jenna McFarland (13.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 3.2 spg) has had a really nice start to her career and plays with a great motor. Junior guard Willow Runyon (9.9 ppg, 4.1), Junior post Emma Wright (7.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Junior guard McKenzie Chasteen (5.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg), and Senior forward Kelli Drake (3.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.4 apg) round out last season’s rotation, plus Senior wing Aunika Railsback (2.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg) was big off the bench at times. But the player who could help put them over the top is Freshman wing Taylor Farris, a strong and athletic mismatch at this level. The Knights will be without graduated forward Morgan Benjamin (2.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg).
Hagerstown has a really nice Junior of their own in wing Hallie Rogers (10.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 3.2 spg), and she pairs nicely with Senior post Kassidy Oliger (7.3 ppg, 11.0 rpg). The Tigers didn’t graduate anyone of note, so if players like Senior guard Camryn Bradway (7.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Sophomore wing Maddie Ward (4.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Junior wing Makayla Matanich (3.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Sophomore post Grace Klein (3.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg), and Junior wing Kenzie Neeley (2.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg) can continue to improve, Hagerstown could approach 15 or more wins this season. Centerville, on the other hand, graduated their top two scorers, and four of their top seven. Notables missing are Carlie Doolin (15.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and Ella Chew (5.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.0 spg). They’ll need much bigger contributions from Senior forward Ashley Walter (4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Senior forward Mar Coch Alcina (3.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg), and Senior post Alexis Harmon (3.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg) this time around. Knightstown graduated their top four scorers, including Kaitlyn Jackson (8.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg) and Sidney Vise (7.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg), so they’ll need much more production from Junior forward Renā Witham (3.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.2 spg).
Sectional #42
Triton Central (23-2) SAG 28; SOS 168
Eastern Hancock (13-11) SAG 190; SOS 226
Scecina Memorial (6-18) SAG 348; SOS 325
T.C. Howe Community (12-7) SAG 370; SOS 402
Irvington Prep (2-16) SAG 401; SOS 391
Not that they weren’t already, but with Shenandoah moving to Sectional #41, Triton Central becomes a heavy favorite in Sectional #42, and they’ll be our #1 team in Class 2A to begin the season. They have the truest of three-headed monsters, with Junior forward Tenleigh Phelps (14.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.3 apg), Senior point guard Maya Chandler (14.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 spg), and Senior wing Rylie Stephens (14.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.4 spg) leading the way. Phelps is already committed to Youngstown state, and she is an overwhelming combination of power and skill. Chandler was a Junior All-Star and is committed to Loyola in Chicago. And Stephens is a fluid, slashing athlete, and she recently committed to IU-East. Senior sharp-shooter Grace Crist (5.9 ppg), Junior point guard Taylor Heath (5.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 5.6 apg), and Junior post Bailey Stamper (5.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg) are all starter quality and give the Tigers the flexibility to play big, small, powerful, or fast. Junior point guard Makenzie Ryle could be in for a bigger role this year.
Eastern Hancock would typically be a team who could cause problems for Triton Central, but they must overcome the graduations of Haley Best (8.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg) and Jenna Smith (8.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.0 apg). Leading scorer, Senior guard Jocelyn Duncan (12.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.0 apg), is back and should up her production even more. Junior forward Chloe O’Neal (5.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) can help inside, plus Senior wing Alyson Spaulding (4.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Senior forward Skyla Smith (2.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg), and Sophomore guard Caroline Stapleton (2.3 ppg) all played quality minutes last season. Scecina Memorial tries to improve behind Senior forward Monika Nance (8.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Junior point guard Olivia Smith (5.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 4.8 spg), while both T.C. Howe Community and Irvington Prep continue to get new faces acclimated to their programs.
