Sectional Preview: Class 4A South
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 #9-#16 from Class 4A.
Sectional #9
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Anderson vs. Richmond
This might not be the matchup with the two best teams, but I have a feeling it will be the most competitive, most compelling game. Anderson is still probably a little bit better on paper, but back in mid-November it took overtime to settle a 61-59 Anderson win.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Pendleton Heights vs. Mount Vernon (Fortville)
Mount Vernon has put together an outstanding 22-1 regular season, and they are the Sectional #9 favorite. But Pendleton is talented as well, and they can frustrate teams on given nights. The first meeting between the two ended in a 60-42 Mount Vernon win, but I look for this one to be much closer.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Mount Vernon (Fortville) 53, Anderson 31
I do think Mount Vernon is a heavy favorite here, but I also think this game will be closer than the 30-point win Mount Vernon secured back in early December. Anderson will try to use it’s speed and athleticism, but Mount Vernon will use its discipline and patience.
X-Factor Player: Tyra Ford, 2021, Anderson
Tyra is one of the most electric and energetic players no one talks about outside of the Munciana area. She is athletic, she plays with a great motor, and she has TRIPLE-double potential every night. If she can get rolling early each game, Anderson could make waves in Sectional #9.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #9:
Lexi Shelton, 2021, Mount Vernon (Fortville)
Sydnee Perry, 2020, Mount Vernon (Fortville)
Olivia Yeley, 2021, Mount Vernon (Fortville)
Abby Worley, 2021, Mount Vernon (Fortville)
Jordan Reid, 2020, New Palestine
Isabella Gizzi, 2023, New Palestine
Michaela Jones, 2020, New Palestine
Aubree Dwiggins, 2020, Pendleton Heights
Kylie Davis, 2021, Pendleton Heights
Megan Mills, 2020, Pendleton Heights
Tyra Ford, 2021, Anderson
Erin Martin, 2020, Anderson
Hannah Farrell, 2020, Greenfield-Central
Crystal Peterson, 2020, Greenfield-Central
Jakaia Lotz, 2022, Richmond
Nyajah Orr, 2021, Richmond
Alayha Allen, 2021, Richmond
Sayla McIntosh, 2021, Muncie Central
Marissa Quiroz, 2020, Muncie Central
Sectional #10
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Lawrence Central vs. Indianapolis North Central
Lawrence Central has waited for some time for a winning team, and this year they have one. North Central is a different monster though, and they defeated the Bears 82-53 just a couple of weeks ago. Look for Lawrence Central to be out to prove something, though I think the Panthers will win again by a little closer margin, though.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Lawrence North vs. either Warren Central or North Central
The Wildcats have beaten each of these opponents twice, but with three of the four games decided by single-digits. Lawrence North has struggled down the stretch, dropping four of its last five, but they have played some of the state’s elite teams in each of those losses.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Lawrence North 58, Indianapolis North Central 55
This could be the heavyweight Sectional finale people enjoy seeing. Lawrence North has beaten North Central twice already, but the Panthers tend to step up in the moment. I still lean towards Lawrence North, and returning nearly everyone from last season’s Class 4A State Runner-Up should help come tourney time.
