Preseason Preview: Class 3A, Sectionals #29-32
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The featured image is of Ellie Richardson Ellie Richardson 5'8" | CG Scottsburg | 2025 State IN (2025) of Scottsburg High School. Tuesday evening, November 1, marked the official start of the season, as more than 90 teams around the…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Ellie Richardson Ellie Richardson 5'8" | CG Scottsburg | 2025 State IN (2025) of Scottsburg High School.
Tuesday evening, November 1, marked the official start of the season, as more than 90 teams around the state open with their first game. With that in mind, I wanted to continue my thorough, multi-article preview spread throughout the next week, looking ahead at each Sectional, the top teams, and preseason all-state teams. I will finish Class 3A in Southern Indiana and focus on the second South Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #29 through #32. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis.
(SAG = Final 2021-2022 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (395 teams); SOS = Final 2021-2022 Strength of Schedule)
Sectional #29
Rushville Consolidated (17-10), SAG 89, SOS 81
Lawrenceburg (15-10), SAG 130, SOS 146
Greensburg (10-15), SAG 149, SOS 117
Franklin County (11-13), SAG 203, SOS 192
Batesville (6-17), SAG 248, SOS 160
Connersville (6-17), SAG 256, SOS 200
South Dearborn (5-18), SAG 296, SOS 258
Sectional #29 has always been an entertaining, competitive event, and each year several teams have a shot at the title. This year is no different, as it feels as wide open as ever. Rushville stood out a year ago, and while they graduated 4-year point guard Annika Marlow (10.7p, 4.7r, 3.2a), along with Lexi Morris (4.9p, 2.7r), Jin Calaf (2.9p), and Cassidy Tellas (1.6p), they should remain competitive in 2022-2023. Senior point guard Briley Munchel Briley Munchel 5'3" | PG Rushville Consolidated | 2023 State IN (9.4p, 2.3r, 2.7a, 2.4s) returns to lead the Lady Lions into action. She is a quick/fast and feisty guard with a nice feel for the game. 5-5 Senior wing Belle Gossett (5.7p, 3.7r) will step into a much bigger role offensively this year, while 5-7 Sophomore guard Leonie Boyer (4.8p) looks to improve upon a solid rookie campaign. Junior post Ericka Kuhn (1.4p) has the next most experience and offers them size. Unfortunately, Junior guard Sophia Dora (8.6p, 5.0r) is no longer listed on their online roster. At the same time, it looks like as many as five Freshmen could see the floor at some point this season. Lawrenceburg could be the team to beat in Sectional #29 this year, despite graduating five players, and four of their top six scorers from a year ago. Most notably missing are Kirsten Cross (12.8p, 6.9r, 2.0s, 2.0b) and Chloe Meyer (7.7p, 5.3r, 2.4a). With that said, optimism surrounds the returnees, as they seem ready to step into much bigger roles. Senior forward Lizzie Redar Lizzie Redar 5'10" | SF Lawrenceburg | 2023 State IN (11.7p, 6.8r) has steadily improved each year, and she could be an upper teens scorer in 2022-2023. 5-5 Senior guard Nicole Houze (3.5p) is also ready for her expanded opportunity as well. 5-9 Sophomore wing Natalie Knigga (2.0p, 2.2r) saw some action as a Freshman and looks to possibly start now. Additionally, keep an eye on 5-4 Freshman point guard Brooklyn Craig Brooklyn Craig 5'4" | CG Lawrenceburg | 2026 IN , as she could be a game-changer for the Lady Tigers from the jump. Greensburg is another strong program, and while they are going through a youth movement right now, it’s a talented group of younger ballplayers. They also had zero graduation losses from last year. Unfortunately, the Pirates will be missing Sophomore guard Mylie Wilkison Mylie Wilkison 5'7" | CG Greensburg | 2025 State IN (15.5p, 3.2r, 2.4a, 2.0s) for most if not all of the season after suffering a knee injury in June. However, Sophomore forward Leah West Leah West 6'1" | PF Greensburg | 2025 State IN (12.9p, 8.5r) is back for a second year, and she was dominant at times throughout the grassroots season. She could be a 20/12 kid this year. 5-7 Sophomore shooter Kayla Tamm (8.1p, 2.2r) also returns to the lineup. 6-0 Junior post Carlee Adams Carlee Adams 6'1" | C Greensburg | 2024 IN (5.5p, 5.3r) can help West on the interior, while 5-2 Sophomore point guard Emma McQueen (2.1p, 3.4r) will be counted on to help fill the void with Wilkison being out. The Pirates also have a strong Freshman class, led by wing Alyson Powers Alyson Powers 5'9" | SG Greensburg | 2026 State IN and guard Mary Harmon Mary Harmon 5'8" | PG Greensburg | 2026 State IN .
