Regional Rundown: Class 1A
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The featured image is of Ally Madden Ally Madden 6'1" | C Blue River Valley | 2022 State IN of Blue River Valley High School. As we enter Regional Saturday, we now have just 16 teams remaining in each of…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Ally Madden Ally Madden 6'1" | C Blue River Valley | 2022 State IN of Blue River Valley High School.
As we enter Regional Saturday, we now have just 16 teams remaining in each of Indiana’s four school classifications. By Valentine’s Day, we will hopefully have our Final Four decided out of each grouping. Below is a look at each of the Regionals in Class 1A, brief analysis of the morning games, as well as a quick prediction as to who we think could advance to the Semi-State. This is one of Indiana’s best weekends when it comes to high school basketball, so be sure to attend (when & where possible) or watch online!!!
(All times listed below are Eastern Daylight Time.)
CASTON REGIONAL
10:30 a.m. Blackhawk Christian (19-6) vs. Triton (11-11)
After struggling to be above .500 most years, the Blackhawk Christian Lady Braves have put together back-to-back Sectional Championships, plus they’ll finish this season with single-digit losses for the second year in a row. They survived Sectional #51 with a couple of close games, but all-in-all, they were the favorite to survive. Junior wing
Hailee Kline
Hailee
Kline
5'7" | SG
Blackhawk Christian | 2022
State
IN
is the team’s top player, and she does a little of everything…scoring it from all three levels, rebounding, and even handling the ball at times. Look for Junior guard Lily Helmuth and Senior forward Aubree Vander Dussen to also be big contributors if the Braves are to advance. The Triton Trojans entered Sectional play with just an 8-11 record. They managed to upset Oregon-Davis in the first round, and by a comfortable 56-41 margin. The Trojans have taken on some tough opponents to prepare them for tournament play, so their record can be a bit deceiving. The Trojans play several experienced Seniors, but they lean on Sophomore point guard Kinsey Atkins and Junior guard Taren Yates as well.
12:30 p.m. Pioneer (21-4) vs. Kouts (17-6)
The Pioneer Lady Panthers were the 2020 Class 1A State Runners-Up, and this season they are getting healthy and seem to be hitting their stride at just the right time. After beginning the season 3-3, they have gone 18-1 since, and dynamic Sophomore guard
Ashlynn Brooke
Ashlynn
Brooke
5'7" | PG
Pioneer | 2023
State
IN
(9.0p) is finally suiting up following another unfortunate knee injury that forced her to miss most of the season. Junior guard
Hailey Cripe
Hailey
Cripe
5'6" | SG
Pioneer | 2022
State
IN
(19.2p, 4.7r, 4.1a, 4.3s) has again been outstanding all year, and she is a lethal perimeter shooter with range. Senior forward
Olivia Brooke
Olivia
Brooke
5'9" | SF
Pioneer | 2021
State
IN
(15.7p, 8.1r, 3.6a, 2.0s) has stepped up her scoring significantly as well, and she has been much more assertive. Senior front-liner
Madison Blickenstaff
Madison
Blickenstaff
5'11" | PF
Pioneer | 2021
State
IN
(10.6p, 7.9r, 2.4s) always gives them quality minutes in the paint, especially defensively. The Kouts Fillies were able to knock off long-time nemesis Morgan Township to win their first Sectional since 2015. The Fillies look to three key players to spur their offense. Sophomore wing
Allison Capouch
Allison
Capouch
5'11" | SF
Kouts | 2023
State
IN
(18.6p, 4.0r, 2.0a, 2.4s) has had a great second season, and she can shoot/score it or create offense at all three levels. Junior forward
Lyndsey Kobza
Lyndsey
Kobza
5'11" | PF
Kouts | 2022
State
IN
(10.4p, 5.9r, 2.5a) gives Kouts more versatility, as she can battle inside or play around the perimeter. Sophomore post Lauryn Koedyker (8.4p, 8.7r, 2.3a) gives them added size, which could cause problems for Pioneer.
