Semi-State Preview: Logansport
Last weekend, 64 teams dwindled down to 16…four in each of four classes, ready to do battle in the Semi-State this Saturday, to determine four State Champions the following weekend. The Semi-State round of the tournament is just a single…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend, 64 teams dwindled down to 16…four in each of four classes, ready to do battle in the Semi-State this Saturday, to determine four State Champions the following weekend. The Semi-State round of the tournament is just a single game, paired with another game from one of the other classes. This year, the IHSAA has chosen to use LaPorte, Logansport, Jasper, and Jeffersonville as its host sites. In this article, I will focus on the two games at the Logansport Semi-State, so below is a look at Pioneer, Blue River Valley, South Central (Union Mills), and Frankton.
LOGANSPORT SEMI-STATE
South Central (Union Mills) (21-7); Sagarin 95 (#8 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 240
Pioneer (24-2); Sagarin 118 (#7 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 338
Frankton (20-7); Sagarin 126 (#17 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 217
Blue River Valley (16-9); Sagarin 205 (#28 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 310
Class 1A Semi-State Matchup: Pioneer vs. Blue River Valley, 4:00 p.m. EST
After beginning the season with a solid 6-2 start, Pioneer has done nothing but win 18 games in a row, including wins over some of the state’s better small schools, like North Judson, Winamac, Oregon-Davis, and Morgan Township. Blue River Valley has played the role of Cinderella, entering the state tournament with a modest 11-9 record, then consecutively knocking off Tri, North Vermillion, and Northfield by a total of seven points (two of those games were one-point wins). Pioneer has gotten an offensive boost recently from Freshman guard Ashlynn Brooke, who was 9-17 from 3-point range last week, scoring a combined 47 points in their two Regional victories. Sophomore guard Hailey Cripe has put together a nice second season in Royal Center, Indiana, plus Junior wing Olivia Brooke is always a threat because of her athleticism and versatility. Junior forward Madison Blickenstaff has also given the Panthers good minutes in the frontcourt. For Blue River Valley it all centers around…their center. Ally Madden (2022) is still young, but she has great size at 6-2, plus she averages a double-double. She’ll need to continue that against a tremendously deep Pioneer team. Wing Mallory Cross (2021) and guard Emma Blackburn (2022) have really stepped up this season, after being roles players on a Senior-oriented squad last season.
Class 1A Prediction: Pioneer 54, Blue River Valley 41
Pioneer has really shot the ball well of late from the perimeter, and I think by playing in their backyard at Logansport where they won the Cass County Invitational earlier this year, it will help comfort them early in this game and see them come out shooting it a bit better than Blue River Valley. The Vikings, on the other hand, must feed Madden early and often to help themselves settle down, plus I think she can take advantage of the Panthers inside with her size. I think Pioneer is just really clicking as a team right now.
Class 1A X-Factor Player: Hailey Cripe, 2022, Pioneer H.S.
Everyone is really excited about Ashlynn Brooke following her Regional explosion, as well they should be, but I think Cripe is a real difference-maker for this team in this game. She is averaging 16.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.1 steals per game, plus she’s a solid athlete who is very active. If the Vikings get too concerned with Brooke, look for Cripe to benefit the most. She is shooting 40% from 3-point range on the season, and she has put together nine games this year in which she has hit five or more shots from distance. If she gets open looks, this game may not be as close as I thought.
Class 2A Semi-State Matchup: South Central (Union Mills) vs. Frankton, 6:00 p.m. EST
South Central put together a solid season, but moving up from Class 1A, I’m guessing even they had a few questions about how they would adapt. Frankton is probably really excited to be in this position, considering they were able to avoid Lapel in the Sectional and avenge an early season loss to Monroe Central. Both teams have multiple players who can stand out, and both teams play with great balance and discipline. For South Central, Amber Wolf (2020) would have to be their heart & soul. Her versatility, skill, and athleticism will be a tough matchup for the Eagles. Point guard Abigail Tomblin (2022) has really come into her own in year-2 for the Satellites, and she can cause problems with her quickness and ability to score and create scores for others. Senior wing Faith Biggs, Sophomore guard Delanie Gale, and Freshman forward Olivia Marks all bring something unique to the lineup. For Frankton, any of four players can get you 20 points on any given night. Senior wing Addie Gardner is extremely long, fluid, and athletic, plus she’s a threat from outside. Junior sister Ava Gardner has been shooting it extremely well in the postseason, and is one of the biggest reasons they continue to advance. Post Chloee Thomas (2021) is a mismatch inside because of her athleticism and power. And point forward Lauryn Bates (2022) is a do-everything kid who can run offense, get to the rim, and defend multiple types of players.
Class 2A Prediction: South Central (Union Mills) 45, Frankton 44
This game really is a toss-up for me. Both teams are well-coached, disciplined, and will defend hard. They can both hit shots outside, get the occasional bucket inside, and I honestly think the team that gets to the free throw line more will have the advantage here. I think this game could be decided by a matter of inches and tenths of seconds, and one call, one turnover, or one shot could change it all.
Class 2A X-Factor Player: Addie Gardner, 2020, Frankton H.S.
The Senior wing was moved into a sixth-man role somewhere around midseason, and Frankton seems to have really improved since that point. Gardner has big-play potential, and when she’s dialed in, I think she’s the one kid who can explode for 25-30 points, which might be what the Eagles need in this one. If Amber Wolf of South Central gets going early, Frankton will need someone who can take over and match Wolf basket for basket. I think Addie Gardner is just that kid; this could be her moment to shine.