Class 3A Season Preview: Sectionals #25-#28
The beginning of the high school season is here, as several teams’ first official games have come and gone. With that in mind, I wanted to continue our thorough preview of the 2019-2020 season. In this article, I will take…
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Continue ReadingThe beginning of the high school season is here, as several teams’ first official games have come and gone. 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 3A South Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectionals #25 through #28. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis. I will finish previewing the upcoming season throughout the rest of this week, with my final preview articles posting throughout the weekend.
(SAG = Final 2018-2019 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (403 teams); SOS = Final 2018-2019 Strength of Schedule)
Sectional #25
Danville Community (21-6) SAG 54; SOS 97
Tri-West (16-7) SAG 78; SOS 177
Greencastle (14-8) SAG 108; SOS 159
Monrovia (13-11) SAG 210; SOS 205
Frankfort (8-16) SAG 312; SOS 318
Crawfordsville (4-20) SAG 329; SOS 243
North Montgomery (3-20) SAG 345; SOS 274
Sectional #25 has seen quite the shakeup this year, with several teams coming and going. Danville Community now looks to be atop this field, and they are one of the better teams in the state in Class 3A. The Warriors get one more run with Senior wing Ella Collier (22.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.1 spg), one of the state’s best shooters, leading them into action. But she has help, and that help gained a lot of experience last season. Junior forward Maddie Patterson (10.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg) is a nice compliment, because she can play inside or knock down jumpers outside. Senior forward Katie Davis (4.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg) is another inside-out kid, and she improved tremendously throughout the Spring & Summer. Sophomore forward Haley Godwin (4.2 ppg), Junior guard Chloe Gould (3.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Junior front-liner Arionna Pettijohn also return after spending time in the rotation last year. Danville did graduate Jenna Cowart (7.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.7 spg) and Peyton Turner (3.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), so they will need someone to step up this year. Freshman wing Isabelle Wooten could have an impact from the outset. At times, Tri-West has been a thorn in the side of Danville, and so it’s appropriate that they have shared a Sectional for a while. This year, though, Tri-West will be looking to replace the production of graduates Maggie Cora (23.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 4.3 spg), Carli Wilson (9.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Payton Waling (3.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.6 spg), and Sydney Ross (2.3 ppg). Despite the loss of the high-scoring Cora, the backcourt should again be strong, with Sophomore guard Kenna Kirby (12.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 3.2 spg) likely taking a leap statistically, and Junior point guard Grace Sandlin (7.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 5.8 apg, 2.3 spg) always being solid at the helm. If they can get players like Sophomore wing Adrie Thompson (3.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Sophomore guard Belle Saylor (2.8 ppg), Junior forward Emily Starnes, and Senior forward Jaclyn Grubbs to each contribute a little more, then they’ll remain as one of the better teams in Class 3A themselves.
The basketball gods giveth and they taketh away. Last season Greencastle saw post Claire Gillen (9.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg) return to action after a 1-year hiatus, and they added transfers Ella (9.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.3 spg) & Mia Shields (9.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.0 spg). Gillen has since graduated, and the Shields sisters are now at Frankton. Additionally, they’ve made a coaching change, plus Jalyn Duff (7.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.6 apg, 2.2 spg), Seelye Stoffregen (5.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg), Bailey Shuee (3.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg), and Kameelah Ray all graduated, leaving the Tiger Cubs without six of their top seven scorers from a season ago. The one glimmer of hope is that Senior forward Allison Stevens (12.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg), their leading scorer from last year, returns. Senior guard Madison Rodgers (2.2 ppg), Junior forward Sydney Doan, Sophomore guard Anna Zellers, and Junior guard Kennedy Trigg all saw the floor a little last season, but it will be tough for them to replicate last year’s success immediately. Monrovia is a team who is always competitive, but the graduation losses of Makayla Swafford (14.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.7 spg) and Jacy Whalen (4.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg) will be noticed. Second leading scorer, guard Madison Payne (11.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.0 apg), returns for her Senior year. Junior forward Mallory Willett (5.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Junior wing Grace Whitaker (4.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg), and Senior guard Kyra Davis (2.3 ppg) are the top candidates to step into more intense roles this time around. Freshman guard Ashley Lewis could also see some minutes early this year.