Regional Predictions: I think Blackhawk Christian and Triton play a fairly close morning game for about three quarters and the Trojans are able to stifle Kline early. But down the stretch, you want playmakers in these games, and she can do just that. I look for Blackhawk Christian to win by about seven points. In the second game, I could see Kouts coming out hot early, and possibly even leading after one quarter. But the veteran experience and firepower Pioneer possesses will help them separate over the final three quarters with the Panthers winning by a dozen or so. In the Championship game, again look for Pioneer’s experience to come up huge, as they understand the two-games-in-a-day routine and playing through distractions. I think they will lead beginning to end, though not necessarily a blowout, and they will ultimately advance to the Semi-State with an eight to 10-point victory.
WES-DEL REGIONAL
10:00 a.m. Tri-Central (15-8) vs. Blue River Valley (21-3)
The Tri-Central Lady Trojans began the season 7-6 for a new coach, but once they found a groove, they finished strong and won Sectional #55 with relative ease. The Trojans knocked off Tipton early in the year and played Frankton tough. Experienced guard play is the name of the game come tournament time, and Tri-Central definitely has that. Senior guard
Kenadie Fernung
Kenadie
Fernung
5'5" | CG
Tri-Central | 2021
State
IN
(21.3p, 2.0r, 2.0a, 3.4s) was spectacular during Sectional play, averaging nearly 25 points per game, while shooting over 50% from the field. Senior guard Brittany Temple (11.3p, 4.0r, 4.6a, 3.0s) is her do-everything sidekick who will rebound, handle the ball, and defend with great effort and understanding. While the Trojans don’t have any other big-time scorers, they do play five more girls who contribute regularly. Blue River Valley won a solid Sectional #56, and they did so in impressive fashion, winning each game by 16 or more points. Their focal point is 6-2 Junior post
Ally Madden
Ally
Madden
6'1" | C
Blue River Valley | 2022
State
IN
(17.9p, 10.8r, 2.2a, 2.3s, 2.5b), who can be about as dominant of a post as there is in Class 1A. The Vikings were also the beneficiary this year of Sophomore move-in
Maci Chamberlin
Maci
Chamberlin
5'7" | SG
Blue River Valley | 2023
State
IN
(15.8p, 2.5r, 3.3a, 2.3s) from Winchester. Chamberlin has brought toughness, skill, and a nice basketball IQ to the backcourt. Senior wing Mallory Cross (7.9p, 4.4r, 2.6a, 2.2s), Senior guard Abby Thornburgh (6.9p, 2.7r, 2.9a), and Junior guard Emma Blackburn (6.0p, 3.2r, 2.9a) all average six points or more for the Vikings, so they aren’t limited to just their high scorers.
1:00 p.m. Clinton Central (12-12) vs. Northfield (19-5)
Clinton Central seems to have had a roller-coaster ride this season, staggering wins and losses throughout their schedule. The Bulldogs ended a 23-year Sectional title drought with their win Saturday night, so they are obviously riding high right now, and momentum can be huge this time of year. For the most part, the Bulldogs have a fairly even attack, but I would say they look most to Junior do-everything forward Kendall Davison (13.9p, 11.5r, 4.1a, 3.5s). She can affect the game in a variety of ways on a given night. Senior guard Allison Robbins (9.1p, 3.8r, 3.8a, 3.5s), Freshman front-liner Sara Parkison (9.0p, 7.1r), and Sophomore forward Sam Adams (8.1p, 5.5r) are capable of putting together big games. The Lady Norse of Northfield are a considerable matchup nightmare for most opponents, especially in Class 1A. They are about as long and athletic a group of wings and forwards as you are going to find. Senior wing
Emma Hoover
Emma
Hoover
5'10" | SF
Northfield | 2021
State
IN
(11.1p, 3.8r, 3.6a, 3.0s) acts as their primary ball-handler and playmaker, plus she’s their best shooting threat. Senior forward
Addi Baker
Addi
Baker
5'11" | PF
Northfield | 2021
State
IN
(12.5p, 6.8r, 3.2a, 2.8s) is an active mid-post forward who can cause problems at both ends. Senior wing
Kyra Kennedy
Kyra
Kennedy
5'8" | SF
Northfield | 2021
State
IN
(12.2p, 4.3r, 2.4a, 2.3s) is a talented athlete who causes chaos. Senior wing
Kearston Stout
Kearston
Stout
5'9" | SF
Northfield | 2021
State
IN
(10.5p, 6.3r, 2.0) is another fluid athlete, and a capable perimeter shooter as well. Senior forward Kenzie Baer (6.5p, 4.1r) gives them a paint presence, especially defensively. They don’t play deep into their bench, but those five are difficult to contain.
