Merry Midpoint: Class 4A, Sectionals #9-#16
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With 13 weeks in the regular season during the IHSAA girls’ basketball season each year, the Christmas to New Years’ time period basically represents the midpoint of the season by weeks. Nearly every team has played double-digit games at this point, so I wanted to take an early look at who the better teams are in each Class 4A Sectional as they make the turn towards the second half of the season. Below I have highlighted Sectionals #9-#16.
Sectional #9 – Mount Vernon (Fortville)
– Likely Favorite: Pendleton Heights
– Upset Candidate: Mount Vernon (Fortville)
– Comments: Sectional #9 features four teams from the Hoosier Heritage Conference and three teams from the North Central Conference, so needless to say, these teams are all very familiar with each other. Pendleton Heights (10-3) has had a strong first half to the season, and they defeated Mount Vernon, 47-36, earlier this year, but playing in Fortville won’t be easy. The Arabians have gotten strong play from a trio of double-figure scorers, beginning with Freshman wing
Kaycie Warfel
Kaycie
Warfel
5'9" | SG
Pendleton Heights | 2025
State
IN
(14.5p, 4.5r, 3.5s). Junior forward
Whitney Warfel
Whitney
Warfel
5'10" | PF
Pendleton Heights | 2023
State
IN
(13.5p, 5.6r, 2.1s) and Senior wing Hailee Brunnemer (12.0p, 2.6r). The Marauders lean heavily on one of the state’s best Sophomores in 6-2 wing
Ellery Minch
Ellery
Minch
6'3" | PF
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2024
State
IN
, but they’ve also gotten strong play from New Palestine transfer Khloe Patterson, a Junior forward, as well as Seniors
Alaina Nugent
Alaina
Nugent
5'11" | SF
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2022
State
IN
, Shay Shipley, and Maddie Swingle.
Sectional #10 – North Central (Indianapolis)
– Likely Favorite: North Central (Indianapolis)
– Upset Candidate: Lawrence Central/Warren Central/Lawrence North/Cathedral
– Comments: Sectional #10 rarely goes as anticipated, as there are a number of talented teams in what can be argued as the second deepest 4A Sectional next to Sectional #8. North Central suffered significant graduation losses in 2021, but they still have one of the strongest rosters in the state. Senior point guard
Tanyuel Welch
Tanyuel
Welch
5'10" | PG
North Central (Indianapolis) | 2022
State
IN
is elite on the perimeter, while Seniors
Destinee Hooks
Destinee
Hooks
5'11" | PF
North Central (Indianapolis) | 2022
State
IN
and Covenant Christian transfer
Samara Douglas
Samara
Douglas
5'11" | PF
North Central (Indianapolis) | 2022
State
IN
provide the muscle up front. Junior
Ava Couch
Ava
Couch
5'10" | SF
Indy North Central | 2023
State
IN
is a legitimate Division-I prospect on the wing, and classmate
Trinity Archey
Trinity
Archey
5'6" | CG
North Central (Indianapolis) | 2023
State
IN
has also played well around the perimeter. But the Panthers can be beaten, and there are several options to upset them in Sectional #10. Lawrence Central, and the combination of Freshman star
Jaylah Lampley
Jaylah
Lampley
6'2" | SF
Lawrence Central | 2025
State
IN
(16.5p, 6.5r, 2.9a), Senior guards
Tori Smiley
Tori
Smiley
5'7" | CG
Lawrence Central | 2022
State
IN
(14.2p) and
Montasia McAllister
Montasia
McAllister
5'10" | SG
Lawrence Central | 2022
State
IN
(9.0p, 4.8r, 2.7a), plus Sophomore wing
Denyha Jacobs
Denyha
Jacobs
5'7" | SF
Warren Central | 2024
State
IN
(12.9p, 4.0r, 3.1s) can put up points in a hurry and cause problems defensively. Warren Central comes strong with Junior forward
Asiah Baxter
Asiah
Baxter
5'10" | SF
Warren Central | 2023
State
IN
(13.9p, 10.8r, 2.3s) and Senior guard
Le’Aije Ellington
Le’Aije
Ellington
5'6" | SG
Warren Central | 2022
State
IN
(10.1p, 3.2r), plus Junior floor general
Sanaa Thomas
Sanaa
Thomas
5'5" | PG
Warren Central | 2023
State
IN
(9.6p, 2.8r, 6.8a). Lawrence North has pedigree and a little experience remaining from that 2020 State Championship run in the form of Junior wing
Monica Williams
Monica
Williams
5'10" | SF
Lawrence North | 2023
State
IN
, while Cathedral has size, length, and athleticism throughout their roster, led by Junior
Layla Gold
Layla
Gold
6'0" | SF
Cathedral | 2023
State
IN
(15.6p, 4.9r) and Senior
Katie Bremer
Katie
Bremer
5'11" | PF
Cathedral | 2022
State
IN
(12.4p, 5.9r, 2.2a).
