Class 3A South Regional Preview Part 1
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Now it’s time to take a look at the Class 3A Regionals in the South. Sectionals #25 through #28 feed into this specific 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 couple of weeks, with our final preview articles posting on Halloween.
<em>(SAG = Final 2017-2018 Sagarin Rating in Class 1A/Multiclass; SOS = Final 2017-2018 Strength of Schedule)</em>
<strong>Sectional #25</strong>
Benton Central (21-7) SAG 25/91; SOS 161
Greencastle (16-9) SAG 52/175; SOS 207
Lebanon (9-14) SAG 69/251; SOS 226
Southmont (9-14) SAG 79/308; SOS 332
North Montgomery (7-15) SAG 80/316; SOS 295
Crawfordsville (2-21) SAG 90/365; SOS 307
[caption id="attachment_13315" align="alignright" width="175"] <em>Emma Fisher of Benton Central</em>[/caption]
Benton Central has won eight Sectional titles over the last 13 seasons, and they were the 2017-2018 Sectional #25 Champion. The scary thing for opponents, is they played a mostly inexperienced group last season, and nearly all of their production has returned. Talented 2019 wing <strong>Emma Fisher</strong> (<em>16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.7 spg</em>) is the one player with several years of Varsity experience. She’ll get help this season from 2020 forward <strong>Kelsey Coffman</strong>, 2020 post <strong>Audrey Strawsma</strong>, and 2020 guard <strong>Keely Meadows</strong>, plus 2019 guards <strong>Abby Cooley</strong> and <strong>Cassidy Minniear</strong>. Both <strong>Ally Souligne</strong> and <strong>Klarrissa Macy Rodriguez</strong> graduated.
Greencastle should be the biggest threat to Benton Central this season, as they return a lot of experience, and they pick up one welcomed addition. The Tiger Cubs did graduate <strong>Rose White</strong> (<em>10.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg</em>), <strong>Marin Nally</strong> (<em>3.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg</em>), and <strong>Layna Robinson</strong> (<em>2.0 rpg</em>). But they return four of their top five scorers in 2019 point guard <strong>Jalyn Duff</strong> (<em>10.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.6 spg</em>), 2019 gurad <strong>Seeyle Stoffregen</strong> (<em>7.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.4 spg</em>), 2019 guard <strong>Bailey Shuee</strong> (<em>7.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.1 spg</em>), and 2020 forward <strong>Allison Stevens</strong> (<em>5.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg</em>). But the biggest reason for excitement is the return of 6-0 2019 post <strong>Claire Gillen</strong> (<em>11.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg in 2016-2017</em>), who did not play a season ago. Lebanon graduated their leading scorer, <strong>Tori Harker</strong> (<em>15.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.6 spg</em>), plus they’ve changed coaches, but the good news is they return every other major contributor from last season. Likely to step into that leadership role this year is 2019 guard <strong>Madison Wirey</strong> (<em>6.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.0 apg</em>), 2020 wing <strong>Emma Huse</strong> (<em>6.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg</em>), and 2020 guard <strong>Gabby Brewer</strong> (<em>5.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg</em>). 2021 guard <strong>Hallie Montgomery</strong> (<em>3.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg</em>), 2019 post <strong>Paige Jones</strong> (<em>3.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg</em>), 2021 forward <strong>Ashlyn Terrill</strong> (<em>2.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg</em>), and 2019 wing <strong>Payten Redman</strong> (<em>2.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg</em>) provide experienced depth.
Southmont will definitely miss graduates <strong>Avery Hess</strong> (<em>10.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.4 spg</em>) and <strong>Liz Link</strong> (<em>4.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg</em>), but they return a somewhat experienced group of Seniors this season. Expect the Mounties to look to 2019 forwards <strong>Lilly</strong> (<em>8.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg</em>) and <strong>Emma Ward</strong> (<em>4.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg</em>) for leadership this time out. North Montgomery must struggle through the graduation of three of their top four scorers, which include point guard <strong>Caroline McClaskey</strong> (<em>8.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.2 spg</em>), <strong>Kelsey Sabens</strong> (<em>5.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg</em>), and <strong>Joy Shirar</strong> (<em>5.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg</em>). 2020 forward <strong>Emily Sennett</strong> (<em>7.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg</em>) will now be relied on heavily for production. Crawfordsville looks to improve its record behind 2020 wing <strong>Lauren Kellerman</strong> (<em>12.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 spg</em>) and 2019 wing <strong>Addie Laskowski</strong> (<em>8.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg</em>). Their most significant graduation loss was guard <strong>Chloie Livesay</strong> (<em>5.5 ppg</em>).