X-Factor Player: Meg Newman, 2021, Indianapolis North Central
A lot of North Central’s success will revolve around the play of Newman. While she probably hasn’t had the Junior season she expected to, she is still one of state’s most talented and skillful 6-2 girls. She can take over a game and be unstoppable at times, but she’ll need to bring that effort every night in a loaded Sectional #10.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #10:
Jayla Smith, 2021, Lawrence North
Katie Davidson, 2020, Lawrence North
Kristian Young, 2020, Lawrence North
Lauren Gunn, 2020, Lawrence North
Tanyuel Welch, 2022, Indianapolis North Central
Jasmine McWilliams, 2020, Indianapolis North Central
Nakaih Hunter, 2021, Indianapolis North Central
Meg Newman, 2021, Indianapolis North Central
K’Ja Talley, 2020, Warren Central
Alaysia Davis, 2020, Warren Central
Asiah Baxter, 2023, Warren Central
Jaliah Nailor, 2020, Lawrence Central
Da’Naria Washington, 2021, Lawrence Central
Tori Smiley, 2022, Lawrence Central
Justis Gordon, 2020, Cathedral
Courtney Fields, 2021, Cathedral
Talica Morton, 2020, Crispus Attucks
Anise Brooks, 2020, Crispus Attucks
Braxtin Mickens, 2020, Arsenal Technical
Alayah Neal, 2020, Arsenal Technical
Sectional #11
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Southport vs. Decatur Central
Both of these teams have played solid ball all year, and both are looking for sustained success in their programs. There’s no better way to start the offseason than by first having a nice postseason run. Southport has beaten Decatur Central twice already this year, but I feel like this is a pretty even matchup.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Ben Davis vs. Roncalli
These are clearly the two better teams in Sectional #11, and Roncalli won the first meeting 62-47 just after Christmas. Ben Davis is going to try and speed things up, while Roncalli will want to set the tempo themselves. Despite the midseason score, this one could come down to the wire.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Roncalli 52, Southport 39
If Roncalli can survive a potential matchup with Ben Davis, I think they are in the driver’s seat to take home the Sectional #11 crown this year. Southport will be looking for South Side respect, if the two schools separated by just 3.4 miles should happen to meet.
X-Factor Player: Micah Jett, 2021, Ben Davis
When Senior guard Cherrelle Newsom went down early in the season, it really hurt Ben Davis’ chances. But Micah Jett has stepped into a bigger role on the perimeter, and she’ll need to be even better come tournament time. If she can give them about 10-12 points, take care of the basketball, and defend it well, they’ll be just fine.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #11:
Khera Goss, 2020, Ben Davis
Natalie Howard, 2021, Ben Davis
Micah Jett, 2021, Ben Davis
Nyre Williams, 2020, Ben Davis
Alana Vinson, 2020, Roncalli
Madelyn Bischoff, 2021, Roncalli
Abbie Carr, 2021, Roncalli
Lexie Green, 2020, Southport
Kyra Duncan, 2020, Southport
Jaelynne Murray, 2022, Pike
Joslynn Spears, 2021, Pike
Vanessa Wilson, 2020, Decatur Central
Kenzee Smith, 2020, Decatur Central
Sally Mortensen, 2021, Perry Meridian
Ali Dale, 2021, Perry Meridian
Sectional #12
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Brownsburg vs. Mooresville
Brownsburg won the first meeting, 50-32, back in mid-November. But Mooresville is one of those teams I wouldn’t want to face. They are gritty, well-coached, and they tend to always shoot the ball very well. Brownsburg is the more talented team, so if they control the pace, they’ll be just fine.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Avon vs. Brownsburg
Usually when these two backyard rivals get together, it turns out to be a good game. When they played on December 20, Brownsburg won 53-33. A couple of weeks later, Avon trimmed that down to just a nine-point loss. Can the Orioles make up even more ground and upset Brownsburg?
Sectional Championship Prediction: Brownsburg 48, Avon 41
I do think this will be an interesting game. Brownsburg has the superior perimeter play, while Avon arrives with a stout frontline. I will always choose guards over bigs come tournament time, so I think this goes to Brownsburg, even though it should be a very competitive game.
