Class 2A North Regional Preview Part 1

The beginning of the high school season is even closer than you think, as we are now just three weeks away from the first official practices and five weeks away from games. With that in mind, we want to continue previewing the 2018-2019 season by delving into Class 2A this week. I will begin by taking a look at the first Class 2A North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectionals #33 through #36. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis. We will continue previewing the upcoming season over the course of the next month, with our final preview articles posting on Halloween.   (SAG = Final 2017-2018 Sagarin Rating in Class 1A/Multiclass; SOS = Final 2017-2018 Strength of Schedule)   Sectional #33 Hammond Bishop Noll (18-10) SAG 20/146; SOS 274 Andrean (7-16) SAG 51/227; SOS 133 Lake Station Edison (11-12) SAG 72/301; SOS 372 Whiting (13-13) SAG 74/306; SOS 374 Gary Bowman Academy (10-12) SAG 75/311; SOS 353 River Forest (9-15) SAG 92/356; 378 Gary Roosevelt (4-21) SAG 99/400; SOS 366 [caption id="attachment_11772" align="alignright" width="200"] Courtney Blakely of Bishop Noll[/caption] Bishop Noll has been a fairly regularly participant in the Regional round, having won five consecutive Sectional titles. One year ago, they started three Freshmen, and all three performed admirably. Leading the way is dynamic 2021 point guard Courtney Blakely (17.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.4 spg, 47 made 3s). She can fill it up on any given night and is obviously who opponents will be trying to contain. However, 2021 wing Rose Fuentes (9.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.1 spg) and 2021 forward Laila Rogers (5.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg) will be leaned on heavily for contributions as well. They did graduate Faith Jackson (8.3 ppg), Paris Harris (3.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg), and Niya Williams-Scott (1.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg), but there are some other nice youngsters to fill the void, plus 2019 forwards Kristian Steele (5.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Eris Harris (3.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg) have considerable Varsity experience. Andrean could play the role of spoiler, and they have won Sectional titles at the Class 3A level as recently as 2016 and 2017. Their unquestioned leader is 2019 wing Karli Miller (15.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 3.9 spg, 2.7 bpg). She is so versatile, steady, and productive, that she will always contribute in one way or another. Bursting onto the scene last season was 2021 wing Julia Schutz (10.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 39 made 3s). She is their perimeter shooting threat. Also returning are 2020 post Natalie Figlio (6.4 ppg, 12.6 rpg), 2021 guard Dyamond Blair (3.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg), 2019 guard Arizona Lenski (2.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg), 2020 wing Peyton Horn (2.7 ppg), and 2021 guard Kaytlynn Hogan. Lake Station is a bit of a wildcard as well, as they were led by the state’s leading Freshman scorer, 2021 guard Taylor Austin (25.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.9 spg), one year ago. They did graduate Bridget Collins (9.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Sade Shumpert (6.4 ppg), but 2020 forward Bre Poats (6.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and 2019 guard Julie Castillo (4.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg) return to help fill that void. The Whiting Oilers are another team with some mystery to them due to their youth. They graduated five players, but only 12.0 ppg total walked out the door, most of it with Desiree Vega (7.2 ppg). Returning, however, are 2019 guard Emily Balcazar (11.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 3.5 spg), 2020 forward Abby Toth (7.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg), 2020 guards Jenna Mercer (5.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and Allison Casanova (3.2 ppg), and 2019 forward Ariana Adam (2.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg). Bowman Academy is yet another team with several young-but-experienced returnees, led by an underrated star in 2020 wing Faith Haggard (16.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.2 spg). She’s a versatile athlete who can score in a variety of ways. Also back are 2020 wing DaShaie Williams (7.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.7 spg), 2019 guard Daryan Bryant (4.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg), 2019 guard Kelmetria Sistrunk (4.2 ppg, 2.8 spg), and 2021 guard Micale Dixon (3.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg). Bowman’s most significant loss to graduation is point guard Treasure McCrimon (5.8 ppg, 3.0 apg, 2.7 spg). Considering they only graduated one player, Erika Cervantes (3.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg), the River Forest Ingots look to improve and try to get to .500 this season. Their most notable returnees are 2019 guard Abby Galligan (12.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.6 spg) and 2019 forward Marissa Mays (9.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.2 spg). Gary Roosevelt had a tough go of it a year ago, but they have a nice mix of 2019s and 2020s who have experience now and should help them improve.   Sectional #34 North Judson-San Pierre (21-3) SAG 6/72; SOS 201 Boone Grove (19-4) SAG 43/200; SOS 355 Winamac (15-10) SAG 47/211; SOS 256 Hebron (7-14) SAG 63/273; SOS 273 North Newton (5-16) SAG 93/363; SOS 363 [caption id="attachment_12641" align="alignleft" width="218"] Maddy Schumacher of North Judson[/caption] North Judson-San Pierre had a really nice 2017-2018 season, they hit 20 wins for the second season in a row, and they were the Sectional #34 Champions. What’s even better for them…they return nearly everyone. They graduated two girls, with Abby Timm (2.7 ppg) being the most notable one. Back to lead the way in just her Sophomore season is wing Lilliann Frasure (21.6 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 5.4 apg, 4.3 spg). She was one of the most productive 2021s in the state last season. Joining her in a leadership role is 6-0 2019 Madeline Schumacher (17.