Merry Midpoint: Class 3A, Sectionals #17-#24
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The featured image is of MyKayla Moran MyKayla Moran 6'2" Hamilton Heights | 2022 IN (2022) of Hamilton Heights High School. With 13 weeks in the regular season during the IHSAA girls’ basketball season each year, the Christmas to New…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of MyKayla Moran MyKayla Moran 6'2" Hamilton Heights | 2022 IN (2022) of Hamilton Heights High School.
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 3A Sectional as they make the turn towards the second half of the season. Below I have highlighted Sectionals #17-#24.
Sectional #17 – Griffith
– Likely Favorite: Hanover Central
– Upset Candidate: Griffith
– Comments: This is really sort of a pick’em Sectional, with Hanover Central and Griffith squarely at the top. Hanover Central began the season just 3-6, but they have now won four of their last five. They are somewhat young and have gotten strong play from Sophomore wing Gabi Comia (8.4p, 6.3r, 2.5s) and 6-0 Junior forward Hailey Vanderhye (7.2p, 7.8r, 2.3b). If they can get a little more scoring out of one more player and become more of a trio than a duo offensively, it would certainly help. Griffith, on the other hand, is a veteran team, with three Seniors leading the way, and only Seniors and Juniors in their rotation. Tops for the Panthers are Senior Cierra Pipkins (15.4p, 4.9r, 2.7a, 3.4s), Senior
Marisa Esquivel
Marisa
Esquivel
5'8" | SG
Griffith | 2022
State
IN
(12.7p, 3.0r, 4.1s), and Senior Ella Rasberry (7.7p, 3.7r). With only 11 games in the books, they are going to have a busy final 3 1/2 weeks of the regular season.
Sectional #18 – Knox
– Likely Favorite: Kankakee Valley
– Upset Candidates: Knox/New Prairie
– Comments: Knox had won three consecutive Sectional titles until Kankakee Valley knocked them off last year in come-from-behind fashion, and the Lady Kougars already have a victory over Knox this year as well. Still, though, this will be a tough battle, and New Prairie will likely have something to say about it as well, coming into Sectional #18 this season. Kankakee Valley has already matched last season’s win total (13) and is led by a trio of upperclassmen in Senior Taylor Schoonveld (9.9p), and Juniors
Kate Thomas
Kate
Thomas
5'5" | PG
Kankakee Valley | 2023
State
IN
(12.9p) and
Lilly Toppen
Lilly
Toppen
5'9" | SG
Kankakee Valley | 2023
State
IN
(9.8p). They have good size and balance throughout their roster, and they’ve navigated a fairly tough schedule. Knox began their season 3-5, but they are 6-4 since and also play a tough schedule. Senior forward
Megan Bolen
Megan
Bolen
6'0" | PF
Knox | 2022
State
IN
(13.5p, 7.9r, 3.1a, 3.2s, 3.3b) has stepped it up as of late, as has Junior Addi Eskridge (8.2p, 3.1r). New Prairie is sort of the unknown by its other Sectional opponents, but they are 8-8 and have won four of their last five. Junior guard
Eva Dodds
Eva
Dodds
5'8" | SG
New Prairie | 2023
IN
(12.8p, 3.1r, 2.2a, 2.1s) is their top scorer and floor general. Sophomore guard
Jayden Flagg
Jayden
Flagg
5'6" | PG
New Prairie | 2024
State
IN
(11.0p, 2.9r, 2.7a) has been a nice addition, after playing in just four games last year due to injury.
Sectional #19 – South Bend Washington
– Likely Favorite: South Bend Washington
– Upset Candidate: Mishawaka Marian
– Comments: This is a very nice Sectional with several quality teams, but at the end of the day, I think it’s a two-horse race. South Bend Washington is a heavy favorite to advance to the State Finals again, let alone win their Sectional. They have a number of talented individuals, and they play well together. 6-2 Senior
Mila Reynolds
Mila
Reynolds
6'2" | PF
South Bend Washington | 2022
State
#32
Nation
IN
(24.5p, 8.8r) is the dominant force for them, because she can play in the post, the mid-post, or around the perimeter. Junior guard
RaShunda Jones
RaShunda
Jones
5'7" | PG
South Bend Washington | 2023
State
IN
(12.2p, 4.6r, 3.8a, 3.8s) is kind of their x-factor, because she can play any number of roles, and her speed and quickness allow her to take over games at both ends of the floor. Junior guard
Amiyah Reynolds
Amiyah
Reynolds
6'0" | PG
South Bend Washington | 2023
State
#35
Nation
IN
(8.7p, 5.3r, 4.5a, 2.7s) is their facilitator, and at 6-0 she is just so smooth and has a natural feel for the game. And 6-3 Freshman front-liner
Kira Reynolds
Kira
Reynolds
6'4" | PF
South Bend Washington | 2025
State
IN
(10.6p, 9.1r, 2.6a, 4.9b) continues to add strength and confidence to her skill and talent. Mishawaka Marian is the one team who has enough talent and doesn’t seem to be in awe of the Panthers. They beat Washington early last season, fell by single digits in the Sectional final, then battled them tough in a 65-53 loss to begin this season. The Lady Knights would need a near-perfect performance, but the combination of Juniors
Nevaeh Foster
Nevaeh
Foster
5'8" | CG
Mishawaka Marian | 2023
State
#39
Nation
IN
(20.5p, 4.9r, 2.8a, 3.0s) and
MaKaya Porter
MaKaya
Porter
5'11" | PF
Mishawaka Marian | 2023
State
IN
(21.6p, 10.6r, 3.0a, 2.9s, 2.1b) can take over games. They’ll need a third person to step up, and maybe diminutive point guard
Kenndall Bethel
Kenndall
Bethel
5'3" | PG
Mishawaka Marian | 2022
State
IN
(7.7p, 2.4r, 3.2a) is that person. She is extremely quick/fast and feisty.
