Class 2A South Regional Preview Part 1

Now it’s time to take a look at the Class 2A Regionals in the South. Sectionals #41 through #44 feed into this Regional. 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 #41 Winchester (26-3) SAG 2/51; SOS 217 Northeastern (10-13) SAG 54/242; SOS 288 Union County (10-13) SAG 55/244; SOS 247 Cambridge City Lincoln (12-12) SAG 60/265; SOS 302 Hagerstown (11-10) SAG 61/267; SOS 270 Centerville (6-16) SAG 78/318; SOS 283 Winchester had a tremendous run in 2017-2018, making it to Banker’s Life Fieldhouse before bowing out to Central Noble. However, they experienced a lot of adversity during their state tournament run. 2019 forward Shelby Miller (12.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.2 apg) was injured in the Regional, returned in the State Finals, and played admirably on a torn ACL. She should be back to start the year, but it’s still to be determined when she’ll be at 100%. Then, during the State Finals, star 2020 forward Madeline Lawrence (19.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 6.8 apg, 4.2 spg) went down with her own ACL injury. From what we’ve been told, her timeline will be a little longer. She will likely play at some point this season, but not necessarily at the beginning. But the Golden Falcons are a lot deeper than those two. Also returning are 6-3 2019 post Kira Robinson (10.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.6 bpg) and 6-2 2020 post Ara Cowper up front, plus 2019 guard Hannah Graft (9.2 ppg, 2.9 apg, 3.2 spg, 56 made 3s), 2020 guard Becca Chamberlin (8.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.4 spg, 48 made 3s), and 2019 guard Sarah Graft (2.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg) on the perimeter. [caption id="attachment_12775" align="alignright" width="220"] Madison Gray of Union County[/caption] Northeastern had an interesting mix of Seniors and Freshmen a year ago. Graduates include Madi Clay (6.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.9 apg), Kasey Andrews (5.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg), and Olivia Harris (5.0 ppg). But they return a nice, young nucleus, headed by 2021 wing Jenna McFarland (12.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 apg, 3.3 spg) and 2021 post Emma Wright (6.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg). Joining them in the lineup could be 2020 guard Kelli Drake (4.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.0 apg), 2020 post Alizah Rankin (2.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg), and 2021 guard Willow Runyon. Union County played virtually no Seniors, and they should turn the corner this season and approach 15 wins. They are led by 2021 forward Madison Gray (12.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and 2020 guard Taylor Pinkerton (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.6 spg). But 2020s Tara Williams (6.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Fayth Hill (6.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg), and Rainey Shepler (4.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg) also bring back starting experience and form a solid Senior class. Cambridge City was a veteran team a year ago, starting Juniors and Seniors. Gone via graduation are Olivia Davis (7.9 ppg, 8.9 rpg), Hannah Hall (3.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg), and Ryanne Davis (2.3 ppg). However, a 2019 class that includes wing Allie Owens (11.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.1 spg, 31 made 3s), forward Emmie Pugh (9.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg), guard Laynie Russell (7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg), and wing Rachel Merida (2.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg), should help them to a winning season. Hagerstown is yet another team in Sectional #41 who was led by a Freshman a year ago. 2021 guard Hallie Rogers (10.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.6 spg) was the team’s leading scorer. 2020 post Kassidy Oliger (7.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg) and 2020 guard Camryn Bradway (4.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) have also logged considerable minutes. But the Tigers lost a lot of rebounding with graduates Taylor Kelley (6.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Madison Brown (5.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg), and Lacee Dale (2.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg). Centerville won just six games a season ago, and they graduated four of their top five scorers. They’ll need to replace Carlie Doolin (11.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Alex McFarland (7.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Cassidy Weiss (5.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.2 spg), and Savana Kates (2.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg). I’d look for 2019 wing Kailee Tedder (5.9 ppg), 2019 point guard Ella Chew (2.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.3 apg), and 2020 post Alexis Harmon (3.1 rpg) to be the focal points now.   