Regional Predictions: Unfortunately, I think both early games will be somewhat lopsided, with Blue River Valley and Northfield advancing. I do think if Tri-Central can get hot, they can hang around with Blue River and cause problems, but ultimately Madden’s size and rebounding will separate the two teams. Look for Blue River Valley to win by 15 points or more. In the second game, Clinton Central will come out with good energy and excitement, but I think Northfield’s length will quickly put an end to that. They are capable of putting together runs off of their trapping defense, and I think Northfield gets out to an early lead and wins by 20-25 points. The Regional Final could be extremely close and tightly contested, and it is certainly a contrast of styles. Blue River Valley will want to control tempo and play inside out, using its post play to its advantage. Northfield wants to get up and down the floor and use its athleticism to its advantage. The key here will be if Blue River can take care of the ball. If they can, and they can make shots, then I can see them winning a close one. Otherwise, I think Northfield just has too many horses and could be a double-digit winner if they can turn the Vikings over and make this a transition game.
SOUTHWESTERN (SHELBYVILLE) REGIONAL
10:00 a.m. Southwestern (17-7) vs. Bethesda Christian (16-6)
The Spartans of Southwestern (Shelbyville) pulled off a stunner, knocking off Jac-Cen-Del in the Sectional Final, and disallowing the Eagles from winning their 13th consecutive title. The Spartans had previously lost to JCD by 18 points in mid-January. They are led by a four-player Senior core who share the ball well and figure out ways to win together. Senior forward Trinity Tatlock (12.6p, 6.1r) is the leading scorer and rebounder, while Senior wing Abby Muck (12.1p, 5.9r, 3.4a, 3.1s) leads the team in assists and steals. Senior wing
Lexi Wilkins
Lexi
Wilkins
5'8" | SF
Southwestern (Shelbyville) | 2021
State
IN
(10.4p, 2.6r, 2.2a, 2.1s) is their sniper outside, and Senior forward Maggie Correll (8.3p, 4.4r) adds another presence up front for the Spartans. If they can continue to replicate their play against Jac-Cen-Del, they should be able to compete with most teams in Class 1A. Bethesda Christian didn’t play a particularly strong schedule this season, but I think that was planned, as they started a Sophomore and four Freshmen most nights. Still, though, they took care of business in Sectional #58 and have advanced for the second consecutive year. Guards win postseason games, and the Patriots have a couple of nice ones. Freshman guard
Kenzie Fulks
Kenzie
Fulks
5'7" | PG
Bethesda Christian | 2024
State
IN
(26.3p, 5.5r, 5.0a, 5.0s) was explosive at times, and she has proven she can put her team on her back offensively when needed. Sophomore wing Paige Vawter (11.0p, 5.4r, 3.6a, 2.0s) is a perimeter shooter/scorer who has decent size. She had a 27-point game earlier this season. Freshman forward Sydney Goodin (7.0p, 4.7r) gives them additional rebounding and interior defense.
