Sectional Preview: Class 4A North
Last Sunday evening, teams from all over the state gathered to watch the annual state tournament pairings show on the IHSAA TV Network. While they watched online, they were able to see who they are matched up with for their…
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Continue ReadingLast Sunday evening, teams from all over the state gathered to watch the annual state tournament pairings show on the IHSAA TV Network. While they watched online, they were able to see who they are matched up with for their opening round games, and they were able to view potential opponents for later in the tournament. With the tournament tipping off this evening, I wanted to take the time to preview each Sectional and offer some thoughts on teams and players. Below is a look at Sectionals #1-#8 from Class 4A.
Sectional #1
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Lake Central vs. Highland
There aren’t too many great games early in this Sectional, however what looks like a lopsided matchup on paper turned out to be just a 50-40 win for Lake Central when these two teams met back in late November. Look for this to potentially be a competitive game, though I do still think Lake Central will win with some ease.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Merrillville vs. Munster
For whatever reason, these two schools just 19 miles apart didn’t play during the regular season. Merrillville is much-improved from the last couple of years, while Munster improved with the addition of Summer transfer Sara Zabrecky (2020). I think this could be a one or two possession game, but I’m leaning towards Munster.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Lake Central 41, Munster 40
Munster won the first meeting 43-33 way back in early December. Lake Central, after starting the year 2-7, has found their stride, winning 12 of their final 15 games. I think this one could go either way, but I’m leaning ever so slightly with Lake Central.
X-Factor Player: Allie Mularski, 2020, Lake Central
Sectional #1 is not loaded with a lot of true post players, so there is a natural advantage for Mularski. She has improved a great deal over the years, she has double-double potential each night, and if she can be solid defensively and on the boards, I think she could be the key to Lake Central winning Sectional #1 this year.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #1:
Taylor Jaksich, 2020, Lake Central
Jennifer Tomasic, 2021, Lake Central
Abby Oedzes, 2021, Lake Central
Allie Mularski, 2020, Lake Central
Sara Zabrecky, 2020, Munster
Aleena Mongerie, 2021, Munster
Emily Zabrecky, 2020, Munster
Holly Kaim, 2021, Munster
Torri Miller, 2021, Merrillville
Davina Smith, 2022, Merrillville
Cailynn Dilosa, 2021, Merrillville
Chloe Churilla, 2022, Highland
Olivia Gibson, 2020, Highland
Persia Casey, 2023, East Chicago Central
Janiyah Watkins, 2023, East Chicago Central
Tiara Payne, 2020, Gary West Side
Markisha Pritchett, 2020, Gary West Side
Cymphani Carey, 2021 Hammond Morton
Sectional #2
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Chesterton vs. Lowell
Sectional #2 doesn’t have any really intriguing early round matchups, but I thought this one looked like it had the chance to be the most competitive. Chesterton is always well-coached and has solid pieces, while Lowell has some nice players of their own. I still think Chesterton is the better squad, though.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Crown Point vs. Portage
Crown Point has been dominant all season, and they are a heavy favorite to win Sectional #2. However, when they played Portage early in the season, the Indians were still trying to find their footing. They have since rattled off ten consecutive wins after starting the season 9-5. Crown Point still wins, but it should be much closer this time around.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Crown Point 73, Portage 54
Again, I think Crown Point is much more dominant than anyone else in Sectional #2, however I think the 43-point win earlier in the season was a bit of an anomaly. Portage might not win, but they’ll prove they are much better than that early-season outcome.