Franklin County could be a dark horse in Sectional #29, as they look to find themselves on the plus side of .500 this year. With limited graduation losses, that seems very possible. The Lady Wildcats will lean on a solid Senior group, led by 5-6 guard Kassidy Schell (9.2p, 3.3r) and 5-9 wing Josie Rolfes Josie Rolfes 5'8" Franklin County | 2023 IN (7.5p, 4.7r), both Varsity regulars. 5-6 guard Kiersten Schell (4.8p), 6-0 forward Macy Crain (2.6p, 2.9r), and 5-6 wing Lauren Stacy lend additional Senior support. 6-0 Junior post Nicole Mears (6.2p, 6.5r) is the top option on the interior, and she could approach double-double averages this time. 5-7 Sophomore guard Tiffany Billman (2.5p, 2.2r) flashed some potential last year and should see more minutes in Year-2. There are also a couple of Freshmen on hand who could draw a look early this season. The Lady Bulldogs of Batesville weren’t exactly an offensive juggernaut a year ago, so the loss of six 2022 graduates shouldn’t pose as big of a problem as it might appear on the surface. Most notably missing this year, however, are Calley Kaiser (5.8p, 5.0r) and Carley Pride (5.6p, 2.5r). Returning to the lineup is Alyson Peters (8.9p, 4.8r), a 5-10 Sophomore forward who looked like a veteran as a Freshman. Peters led the Bulldogs in scoring as rookie, and she looks to be a star in the making for them moving forward. 5-3 Senior guard Emma Weiler (6.8p, 2.9r) brings experience and leadership to the backcourt, plus she was their second leading scorer a year ago. 5-9 Sophomore wing Sophie Gesell Sophie Gesell 5'10" | SF Batesville | 2025 IN (4.1p, 3.1r) and 6-0 Sophomore front-liner Lydia Haskamp (1.7p) also saw significant minutes as Freshmen, and both could step into starting roles immediately. A big boost could come from the return of 5-7 Senior wing Makayla Granger-Young (9.8p, 3.4r in 2020-2021), who missed last season with an injury. She showed star potential as a Sophomore and should contribute immediately. It has been eight seasons since Connersville had a winning record, but they have a nice mixture of talented youngsters and experienced veterans that can possibly get them closer to ten wins this time around. Paige Dunaway (8.5p, 2.9r, 2.4a, 2.9s) and Karsen Morgan (6.7p, 3.0r) both graduated, as did two other 2022s, however there is quite a bit back as well. 5-10 Senior forward Abbie Schwartz (6.4p, 3.4r) led all returnees in scoring, while 5-11 Junior post Hailey Sembach (6.0p, 5.7r) was their leading rebounder a season ago. 5-5 Senior guard Sara Ruble (3.6p, 2.6r), 5-8 Junior forward McKenna Lucas (2.0p, 2.5r), plus Sophomore forward Jacey Willhelm (2.2p) all have experience and are eligible for much bigger roles in 2022-2023. Also keep an eye on talented Freshmen Ahniyah Bennett, a 5-7 guard, and Addison Jones, a 5-3 point guard, to see the floor early this season for the Lady Spartans. South Dearborn also looks to approach ten wins, and with a number of returnees from a year ago, it could be a possibility. Most notably missed are the graduated Emily Elliott (9.6p), plus Junior forward Jillian Bond Jillian Bond 5'11" | PF Mitchell | 2024 IN (5.2p), who moved over to Mitchell High School. Back in the fold, however, are 5-8 Senior forward Natalie Rupp (9.6p), 5-4 Senior guard Kiersten Dixon (7.3p), and 5-5 Junior wing Bernadette Wismann (5.3p). Sophomore wing Gracie Messmore (2.2p) also saw significant action as a rookie last year.