Sectional #42 Triton Central (21-5) SAG 8/88; SOS 239 Shenandoah (17-7) SAG 34/177; SOS 269 Eastern Hancock (14-10) SAG 48/215; SOS 298 Knightstown (4-19) SAG 81/324; SOS 262 Irvington Prep (10-11) SAG 95/385; SOS 406 Thomas Carr Howe (8-10) SAG 98/396; SOS 408 [caption id="attachment_12776" align="alignleft" width="212"] Bailey Stamper of Triton Central[/caption] Triton Central was really good a year ago, and they’ve put together a nice string of successful seasons, but this might be one of their best teams, and they could see a nice surge with a deep playoff run this season. We have included them in our statewide Top-50, regardless of class, so we will preview them a lot more down the road. If anyone is going to challenge Triton Central in Sectional #42, it’s likely going to be Shenandoah. The Raiders put together a nice 2017-2018 campaign, and they did so with a pair of Freshmen stepping up immediately for them. 2021 guard Kathryn Perry (18.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.3 apg, 5.7 spg, 44 made 3s) led them in points, assists, and steals, while 2021 forward Erikka Hill (8.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.0 spg) led them in rebounds. From there, Shenandoah will turn to 2019 guard Faith Muterspaugh (5.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.1 spg) and 2019 forward Skylar Counceller (4.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg). The Raiders will have to do without the graduated Hillery Shepherd (9.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.5 spg), but that’s their only significant loss. Eastern Hancock could be a real “sleeper” in Sectional #42, as they return nearly all of their production. Their only graduation losses were Bailey Allen (4.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and Liberty Durham (3.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg). Leading the charge for the Royals this year are 2019 post Jenna Smith (9.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg), 2019 point guard Haley Best (8.0 ppg, 2.0 spg), and 2021 guard Chloe O’Neal (7.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg). But 2020 guard Jocelyn Duncan (5.3 ppg), 2021 wing Bella Witte (4.8 ppg), 2020 guard Alyson Spaulding (4.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg), and 2020 guard Lexi Lewman (2.8 ppg) give them a ton of options. Knightstown should be an improved team this year, as they return their top two scorers in 2019 wing Kaitlyn Jackson (8.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and 2019 post Jessica Butler (8.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg). Point guard Lori Thomas (6.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.2 apg) was their biggest graduation loss. Irvington won ten games for the first time in their short school history. 2019 guard Madison Duncan is a double-figure scorer who should be back to lead them to another 10+ wins, but they did graduate a significant piece in 6-1 post Adiah Mickens, a double-double machine. The Thomas Carr Howe Hornets are another team looking to match eight wins for the third consecutive year. They should be able to do so, as they return several youngsters who served as their primary contributors a season ago.   Sectional #43 Covenant Christian-Indianapolis (16-10) SAG 21/149; SOS 144 Speedway (9-13) SAG 71/300; SOS 345 Park Tudor (14-10) SAG 76/312; SOS 376 Scecina Memorial (6-16) SAG 90/346; SOS 324 Shortridge Magnet (9-13) SAG 96/387; SOS 396 George Washington (3-12) SAG 100/403; SOS 394 [caption id="attachment_12777" align="alignright" width="300"] Bailey Everett of Covenant Christian (Indianapolis)[/caption] Covenant Christian has typically run away with this Sectional, year-in, and year-out. This year they should once again be a heavy favorite, although they will have to do so without graduated point guard Mikayla Cleary (16.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.6 apg, 3.6 spg). Also gone are Whitney Anderson (7.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Erica Sheagley (6.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.4 spg), Chrissy Martin (3.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg), and Arin Velligan (2.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg). Back, however, is leading scorer Bailey Everett (18.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 3.0 spg), a 2019 guard, plus 2020 forward Sania Borom (9.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg). Giving them a boost this year will be 2020 guard Ilani Williams-Harris, a transfer from Brownsburg a year ago who is now available, and 2021 guard Bonnie Lew Ludlow, who transferred in from Avon over the Summer. Speedway looks to improve to over .500 this season, and they return a great deal of production, including do-everything 2019 forward Hannah Lindsey (13.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.0 spg). Their most significant graduation loss was Mackenzie Smith (4.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg). Also back for the Sparkplugs are 2021 point guard Maddie Barnes (7.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 spg), 2019 forward Karly Smith (3.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 2021 forward Madi Golden (3.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg), and 2019 guard Rachael Gregory (2.6 ppg). Park Tudor is another team in Sectional #43 who could be very competitive. For them, success centers around 2019 wing Taylee Nibbs and 2019 forward Davinique Campbell. If those two are dynamic offensively, they could again approach 14 wins. They will be without the services of graduated front-liner Kamryn Sarratt and guard Sara Aldridge. Scecina, Shortridge, and George Washington all look to improve upon last season. For Scecina, they lean on 2019 post Ariel Sutton (10.