X-Factor Player: Lilly Stoddard, 2022, Crown Point
Since I feel like Crown Point will easily win Sectional #2, I chose someone from their team who I think will really help them down the road. In games where Stoddard has touched the ball more, they have won easily, and Stoddard has posted impressive double-doubles. At 6-3, she has the height, the length, the athleticism, and the skill to take over a game.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #2:
Jessica Carrothers, 2022, Crown Point
Dash Shaw, 2020, Crown Point
Abby Stoddard, 2020, Crown Point
Lilly Stoddard, 2022, Crown Point
Jordan Barnes, 2021, Portage
Kristen Cravens, 2020, Portage
Troilisia Lacey, 2020, Portage
Ashley Craycraft, 2020, Chesterton
Emma Schmidt, 2021, Chesterton
Nalani Malackowski, 2021, Chesterton
Kiana Oelling, 2021, Valparaiso
Aleah Ferngren, 2020, Valparaiso
Kaylee Chavez, 2022, Lowell
Tori Langen, 2020, Lowell
Asia Donald, 2023, Hobart
Sectional #3
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: LaPorte vs. South Bend John Adams
Once again, we have a Sectional with rough first round matchups. Because there was a one-win team in the other game, I went with this game. Adams is typically at least athletic and aggressive. If they can play with some discipline, they could compete with LaPorte.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: LaPorte vs. Plymouth
After winning their Sectional last year, Plymouth switched Sectionals and moved into this one, simply due to reassignment. LaPorte looks like the better team on paper, but Plymouth got them 56-45 just a couple of weeks ago. LaPorte will be looking forward to this one.
Sectional Championship Prediction: LaPorte 50, Plymouth 44
The way Nyla Asad (2020) and Ryin Ott (2021) have played all year, I just don’t see them both scoring in single-digits a second time against Plymouth. I think LaPorte rights the ship in this one, but expect the final margin to extend to six only because of late free throws.
X-Factor Player: Alaina Clady, 2020, Plymouth
Alaina has always been a strong, physical front-liner with skill. You could tell when she was in middle school that she had an “it” factor. While her stats might not reflect “star”, she always has the potential to break out in any game. If she can give Plymouth 17 points and 12 rebounds per game, they can win Sectional #2.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #3:
Nyla Asad, 2020, LaPorte
Ryin Ott, 2021, LaPorte
Kayla Jones, 2020, LaPorte
Alanti Biggers, 2021, LaPorte
Claire Tanner, 2020, Plymouth
Alaina Clady, 2020, Plymouth
Sydni Weir, 2020, Plymouth
Jazmen Watts, 2020, South Bend Riley
Imani Owens, 2021, South Bend Riley
Trinity Thompson, 2021, Michigan City
Katelyn Halfacre, 2021, Michigan City
Laila Williams, 2021, South Bend John Adams
Loryn Higginbotham, 2020, South Bend John Adams
Sectional #4
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Penn vs. Northridge
Penn is one of the better teams in the state right now, and they got Northridge 66-34 in mid-December. Northridge came into the season somewhat inexperienced, but they have done some good things at times. If they stick with their system and take care of the ball, this could get interesting down the stretch.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Warsaw vs. Elkhart Central
Both of these teams look eerily similar in terms of their record, schedule, and talent on their respective rosters. In fact, when they met just last week, it took two overtimes for Warsaw to sneak out of there with a 63-61 win. While these may not be the two best teams in the state, this might be the most entertaining game anywhere.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Penn 63, Elkhart Central 52
It was really a toss-up for me between Elkhart Central and Warsaw, but Penn was a much easier choice. I think Elkhart Central would bring a lot of emotion into this game, considering the late-Summer transfer of Kaitlyn Costner (2021) from Central to Penn. Look for this to be a good game until Penn stretches it out in the fourth quarter.
X-Factor Player: Kaitlyn Costner, 2021, Penn
Costner is an x-factor, not just in this Sectional, but for their entire state tournament run. She has just regained eligibility and begins play Wednesday night. She is an elite athlete with a real defensive prowess, plus the ability to get to the rim anytime she wants. How quickly she fits in will be huge for the Kingsmen.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #4:
Trinity Clinton, 2021, Penn
Reganne Pate, 2020, Penn
Kaitlyn Costner, 2021, Penn
Jordyn Smith, 2021, Penn
Brielle Harrison, 2020, Warsaw Community
Abby Sanner, 2022, Warsaw Community
Kaylee Patton, 2020, Warsaw Community
Makaya Porter, 2023, Elkhart Central
Yiesha Williams, 2020, Elkhart Central
Julee Miller, 2020, Elkhart Central
Jaci Walker, 2021, Northridge
Juliana Weaver, 2020, Northridge
Makena Knepp, 2021, Northridge
Brynn Shoup-Hill, 2021, Goshen
Sydney Simon, 2020, Concord
Jadelyn Williams, 2020, Concord
Kendal Swartout, 2021, Concord
De’Mour Watson, 2022, Elkhart Memorial
Sectional #5
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: East Noble vs. Fort Wayne Snider
East Noble looks like a little better team on paper, but when the two met back on December 17, East Noble was just a 45-39 winner. Snider brings athleticism, a little size, and toughness. If they can take care of the ball, they could flip that score around in their favor.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Fort Wayne Northrop vs. Fort Wayne Carroll
Northrop has experienced a nice stretch of talented teams. They may not always win 20 games, but they can typically beat just about anyone. Carroll has been that steady, solid, disciplined group who just dissects you at both ends of the floor. Carroll won easily way back in November, but Northrop has finished 10-4 after starting 4-6.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Fort Wayne Carroll 67, Fort Wayne Northrop 53
I don’t think it will be the 31-point blowout that it was in November, but I do think Carroll has the upper hand here and will carry about an eight-point lead throughout most of the game until stretching it out in the end.