Sectional #11 – Perry Meridian
– Likely Favorite: Ben Davis
– Upset Candidate: Pike
– Comments: The Giants are regaining that magic they had in the late 1990s and early 2000s when they were THE team everyone in Central Indiana had to go through. Their Junior class is talented and big, but there are a couple of nice Senior contributors as well. Senior front-liner Johnai Wimbleduff (12.7p, 3.8r) leads them in scoring and has a nice toughness and motor in her repertoire. Juniors
Taylor Guess
Taylor
Guess
6'1" | PF
Ben Davis | 2023
State
IN
(12.5p, 8.5r, 2.2s) and
Cristen Carter
Cristen
Carter
6'3" | C
Ben Davis | 2023
State
IN
(11.7p, 10.4r) are both Division-I prospects who stand over 6-feet tall, while Junior wings
Kaleah Toomer
Kaleah
Toomer
5'10" | SF
Ben Davis | 2023
State
IN
(6.2p, 3.3r, 2.6a, 2.3s) and
Kirsten Clark
Kirsten
Clark
5'9" | SG
Ben Davis | 2023
State
IN
(3.2p, 2.4a) have drawn their share of interest as well. Northwestern University softball commit
Kansas Robinson
Kansas
Robinson
5'8" | SF
Ben Davis | 2022
State
IN
(6.1p, 5.5r, 2.7s) has also put together a fine career for the Giants. The Pike Red Devils have shown a resurgence this season as well, following just ten wins over the last two years combined. Senior wing
Jaelynne Murray
Jaelynne
Murray
5'11" | SF
Pike | 2022
State
IN
(12.8p, 6.8r, 2.3s) is a really nice talent and has committed to Alabama A&M. Junior wing
Giavonnie Belton
Giavonnie
Belton
5'7" | SG
Pike | 2023
State
IN
(15.9p, 3.0r, 2.0s) has also been a bright spot for the Red Devils this year, and she is shooting it well outside (38%) and from the line (80%).
Sectional #12 – Brownsburg
– Likely Favorite: Plainfield/Brownsburg
– Upset Candidate: Mooresville
– Comments: This was a toss-up, as Brownsburg won an early season matchup with Plainfield, 45-39, but the Quakers have been hot of late, winning their last five and nine of their last eleven. Plainfield is highly experienced, with four Seniors leading the way. They are wing
Ellie Wilkerson
Ellie
Wilkerson
5'9" | SF
Plainfield | 2022
State
IN
(14.0p, 6.3r, 2.2s), forward
Jozee Rhodes
Jozee
Rhodes
6'0" | PF
Plainfield | 2022
State
IN
(13.6p, 4.7r), and guards Audrey Harper (6.9p, 2.7r, 4.0s) and
Audrey Tallent
Audrey
Tallent
5'7" | PG
Plainfield | 2022
State
IN
(5.1p, 4.5r, 2.8a). Sophomore post
Payton Benge
Payton
Benge
6'1" | PF
Plainfield | 2024
State
IN
(4.5p, 3.7r) gives them another sizeable presence. Brownsburg doesn’t have a much different roster than a year ago, but the subtraction of star guard Ally Becki, a 2021 grad, left a huge hole to fill. Seniors Miya Webb and
Kiera Guckenberger
Kiera
Guckenberger
5'7" | SG
Brownsburg | 2022
State
IN
, plus Junior
Kailyn Terrell
Kailyn
Terrell
5'7" | PG
Brownsburg | 2023
State
IN
handle backcourt duties, while Seniors
Novalee Glass
Novalee
Glass
5'11" | PF
Brownsburg | 2022
State
IN
and
Ra’Mya Milton
Ra’Mya
Milton
5'9" | PF
Brownsburg | 2022
State
IN
are a strong presence up front. If anyone can sneak in here and make a run, it’s likely Mooresville. They have good size and strength, plus a nice mixture of youth and experience. Sophomore forward
Rachel Harshman
Rachel
Harshman
6'0" | PF
Mooresville | 2024
State
IN
(14.2p, 7.1r) has really improved since a year ago. Senior point guard
Madelynn Denny
Madelynn
Denny
5'4" | PG
Mooresville | 2022
State
IN
(12.9p, 3.3r, 2.7s) is another double-digit scorer for the Pioneers. Sophomore forward
Kalyn Bunch
Kalyn
Bunch
5'11" | PF
Mooresville | 2024
State
IN
(9.4p, 6.1r) has also been good along the frontline.