X-Factor Player: Mackenzie Stien, 2020, Brownsburg
Stien is one of those “jack-of-all-trades” type of players. She does a little of everything well, and she can give her team whatever role/boost they need depending on matchups. She can score it at all three levels when in rhythm, she can get to the basket, and she has a tremendous motor at the defensive end of the floor.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #12:
Allison Bosse, 2020, Brownsburg
Ally Becki, 2021, Brownsburg
Mackenzie Stien, 2020, Brownsburg
Paige Gregory, 2020, Mooresville
Madelynn Denny, 2022, Mooresville
Haley Nichols, 2020, Avon
Alex Richard, 2021, Avon
Indiah Kendrick, 2021, Avon
Ellie Wilkerson, 2022, Plainfield
Jozee Rhodes, 2022, Plainfield
Sarah O’Day, 2020, Plainfield
Maycee Woods, 2021, Plainfield
Shaelynn Bell, 2020, Terre Haute North Vigo
Zoe Stewart, 2022, Terre Haute North Vigo
Zayda Hatfield, 2021, Terre Haute South Vigo
Ally Pepperworth, 2021, Terre Haute South Vigo
Sectional #13
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Franklin Central vs. Franklin Community
Franklin Central won the regular season matchup 60-46, and I’d assume they’d be a 10-12 point favorite this time around. Franklin Central has had a nice bounce-back season, while Franklin Community has lost six of seven entering the tournament and will need to find whatever got them the nine wins this year.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Franklin Central vs. Center Grove
These two teams squared off at the beginning of the season, with Center Grove emerging victorious by an eight-point margin, 44-36. Franklin Central is a much different team this year, and I think this could be much closer than people might assume.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Center Grove 49, Franklin Central 43
If both of these teams get here, I think it will be a shootout early, with defense taking over down the stretch. Center Grove has better offensive weapons right now, so I’ll take them being able to score it better in a close game.
X-Factor Player: Kuryn Brunson, 2022, Franklin Community
Kuryn has missed a lot of time due to an ACL injury, but she recently returned to action and is ready to go for the tournament. She was a Division-I prospect pre-injury, so look for her to potentially have a major impact for the Grizzly Cubs this postseason.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #13:
Mary Wilson, 2021, Center Grove
Claire Rake, 2020, Center Grove
Ashley Eck, 2020, Center Grove
Rachel Loobie, 2020, Franklin Central
Alexus Mobley, 2020, Franklin Central
Olivia Faust, 2022, Franklin Central
Gracie McCullars, 2021, Whiteland Community
Toni Joyner, 2020, Whiteland Community
Braylyn Clendenen, 2022, Whiteland Community
Kiki Crabtree, 2020, Franklin Community
Kyra Baker, 2021, Franklin Community
Abby DeArmitt, 2020, Franklin Community
Brooklyn Stubblefield, 2021, Greenwood Community
Quinn Kelly, 2022, Greenwood Community
Kylee Edwards, 2023, Shelbyville
Jaidyn Tackett, 2022, Shelbyville
Sectional #14
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: East Central vs. Martinsville
These are arguably the two best teams in Sectional #14 this season, so expect quite a battle early in this field. They don’t play each other in the regular season, but both teams are well-coached and disciplined. East Central has a little more size and plays a bit more patient. Whoever controls tempo early should win this one.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Columbus East vs. Columbus North
This cross-town matchup could have one more chapter this season. North got the better of East, 45-38, back on December 19, but it’s an evenly matched rivalry game this year that could come down to the final possession.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Columbus North 43, East Central 39
Sectional #14 is entertaining for basketball purists, because there are several well-coached teams in this field. This matchup would present us with two of the best. There are several “coin-flip” games, with this being one of them, and I’ll lean towards Columbus North because they won earlier this year and have the more experienced backcourt.