Frankfort is going to have a tough time duplicating last season’s win total, as their top five scorers all graduated. Gone are Rylee Seibert (12.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.0 spg), Kimberlee Kingma (11.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg), Emily Michael (9.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.0 apg), Nallely Alanis (3.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg), and Kya King (3.2 ppg, 2.4 apg, 2.2 spg). Left to fill the void are Junior guard Liz Sandoval (2.3 ppg) and Junior foward Jessie Ramos. Crawfordsville could approach ten wins this season, as their top two scorers, and five of their top seven, return to action. Addie Laskowski (5.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Olivia Barnett (2.9 ppg) did graduate, but the Athenians return leading scorer & rebounder Lauren Kellerman (14.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg), a Senior wing. Sophomore guard Shea Williamson (6.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.0 spg), Sophomore forward Maycee York (4.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Senior forward Megan Simmons (3.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg), and Sophomore wing Olivia Reed (2.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg) should help form the core of the lineup this year. North Montgomery will need to find more offense this year, but they could be a little better with the return of several rotation players. Gone are graduates Kendall Humphreys (7.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and Tori Warren (3.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg), but returning to the fold are Senior forward Emily Sennett (6.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Senior guard Maddie Moseley (4.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Junior post Makinze Rominger (3.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg), and Sophomore post Katie Rice (3.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg).
Sectional #26
Brownstown Central (16-9) SAG 82; SOS 98
Owen Valley (20-7) SAG 101; SOS 174
Northview (16-10) SAG 140; SOS 183
South Vermillion (14-13) SAG 194; SOS 300
Brown County (7-15) SAG 209; SOS 184
Edgewood (4-21) SAG 278; SOS 178
West Vigo (5-18) SAG 306; SOS 203
Brownstown Central has been a strong program in Southern Indiana for years, and the move from Sectional #30 suddenly might put them as the favorite here. They are battle-tested with a tough schedule, and they return their top three scorers in Junior wing Katherine Benter (11.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Senior forward Ashley Schroer (11.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.2 apg), and Senior guard Halle Hehman (10.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.7 apg). They have nice balance between the three, but each will need to up their production a bit, as the next four scorers all graduated. Those graduates were Tayler Garland (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Payton Farmer (5.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Claire Poulton (4.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg), and Shelby Reynolds (2.0 ppg). The only other players returning with experience are Senior forward Zoe Fountain and Sophomore guard Emma Klinge, so obviously they’ll need a few newcomers to produce immediately. Owen Valley has had a really nice run the past few seasons, but now they must adapt to a second consecutive year of key graduation losses. Gone this time are Dazia Drake (15.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.4 apg, 3.8 spg, 1.7 bpg), Abigail Herrington (9.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.8 spg), Login Richardson (8.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg), and Katie Farris (2.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg). Really the only players left with legitimate experience are three Juniors, and they are forward Hannah Comte (5.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg), forward Kirstin Richardson (5.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg), and guard Mikayla Miller (3.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg). While they should be able to increase their workload, who will be playing alongside them will be the question. The Patriots do have some Freshman who might be able to help.
Northview has had a nice collection of taller athletes over the last few seasons, but now the focus turns to the backcourt as Sophomore guard Macy Timberman leads the way following an impressive Freshman season. The Knights did graduate front-liner Jenny Lundy, their leading scorer from a year ago, as well as Makayla Sparks, Addy Thompson, and Sophia Buell. But Senior wing McKenzie Barger, Sophomore guard Aliyah Owens, Sophomore forward Hanna Dawson, Senior guard Haley Richey, and Sophomore guard Sydney Mauer all saw the floor last year. Owens had a solid Spring & Summer and should pair nicely with Timberman on the perimeter. South Vermillion could be primed for a big season and could challenge for the Sectional #26 crown, as they return their top five scorers, plus they only graduated one player, Lauryn Silver (3.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg). Senior wing Mallory Hawkins (16.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.3 spg) and Senior front-liner Rebecca Berry (9.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg) form a nice 1-2 punch for the Wildcats. But Senior forward Jenna Myers (6.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Junior guard Chloe Rippy (6.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.5 spg), and Junior guard Lexy Gilman (3.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg) help to form a very solid Class 3A lineup. Junior forward Abby Grange (3.3 ppg) and Senior guard Kaitlynne Panagouleas (2.7 ppg) provide depth with their experience from last season. The Wildcats have a deep Sophomore class, and if that group develops, along with a couple of Freshmen, this could be one of the deepest teams in Sectional #26.