12:00 p.m. Greenwood Christian (14-6) vs. Bloomfield (12-8)
I’m a little surprised more people aren’t talking about the Greenwood Christian girls. They played one of the tougher Class 1A schedules and lost by 10 points to Center Grove, nine points to East Central, and the other four games were decided by four points or less. The Cougars boast four double-digit scorers, plus they have a mismatch nightmare in Senior forward
Isabella Reed
Isabella
Reed
5'9" | SF
Greenwood Christian | 2021
State
IN
(24.0p, 13.5r, 4.2a, 2.4s). She plays with a tremendous motor and is strong enough to consistently score it inside. She’s probably best in the mid-post, but she’s also capable of playing around the perimeter. Senior point guard
Brooklyn Stubblefield
Brooklyn
Stubblefield
5'6" | PG
Greenwood Christian | 2021
State
IN
(16.8p, 3.0r, 3.0a, 3.8s) has been extremely productive and dynamic after transferring in from Greenwood Community this year. She is a ball of energy. Senior wing
Savvanah Frye
Savvanah
Frye
5'8" | SF
Greenwood Christian | 2021
State
IN
(12.0p, 5.9r, 4.7a) is a very unselfish player, a nice athlete, and a “glue” kid who helps them win games with hustle plays. Junior guard Ellie Bigelow (10.6p, 2.0r, 2.4a, 2.3s) is another team player, a nice athlete, and a skillful guard. The Cougars will be a handful for anyone they face. The Cardinals of Bloomfield began the season 1-3, but they really started to hit their stride sometime around Thanksgiving. Senior wing
Kylee Shelton
Kylee
Shelton
5'10" | SF
Bloomfield | 2021
State
IN
returned to the lineup healthy this season, and as she got more and more comfortable, the Cardinals played much better. She is physical enough to play in the mid-post, but she has touch outside, a solid handle, and she’s a nice passer. Junior forward Gracie Lowry is their other main contributor. She has a little height and good length, plus she can play in the mid-post or around the basket at times. Those two are really good together and the key for Bloomfield to contend with Greenwood Christian on Saturday.
Regional Predictions: In the first game, I look for Southwestern’s Senior leadership and experience to control the moment. They will need to pay special attention to Fulks, and if they can contain her at least a little bit, I think the Spartans will be victorious by about 15-20 points. In the afternoon game, I think Shelton and Lowry can match up with just about anyone on the Cougars’ team. The problem is, the Cougars just have too many ballplayers. I think it’s close for about a quarter, but then Greenwood Christian pulls away and wins by 20-25. In the nightcap, once again I think Greenwood Christian is a significant favorite. Now, if they play Southwestern, the Spartans’ experience can help them hang around, possibly to the end. But if I’m playing the odds, I will take the Greenwood Christian Cougars to win both of their games Saturday by double-figures.
SPRINGS VALLEY REGIONAL
10:00 a.m. Lanesville (21-3) vs. Tecumseh (14-6)
This should turn out to be a real heavyweight battle, as the top two teams in Class 1A according to the Sagarin Ratings face off. They saw each other back on December 28th, and Tecumseh pulled out the 61-46 win. In the matchup, the Lady Braves held Lanesville to 36% shooting while shooting 49% themselves, plus they outscored the Eagles 14-5 from the free throw line. I’d expect the Eagles to correct that this time around, as they have won 10 of 11 games since that point in the season. Lanesville is led by Senior forward
Gracie Adams
Gracie
Adams
5'9" | SF
Lanesville | 2021
State
IN
(21.3p, 7.3r, 3.0a, 2.8s), who has had several big outings offensively this season. She is a high-motor, tough-nosed forward who can play at all three levels. Sophomore wing
Linzie Wernert
Linzie
Wernert
5'8" | PF
Lanesville | 2023
State
IN
(11.5p, 6.0r, 2.5a, 2.8s) has also shown the potential to have big games scoring the ball, plus she too plays with a great motor. If those two are clicking, opponents beware. Lanesville doesn’t really have a go-to third player, but they do have no less than seven additional girls who have contributed at different points in the season. Sophomore post Morgan Sonner (5.3p, 4.3r) has played well of late. As for the Lady Braves, they have a strong leader and a nice supporting cast as well. Junior wing
Kaybree Oxley
Kaybree
Oxley
5'9" | PF
Tecumseh | 2022
State
IN
(19.4p, 10.8r, 2.4a, 3.9s) is a physical and talented athlete who contributes in a number of ways, plus she can always carry the team when necessary. Freshman front-liner Jenna Donahoo (9.2p, 6.5r), Sophomore point guard Karsyn Flowers (8.9p, 3.6r, 5.5a, 2.3s), and Junior forward
Morgan Wilson
Morgan
Wilson
5'11" | PF
Tecumseh | 2022
State
IN
(7.9p, 3.6r) are all constants in the lineup. They aren’t overly tall as a group, but they play fast and aggressive at both ends of the floor.