Sectional #43
University (24-3) SAG 60; SOS 314
Western Boone (17-10) SAG 76; SOS 81
Covenant Christian-Indianapolis (18-9) SAG 123; SOS 169
Park Tudor (14-8) SAG 240; SOS 323
Cascade (4-18) SAG 244; SOS 116
University High School had an outstanding 2018-2019 season in Class 1A that they had been building up to for a while, but because of their state tournament success, they are now up in Class 2A. At first glance, four of their top five scorers, seven girls in total, graduated in the Spring. However, they could still be a Top-5 caliber team in Class 2A due to the combination of who they return plus a couple of newcomers. Noticeably missing are Jenna Blakley (12.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.0 apg), Jhordan McGuire (10.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.7 spg), Brooke Andrus (8.3 ppg, 4.7 apg), twins Lily (7.8 ppg, 2.9 apg, 3.7 spg) & Lucy Snyder (3.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Haley Tomlinson (4.3 ppg), and Hallie Harrison (2.2 rpg). Those losses seem insurmountable, until you consider the Trailblazers return one of the state’s best frontline players in 6’2 Senior forward Lindsey Syrek (17.3 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 5.1 bpg). Her ability to play inside-out make her an incredibly tough matchup at the 2A level. Senior guard Maddi Sears (5.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.5 apg) also returns, and she looks to have a much more productive season this year, after battling an injury last season. University also has three Sophomores who saw a little action last year as Freshmen, but this year’s newcomers could be much more impactful. 6’1 Freshman forward Kelsey DuBois has inside-out ability like Syrek and could be a nice compliment on the frontline. Freshman guard Payton Seay is a strong and tough-nosed combo guard who should see a lot of minutes too. The Trailblazers also added Junior Sierra Hinds, an athletic guard transfer who saw time for Hamilton Heights last season.
Covenant Christian is another team who could certainly be formidable come tournament time, especially considering they only graduated one player from last year. That player, though, was leading scorer Bailey Everett (14.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.4 spg). She will certainly be missed, but her loss also opens an opportunity for other talented players. Senior guard Ilani Williams-Harris (13.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.6 spg) was outstanding this Spring & Summer, and she is the obvious choice to lead the Warriors this season, but Junior guard Bonnie Lew Ludlow (11.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.4 spg) is another highly skilled guard who is anxious to get back on the court following a Spring injury. Senior forward Sania Borom (8.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 3.2 spg) and Sophomore forward Samara Douglas (4.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.1 apg) look to solidify the frontcourt. I anticipate a significant increase in numbers for Douglas. Junior guards Hana Anderson (4.2 ppg) and Nicole Gruesser (2.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg) also saw the floor quite a bit last season. Western Boone had a nice tournament run last year, but the question they face this year is who will step up and even remotely help to fill a huge void left by graduated guard Madison Jones (28.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.4 apg, 4.2 spg). The 2125-point scorer was one of the best, if not the best, ever to suit up for the Stars. The good news for WeBo, though, is that they return five Seniors who were a regular part of the rotation last time out. Forward Lauryn Florey (9.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and guard Kara Brewer (8.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg) will be leaned on the most for leadership. Point guard Hillary Reed (5.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.2 apg), post Addy Bascom (2.1 ppg), and guard Emily Voils should collectively help the Stars continue their winning ways.
Park Tudor looks to play the role of spoiler this season, and despite the graduations of talented wing Taylee Nibbs and forward Davinique Campbell, the Panthers could potentially be stronger this season. Senior wing Katy Larson has good size, athleticism, and the versatility to play guard or even power forward at times. Sophomore wing Halle Shelt is tough as nails, strong, athletic, and versatile as well. I’d look for her to have an outstanding season in 2019-2020. Senior guard Trinitie Terrell has played a lot the last couple of years as well, plus 5’11 Freshman forward Layla Gold brings quite a lot of potential both skillfully and athletically. Cascade looks to bounce back from an uncharacteristically down year, and they return nearly everyone of note from their primary rotation. Senior forward Carly Gibbs (10.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Junior post Halle Cansdale (8.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg), and Senior guard Bella Mahan (8.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg) led the way last season. The Cadets welcome back Senior wing Taylor Norris (7.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg), who saw action in just a pair of games before missing the rest of the season. Junior wing Juliana Schmidt (6.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.0 apg) and Junior point guard Emma Parsons (4.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.6 apg) were also part of their main rotation. At 5’11, Freshman point forward Sydney Warren could be a real wildcard for Cascade, once she figures out the speed and physicality of the game. She showed great potential over the Summer. Freshman wing Abby Parsons could also see action early this season.