Brown County has an interesting group that might be more talented than their record indicates. Senior guard Allison Stogsdill (19.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, 3.2 spg) posted a nice stat-line a season ago, and Senior front-liner Gracie Matlock (10.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg) was more than solid on the interior. Junior wing Anna Fleetwood (7.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg) showed some potential, and she could increase her numbers this season. But it could be Freshmen guards Abby Fleetwood and Avery Patterson who solidify the lineup this year and put them over the top. The younger Fleetwood is a tough-nosed, dynamic point guard who should be able to create/run offense, while Patterson is a strong guard with the ability to make shots consistently. The Eagles won’t be tall, but they should be able to control tempo and be lethal outside. Really the only loss from last year’s team is Dasia Wilkerson (5.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.0 spg), who graduated. Edgewood looks to improve from a season ago, and with Kaylee Meyer (7.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 apg) and Jonelle Pace (2.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg) as the only graduates, that looks very likely. Leading scorer Taylor Minnick (10.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.4 spg), a guard, is back for her Junior year and should be even better. Sophomore post Trista Helms (6.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg) should help on the interior, plus Senior wings Chelbie Anderson (5.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Alle Spear (5.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg) bring good experience to the lineup. West Vigo is also looking to bounce back from a rough year, and the frontcourt combination of Junior forwards Kylee Stepp and Grace Likens, plus Senior forward Makayla Sweitzer, and the backcourt combination of Senior guards Abby Scott and Elaina Charters can help with that.
Sectional #27
Heritage Christian (18-7) SAG 24; SOS 17
Bishop Chatard (16-10) SAG 66; SOS 77
Lebanon (13-11) SAG 216; SOS 241
Guerin Catholic (6-18) SAG 225; SOS 64
Indianapolis Shortridge (15-9) SAG 341; SOS 386
Brebeuf Jesuit (5-17) SAG 343; SOS 171
Emmerich Manual (12-10) SAG 361; SOS 395
After a long run of excellence in Classes 2A and then 3A, Heritage Christian spent the last couple of seasons in Class 4A due to their tournament success. Now they are back in Class 3A, and they are again loaded and looking to make a run to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Junior point guard Ariana Wiggins, our #1 Junior in the state, is an absolute playmaker who can control a game offensively, while Senior wing Sydney Watkins is an elite defender who can do the same at that end of the floor. Add to them strong & tough-nosed Junior wing Tyranny Brown, plus athletic Junior guard Jazmine Williams, and you have a more than formidable Class 3A backcourt. Up front, the Eagles have a nice trio of posts in skillful Junior Courtney Lee, athletic Senior Ashley Pettigrew, and hard-working Senior Emery Deaton. Senior forward Abby Ennis provides some athleticism and skill in the mid-post, as does Senior Emma Williams. This will certainly be a group to pay attention to all season. The one team in this Sectional who I think can consistently challenge Heritage Christian is Bishop Chatard. Junior guards Zakia Rasheed (17.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.3 spg) and Moira McGinley (11.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.4 spg) are one of the hardest working backcourt duos in the state. From there, the Trojans have a deep and experienced Senior group led by forward Anna Wuensch (6.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg), wing Anna Pruitt (5.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg), athletic post Erika Pemberton (5.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg), and wing Mary Borchers (4.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg). There is more depth beyond that even, which is why I think Chatard is a tough matchup for anyone.
Lebanon has typically been competitive, but now they’re on their third coach in three seasons, and they are without the graduated Madison Wirey (8.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.2 spg) and Paige Jones (5.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg). They do have balance throughout the lineup, as Senior point guard Gabby Brewer (8.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.0 spg), Senior wing Emma Huse (5.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Sophomore guard Alexis Wines (5.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Junior forward Lyla Barr (3.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg), and Junior post Ashlyn Terrill (3.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) are all back, but someone needs to step into that go-to role and make big shots down the stretch for them. Guerin Catholic is on the fourth coach in five seasons, so consistency is needed, especially when they have played such a brutal schedule. Paige Bennett (5.3 ppg) and Hanna Bills (3.3 ppg) both graduated, but nearly everyone else is back. Senior wing Nicole Cunningham (13.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg) was their top scorer last year. Sophomore guard Katie Koger (4.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Sophomore forward Kathryn Loso (4.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg), and Junior post Olivia Labus (3.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg) played valuable minutes last year as well.
Indianapolis Shortridge will be minus graduated forward Jayla Rogers (17.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.7 spg), and she was a huge part of what they did in the past. But this year I anticipate Shortridge playing much faster with their coaching change, and I think Senior guard Eryn Turner (10.6 ppg) is set to have a big year. She’s long, fast, and athletic, and she can really get after it. They’ll need others to step up, and Junior guards Ella Garriott (9.1 ppg) and Shauntae Swanson (5.1 ppg) look like the best candidates to do so. Brebeuf Jesuit continues to try to improve, and they’ll lean on Junior guard Gabby Godbout for leadership. Senior post Caroline Hauser and Junior guard Johanna McNair also return with starting experience. Emmerich Manual could be in for a rough stretch, as they lost four key graduates, a couple of which averaged double figures. They’ll need Junior wing Dariyah Lawrence to have a big year.
