Regional Rundown: Class 4A
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The featured image is of Ayanna Patterson Ayanna Patterson 6'3" | SF Homestead | 2022 State #5 Nation IN (2022) of Homestead High School. Even though Mother Nature interfered with Sectional week, Class 4A Sectional play has finally concluded around…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Ayanna Patterson Ayanna Patterson 6'3" | SF Homestead | 2022 State #5 Nation IN (2022) of Homestead High School.
Even though Mother Nature interfered with Sectional week, Class 4A Sectional play has finally concluded around the state, and we can look forward to Saturday’s matchups in the Regional round. We are now down to a “Sweet-16” in each class, and with two rounds of games scheduled for Saturday at each site, we will end the day with a “Final Four” in each class headed to Semi-State. Below is a quick look at those Class 4A matchups, along with some quick insight and picks as to who we think could survive and advance. Good luck to all teams continuing to participate in the 2021-2022 Indiana State Tournament!
LaPorte Regional
– Game-1: Lake Central (23-3) vs. Plymouth (15-9), 10:00 a.m. EDT
– Game-2: Penn (19-6) vs. Crown Point (22-3), 12:00 p.m. EDT
– Championship: 8:00 p.m. EDT
Comments: Lake Central is going through a youth movement right now, but what a talented group they are. Sophomore wing Aniyah Bishop Aniyah Bishop 5'10" | SF Lake Central | 2024 State IN , Sophomore guard Riley Milausnic Riley Milausnic 5'7" | CG Lake Central | 2024 State IN , and Freshman point guard Vanessa Wimberly Vanessa Wimberly 5'5" | PG Lake Central | 2025 State IN lead the way for a team who beat Penn earlier this year, and who took Crown Point to overtime, only to miss some free throws in crunch-time. If the Lady Indians just continue to push the tempo, defend aggressively, and rebound from all five spots, they have a shot to win this thing. Plymouth is a nice story, posting its most wins in three seasons, and under new leadership. They have good size and play a nice half-court game, centered around Junior forward Taylor Delp Taylor Delp 6'0" | PF Plymouth | 2023 State IN and Senior center Clare Sheedy Clare Sheedy 6'1" | C Plymouth | 2022 State IN . In this Regional field, they will need to be able to handle pressure, get into their offense, and control the interior. Penn is one of the “blue bloods” in Indiana girls’ basketball, as they always seem to find success and have talented rosters. They’ve won 20 or more games 10 of the last 11 years, and the only time they didn’t, they won 19 that year. They entered the year with a number of unknowns, and after starting 10-6, they’ve rattled off nine consecutive victories to this point. While they tend to possess strong guard play, this year’s team is led by two forwards, Senior Jada Patton Jada Patton 5'11" | PF Penn | 2022 State IN and Junior Julia Economou Julia Economou 5'11" | SF Penn | 2023 State IN . Then there’s Crown Point, the 2021 Class 4A State Champion. Their Senior class went undefeated at home during their four-year stretch, and they look to hold onto that state crown one more year. Senior guard Jessica Carrothers Jessica Carrothers 5'7" | CG Crown Point | 2022 State IN and Alyvia Santiago Alyvia Santiago 5'8" | SG Crown Point | 2022 State IN , plus Senior forwards Lilly Stoddard Lilly Stoddard 6'4" | PF Crown Point | 2022 State #73 Nation IN and Nikki Gerodemos Nikki Gerodemos 5'11" | PF Crown Point | 2022 State IN give them an experienced and talented lineup built on success. It won’t be easy this year, but they might just have enough to get to the mountain top once again.
Predictions: I think Lake Central starts slow but figures it out in the second quarter and knocks off Plymouth, 52-31. In the second game, I think it’s going to be a battle. These Seniors have clashed six times over the past four years, with Crown Point posting a 5-1 record over that span against Penn. I’ll take the Lady Bulldogs once again, but barely, 44-41. In the Championship Game, I think Lake Central and Crown Point spend some time trying to figure each other out. I think it will be a game determined by matchups, limiting foul trouble, and making easy plays look easy. It might be a year early, but I’ll take Lake Central in a slight upset, 41-38, because these young kids don’t know how good they should or shouldn’t be and aren’t afraid of anyone.