<strong>Sectional #26</strong>
Owen Valley (23-5) SAG 14/68; SOS 178
Northview (14-10) SAG 56/187; SOS 237
Brown County (10-12) SAG 59/206; SOS 219
Edgewood (12-13) SAG 65/234; SOS 192
South Vermillion (11-14) SAG 71/253; SOS 312
West Vigo (3-20) SAG 88/349; SOS 265
[caption id="attachment_13316" align="alignleft" width="208"] <em>Dazia Drake of Owen Valley</em>[/caption]
Owen Valley won Sectional #26 last season, its first Sectional title since 2014. But it must now replace the contributions of the graduated <strong>Payton Cattorini</strong> (<em>15.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.8 spg</em>), <strong>Lauren Godwin</strong> (<em>8.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg</em>), and <strong>Kara Schafer</strong> (<em>3.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg</em>). Luckily, they still have versatile and talented 2019 guard <strong>Dazia Drake</strong> (<em>14.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.1 apg, 3.1 spg</em>) back in the fold. She could approach 20 ppg this season. Also returning with good Varsity experience, are 2019 point guard <strong>Abigail Herrington</strong> (<em>6.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.0 spg</em>), 2019 forward <strong>Katie Farris</strong> (<em>3.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg</em>), and 2019 forward <strong>Login Richardson</strong> (<em>3.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg</em>). Northview should be the biggest challenger this season, as they return a great deal of production. Gone via graduation is <strong>Olivia Lundy</strong>, and she had been a Varsity mainstay for a couple of seasons. But everyone else is back, including 2019 forward <strong>Jenny Lundy</strong>, 2020 forward <strong>McKenzie Barger</strong>, plus 2019 guards <strong>Sophia Buell</strong>, <strong>Makayla Sparks</strong>, and <strong>Addy Thompson</strong>.
Brown County should be an improved team, and they’ll look to eclipse the .500 mark this season, as they return virtually all of their production from a season ago. 2020 guard <strong>Allison Stogsdill</strong> (<em>11.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 3.0 spg</em>), 2020 forward <strong>Gracie Matlock</strong> (<em>8.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg</em>), 2020 wing <strong>Aubrey Hollander</strong> (<em>7.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg</em>), 2019 guard <strong>Dasia Wilkerson</strong> (<em>6.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg</em>), 2021 wing <strong>Anna Fleetwood</strong> (<em>5.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg</em>) and 2020 guard <strong>Abigail Hollander</strong> (<em>3.1 ppg</em>) all return. Edgewood, on the other hand, actually graduated its top three scorers from last year. They were <strong>Melea Shockney</strong> (<em>12.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg</em>), <strong>Taylor Acuff</strong> (<em>8.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg</em>), and <strong>Claire Phillips</strong> (<em>7.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg</em>). They’ll now turn to 2021 <strong>Taylor Minnick</strong> (<em>6.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.6 spg</em>), 2019 <strong>Kaylee Meyer</strong> (<em>6.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg</em>), and 2020 <strong>Chelbie Anderson</strong> (<em>3.6 ppg</em>) to lead the team going forward.
South Vermillion looks to be improved this season. <strong>Halea Chubb</strong> (<em>4.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg</em>) and <strong>Rachel Luft</strong> (<em>2.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg</em>) were their two most impactful graduation losses, but they return quite a bit. 2020 wing <strong>Mallory Hawkins</strong> (<em>20.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.4 spg</em>) is a really smooth player, and 2020 front-liner <strong>Rebecca Berry</strong> (<em>11.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg</em>) had a nice season after transferring in from Covington last year. 2020 forward <strong>Jenna Myers</strong> (<em>3.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg</em>) and 2021 point guard <strong>Chloe Rippy</strong> (<em>4.6 ppg, 2.1 apg, 2.5 spg</em>) also return to form a nice core unit. 2021 guard <strong>Lexy Gilman</strong> (<em>2.0 apg</em>) should see an expanded role this season as well. West Vigo must play without graduates <strong>Morgan Weir</strong>, <strong>Kaylie Meehan</strong>, and <strong>Chrislyn Marrs</strong> this season, so great improvement looks to be a struggle. But they return 2019 guard <strong>Bailee Elkins</strong> and 2021 forward <strong>Kylee Stepp</strong>, plus 2022 front-liner <strong>Emma Fulford</strong> could have an immediate impact and help them approach ten wins this season.