X-Factor Player: Brilan McCory, 2020, East Central
Freshman Josie Trabel has played beyond her years this season for East Central. If McCory can continue to be the Swiss Army Knife that she is, take care of the basketball, and score it when asked too, East Central can win Sectional #14. Without McCory playing well, they can probably forget about it.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #14:
Ashlyn Traylor, 2022, Martinsville
Pa’Shence Walker, 2021, Martinsville
Marlayna Kemp, 2020, Martinsville
Paige Dorsett, 2020, Martinsville
Josie Trabel, 2023, East Central
Brilan McCory, 2020, East Central
Hope Fox, 2022, East Central
Alexa McKinley, 2021, Columbus North
Sierra Norman, 2020, Columbus North
Madison White, 2021, Columbus North
Koryn Greiwe, 2022, Columbus East
Gabrielle Dean, 2023, Columbus East
Kaitlyn Dougherty, 2020, Columbus East
Kendall Harmon, 2022, Bloomington South
Kristen Ridner, 2020, Bloomington South
Anya Friend, 2021, Bloomington South
Ainsley Urbanski, 2020, Bloomington North
Erin Lillis, 2020, Bloomington North
Sectional #15
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Jeffersonville vs. Floyd Central
Floyd Central played Jeffersonville admirably the first time around, considering they were outmanned and Nan Garcia (2020) was healthy at the time. I will be curious to see if Floyd Central can compete in the Sectional with Jeffersonville minus their best player.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Jennings County vs. Jeffersonville
For the same reasons I mentioned above, it will be interesting to see if Jeffersonville can continue to pull out wins without their best player. Jennings County is a scrappy team, and they lost to Jeffersonville 42-41 back at the beginning of the season.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Bedford North Lawrence 55, Jennings County 41
These two teams played to a ten-point decision favoring the Stars earlier in the season. Bedford still has really good size that can cause problems for the Panthers. Jennings County will need to play a great game, otherwise this is Bedford’s to win/lose.
X-Factor Player: Kiersten Poor, 2020, Jeffersonville
Kiersten had an outstanding Spring & Summer in 2019, and with Garcia out, she’ll need to step up her game and be dominant for the Red Devils. She is tough-nosed, skilled, and smooth, and if she can score close to 20 points per game, which she’s capable of, Jeffersonville can beat anyone in Sectional #15.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #15:
Chloe McKnight, 2021, Bedford North Lawrence
Irye Gomez, 2021, Bedford North Lawrence
Madison Webb, 2020, Bedford North Lawrence
Karsyn Norman, 2023, Bedford North Lawrence
Kiersten Poor, 2020, Jeffersonville
Cadence Singleton, 2023, Jeffersonville
Alexis Gibson, 2021, Jeffersonville
Addyson Kent, 2021, Jennings County
Lily Ernstes, 2022, Jennings County
Grace Meyer, 2021, Seymour
Grace Schrader, 2022, Seymour
Naria Reed, 2020, New Albany
Layne Burke, 2021, New Albany
Keegan Kaiser, 2022, Floyd Central
Kalissa Fosskuhl, 2020, Floyd Central
Sectional #16
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Castle vs. Jasper
Castle is the program everyone in Southwest Indiana is trying to mirror. Jasper is a team filled with veteran players capable of beating anyone in the area. If Jasper can take care of the ball, control tempo, and defend in the half-court, I think they can upset Castle.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Evansville North vs. Castle
North has had a nice run here recently, and at times they have been better than Castle. They have a nice mixture of veterans and youngsters, all talented and unique. Castle is somewhat young this year, but they’re still talented and competitive. Castle has beaten North by one in overtime early in the season, and by 20 just a couple of weeks ago.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Castle 55, Evansville North 47
Castle made it to the South Semi-State last season, and while many of the girls on the current roster didn’t have big roles on that team, the ones who did will bring that big-game experience to the table. I like North to give them a tough game until about four minutes to go, then I see free throws separating the two teams.
X-Factor Player: Kaliah Neighbors, 2022, Evansville North
Kenna Hisle (2020) and Gabby Joyner (2020) have given the Huskies about what you’d expect every time out. Neighbors is the wildcard because she’s a developing front-liner with a strong frame, good athelticism, solid hands, and the ability to finish around the basket. If she can be a double-double machine, North can take care of Castle.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #16:
Natalie Niehaus, 2022, Castle
Josie Freeman, 2020, Castle
Megan Kain, 2022, Castle
Carly Harpenau, 2020, Castle
Kenna Hisle, 2020, Evansville North
Kaliah Neighbors, 2022, Evansville North
Gabby Joyner, 2020, Evansville North
Brooke Nottingham, 2020, Jasper
Claire Knies, 2020, Jasper
Alyssa Haynes, 2022, Evansville F.J. Reitz
Catie Shane, 2021, Evansville F.J. Reitz
Amaya Thomas, 2021, Evansville Central
Lauren Nalley, 2022, Evansville Central
Jada Morgan, 2020, Evansville Harrison