12:00 p.m. Trinity Lutheran (20-4) vs. Loogootee (17-4)
As good as the 10:00 a.m. tilt could be in this Regional, this game could equal it, or possibly be even better. The Trinity Lutheran Cougars enter the contest with their third 20-win season over the last four years. Plus, all four losses this season have come to schools in bigger classifications. They have an impressive inside-out duo, and they have gotten quality play out of a Freshman lately as well. 6-3 Senior post
Sydney Jaynes
Sydney
Jaynes
6'3" | C
Trinity Lutheran | 2021
State
IN
(19.1p, 9.0r, 3.5a, 2.4s, 3.7b) has sort of a European style face-up game, uncommon to most girls her size in Indiana. She can handle it, pass it, and knock down shots at all three levels. Sophomore guard
Bailey Tabeling
Bailey
Tabeling
5'10" | SG
Trinity Lutheran | 2023
State
IN
(20.1p, 4.8r, 4.9a, 3.6s) continues her impressive play in year-two, as she can bury shot after shot from the perimeter or create offense for others. Junior guard Kailene Cockerham (8.2p, 3.2r, 2.9a) has been steady all year and provides the Cougars with yet another high-level perimeter shooter. And Freshman wing Liza Froedge (7.7p, 4.3r) was huge in the Sectional, scoring 20 points and knocking down 5-7 3-pointers in the title contest. However, the Loogootee Lions should be up to the task, especially considering they return all five starters from the 2020 Class 1A State Championship team. After starting the season 2-2, they have been on a tear, losing only to Tecumseh (above) and 2020 Class 2A State Champion Linton-Stockton. Loogootee has great experience, one could say the heart of a Lion, plus they work very well together. Senior point guard
Kalea Fleming
Kalea
Fleming
5'5" | PG
Loogootee | 2021
State
IN
is the soul of this team. She is passionate, tough, and plays with a nice understanding of the game. Senior wing
Brooklynn Jones
Brooklynn
Jones
5'7" | SF
Loogootee | 2021
State
IN
is another one of their top scorers. She is a talented athlete who can make plays at both ends of the floor. Sisters
Makenzie VanHoy
Makenzie
VanHoy
5'8" | PF
Loogootee | 2021
State
IN
, a Senior forward, and Kylie VanHoy, a Junior forward, give them somewhat of an interior presence, though neither are huge. Makenzie can score the ball at all three levels, and both of them play with tremendous motors and pursue rebounds outside of their areas. The last thing the Cougars want to do is take the Lions for granted, though I’m sure the Lions would be happy to play the role of “underdog”.
Regional Predictions: With no disrespect intended for any of the other Class 1A teams still alive, the grouping in this Regional could very well serve as a Final Four, with the winner being a heavy favorite the rest of the tournament. These are the top four teams in the current Sagarin Ratings, and they’ve spent the season beating up on each other and the rest of Southern Indiana. In the morning game, I anticipate Lanesville seeking revenge for the early season loss to Tecumseh. Expect Adams and Wernert to loom large if the Eagles are to succeed. I think Lanesville will win by 6-8 points in the end. In game-two, look for this to be a back and forth contest with a ton of 3-pointers being attempted. Making shots and controlling the glass will be huge in this one. Honestly, I think it’s a coin flip, but since I should probably choose a winner, I think Trinity Lutheran wins by four points. In the evening game, it will be another chance for revenge, as Lanesville fell to the Cougars by seven in mid-January. While Lanesville has a pair of really nice players/scorers, I think Trinity Lutheran can draw points from more sources. Jaynes and Tabeling counteract Adams and Wernert, so I feel like Trinity Lutheran’s next best pair can lead them to a five-point win over the Eagles.