Sectional #30
Corydon Central (21-3), SAG 42, SOS 73
Charlestown (17-6), SAG 61, SOS 63
Salem (11-10), SAG 75, SOS 42
Madison Consolidated (12-9), SAG 95, SOS 76
Scottsburg (11-12), SAG 110, SOS 49
North Harrison (9-13), SAG 178, SOS 66
Sectional #30 is one of the most competitive year-in and year-out in the state, regardless of class. Earlier I identified #2 Corydon Central and #10 Charlestown as two of the top teams in the state in our Class 3A Preseason Top-10 (you can see each of their team previews here). Salem has long been a contender, but graduation has taken its toll each of the last few years. They are still a nice program battling to finish above .500, and they can beat anyone in this field on a given day. This time, however, the Lady Lions lost Abigail Ratts (14.8p, 7.8r, 3.0a, 3.6s), Natalie Noel (16.0p, 6.7r, 2.2a, 2.1s), Macie Tomlinson (9.7p, 2.4r, 2.1a), Natalie Dean, and Kaylea Klinglesmith to graduation. Stepping into more of a leadership role this year will be 5-9 Senior wing Sidney Brown (5.6p, 2.5r, 2.7a). She could easily be a double-digit scorer in 2022-2023. 5-8 Senior wing Lily Campbell and 5-5 Junior wing Kendall Hickey look like obvious options next to Brown, as they return the most experience. However, from there you will likely see a host of newcomers in the lineup. Two notable Freshmen who could contribute immediately are guard Kenadie Garloch and post Sidney Burton. Madison Consolidated often seems hidden down there by the Ohio River, but the Cubs are always competitive and often talented. They did have to say “goodbye” to Taylor Lynch (9.7p, 3.9r, 5.6a, 2.2s), Patty Johnson, and Mary Johnson in the Spring. The top scorer from a year ago doesn’t return for the Cubs, and that is 5-7 Senior guard Cameran Cahall (13.0p, 5.7r, 2.2s). She can score the ball at all three levels, and she could push 20 points per game this season. From there, 5-5 Senior guard Cadence Traylor should play alongside Cahall in the backcourt. The Cubs don’t have a great deal of size, but 5-8 Senior forward Alexia Kelley and 5-6 Senior forward Casey Dyer at least bring experience to the frontcourt.
