Class 3A South Regional Preview Part 2
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Lastly, we take a look at the final Class 3A Regional, also in the South. This Regional is comprised of teams from Sectionals #29 through #32. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with…
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Continue ReadingLastly, we take a look at the final Class 3A Regional, also in the South. This Regional is comprised of teams from Sectionals #29 through #32. 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. Look for the Class 4A Regional Previews next Monday and Tuesday, October 8th and 9th.
(SAG = Final 2017-2018 Sagarin Rating in Class 1A/Multiclass; SOS = Final 2017-2018 Strength of Schedule)
Sectional #29
Greensburg (23-4) SAG 2/31; SOS 69
Rushville Consolidated (11-14) SAG 28/97; SOS 75
Batesville (13-12) SAG 30/100; SOS 67
Lawrenceburg (20-4) SAG 33/113; SOS 184
Madison Consolidated (8-16) SAG 38/121; SOS 49
Franklin County (10-13) SAG 55/182; SOS 136
South Dearborn (11-13) SAG 63/226; SOS 151
Greensburg had an outstanding 2017-2018 season, winning Sectional #29 and advancing all the way to the State Finals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. However, they did so with a mostly Senior group, and they will now face several challengers for the Sectional #29 title in 2018-2019. Gone from that team are star guard Kyra Whitaker (17.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 61 made 3s), twins Bailey (8.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Ashlynn Meyer (3.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Rhegan Day (7.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 30 made 3s), and Kiersten Lynette (4.0 ppg), who missed much of the season injured. They do return 2020 forward Aliyah Evans (10.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.8 apg) and 2020 guard Micha Morrison (9.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg), who should turn into the team leaders. But, 2021 guard Melina Wilkison (3.1 ppg), 2021 forward Anna West (2.4 rpg), and 2021 point guard Taylor Cooney are all capable talents, and all got significant playing time in preparation for this season.
Rushville could prove to be the toughest competition, as they graduated no one in their primary rotation. The frontline of 2019 post Taylor Browning (13.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg), 2020 forward Tori Campbell (11.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.1 spg, 46 made 3s), and 2019 forward Allie Smith (9.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.7 apg) is as formidable as any in this Sectional. 2020 post Isabella Runnebohm (6.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg), 2021 guard Jaeda Miller (4.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), 2020 wing Maddi Turner (3.0 ppg), and 2021 wing Abby Buckley add depth. 6-2 2020 post Kourtney Ash and 2022 guard Annika Marlow look to crack the rotation for the first time. Batesville also returns a couple of key front-liners, but they must first make up for the graduation losses of 6-0 forward Baylee Rohlfing (14.4 ppg, 15.0 rpg) and point guard Gabi Garcia (7.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.1 apg). Back, however, is 6-2 2019 post Hattie Westerfeld (10.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg), an Indiana State commit. Joining her in the lineup are 2019 forward Ellie Waechter (8.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.4 apg) and 2020 forward Carlie Werner (4.6 ppg). They’ll need several backcourt newcomers to step up and fill the voids.
Lawrenceburg will be a nice squad this year, as they posted 20 wins last season and return their top three scorers. Lost due to graduation are Baylee Blackburn (6.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Brooke Boyd (5.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg), and Emma Pennington (3.9 ppg). Back for her third Varsity season, though, is 2020 do-everything guard Julianna Kemper (21.8 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.2 spg, 2.5 bpg), a Division-I prospect. Also returning are 2019 wing Makenna White (8.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg), 2020 guard Macey Radenheimer (6.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg), 2019 guard Justice Chambers (3.5 ppg), and 2019 forward Jenna Farmer (3.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg). 6-0 2021 front-liners Riley Mock and Kierah Lowe, plus 2020 East Central transfer Tristyn Dennis, all figure into the mix this season. Madison Consolidated aims to get back to double-figure wins this season, and they’ll attempt to do so behind 6-0 2021 forward Jade Nutley (9.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg). Hannah Imel and Amelia Hall have both graduated, but the Cubs return 2019 wing Paige Young, 2019 forward Bailey Dyer, 2019 guard Harper Watson, and 2019 post Jessie Dyer.
Franklin County enters its first season in a while without the McCool sisters, Kamryn (10.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.4 bpg) and Kendall (8.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.3 apg). They also graduated Gabby Mitchum (4.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.2 spg). Back to lead the Wildcats are 2019 guard Megan Getz (6.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg), 2019 forward Meredith Bohman (4.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg), and 2020 wing Taylor McCreary (3.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg). They also hope to get back 2019 guard Abby Orschell (12.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.3 spg in 2016-2017), who missed last season with an injury. South Dearborn should be improved, as they only graduated Britney Beil (5.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg). 2020 guard Kyrstin Bond (14.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 36 made 3s) returns to the backcourt, as do 2019 guards Brooke Huddleston (10.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.5 spg, 33 made 3s) and Alyssa McClanahan (5.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.7 apg). 2021 forward Kate Townsend (4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg) also picked up some experience last season.