X-Factor Player: Destiny Jackson, 2021, Fort Wayne Northrop
Jackson is a long, athletic, talented prospect with some skill. She has had some big games this year for the Bruins, and she’s scored in single-digits several times as well. If she can have a consistent week, average about 15 points per game, and grab close to 12 rebounds per contest, I think Northrop can win Sectional #5.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #5:
Olivia Hoeppner, 2020, Fort Wayne Carroll
Emily Parrett, 2021, Fort Wayne Carroll
Malia Williams, 2020, Fort Wayne Carroll
Saniya Jackson, 2023, Fort Wayne Carroll
TiAuna White, 2021, Fort Wayne Northrop
Destiny Jackson, 2021, Fort Wayne Northrop
J’asia Scott, 2022, Fort Wayne Northrop
Carly Turner, 2021, East Noble
Avan Beiswanger, 2021, East Noble
Karly Kirkpatrick, 2021, East Noble
Payton Gorman, 2020, Fort Wayne Snider
Jada Kepney, 2020, Fort Wayne Snider
Paige Pettis, 2021, DeKalb
Addison Ruby, 2020, DeKalb
Ja’Shanek Brooks, 2020, Fort Wayne North Side
Sectional #6
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Fort Wayne South Side vs. Huntington North
South Side has consistently caused problems for teams in Northeast Indiana, and they have a nice, veteran group this year. Huntington put together a solid 15-win regular season, and they probably exceeded expectations a little. When these teams met last week, it was South Side finishing on top, but this could be a tightly contested game.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Homestead vs. Fort Wayne South Side
Homestead has been a force in Fort Wayne for a while now, but if anything has caused them problems, South Side has been their Achilles heal on occasion. This year they met twice, with Homestead winning both games by single-digits. If South Side can effectively pressure Homestead’s guards, it gives them the best chance at an upset.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Homestead 54, Fort Wayne South Side 46
Homestead is playing this season for something much more than just basketball, and I think while this will be a close game on the scoreboard, Homestead will dictate tempo and control the game throughout.
X-Factor Player: Lamiya Woodson, 2021, Fort Wayne South Side
Woodson is a talented front-liner already verbally committed to Youngstown State University. She is strong, bouncy, and she can get out and run. While statistically it might not always be there, she has the ability to change a game. If she can put together something huge against Homestead’s forwards, South Side could again surprise some people.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #6:
Ayanna Patterson, 2022, Homestead
Sydney Graber, 2020, Homestead
Rylie Parker, 2020, Homestead
Grace Sullivan, 2021, Homestead
Jaci Jones, 2020, Fort Wayne South Side
Olivia Smith, 2022, Fort Wayne South Side
Alaya Chapman, 2020, Fort Wayne South Side
Lamiya Woodson, 2021, Fort Wayne South Side
Olivia Shearer, 2020, Columbia City
Rebekah Marshall, 2022, Columbia City
Reece Colclesser, 2021, Huntington North
Megan McDonald, 2020, Huntington North
Londyn Lee, 2020, New Haven
Shabrea O’Quinn, 2023, Fort Wayne Wayne
Sectional #7
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Kokomo vs. Lafayette Jefferson
Kokomo is trying to rebuild the success they had just a few years ago, while Lafayette Jefferson is still reeling from a mass exodus of players from their 2018-2019 roster. Kokomo won the first matchup convincingly, 66-50, back in early December, but I’d anticipate this being much closer in the Sectional.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Marion vs. Northwestern
While I don’t know that this will be a very close game, I will be curious to see how 6-6 RaShaya Kyle (2020), the state’s leading scorer, and 6-1 Kendall Bostic (2020) match up this year. Last year it was Bostic having the last laugh, but Kyle seems much more motivated this season. Kyle has signed with Purdue University, while Bostic has signed with Michigan State University.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Northwestern 68, West Lafayette Harrison 39
This game got real ugly three weeks ago, with Northwestern winning 73-28. While I still think Northwestern is a heavy favorite, I do think Harrison comes with a lot more energy and determination, and they muster up a bit more offense this time around.