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg). She is a versatile inside-out forward. 2019 forward Lauren Cox (8.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.2 spg), 2019 wing Macy Reimbold (4.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.1 spg), 2019 guard Courtney Trusty (1.9 ppg), and 2021 guard Adalynn Harper (1.3 ppg) were also regulars in the Blue Jay lineup. If any of them step up, look for North Judson-San Pierre to be a Top 3 to 5 team in a really competitive Class 2A. Boone Grove put together their own 19-win season in 2017-2018, but gone from that team via graduation are leading scorer Rachel Wilkening (11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg), plus Angela Casanova (8.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, 3.4 spg) and Mackenzie Cantwell (6.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg). With that said, twin 2019 guards Madie (10.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 4.9 spg) and Kate Pfister (9.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 5.2 spg) do return with a great deal of experience, but they’ll have to increase their scoring quite a bit. They’ll look to 2019 forward Katelyn Downham (3.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and 2020 wing Emma Hylek (1.9 ppg) first for support. Winamac is another program that is typically competitive, and this season should produce much of the same. 2021 wing Laini Joseph and 2019 forward Jillian Brumm will do everything in their power to help them to another successful season. 2020 guard Hailey Sanders has significant Varsity experience as well. Look for their 2020 class to add depth. Hebron graduated HaiLeigh Walstra (5.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg), Sam Molchan (4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg), and Bailey Jones (2.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg), but they return their top two scorers in 2019 point guard Katlyn Cherry (11.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 5.0 apg, 5.2 spg) and 2019 post Allison Hano (10.9 ppg, 13.1 rpg, 2.5 spg) to form a potent inside-out duo. They’ll need 2020 guards Haley Rokosz (5.8 ppg) and Tanner Roy (3.1 ppg), 2021 guard Carsyn Ryan (2.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg), 2020 post Kyra Stater (2.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 2020 guard Sam Davies (1.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg), or 2019 post Erin McGlothlen to step up and be that reliable third scorer. North Newton will look to approach the 10-win plateau this year, with several experienced returnees. Best of them are 2020 Jamie Will (6.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and 2021 Harmoney Burke (5.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg). They must do so without last year’s leading scorer, Allie Decker (8.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.7 bpg).   Sectional #35 Central Noble (23-5) SAG 9/89; SOS 177 LaVille (16-8) SAG 26/162; SOS 236 Westview (11-13) SAG 27/163; SOS 163 Bremen (12-12) SAG 31/168; SOS 131 Prairie Heights (6-18) SAG 64/276; SOS 205 Whitko (3-20) SAG 84/333; SOS 190 [caption id="attachment_12642" align="alignright" width="205"] Sydney Freeman of Central Noble[/caption] Sectional #35 is home to 2018 Class 2A State Champion Central Noble, and they’re primed for another run deep in the tournament. 2019 point guard Sydney Freeman (17.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.9 apg, 5.0 spg, 2.1 bpg, 60 made 3s) is the heart and soul of this team, while 6-1 2019 forward Meleah Leatherman (14.3 ppg, 10.0 rpg) is a big athletic mismatch for opponents. Freeman was a 2018 Indiana Junior All-Star. The Cougars did graduate Calista Rice (4.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg), and she brought a lot of experience and leadership, but she was the only person to leave via the diploma. Of the other returnees, someone will need to step up and be that third scoring option. They’ll look first to 2021 guard Bridgette Gray (4.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 2020 forward Sam Brumbaugh (4.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), 2019 wing Macy Griffis (2.6 ppg), and 2021 guard Lydia Andrews (2.1 ppg). LaVille has had a nice string of seasons, however they graduated do-everything guard Aryn Eash (14.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.8 spg, 57 made 3s), as well as Lindsey Aschenbrenner (9.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.3 spg), Haley Berger (4.8 ppg), Nina Sadjak (3.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg), and Haylie Cox. Now it’s up to 2019 forward Shelfie Zeiger (9.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.5 spg), 2019 post Julia Hall (3.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg), and 2019 guard Kelsey Aschenbrenner (1.3 ppg) to step up. Westview saw its string of tournament success come to an end a couple of years ago, and now they graduate post Alex Burr (8.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.9 bpg), plus Summer Konkle (6.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.4 apg, 2.6 spg), Bradi Yoder (3.9 ppg), and Jenna Duff (2.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg). Their big hope lies on the shoulders of athletic 6-0 2019 power forward Ashya Klopfenstein (16.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 bpg). She’s capable of being a 20 & 10 kid, without question, and will probably need to be. 2020 forward Payton May (5.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg), 2019 forward LeAnna Miller (2.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg), and 2019 forward Jensen Reynolds (2.1 ppg) bring back the most experience. Bremen could be the real surprise this year, and will likely offer Central Noble the most resistance. 