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg) and 2019 guard Kelly Mendez (7.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 5.5 spg). Shortridge has a talented front-liner in 2019 forward Jayla Rogers (23.4 ppg, 14.6 rpg), as well as a nice youngster in 2021 guard Ella Garriott (10.1 ppg). George Washington will likely turn to 2019 forward Theresa Dunkerson and 2020 forward Lanijah Wells. Arlington is no longer in this Sectional, as the school is no longer operating as a high school.   Sectional #44 Cascade (12-13) SAG 23/153; SOS 134 South Putnam (19-6) SAG 24/157; SOS 233 Cloverdale (17-6) SAG 25/159; SOS 294 Western Boone (11-13) SAG 30/167; SOS 129 Monrovia (9-14) SAG 52/229; SOS 203 North Putnam (8-15) SAG 88/342; SOS 330 [caption id="attachment_11784" align="alignleft" width="192"] Madison Jones of Western Boone[/caption] Sectional #44 will likely be up for grabs, as there are a number of teams who can compete for the title. Last year’s winner, South Putnam, graduated their top two scorers…wing Lillie Stein (16.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 3.4 spg) and point guard Miranda Bieghler (11.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.3 spg). But don’t count them out just yet. They still have some experience in 2019 forward Caitlin Capps (10.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg), 2020 guard Lexi Vanihel (9.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.2 spg), 2020 guard Alex Bratcher (2.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 2021 guard Chloe Custis (2.5 ppg), and 2020 forward Aubrey Hill (1.8 ppg). Western Boone always has a shot, as they return one of the most dynamic 2019 guards in the state, let alone the Sectional, in Madison Jones (22.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.5 apg, 4.1 spg). She gets help from a strong 2020 class, most notably Lauryn Florey (9.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Kara Brewer (8.0 ppg), and Hillary Reed (4.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Their most significant graduation loss was Alayna Raby (2.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg). Cascade graduated about as much production as anyone in the Sectional, losing 2019 wing Hannah Rasnake (12.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.0 apg), post Trinity Hostetler (2.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), plus the Bryant triplets…point guard Olivia (15.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.0 spg), and forwards Emelia (9.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg) and Sophia (1.3 ppg). There is some hope, though, as 2020 forward Taylor Norris (5.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg), 2020 forward Carly Gibbs (3.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg), and 2021 wing Juliana Schmidt (2.2 rpg) all got their feet wet on Varsity last season. Cloverdale could very well ascend to the top, as they only graduated one key player, guard Abby Walker (10.3 ppg). Back for the Clovers are highly productive 2019 post Tori Combs (14.0 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 3.4 spg, 2.7 bpg) and versatile 2020 forward Samantha Shrum (12.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.9 spg). Those two will get additional help from a deep 2020 class that includes guards Hailey Thomas (8.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.3 spg) and Arianne McCracken (5.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg), plus post Lakkain Price (3.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Monrovia should also contend, as they return a great deal of experience. They did, however, graduate forwards Riley Sears (6.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Ally Grimes (4.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg), and Kayla Wilkerson (1.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg). The Bulldogs do return leading scorer Makayla Swafford (12.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.3 spg), a 2019 guard, plus 2020 guard Madison Payne (9.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.1 spg). Look for 2020 wing Ashley Smith (5.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and 2019 forward Jacy Whalen (4.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg) to help in the frontcourt this season. I would expect to see North Putnam jump right into the mix this year as well, as they return nearly all of their production from a season ago. 2020 wing Hannah Sims (7.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg), 2019 wing Payton Lyons (5.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg), 2020 guard Dana Tennis (4.8 ppg), and 2020 forward Baylee Osburn (3.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg) all return.   Header photo of Winchester celebrating a 2018 Regional victory; photo courtesy of pressroompass.com. Photo of Madison Gray courtesy of Union County's Hudl account. Photo of Bailey Stamper courtesy of shelbynews.com. Photo of Bailey Everett courtesy of Covenant Christian's Hudl account. Photo of Madison Jones courtesy of journalreview.com.