X-Factor Player: Klair Merrell, 2020, Northwestern
The question the last three seasons has always been who steps up if Madison Layden (2020) and Kendall Bostic (2020) have any struggles. Every year different people have stepped up. This year, that falls to Merrell, who is a versatile, gritty, and fairly athletic wing guard. She can makes shots, handle the ball, and defend. She has signed with Indiana Wesleyan University.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #7:
Madison Layden, 2020, Northwestern
Kendall Bostic, 2020, Northwestern
Klair Merrell, 2020, Northwestern
McKenna Layden, 2023, Northwestern
Sydney Jacobsen, 2020, West Lafayette Harrison
Tasi Kukobat, 2020, West Lafayette Harrison
Anna Henderson, 2021, West Lafayette Harrison
RaShaya Kyle, 2020, Marion
Ellie Vermillion, 2020, Marion
Teresa Maggio, 2022, McCutcheon
Daylynn Thornton, 2021, McCutcheon
Heather Johnson, 2021, McCutcheon
Elle Deardorff, 2020, Logansport
Emilee Cripe, 2020, Logansport
Sanaa Cartledge, 2021, Lafayette Jefferson
Ashlynn McTagertt, 2020, Lafayette Jefferson
Chloe McClain, 2022, Kokomo
Sanighia Balentine, 2021, Kokomo
Sectional #8
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Hamilton Southeastern vs. Carmel
While Carmel posted just a 15-7 regular season record, they did play the second toughest schedule in the state. They lost to Hamilton Southeastern 52-36 earlier in the season, but with Kate Clarke (2022), Bridget Dunn (2021), and other talented players, they can knock off anyone at anytime.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Fishers vs. Hamilton Southeastern
Hamilton Southeastern wants revenge for an early season, 54-52 loss. Fishers wants to prove it wasn’t a fluke. And the fans want to see this game more than any. The schools are separated by a mere 3.8 miles, and these kids have all grown up playing with and against one another. This could be extremely fun to see.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Hamilton Southeastern 49, Fishers 48
This is a coin-flip game for me, and while Fishers did win the first matchup at home, this game is on a neutral floor. I also lean towards Southeastern’s experience from their state title run last season, plus they have an elite shot-maker in Sydney Parrish (2020) who can close games. I’ll take the Royals by the slimmest of margins.
X-Factor Player: Kaitlynn Feagan, 2020, Fishers
If Fishers is going to beat Hamilton Southeastern for a second time, Feagan is going to have to shoot it well. She has had a nice season, stepping into a much bigger role, and with the bevy of guards and wings Fishers possesses, Feagan can lose her defender, find space, and bury jump-shots with consistency.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #8:
Katie Burton, 2021, Fishers
Tamia Perryman, 2020, Fishers
Kaitlynn Feagan, 2020, Fishers
Audra Emmerson, 2021, Fishers
Sydney Parrish, 2020, Hamilton Southeastern
Jackie Maulucci, 2020, Hamilton Southeastern
Lauren Morris, 2020, Hamilton Southeastern
Kate Clarke, 2022, Carmel
Bridget Dunn, 2021, Carmel
Riley Pennington, 2021, Carmel
Ashlynn Shade, 2023, Noblesville
Mallory Miller, 2021, Noblesville
Alyssa Crockett, 2022, Westfield
Ava Henson, 2020, Westfield
Laila Hull, 2023, Zionsville Community
Katey Richason, 2021, Zionsville Community