Sectional #13 – Franklin Central
– Likely Favorite: Franklin Community
– Upset Candidate: Center Grove
– Comments: This one is pretty cut and dry, as The Grizzly Cubs are 5-0 against Sectional #13 competition thus far this season, and they are 17-1 overall on the year. Senior transfer
Ashlyn Traylor
Ashlyn
Traylor
5'8" | SG
Franklin Community | 2022
State
IN
(15.3p, 6.3r, 2.8a, 3.3s) and Senior wing
Kuryn Brunson
Kuryn
Brunson
5'10" | SF
Franklin Community | 2022
State
IN
(13.4p, 4.0r, 3.0a) lead the way for Franklin, while Junior transfer
Adelyn Walker
Adelyn
Walker
5'8" | SF
Bella Vista Prep | 2023
State
AZ
(8.3p, 2.4r, 2.8a) and Sophomore
Erica Buening
Erica
Buening
5'9" | PF
Franklin Community | 2024
State
IN
(8.1p, 3.6r) have really stepped up their games this year. And to show off their depth, Sophomores
Scarlett Kimbrell
Scarlett
Kimbrell
5'11" | SF
Franklin Community | 2024
State
IN
(6.1p, 4.6r) and
Lauren Klem
Lauren
Klem
5'1" | PG
Franklin Community | 2024
State
IN
(5.4p, 2.8r, 2.4a, 2.0s) tied as their second leading scorers at 11.0 points per game one season ago. Now, with all of that said, Center Grove has played Franklin close twice this year, losing by three points on each occasion, so you can count the Trojans in as being confident they can win this thing. Junior transfer
Savanna Bischoff
Savanna
Bischoff
5'9" | SG
Center Grove | 2023
State
IN
(9.9p, 4.5r) has been a nice addition to the lineup, while Junior guard
Ella Hobson
Ella
Hobson
5'4" | PG
Center Grove | 2023
State
IN
(7.8p, 2.7r, 3.8a) has complemented her well in the backcourt. Sophomore newcomer
Rachel Wirts
Rachel
Wirts
6'3" | C
Center Grove | 2024
State
IN
(7.7p, 4.6r) provides nice size inside, and Sophomore guard
Aubrie Booker
Aubrie
Booker
5'8" | CG
Center Grove | 2024
State
IN
(7.1p, 3.7r, 2.9a) is a nice playmaking athlete outside.
Sectional #14 – Bloomington North
– Likely Favorite: Columbus East
– Upset Candidate: East Central
– Comments: Sectional #14 is likely another two-team race, with the slight edge going to Columbus East, following a 55-46 win over East Central before Thanksgiving. The Olympians have gotten spirited play from Junior front-liner
Saige Stahl
Saige
Stahl
6'1" | PF
Columbus East | 2023
State
IN
(16.4p, 9.1r, 2.0a, 5.1s) this year, and she leads them in both scoring and rebounding so far. Senior leader
Koryn Greiwe
Koryn
Greiwe
5'7" | PG
Columbus East | 2022
State
IN
(16.2p, 3.2r, 3.2a, 3.8s) continues to play with a tremendous motor and toughness, helping the Columbus East program to a great deal of success during her tenure. Junior front-liner
Leah Bachmann
Leah
Bachmann
6'0" | C
Columbus East | 2023
State
IN
(8.8p, 6.2r, 2.8s) has also been strong inside for the Olympians. East Central counters with a strong duo of their own in Junior forward
Josie Trabel
Josie
Trabel
6'0" | PF
East Central | 2023
State
IN
(17.4p, 6.9r, 2.4a, 3.4s) and Senior guard
Hope Fox
Hope
Fox
5'7" | CG
East Central | 2022
State
IN
(14.0p, 5.9r, 3.9a, 3.2s). They have been highly effective together the last couple of years. Junior Laney Baker (9.2p, 3.4r, 2.9a, 2.4s) has also been solid for the Trojans this season.