Scottsburg is a team who I think could be a statewide dark horse this season. I included them as a team to watch in our Class 3A Preseason Top-10 because they have a nice, young nucleus, and they shoot the ball extremely well from each position. All of their production from a year ago is eligible to return, which means Sophomore guard Ellie Richardson Ellie Richardson 5'8" | CG Scottsburg | 2025 State IN (11.9p, 4.3r, 3.7a) is back after leading them in multiple statistical categories as a Freshman. She is joined in the backcourt by fellow Sophomore guard Lola Fouts Lola Fouts 5'5" | PG Scottsburg | 2025 IN and Junior guard Carrie Hiler Carrie Hiler 5'7" | SG Scottsburg | 2024 State IN . Both are talented shooters who can get hot quickly. Additionally, Senior forward Hannah Stutsman Hannah Stutsman 5'9" | SF Scottsburg | 2023 IN returns, and now that she’s fully healthy, she should be able to give them a full season of production. She is another deadeye 3-point shooter. Junior forward Taneisha Griffin offers them a tough-nosed, physical presence up front who is willing to rebound and defend. Look for Senior guard Sonya King, plus a host of Freshmen, to carve out roles for themselves this season. Two Freshmen who stand out are wings Jaidyn Johnson and Brooklyn Moon. North Harrison had a rather uneven and odd season in 2021-2022, as they saw star guard Ali Saunders (20.4p, 4.8r, 4.6a, 3.4s) graduate midseason after playing in just 12 games. She is now playing at Valparaiso University. Additionally, talented forward Diana Burgher (15.4p, 8.5r, 2.1b), along with Molly Coomer (3.8p, 2.8r), McKenna Pearson (2.5p), and Emma Robertson (1.1p, 2.8r) all graduated in the Spring. Burgher is now playing at DePauw University. The Lady Cats don’t have a lot left in the cupboard at this point, so they will be looking for a number of newcomers to help fill voids this year. 5-6 Senior wing Audrey Tucker (3.3p, 2.8r), 5-8 Sophomore forward Lydia Wilkins Lydia Wilkins 5'8" | SG North Harrison | 2025 IN (3.0p), 5-5 Senior guard Chloee Shewmaker (1.4p), and 5-5 Junior wing Madi Clunie each saw some key minutes last season and will battle for starting opportunities. Also keep an eye on 5-10 Freshman forward Grace Goldman to see some time.
Sectional #31
Washington (22-4), SAG 51, SOS 111
Vincennes Lincoln (17-9), SAG 86, SOS 77
Heritage Hills (12-10), SAG 144, SOS 170
Southridge (14-11), SAG 167, SOS 204
Princeton (11-10), SAG 198, SOS 203
Pike Central (4-18), SAG 307, SOS 206
Sectional #31 is another tough, competitive Sectional where it always seems like three or four teams have a legitimate shot at winning it each year. The Washington Hatchets had a tremendous run with the 2022 class, but the losses of Alaina Thorne (15.2p, 7.6r, 3.0a), Kencia Levasseur (15.5p, 6.8r, 3.8a, 2.0s), Jesse Ledgerwood (12.5p, 3.2r, 2.8a), and Ellie Reed will be felt for a little while. There is a lot of young talent back in Washington, plus several nice Freshmen, but they could have some growing pains this year, especially early on. Leading the returnees are 5-5 Senior guard Chloe Browning (5.6p, 2.0r) and 6-0 Sophomore front-liner Olivia Gilley Olivia Gilley 6'0" | PF Washington | 2025 IN (4.2p, 4.2r). Gilley has a chance to be their star moving forward, coming off of a strong rookie season. 6-1 Junior post Madelyn Dalton Madelyn Dalton 6'1" | C Washington | 2024 IN (1.8p, 2.0r) continues to develop her skillset, plus she has noticeable talent. 5-7 wing Hayleigh Cummins (1.1p) has battled injuries at times, but she looks for a strong third season for the Hatchets. Also look for the Freshmen trio of Ella Williams Ella Williams 5'10" | SG Washington | 2026 State IN , Shaylyn Hawk Shaylyn Hawk 5'7" | SG Washington | 2026 IN , and 6-1 post Katie Reed Katie Reed 6'2" | PF Washington | 2026 State IN to see action immediately. Vincennes Lincoln will be one of the better teams in Class 3A this year, and that’s why they’re included on our watch list in our Class 3A Preseason Top-10 article. The Alices did graduate Dani Kroeger, Chloe Cardinal, and Gracie Hartley, but they return quite a bit. Senior point guard Gracie Kramer Gracie Kramer 5'4" | PG Vincennes Lincoln | 2023 State IN (7.6p, 4.4a, 2.7s) will take care of ball-handling duties once again. She is a feisty, tough-nosed, and crafty point guard who will also get after it defensively. Junior forward Arianna Gerkin Arianna Gerkin 5'11" | PF Vincennes Lincoln | 2024 State IN (13.4p, 5.2r, 2.0a) is one of the best players in Southern Indiana who very few people statewide know much about. She has inside-out versatility, she’s athletic, and she plays with a tremendous motor. Senior guard Faith Fleetwood Faith Fleetwood 5'9" | SG Vincennes Lincoln | 2023 IN should also be back after missing some time, while 5-11 Junior forward Macy Sexton Macy Sexton 5'10" | PF Vincennes Lincoln | 2024 IN and 5-7 Junior guard Gracie Phillips also look to contribute.