Sectional #20 – NorthWood
– Likely Favorite: Tippecanoe Valley
– Upset Candidate: Wawasee
– Comments: Throughout the last few years, this Sectional has seen a number of teams advance deep in the state tournament, but this seems to be a year where there is some roster turnover for teams, plus you have three coaches in just their second years at the school, so they’re still trying to build that foundation for their programs. Tippecanoe Valley has been a consistent force over the years, and they are off to a 10-6 start this season. Junior guard
Kaydence Mellott
Kaydence
Mellott
5'8" | SG
Tippecanoe Valley | 2023
State
IN
(18.6p, 5.3r, 2.5s) is their leader, and she’s a dangerous shooter with range who can also put it on the floor and attack the basket. 6-0 Junior forward Corinna Stiles (10.1p, 9.8r, 2.4a, 2.5s) is their best frontline player, and she is dominant on the boards at times. Wawasee could give the Vikings the most resistance, and they had a solid holiday break, playing close games against two strong programs in Norwell and Huntington North. The Lady Warriors are a Senior-heavy group, and you can’t replicate experience come the postseason. Lindsay Doss (9.5p, 2.9r), Kennedy White (8.7p, 4.2r, 2.2a, 2.4s), Jada Carter (7.8p, 3.5r, 2.3a), and Emily Haines (7.6p, 3.5r) are the main catalysts for Wawasee.
Sectional #21 – Woodlan
– Likely Favorite: Garrett
– Upset Candidates: Woodlan/Angola
– Comments: The Garrett Railroaders have been gearing up for this season, and with four Seniors and a Junior in the lineup, they sit at 15-1 right now, with wins over Woodlan, Angola, Norwell, Warsaw, and Fairfield, plus their lone loss is to a very good Noblesville group. The Junior,
Bailey Kelham
Bailey
Kelham
5'10" | SF
Garrett | 2023
State
IN
(16.5p, 5.8r, 2.3s), leads them in scoring for the third year in a row. She is a talented athlete with inside-out ability. 6-1 Senior
Morgan Ostrowski
Morgan
Ostrowski
6'1" | PF
Garrett | 2022
State
IN
(12.1p, 9.3r, 2.1b) is another nice athlete up front, and she can score anywhere inside of 15-feet, plus she protects the rim well. Senior
Taylor Gerke
Taylor
Gerke
5'9" | SF
Garrett | 2022
State
IN
(9.4p, 3.7r, 2.0a, 2.4s) adds a strong scoring presence off the dribble, while Senior
Faith Owen
Faith
Owen
5'6" | SG
Garrett | 2022
State
IN
(5.9p, 2.9r, 2.0s) acts as a perimeter shooting threat on the wing. Senior point guard
Nataley Armstrong
Nataley
Armstrong
5'7" | PG
Garrett | 2022
State
IN
(9.1p, 3.4r, 9.1a, 3.0s) is once again among the nation’s leaders in assists, and she makes the ship go. She is also an infuriating defender who completely frustrates opposing ball-handlers. Woodlan and Angola have their work cut out for them to catch Garrett this season, but both teams have enough talent and skill to pull off an upset. Woodlan leans on Senior
Dakotah Krohn
Dakotah
Krohn
5'7" | SG
Woodlan | 2022
State
IN
(13.4p, 3.2r, 4.8a) and Junior
Avah Smith
Avah
Smith
5'9" | PF
Woodlan | 2023
IN
(13.3p, 10.9r), while Angola turns to Senior
Lauren Leach
Lauren
Leach
5'10" | SF
Angola | 2022
State
IN
(13.7p, 7.9r, 4.4a) and Sophomore
Kylie Caswell
Kylie
Caswell
5'4" | PG
Angola | 2024
IN
(8.7p, 2.6r, 2.4a, 2.8s).