Sectional #15 – Jeffersonville
– Likely Favorite: Bedford North Lawrence
– Upset Candidate: Jennings County/Jeffersonville
– Comments: Bedford is a strong favorite in Sectional #15, and rightfully so. They take on all comers and usually wind up victorious most evenings. They are led by a strong backcourt in Sophomore
Chloe Spreen
Chloe
Spreen
5'10" | SG
Bedford North Lawrence | 2024
State
IN
(16.1p, 6.0r, 2.2a) and Junior
Karsyn Norman
Karsyn
Norman
5'7" | PG
Bedford North Lawrence | 2023
State
IN
(14.9p, 3.3r, 2.9a, 3.3s). Spreen is a high-major combo guard who does a little more of the scoring for the Lady Stars, while Norman is a mid-major prospect who can shoot it with range or set up teammates, plus she’s very feisty defensively. If anyone in this Sectional can play them tough, it’s likely going to be Jennings County. They are somewhat young and led by Sophomore wing
Alivia Elmore
Alivia
Elmore
5'8" | SF
Jennings County | 2024
State
IN
(15.2p, 4.3r, 3.3a, 2.2s) and Sophomore forward
Juliann Woodard
Juliann
Woodard
6'1" | PF
Jennings County | 2024
State
IN
(13.0p, 11.8r, 2.3a, 3.2s). They are both tough-nosed, hard-working players who can control a game inside the arc. Senior
Lily Ernstes
Lily
Ernstes
5'8" | SF
Jennings County | 2022
State
IN
(9.1p, 4.8r, 2.8a) can play inside or out and gives the Panthers some veteran leadership. Jeffersonville has had a solid season so far, but they might still be a year away from competing for the Sectional #15 title. They have several Sophomores and Juniors who contribute fairly evenly at times, but watch out for Junior forward
Cadence Singleton
Cadence
Singleton
5'11" | PF
Jeffersonville | 2023
State
IN
, Junior guard
Sophia Reese
Sophia
Reese
5'5" | PG
Jeffersonville | 2023
IN
, and Sophomore guard
Elle Marble
Elle
Marble
5'9" | CG
Jeffersonville | 2024
State
IN
.
Sectional #16 – Evansville Harrison
– Likely Favorite: Castle
– Upset Candidate: Evansville North
– Comments: The Sectional #16 crown has gone to Castle or Evansville North each of the last four seasons, and I don’t see that changing this year either. Castle knocked off North 61-54 just before Thanksgiving, but this title is still up for grabs. The Knights are 10-3 thus far and lean on Senior wing
Natalie Niehaus
Natalie
Niehaus
5'9" | SF
Castle | 2022
State
IN
, Senior guard
Jordan Coon
Jordan
Coon
5'7" | SG
Castle | 2022
State
IN
, and fast-rising Sophomore
Aleyna Quinn
Aleyna
Quinn
5'9" | SF
Castle | 2024
IN
for scoring. Seniors
Megan Kain
Megan
Kain
5'8" | SG
Castle | 2022
State
IN
and
Kyrisha Hay-Swope
Kyrisha
Hay-Swope
5'6" | PG
Castle | 2022
State
IN
, along with Junior
Devyn Barton
Devyn
Barton
5'6" | PG
Castle | 2023
IN
, bring a defensive element to the team as well. Evansville North is coming off of a big win against North Central (Indianapolis) on Tuesday, the Huskies are 10-2, and they’ve won seven in a row. With nearly five players in double-digits, they are difficult to defend. Senior guard
Jaidn Green
Jaidn
Green
5'6" | PG
Evansville North | 2022
State
IN
(12.2p, 5.2r, 4.9a) is the top scorer and assist person. Junior front-liner
Jalyn Shelby
Jalyn
Shelby
5'11" | PF
Evansville North | 2023
State
IN
(10.5p, 6.7r, 2.3a) can score it inside or shoot the ’3’, while Junior Alabama transfer
Amiyah Buchanan
Amiyah
Buchanan
6'0" | PF
Evansville North | 2023
State
IN
(12.0p, 7.2r) has given North a long, athletic presence in the frontcourt. Seniors
Kaliah Neighbors
Kaliah
Neighbors
5'11" | PF
Evansville North | 2022
State
IN
(9.5p, 6.2r, 2.2a) and
Kaylee Martin
Kaylee
Martin
5'9" | SG
Evansville North | 2022
State
IN
(9.1p, 3.5r) are also near the 10-point-per-game plateau.