The Lady Patriots of Heritage Hills look to remain above .500, but they now must do so without graduated point guard Hadley Lytton (18.5p, 5.2r, 2.5a). She contributed a lot to the offense in the past, plus classmates Ella Schnieders (6.8p, 2.7r), Madison Begle (1.9p, 2.3r), and Grace Mangan (1.5) are also missing. A number of other players earned key experience last season, but specific roles will need to be filled quickly. 5-8 Junior wing Rylie Schipp (8.6p, 4.0r) might be the one to step into a leadership role, as she brings back the most production. 5-5 Senior guard Olivia Susnjara (6.2p, 2.3r), 5-6 Sophomore forward Hadley Leibering (3.7p, 3.0r), 5-4 Sophomore point guard Carlie Still Carlie Still 5'5" | PG Heritage Hills | 2025 IN (3.5p), 5-4 Senior guard Jenna McDowell (2.0p), and 5-5 Sophomore guard Mayci Litherland (1.5p) are most likely to step up this time around. The Lady Raiders of Southridge will have to make up for graduation losses, like anyone else, but they have some nice, young talent worth monitoring this year and in the future. They could be a team on the rise. Graduates include star 6-1 wing Myah Montgomery, along with Mikah Goeppner and Natilee Wahl. Excitement surrounds Sophomore guard Avah Montgomery Avah Montgomery 5'9" | SG Southridge | 2025 State IN (14.1p, 3.4r), as she is a long, wiry, and fluid playmaker who can create for others or score the ball at all three levels consistently. Others with experience include 5-9 Senior forward Bailey Keusch, 5-6 Senior guard Ava Wagner, 5-2 Senior guard Marie Temple, plus 5-10 Junior forward Maddux Marshall. The Princeton Tigers are minus graduates Cortney Dove (17.2p, 11.4r) and Reagan Cochren (3.1p, 4.0r), so they’ll need to find some sort of an interior presence to remain above .500 in 2022-2023. The backcourt is led by a trio of Juniors in 5-4 point guard Lexi Smith Lexi Smith 5'3" | CG Princeton | 2024 IN (8.0p, 2.0r, 2.2a, 2.2s), 5-5 guard Azaryon Wesley (8.0p, 2.9r), and 5-8 wing Kiara Banks (5.0p, 3.2r). Wesley is a dynamite athlete and defender. 5-0 Senior guard Tabi Thompson (4.7p, 2.6r) also has significant experience in the backcourt. The Lady Tigers will need to find lesser experienced players to step into key roles up front. Pike Central will try to double their wins this season, but they’ll have to do so without Mallory Hunt or Kya Leighty, who both left via the diploma. 5-6 Junior guard Brailey Mills should lead the team from the point, as she has the past couple of seasons. Senior guards Delaney Welch and Tiffany Arteaga, plus Junior guard Anna Whitehead help around the perimeter. Also look for several Freshmen to potentially impact the lineup immediately.