Marion Regional
– Game-1: Noblesville (21-4) vs. Homestead (23-1), 10:00 a.m. EDT
– Game-2: Northwestern (19-4) vs. Fort Wayne Snider (19-3), 12:00 p.m. EDT
– Championship: 8:00 p.m. EDT
Comments: Noblesville has really come into their own the last two years, and when you have a backcourt of Junior Ashlynn Shade Ashlynn Shade 5'10" | SG La Lumiere Prep | 2023 State #33 Nation IN , Sophomore Reagan Wilson Reagan Wilson 5'7" | PG Noblesville | 2024 State IN , and Freshman Meredith Tippner Meredith Tippner 5'10" | SG Noblesville | 2025 State IN , you are certainly going to be tough to match up with. All three are versatile scorers who can knock down shots or run the offense, plus they all have a toughness about them. If the Millers can get solid interior play to go along with their perimeter play Saturday, they are probably the most talented group in this Regional. It’s easy to say Homestead relies a great deal on all-everything Senior forward Ayanna Patterson Ayanna Patterson 6'3" | SF Homestead | 2022 State #5 Nation IN , as she has been outstanding these last four years. But Juniors Alison Stephens Alison Stephens 5'11" | SF Homestead | 2023 State IN and Molly Stock Molly Stock 5'7" | PG Homestead | 2023 State IN play a vital role as well, plus the Lady Spartan program/structure has a lot to do with their success. They will play with patience and efficiency, get the shots they want, and defend with discipline, but they’ll do it with talented players too. Northwestern continues its run in Class 4A due to the success factor from a couple of years ago, but they’ve also won two Class 4A Sectional titles in three years now. The Tigers are another team built on system principles, and they execute well at both ends of the floor. Junior wing McKenna Layden McKenna Layden 6'2" | SF Northwestern | 2023 State IN is the main catalyst this year, but she gets help from Junior guard Ashley Newell and Freshman guard Anna Bishir. The Snider Panthers began their year losing two of their first three games. They have only lost once since November 16th, and that was a 71-66 outcome at Homestead. Senior move-in Jyah LoVett Jyah LoVett 5'7" | CG Fort Wayne Snider | 2022 State IN has played especially well of late, finally finding her niche within an already talented roster. Sophomore guards Jordyn Poole Jordyn Poole 5'6" | PG Fort Wayne Snider | 2024 State IN and Joh’nea Donahue Joh’nea Donahue 5'8" | SG Fort Wayne Snider | 2024 State IN , and Sophomore wing Destini Craig Destini Craig 5'9" | PF Fort Wayne Northrop | 2024 State IN , are also handfuls when it comes to matching up with the Lady Panthers.
Predictions: In the first game, we have a rematch from last year, in which Homestead won 62-57 in overtime. The two teams played back in November, with Noblesville posting an impressive 69-48 victory. But this is playoff basketball, and that was Homestead’s lone loss this season. I’ll take Homestead in another tight one, 59-54. The second game features two contrasting styles. Northwestern wants to execute in the half-court, while Snider will want to play fast and use its athleticism. I think Northwestern actually gives Snider some problems early on, but the depth and talent of Snider will prove too much for the Tigers. Give me the Snider Panthers, 57-45. In this Regional Final, if we get another backyard rivalry game, I think Snider will give Homestead all they want. In the end, though, I don’t see Homestead relinquishing Fort Wayne supremacy for another year, so I’ll take the Lady Spartans over the Lady Panthers, 63-59.
Decatur Central Regional
– Game-1: Ben Davis (14-9) vs. Mt. Vernon (Fortville) (17-8), 10:00 a.m. EDT
– Game-2: North Central (Indianapolis) (21-6) vs. Mooresville (17-8), 12:00 p.m. EDT
– Championship: 8:00 p.m. EDT
Comments: Don’t let Ben Davis’ record fool you, as they’ve played a tremendously difficult schedule. They are built on size and power, even from the perimeter positions. Senior Johnai Wimbleduff Johnai Wimbleduff 5'8" | PF Ben Davis | 2022 State IN , and Juniors Cristen Carter Cristen Carter 6'3" | C Ben Davis | 2023 State IN and Taylor Guess Taylor Guess 6'1" | PF Ben Davis | 2023 State IN , form an imposing frontline. They are strong, long, and athletic, and they can quickly take away an opponent’s ability to score inside of 15-feet. The Lady Giants will need their perimeter players to score the ball consistently in order to keep up with the other Regional opponents they will and could face. Mount Vernon is also a nice-sized team with good interior play. Sophomore forward Ellery Minch Ellery Minch 6'3" | PF Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2024 State IN can do it all, inside or out, while Junior forward Khloe Patterson Khloe Patterson 5'9" | PF Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2023 IN has been a big addition since transferring in, and Senior post Maddie Swingle Maddie Swingle 6'0" | PF Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2022 State IN is solid defensively and on the boards. They too will need consistent perimeter contributions to advance each game. North Central has long been considered one of the deepest, most talented programs in the state, and this year is no different, but a few of the faces are. Senior point guard Tanyuel Welch Tanyuel Welch 5'10" | PG North Central (Indianapolis) | 2022 State IN has elite talent and can take over a game at either end of the floor. Junior wing Ava Couch Ava Couch 5'10" | SF Indy North Central | 2023 State IN is as tough as they come and can score it at all three levels. Senior forwards Destinee Hooks Destinee Hooks 5'11" | PF North Central (Indianapolis) | 2022 State IN and Samara Douglas Samara Douglas 5'11" | PF North Central (Indianapolis) | 2022 State IN are strong, active, and skilled. Look for the Panthers to be a favorite (“on paper”) for the rest of the tournament. Mooresville pulled off a nice win in the Sectional title game against a Brownsburg squad who made it to downtown Indy last year. They are a system that incorporates strong cutting, physical screens, and utilizes their power wings and frontline players in a variety of roles offensively. Sophomore front-liner Rachel Harshman Rachel Harshman 6'0" | PF Mooresville | 2024 State IN has had a big year for the Lady Pioneers, and Senior point guard Madelynn Denny Madelynn Denny 5'4" | PG Mooresville | 2022 State IN is a feisty and tough little water-bug who can cause havoc at both ends of the floor.