6-1 2019 true post Karlee Feldman (16.7 ppg, 13.6 rpg, 2.4 bpg) is back, as is athletic 2020 guard Erin Coffel (12.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.8 apg). Oh, by the way, they return EVERYONE else. 2019 wing Kaelyn Shively (7.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.5 apg), 2020 guard Bailey Vermillion (3.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg), 2021 guard Haylie Rodriguez (3.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg), and 2020 power forward Dellenira Duran (2.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg) bring back the most production from the 2017-2018 season. Prairie Heights has struggled in this Sectional recently, but they return an exciting player in crafty little 2020 guard Alexis German (12.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.7 spg). Beyond German, they’ll need someone else to step up in order to increase their win total this season. Whitko, on the other hand, looks to bounce back after their point guard, 2019 Emy Duggins (10.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.7 spg), missed the first half of last season with an injury. In the meantime, 2019 forward Ellie Snep (11.3 ppg, 15.8 rpg, 2.0 spg) had a very nice season, and 2019 forward Kayla Schipper (7.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg) stepped up as well.   Sectional #36 South Adams (15-9) SAG 15/128; SOS 175 Fort Wayne Canterbury (9-15) SAG 33/176; SOS 121 Bluffton (17-8) SAG 35/183; SOS 246 Eastside (15-9) SAG 37/186; SOS 223 Adams Central (5-19) SAG 79/319; SOS 316 Churubusco (3-20) SAG 89/343; SOS 245 Sectional #36 is one where you can take metrics and throw them out the window, because whatever should make sense just doesn’t. The top four teams here are always in contention to win the title, and it will be a grind. South Adams was the likely favorite entering the Sectional last year. This year, however, they’ll have to compete without four of their top five scorers, as point guard Lexi Dellinger (15.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 spg, 48 made 3s), 6-2 post Madi Wurster (11.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 4.1 bpg), Sydney Pierce (7.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg), and Calyssa Lehman (3.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg) all graduated. That leaves 2020 guard Lydia Loshe (4.7 ppg) as the lone returning starter. 2019 guard Kayla LeFever (2.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 2019 forward Shaelynn Bowman (2.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg), and 2019 guard Emilee Myers (2.3 ppg) all saw significant playing time last season. [caption id="attachment_12643" align="alignleft" width="235"] Emme Boots of Bluffton[/caption] Fort Wayne Canterbury is seeking to return to the prominence it saw earlier this decade, but they’ll have to do so with virtually no returnees with any experience. Versatile 6-0 2019 forward Alaina Rongos (17.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.2 spg, 22 made 3s) transferred back to Columbia City where she grew up, and 2021 point guard Grace Sullivan (9.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3.4 spg) transferred to Homestead. Sydney Hearn (7.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.6 spg), Jordan Elliot (6.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Lilly Peters (6.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), and Meagan Thomas (1.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg) all graduated. Bluffton was your 2018 Sectional #36 Champion, and they return as much as anyone. 2021 wing Emme Boots (10.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.0 spg), 2019 guard Grace Miller (9.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.5 spg), 2019 post Allison Powers (6.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg), 2020 guard Olivia King (4.0 ppg), 2019 wing Alyssa Burchett (3.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg), and 2019 forward Jamie Myers (2.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg) form a balanced and deep attack. They will be without graduates Gabrielle Streveler (6.5 ppg, 32 made 3s) and Megan Prater (3.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.2 spg). Eastside knocked off South Adams a year ago in the first round in overtime, but they graduated four of their top five scorers, including their top three. Missed most will be athletic guard Lindsey Beard (11.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.0 spg). Also gone are point guard Maddisyn Heffley (7.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3.0 spg), Olivia Yoder (5.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg), and Raegan Johnson (4.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg). Their best chance at success depends on the development of 2021 guard Sullivan Kessler (4.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and 2020 forward Paige Graber (4.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg). 2019 forward Shyan McKinley (2.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and 2020 guard MacKensie Rieke (2.0 ppg) also have solid experience. Adams Central returns everyone except the graduated Courtney Lotter (1.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg). They’ll lean on 2019 forward Lexi Smith (9.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and 2020 post Carly Holley (8.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg) for production again this season. The Jets should also get a boost from 2021 guard McKenna Dietsch (6.6 ppg), who transferred in after starting for Leo last season. Churubusco graduates three of their top four scorers, so they’ll likely look to 2020 post Myah Bear (3.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg) for leadership.   Header photo of the Central Noble Cougars; photo courtesy of news-sentinel.com. Photo of Courtney Blakely courtesy of chicagotribune.com. Photo of Maddy Schumacher courtesy of the Indiana's Best Twitter account. Photo of Sydney Freeman courtesy of journalgazette.net. Photo of Emme Boots courtesy of news-sentinel.com.