Sectional #32
Evansville Memorial (21-5), SAG 48, SOS 101
Gibson Southern (19-8), SAG 68, SOS 106
Evansville Mater Dei (15-10), SAG 100, SOS 103
Boonville (8-14), SAG 216, SOS 121
Mt. Vernon (Posey) (4-18), SAG 303, SOS 186
Evansville Bosse (0-24), SAG 349, SOS 161
With Memorial, Gibson Southern, and Mater Dei all present, some would say Sectional #32 is somewhat top-heavy. Look for Boonville to also be a competitor this year. We featured Memorial as our #5 team in the Class 3A Preseason Top-10, due to their depth and talent level (you can see their team preview here). Gibson Southern actually defeated Memorial a season ago to take the Sectional crown, and they look to do the same once again behind a host of talented guards and wings (you can see their team preview here). The Lady Wildcats of Evansville Mater Dei have found a great deal of success in the 2000s, but they haven’t won a Sectional in three seasons, which seems like an eternity for them. Look for them to seek that distinction once again, despite the 2022 graduations of Kennedy Wenger (14.7p, 6.7r), Kate Breeden (8.1p, 5.1r), Jamie Luigs (5.8p, 3.0r, 3.0a), and Olivia Schmitt (3.3p, 2.5r). Despite those losses, there is hope for a still-talented roster. Senior front-liner Kate Wenger Kate Wenger 5'11" | PF Evansville Mater Dei | 2023 IN (7.2p, 3.9r) looks to make her mark as the top interior player in a program that traditionally relies upon their forwards and posts a lot. 5-7 Senior guard Molly Schmitt (6.1p, 3.6r, 2.3a) will likely be the primary ball-handler this season after sharing those responsibilities in the past. The biggest impact could be felt by the health of Junior forward Brylee Delano Brylee Delano 5'10" | SF Evansville Mater Dei | 2024 IN (4.2p, 2.0r). After playing through injuries in the past, she is feeling better and should be much more productive. Look for her to be an inside-out threat and a key scorer for the Wildcats moving forward. There isn’t a ton of additional experience returning, however the Junior class is big and should fill several key roles this season.
The loss of guard Alaysha Brandenberger (16.9p, 2.3r, 2.0a, 2.8s) to graduation will undoubtedly be felt by Boonville throughout the season, however there are a number of talented returnees that give Lady Pioneer fans hope. 5-8 Sophomore guard Alison Ward (5.7p, 3.7r) saw plenty of opportunity during a strong rookie season. 5-9 Senior guard Jyia Einerwold (5.7p, 2.0r) was also a key member of the backcourt in 2021-2022. From there, experience is sporadic, but one exciting name for the Boonville faithful is that of Freshman wing Emily Parker Emily Parker 5'10" | SF Boonville | 2026 State IN . She is a multilevel threat who can handle the ball some, she can make shots outside, and she can play inside and rebound. She just has a natural feel for the game. The Lady Pioneers will need several additional players with limited experience to fill key voids this season, if they are to compete for the Sectional #32 title. It has been a tough go for the Lady Wildcats of Mount Vernon (Posey) over the last couple of seasons, but with a majority of their production returning, they could double their win total from a year ago. 5-8 Senior guard Lera Wilson (10.8p, 5.3r, 2.5s) is headed into the season with multiple years of Varsity experience and should lead them once again. 5-10 Senior forward Mallory Nurrenburn (7.0p, 4.4r) is another solid ballplayer who helps in the mid-post and around the basket. 5-9 Junior forward Arlissa Sharber (5.0p, 4.2r) and 5-7 Senior wing Bailey Cox (3.0p, 5.3r) also return with quality Varsity experience. The Bosse Bulldogs won seven games in 2018-2019. They’ve won just six games in the three-plus seasons since. They look to win multiple games this season, and that is possible with their most significant graduation loss being Amya Stone (6.2p, 2.5r). If they can get improved production from their returnees, they will compete more in 2022-2023. Most notable of the returnees are Senior guard Grace Doty (5.5p, 2.2r), Senior guard Shaleah White (5.4p, 3.2r), and Senior wing Carlasia Leathers (4.1p, 6.8r).