Predictions: The first game really has me stumped. I want to pick Ben Davis right away, but there’s something about Mount Vernon and their ability to match up with the Lady Giants that makes me hesitant. Assuming both teams survive foul trouble and are able to play how they want the entire game, Mount Vernon will have the best player on the floor, and you need shot-makers to win in the playoffs. I will take the Marauders in an upset, 46-45. I think the second matchup favors North Central in a big way. They are able to match up with Mooresville in terms of size, the Panthers have a great deal more speed and athleticism, and that has given Mooresville problems in the past. I think North Central gets out early and wins 67-41. In the Regional Championship, look for North Central to again attempt to push the tempo and utilize their talent. They can match up with Mount Vernon’s better players, and while they might not be able to eliminate their production, they can at least limit it significantly. I think North Central wins the Regional finale, 63-37.
Columbus North Regional
– Game-1: Franklin Community (25-1) vs. East Central (22-4), 10:00 a.m. EDT
– Game-2: Bedford North Lawrence (23-2) vs. Castle (19-4), 12:00 p.m. EDT
– Championship: 8:00 p.m. EDT
Comments: Franklin Community is a real problem for most opponents to match up with, as they stress perimeter shooting from five positions, they can all attack off the dribble, and they don’t allow any teams to utilize their size and frontline players in a traditional sense. The Grizzly Cubs are all about mismatches, and if you can’t match up with them, you struggle. Seniors Kuryn Brunson Kuryn Brunson 5'10" | SF Franklin Community | 2022 State IN and Ashlyn Traylor Ashlyn Traylor 5'8" | SG Franklin Community | 2022 State IN have been outstanding all year, but they’ve also gotten strong seasons from Junior Adelyn Walker Adelyn Walker 5'8" | SF Bella Vista Prep | 2023 State AZ and Sophomore Erica Buening Erica Buening 5'9" | PF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN . East Central is another one of those system programs. They are well-coached, they play extremely hard, intelligently, and they just wear you down from beginning to end. The duo of Senior guard Hope Fox Hope Fox 5'7" | CG East Central | 2022 State IN and Junior forward Josie Trabel Josie Trabel 6'0" | PF East Central | 2023 State IN has been outstanding these last three years together, and they look to continue their postseason success this weekend. Bedford North Lawrence has sort of that “been there, done that” mentality year to year, as they rarely get rattled and always find a way to win a ton of games. They have a strong backcourt and can match anyone in the state in that capacity. Junior point guard Karsyn Norman Karsyn Norman 5'7" | PG Bedford North Lawrence | 2023 State IN , plus Sophomore guards Chloe Spreen Chloe Spreen 5'10" | SG Bedford North Lawrence | 2024 State IN and Madisyn Bailey Madisyn Bailey 5'9" | PG Bedford North Lawrence | 2024 State IN , have proven their worth time and time again. All can shoot/score, but all can also facilitate when they are having an “off” night. Castle is really finding its groove, and a big part of that is the return of their best player, Senior forward Natalie Niehaus Natalie Niehaus 5'9" | SF Castle | 2022 State IN , who has played hurt and missed the early part of the season with an injury. Fellow Seniors Jordan Coon Jordan Coon 5'7" | SG Castle | 2022 State IN , Kyrisha Hay-Swope Kyrisha Hay-Swope 5'6" | PG Castle | 2022 State IN , Megan Kain Megan Kain 5'8" | SG Castle | 2022 State IN , and Keira Moore Keira Moore 5'6" | SF Castle | 2022 State IN give them a strong, experienced lineup who has been through the rigors over the years,
Predictions: Once again, the Grizzly Cubs are a nightmare to plan for as a coach, and while I think East Central will play them tough and could possibly beat most teams in the state in Class 4A, it will be a difficult matchup for them Saturday morning. I like Franklin Community in this one because of their ability to spread out the Trojans and knock down shots from all five positions. I’ll take Franklin Community, 59-47, in a fun game to watch. As for the second game, Bedford knocked off Castle, 47-43, back in early January. I think Castle is a little better now, but I also think Bedford is still a solid favorite to me. Their guard play is just too much for the Lady Knights to overcome, so I’ll take Bedford North Lawrence to beat Castle, 48-42. That pairs Franklin Community and Bedford North Lawrence in the nightcap, and these two teams met last year at the same point, with the Grizzly Cubs pulling out a narrow, 51-48 victory over the Lady Stars. This very well could be the most entertaining and competitive game of the day across the entire Class 4A landscape. Like you hear in football, it could come down to the last team with the ball wins. I think Bedford North Lawrence exacts revenge from last season, as they get a shot to fall in the final seconds and win, 54-53.