Sectional #44
Cloverdale (22-4) SAG 113; SOS 186
South Putnam (16-8) SAG 167; SOS 234
North Putnam (13-10) SAG 235; SOS 267
Parke Heritage (12-13) SAG 277; SOS 302
Southmont (6-16) SAG 322; SOS 304
Riverton Parke (2-23) SAG 347; SOS 286
Sectional #44 is half old and half new, but there should be good all-around competition for the Sectional #44 title. Cloverdale is the most battle-tested, following an outstanding 2018-2019 season, but they did graduate leading scorer & rebounder Tori Combs (15.0 ppg, 13.7 rpg, 3.0 apg, 4.5 spg, 1.8 bpg). Everyone else does return, led by Senior forward Samantha Shrum (14.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.4 spg). She is versatile enough to run the offense, make shots outside, or take her defender to the post. Senior guard Kassie Wade (8.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Senior point guard Hailey Thomas (7.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.9 apg), Senior forward Lakkain Price (6.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg), and Senior forward Madison Shoemaker (5.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg) also return, creating an incredibly veteran lineup that knows how to win big games. If they can get anything from their remaining roster, they can become a Top-10 team in Class 2A again this year. South Putnam will challenge Cloverdale this year, as they’re coming off of a 16-win season, plus they return their top four scorers from last season. Senior point guard Lexi Vanihel (11.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.6 apg, 3.3 spg) is athletic, skilled, and feisty. Senior guard Alex Bratcher (10.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg) also scored in double figures a season ago. Junior guard Chloe Custis (7.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.0 apg) should make another jump statistically this year, and Junior forward Macie Bumgardner (7.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg) has double-double potential each time out. Junior wing Brionna Egold (4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Junior post Bree Mahoney-Sutherland (3.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg) also have significant Varsity experience. Only Caitlin Capps (6.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg) is missing due to graduation. The Eagles also have a handful of Freshmen who could play early.
North Putnam looks to post another double-digit win season, and returning their top five scorers should definitely help that. Sophomore Kyla Willis (10.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.5 spg) and Sophomore Brie Miller (8.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.0 spg) look to build upon great starts to their careers. Senior Dana Tennis (5.3 ppg), Senior Hannah Sims (4.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg), and Senior Baylee Osburn (4.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg) saw themselves in the heart of the mix last year, and they each look to step up even more this year. Payton Lyons (3.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and Kinzey Young (3.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg) were the most noticeable graduates from last season. The consolidation of Rockville Community and Turkey Run last year gave us Parke Heritage High School, and now the Wolves find themselves in Class 2A after a single year in Class 1A. Sophomore wing Grace Ramsay had a really nice Freshman year and will be counted on much more heavily throughout the remainder of her career. She’ll likely get help from Senior guard Lexi Jones, Senior post Karlee Jeffries, and Senior guard Mady Millspaugh. Guards Macy Millspaugh, Mikayla Ricketts, and Kylen McMullen are gone via graduation. Southmont had a rough go of it a season ago, and they graduated Lilly (11.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg) & Emma Ward (2.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg), but they return some solid younger players with nice potential. Notable returnees include Junior forward Natalie Manion (6.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Junior guard Addi Charles (6.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg), and Sophomore forward Belle Miller (6.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg). Riverton Parke will likely have a tough time bouncing back from last season, considering their top three scorers, five players in total, all graduated. If they have any success, it will probably be due to Sophomore forward Alyssa Fellows and Sophomore guard Caeden Bennett stepping up in a big way, following Freshmen seasons that saw them play a lot of minutes.
Feature image is of Lindsey Syrek of University High School. Image is courtesy of the University High School athletics page at universityathletics.org.