<strong>Sectional #27</strong>
Bishop Chatard (12-11) SAG 42/140; SOS 128
Cardinal Ritter (16-11) SAG 43/143; SOS 182
Crispus Attucks Magnet (10-15) SAG 66/241; SOS 122
Guerin Catholic (6-18) SAG 67/243; SOS 120
Brebeuf Jesuit (2-19) SAG 94/372; SOS 157
[caption id="attachment_11778" align="alignright" width="200"] <em>Zakia Rasheed of Bishop Chatard</em>[/caption]
Cardinal Ritter was the 2017-2018 Sectional #27 winner, and they did so with a great deal of balance throughout their roster. This year they must play without graduated Seniors <strong>Maddie Briggeman</strong> (<em>9.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg</em>), <strong>Jenna Purichia</strong> (<em>6.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.6 apg</em>), <strong>Mya Kiner</strong> (<em>5.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.3 spg</em>), and <strong>Megan Young</strong> (<em>3.6 ppg</em>). Stepping into the spotlight this season should be 2020 guard <strong>Meghan Sandifer</strong> (<em>8.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg</em>), 2021 guard <strong>Emma Litzelman</strong> (<em>7.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg</em>), 2020 forward <strong>Gabby Hicks</strong> (<em>4.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg</em>), 2020 forward <strong>Chloe Olejnik</strong> (<em>4.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg</em>), 2020 guard <strong>Elena Closser</strong> (<em>4.0 ppg</em>), and 2019 forward <strong>McKenzie Griffin</strong> (<em>2.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg</em>). This will sound a little odd, but even with the graduation of six Seniors, most notably <strong>Payten Morris</strong> (<em>8.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg</em>), <strong>Greta Horton</strong> (<em>6.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg</em>), <strong>Bridget Nash</strong> (<em>6.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.3 apg</em>), and <strong>Lydia Dessauer</strong> (<em>5.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg</em>), Bishop Chatard might be as strong this season as they were last. Leading scorer <strong>Moira McGinley</strong> (<em>14.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.8 spg</em>), a 2021 guard, returns in a leadership role, plus 2020 wing <strong>Mary Borchars</strong> (<em>7.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg</em>) and 2020 guard <strong>Anna Pruitt</strong> (<em>3.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg</em>) also return. But the biggest surprise was the addition of 2021 guard <strong>Zakia Rasheed</strong> (<em>12.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.0 spg</em>), a transfer from Avon, over the Summer. Rasheed already holds a handful of Division-I offers.
Crispus Attucks looks to get back on the winning side of things this season, but that could prove to be tough with the graduation of guard <strong>Taylor Hall</strong>. Now the Tigers will look to 2019 guard <strong>Kiara Barnett</strong> to increase her output this year. Guerin Catholic had an up and down season, but they went an encouraging 6-8 down the stretch. Leading scorer <strong>Sydney Geis</strong> (<em>11.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg</em>) graduated, but they return 2020 wing <strong>Nicole Cunningham</strong> (<em>8.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg</em>), 2021 post <strong>Olivia Labus</strong> (<em>5.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg</em>), plus versatile 2019 wing <strong>Paige Bennett</strong> transferred in from Tri-Central and should give them an immediate boost. Brebeuf Jesuit struggled last season, but they were led by a Freshman in <strong>Gabby Godbout</strong> (<em>7.1 ppg</em>). <strong>Ariyanna Carroll</strong> has graduated, after missing last season with an injury. Broad Ripple closed its doors as a high school, so it is no longer a member of Sectional #27.