Sectional #28
Indian Creek (13-10) SAG 115; SOS 146
Cardinal Ritter (16-9) SAG 143; SOS 128
Speedway (16-6) SAG 207; SOS 359
Beech Grove (6-17) SAG 221; SOS 104
George Washington (4-16) SAG 397; SOS 389
Herron (5-17) SAG 372; SOS 373
Sectional #28 should be fairly competitive at the top, as there are four teams who could claim the crown. Indian Creek has been a steady program over the years, but they must deal with the graduations of Caitlyn Snyder (12.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.7 apg), Katie Burkman (12.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg), and Heather Maddox (4.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.2 spg). Senior wing Ali Harris (6.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Senior guard Hannah Grider (5.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.5 spg), Senior forward Lauren Pendleton (3.4 ppg in 7 games), and Sophomore guard Emily Todor (2.3 ppg) all bring back considerable experience and should keep the Braves competitive in Sectional #28. Look for a Freshman or two to step into quality playing time as well. Cardinal Ritter is another program that has seen its share of success over the years, and this year they could very well be the favorite in this field, as they return literally everyone. Senior wing Meghan Sandifer (12.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.1 apg) was the leading scorer and rebounder last season, and she plays with some physicality. Senior forward Gabby Hicks (10.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg) is another tough-nosed, physical athlete. Junior guard Emma Litzelman (9.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.0 spg) has good skill around the perimeter. Senior forward Chloe Olejnik (6.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), Senior point guard Elena Closser (3.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.3 spg), Sophomore wing Kelsey Waggoner (3.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg), and Senior wing Linsey Waggoner (2.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg) bring back considerable experience, making the Raiders one of the deepest teams in Sectional #28.
Speedway tends to fluctuate from year to year, and now they have to deal with the graduation losses of Karly Smith (10.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Hannah Lindsey (8.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.2 apg), and Rachael Gregory (3.1 ppg). Junior wing Maddie Barnes (10.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.6 apg) does return after a nice Sophomore season. Sophomore point guard Camiell Perry (7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.7 spg) looks like she could become a star for the Sparkplugs. Senior front-liner Gianni Dal corobbo (5.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Junior wing Brooke Hartman (4.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg), and Junior forward Madi Golden (3.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg), give Speedway plenty of options to form a solid rotation, as do several Freshmen newcomers. Beech Grove may not have posted as many wins as the above teams, but they play a tough schedule, ensuring they’ll be ready for the postseason. The Hornets graduated post Alexiana Blakely (15.1 ppg, 16.0 rpg, 1.7 bpg), but they return the rest of their rotation. Athletic Senior guard Mya Crawford (8.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.8 spg) can be a pest defensively. Junior forward Tia O’Connor (6.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Senior forward Hannah Chandler (5.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Senior guard Lexi Ham (4.2 ppg), Senior wing Romea Echols (2.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg), and Junior forward Jazz McKnight (2.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg) will all need to step up their game a bit. The Hornets should also get back Senior forward Neasia Lee (5.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg in 2017-2018 at Beech Grove), after she spent time at Warren Central last year.
While the Continentals of Indianapolis George Washington didn’t have a great season in 2018-2019, they do return a highly productive Junior guard in Trenaé Mann (24.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 5.2 spg, 2.1 bpg). She’s strong, tough-nosed, she plays with a motor, plus she can score it at one end and defend at the other. She will need a lot of help, though, if they are to turn this thing around. The best candidates to do so are Senior post Zaria Townsend (3.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Sophomore forward Sydney Buford (5.0 rpg), and Senior forward Angel Cueller (3.7 rpg). Herron is another school looking to rebound from a season ago. Unfortunately, they graduated their top three scorers in Rylee Butcher (7.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Genesis Brown (7.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), and Alethea Harnish (6.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg). Youngsters like Junior front-liner Grace Abbott (5.7 ppg), Sophomore post London Love (5.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg), and Sophomore guard Rylie Dukes (2.2 ppg) must step up big this season.
Feature image is of Kenny Kirby of Tri-West High School (playing defense). Image is courtesy of the Indiana Showcase-Kirby team account.