Sectional #22 – West Lafayette
– Likely Favorite: Benton Central
– Upset Candidate: Twin Lakes
– Comments: Benton Central is off to an outstanding start at 18-0, plus they’re 3-0 against Sectional opponents. They rely on the sense of “team” as much as anyone in the state, regardless of class. Their defensive rotations are sound, and their offensive execution is precise. They also have a nice mixture of experienced upperclassmen and youthful energy. Senior wing
Kennedy Tolen
Kennedy
Tolen
5'9" | SF
Benton Central | 2022
State
IN
is their physical, tough-nosed, high-energy leader. Senior point guard
Tressa Senesac
Tressa
Senesac
5'6" | PG
Benton Central | 2022
State
IN
is their feisty, quick/fast, and dynamic playmaker. 6-1 Sophomore post
Sarah Gick
Sarah
Gick
6'1" | C
Benton Central | 2024
State
IN
continues to improve and show maturity at both ends of the floor, and her offensive game is coming around. Sophomore wing
Sienna Foster
Sienna
Foster
5'9" | SF
Benton Central | 2024
IN
is a nice, lengthy athlete who can knock down shots outside. Now, Twin Lakes did battle the Bison to a seven-point margin earlier in the season, and the Indians are 14-4 themselves this season behind one of the state’s better young backcourts. Sophomore sharpshooter
Olivia Nickerson
Olivia
Nickerson
5'7" | SG
Twin Lakes | 2024
State
IN
(17.8p, 4.7r, 2.5a, 2.0s) is a dangerous threat outside who you must guard tight inside of 30-feet. Freshman point guard
Addison Bowsman
Addison
Bowsman
5'7" | PG
Twin Lakes | 2025
State
IN
(15.3p, 4.5r, 3.8a, 2.6s) has stepped right into the lead guard role and excelled for a youngster. And Junior guard
Addison Ward
Addison
Ward
5'6" | PG
Twin Lakes | 2023
State
IN
(13.4p, 3.4r, 3.2a) will make you pay when you concentrate on the other two too much. Twin Lakes can be lethal, but they’ll need to shoot the ball very well and limit turnovers to knock off Benton Central, because the Bison just don’t beat themselves.
Sectional #23 – Mississinewa
– Likely Favorite: Norwell
– Upset Candidate: Bellmont
– Comments: Norwell has been a force in Northeast Indiana girls’ basketball for many years now, and despite major graduation losses in 2021, they are right back in the thick of it at 12-4 right now. Senior guards
Emily Todd
Emily
Todd
5'7" | PG
Norwell | 2022
State
IN
and Mackinzie Toliver spent the last couple of years fulfilling roles, but they have transitioned into starting spots and leadership positions rather seamlessly this season. Junior post
Skyla Tomasek
Skyla
Tomasek
6'2" | C
Norwell | 2023
State
IN
is another player who continues to really step it up with more experience, and she is a nice defensive presence and versatile scorer. Sophomores
Kennedy Fuelling
Kennedy
Fuelling
5'7" | CG
Norwell | 2024
State
IN
and
Makenzie Fuess
Makenzie
Fuess
5'5" | PG
Norwell | 2024
State
IN
add skill and backcourt depth to Todd and Toliver. The Lady Knights have their flaws, but they are a system team that is tough to overcome. Bellmont will look to be that upset squad this year, but they’ll have an uphill climb to get there. Senior guard Kenzie Fuelling and Junior guard Sydney Keane stand out for the Lady Braves.
Sectional #24 – Yorktown
– Likely Favorite: Hamilton Heights
– Upset Candidate: Jay County
– Comments: Sectional #24 will likely be a two-horse race, but these two horses can really run. Hamilton Heights is 13-3 and winners of their last nine games, including victories over Danville, Twin Lakes, Northwestern, and Clinton Prairie. Sophomore guard
Camryn Runner
Camryn
Runner
5'9" | CG
Hamilton Heights | 2024
State
IN
(18.1p, 5.4r, 2.3a, 3.1s) is quick, fast, and skilled with the ball. She can facilitate and break down defenses, but she’s also a great perimeter shooter with deep range. Senior guard
Mia Shields
Mia
Shields
5'7" | CG
Hamilton Heights | 2022
State
IN
(11.9p, 2.8r, 2.3s) has been a nice addition this year, after having to play Junior Varsity last year due to transfer restrictions. She too can handle it and create or make shots. 6-2 Senior post
MyKayla Moran
MyKayla
Moran
6'2"
Hamilton Heights | 2022
IN
(9.7p, 5.4r) is a big presence in the paint and draws a lot of attention because of her size and strength. She also does a nice job of protecting the rim. Jay County counters with their own trio of talent. 6-0 Junior forward
Renna Schwieterman
Renna
Schwieterman
6'0" | SF
Jay County | 2023
State
IN
(17.7p, 6.1r, 5.0a, 2.4s) is one of the state’s best inside-out talents, because she can facilitate and make shots outside, but she’s also strong enough and battles inside. Senior forward
Madison Dirksen
Madison
Dirksen
5'11" | PF
Jay County | 2022
State
IN
(12.5p, 5.1r, 2.4s) is another inside-out threat who prefers to operate in the mid-post, and Senior Izzy Rodgers (10.1p, 2.2a) is a knockdown 3-point shooter (32-63, 51%) who makes teams pay when they concentrate too much on Schwieterman and Dirksen. After early season losses to Indianapolis North Central and Winchester, the Patriots have won nine in a row and currently sit at 12-2 on the season.