Sectional #30
Salem (22-5) SAG 6/45; SOS 89
Brownstown Central (18-8) SAG 18/78; SOS 82
Charlestown (15-9) SAG 23/85; SOS 104
Scottsburg (12-14) SAG 47/155; SOS 85
Silver Creek (10-14) SAG 48/158; SOS 103
Corydon Central (11-13) SAG 51/174; SOS 110
Salem had an outstanding season in 2017-2018, and they look to return to the Regional once again this season. They only graduated one player from their roster, and they return their top four scorers, so they will again be the team to beat in Sectional #30. They made our Top-50 teams, regardless of class, so look for their in-depth team preview to come very soon. Brownstown Central will once again be a strong opponent as well, but they will certainly miss graduates Madison Klinge (6.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Shelby Stuckwisch (5.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg), and Kristen Stuckwisch (5.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.5 spg). They do return much of their core, though, beginning with 2020 forward Ashley Schroer (10.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.6 apg) and 2019 guard Tayler Garland (8.7 ppg). Also back as regulars are 2019 forward Payton Farmer (6.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and 2020 guard Halle Hehman (6.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg).
Charlestown could be much-improved this season. They did graduate Brianna Harvey (10.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.4 spg), Erin Kimbrell (6.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg), and Gabi Gagnon (4.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.3 apg). Returning for the Pirates are 2019 guard Samantha Matthews (14.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.4 apg, 45 made 3s), 2020 forward Peyton Crace (7.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg), 2020 guard Karston Watson (7.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.0 apg), and 2020 guard Jackie Biscardi (6.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.5 apg). 6-0 2019 forward Chelsea Gibson (4.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg) is rumored to have transferred in from Jeffersonville as well. She could give them a huge boost on the interior. Scottsburg and the state’s all-time winningest coach, Donna Cheatham (699 career wins), look to get on the plus side of .500 this season. To do so, they must adjust to the loss of the graduated Katie Horstman, Alyssa Hall, and Kaitlynn Jennings. Back for her third Varsity season is 2020 guard Jaylah Mays. She gets help from 2020 wing Riley Pool and 2021 forward Zoe Zeller.
Silver Creek should also be somewhat improved this season. They did graduate Kylie Wilkinson, Lauren Hall, and Taylor Scott, but they return a mostly young nucleus. 2021 wing Jaclyn Emly had a solid Freshman season and should be a key cog going forward. 2019 post Katie Emly, 2019 forward Alyssa Wright, 2019 guard Jordan Balz, and 2019 post Jordan Leddon also return with experience. But it’s 2021 forward Savannah Kirchgessner and 2021 guard Abby Grimm who could get the minutes early this season. Corydon Central returns a solid roster as well, headed up by 2019 wing Cami Schmitt. She’ll likely be joined in the lineup by 2019 forward Grace Carver, 2019 guard Madison Engleman, and 2020 forward Emily Harbaugh. The Panthers will have to play without graduates Gracie Paden, Ali Johnson, and Kaitlyn Fleece.
Sectional #31
Vincennes Lincoln (21-5) SAG 12/60; SOS 132
Washington (16-6) SAG 35/117; SOS 168
Princeton Community (12-12) SAG 41/137; SOS 143
Pike Central (11-11) SAG 49/161; SOS 179
Sullivan (6-18) SAG 72/258; SOS 172
Southridge (4-18) SAG 78/293; SOS 159
Vincennes Lincoln has put together a string of good seasons, and they want to prove there is more than one team in Vincennes capable of getting to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Because they are in our Top-50 teams statewide, regardless of class, we’ll be previewing their group very soon in another article. Washington had a really nice 2017-2018 season going, but this year they must survive without three key graduates. Gone are 6-1 post Hannah Shrieves, forward Sara Lewis, and guard Elizabeth Stallman. This year they’ll likely turn to 2019 guard Lindsay Moody, plus a bunch of newcomers, to be the core of the team.
Princeton will try to get above the .500 mark this season, but they’ll have to do so without Kiare Young (17.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.1 spg), who graduated. They do return a nice, young group though, led by 2021 guard Hannah Sisk (13.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.3 spg). She’ll likely be joined in the lineup by 2021 guard Reaghan Page (8.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), 2019 wing Keona Louis (4.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.7 spg), and 2020 forward Emma Satore (2.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Pike Central will have to overcome the loss of six graduates to achieve double-digit wins again this season. The notables who graduated are Erika Hendrixson, Brooke Nalley, and Demi Croak. They can turn to any number of returnees and newcomers to fill the holes that 2018 class left.