<strong>Sectional #28</strong>
Danville Community (25-5) SAG 8/48; SOS 124
Beech Grove (18-5) SAG 21/83; SOS 107
Indian Creek (12-11) SAG 34/115; SOS 80
Tri-West (16-8) SAG 36/118; SOS 162
Emmerich Manual (13-12) SAG 82/327; SOS 388
Herron (7-15) SAG 96/376; SOS 347
Danville was your Sectional #28 winner last season, and they made a nice run to the Semi-State round as well. They will have to get past the graduation of three key starters, but they definitely have some nice building blocks to work with. They are featured in our Top-50 teams, regardless of class, so look for a more in-depth profile of the Warriors soon. Beech Grove was probably the biggest challenger to Danville a season ago, but they will have to mask some big-time graduation losses. Gone are point guard <strong>Cameron Cardenas</strong> (<em>22.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 4.2 spg</em>) and 6-0 forward <strong>Katie Giller</strong> (<em>15.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.1 spg</em>), two of their best ever to lace them up, plus 6-1 forward <strong>Mallory Storms</strong> (<em>6.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg</em>) also finished her career. The top returnees are 2020 post <strong>Neasia Lee</strong> (<em>5.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg</em>) and 2020 guard <strong>Mya Crawford</strong> (<em>3.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg</em>), plus 2020 guard <strong>Baijing Zinnerman</strong> could have an impact after transferring in from Warren Central.
[caption id="attachment_13318" align="alignleft" width="222"] <em>Katie Burkman of Indian Creek</em>[/caption]
Indian Creek and Tri-West probably have the best chance at knocking off Danville, as both teams return their share of experience. Indiana Creek must overcome the graduation losses of point guard <strong>Addie Rund</strong> and forward <strong>Celina McElroy</strong>, but there is plenty to be excited about. 2019 forward <strong>Katie Burkman</strong> (<em>8.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg</em>) is as good of a place as any to start. Her versatility should help, now that she’s healthy. Also back are 2019 forward <strong>Caitlyn Snyder</strong>, 2020 wing <strong>Lauren Pendleton</strong>, and 2020 point guard <strong>Hannah Grider</strong>. 2021 wing <strong>Jessica Hart</strong> and 2022 guard <strong>Dani Simon</strong> could see an opportunity early this season. Tri-West did graduate three key players in <strong>Hailee Gifford</strong> (<em>7.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg</em>), <strong>Lilly Johnson</strong> (<em>6.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg</em>), and <strong>Skylar Jobe</strong> (<em>5.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.4 apg</em>), but they return their top three scorers. Back again are 2019 guard <strong>Maggie Cora</strong> (<em>14.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.4 spg</em>), 2021 guard <strong>Grace Sandlin</strong> (<em>11.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.2 apg</em>), 2019 forward <strong>Carli Wilson</strong> (<em>9.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.1 apg</em>), and 2019 forward <strong>Payton Waling</strong> (<em>3.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg</em>). Talented 2022 guard <strong>Kenna Kirby</strong> should help as well.
After struggling to get players to come out and going 0-22 in 2012-2013, Manual has now put together four consecutive winning seasons. This year’s team must adjust to the loss of <strong>Brianna Debolt</strong> (<em>12.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 3.4 spg</em>) and <strong>Azhure Shotwell</strong> (<em>8.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg</em>) due to graduation. Back for Manual, though, are 2019 wing <strong>Latonay Shropshire</strong> (<em>12.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.7 spg</em>), 2019 forward <strong>Z’Lisia Hankston</strong> (<em>7.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg</em>), 2019 point guard <strong>Alexis Westerfield</strong> (<em>6.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.0 spg</em>), 2019 post <strong>Makyla Livers</strong> (<em>3.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg</em>), and 2021 forward <strong>Dariyah Lawrence</strong> (<em>2.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg</em>). Herron returns their top five scorers, so they’ll be looking to approach ten wins this season. Back for the Achaeans are 2019 forward <strong>Rylee Butcher</strong> (<em>8.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg</em>), 2020 guard <strong>Saidi Manawat</strong> (<em>5.3 ppg, 2.0 spg</em>), 2019 wing <strong>Genesis Brown</strong> (<em>5.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg</em>), 2019 forward <strong>Alethea Harnish</strong> (<em>4.9 ppg</em>), and 2021 forward <strong>Grace Abbott</strong> (<em>4.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg</em>).
<em>Header photo is of Jenna Cowart of Danville Community H.S.; photo courtesy of indystar.com. Photo of Emma Fisher courtesy of Lafayette Scout Twitter account. Photo of Dazia Drake courtesy of Indiana Flight Attack Twitter account. Photo of Zakia Rasheed courtesy of flyergroup.com. Photo of Katie Burkman courtesy of dailyjournal.net.</em>
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