Reagan Holeman of SullivanSullivan will be trending up, as they return their top two scorers. Back for another run are 2020 point guard Reagan Holeman (10.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.8 spg) and 2020 forward Asia Povlin (9.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg). 2021 post Courtney Lueking (4.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg), 2019 post Sheyanna Ravellette (3.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg), and 2019 wing Kathleen Ming (2.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg) have also all seen meaningful Varsity minutes. The Golden Arrows will be without Lindsey Hatch (6.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Sydney Akers (5.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg), and Carly Brown (3.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg), who all graduated. Southridge struggled through a tough season, and they graduated Tori Tretter and Breanna Wilkey. But they return a somewhat experienced group, headlined by solid 2019 point guard Maddy Neukam. They could also get a nice boost from talented 5-10 2022 wing Myah Montgomery.
Sectional #32
Evansville Memorial (17-7) SAG 7/47; SOS 50
Gibson Southern (19-5) SAG 24/86; SOS 152
Heritage Hills (17-4) SAG 27/95; SOS 195
Evansville Bosse (8-16) SAG 54/181; SOS 95
Mount Vernon-Posey (8-15) SAG 60/207; SOS 118
Boonville (5-16) SAG 68/249; SOS 147
The top three teams in Sectional #32 are all very good, and I think they are somewhat overlooked because of their location in the “Pocket”. Evansville Memorial has been a consistent threat year after year, and this year they are as strong as they’ve been in a while. They appear in our Top-50 teams statewide, regardless of class, so we will be previewing them very soon. Gibson Southern is a team who I think could really surprise some people this year, and they are set up nicely for the future with good, young talent as well. The Titans did graduate guard Skylar Boes, but they return basically everyone else. 2019 wing Tabby Klem returns and will likely be their leading scorer this season. 2019 guard Claire Jones and 2020 guard Shayla Whitten form a solid, experienced backcourt. 2020 forwards Meredith Raley and Brooke Goedde return upfront, as does 2021 wing Kami Miller. One newcomer who could have a major impact is 6-1 2022 forward Taylor Singer, who brings strength and explosiveness as a mismatch.
Rebekah Gordon of Heritage HillsHeritage Hills is another perennially tough program to face. They must adjust to the loss of graduated post player Abby Wahl (20.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg). Also graduating were Kate Kaetzel (7.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Kerragan Mulzer (3.9 ppg, 2.0 apg). But they do have some solid returnees and some nice, young talent. Back for the Patriots are 2021 forward Rebekah Gordon (8.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg), 2019 guard Claire Heckel (4.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.0 apg), and 2021 guard Avery Neff (3.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Look for 2022 point guard Hadley Lytton to come in and make an immediate impact at point guard as well. Evansville Bosse can be a problem because of their athleticism, but this year they’re missing their top two scorers due to graduation. They are Jaelah Crosby (13.8 ppg) and Ma’Nya Adams (7.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.5 spg). 2020 guard Denaya Harris (7.0 ppg, 2.1 spg), 2021 guard Aysha Lindsey (4.4 ppg), 2019 guard Tionne Brigham (3.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.1 spg), 2020 post Millai Madison (3.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg), 2020 wing Brionna Bell (2.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg), and 2019 guard Jaden McElroy (2.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg) look to earn their spot in the lineup.
Mount Vernon is usually very solid, but last season they didn’t quite get to ten wins and now must replace graduated leading scorer Hallie Fisher (10.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.9 apg, 2.1 spg). But the Wildcats do return a great deal of production. Looking to help the Wildcats to a winning season is an extremely young group including 2021 guard Paige Robinson (9.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg), 2021 forward Brooke Jackson (8.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.8 spg, 3.6 bpg), 2021 point guard Libby Steinhart (8.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.3 spg), and 2020 guard Summer Sanders (5.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg). Boonville won just five games a year ago, and unfortunately four of their top five scorers graduated. Gone are Abbey Green (10.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Hallie Mockobee (8.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Della Gardner (7.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), and McKenna Walter (2.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg). If there is a bright spot, it’s 2020 wing Ramey Wilder (7.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg). 2019 guard Brooke Allen (2.1 ppg) also played good minutes a year ago.
Header photo of the 2018 Greensburg Pirates; photo courtesy of the IHSAA Twitter account. Photo of Aliyah Evans courtesy of her own Twitter account. Photo of Ashley Schroer courtesy of tribtown.com. Photo of Reagan Holeman courtesy of sullivan-times.com. Photo of Rebekah Gordon courtesy of duboiscountyherald.com.