Class 4A South Regional Preview Part 1

Now it’s time to take a look at the Class 4A Regionals in the South. Sectionals #9 through #12 feed into this Regional. With regards to Class 4A, there are around 40 schools in our Top-50 statewide countdown, regardless of class, so please keep that in mind if a couple of these Sectional previews might look a little thin. 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 throughout the rest of October, 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 #9 New Palestine (18-7) SAG 50/74; SOS 79 Pendleton Heights (16-9) SAG 55/94; SOS 68 Mount Vernon-Fortville (11-13) SAG 56/96; SOS 51 Greenfield-Central (10-13) SAG 60/108; SOS 47 Richmond (11-13) SAG 77/150; SOS 92 Connersville (8-16) SAG 81/190; SOS 94 While Sectional #9 might not be one of the strongest in the state, it is very balanced, and it can be very enjoyable to attend and watch. Four of these six schools are in the same conference, so there are some natural rivalries in here as well. New Palestine managed to take the Sectional #9 crown last season, they’ll be the likely favorite again this year, and they’ve already been featured in our Top-50 teams, regardless of class. The strongest challenger might be Pendleton Heights, who had a really good season last year, despite graduating a lot of production in the 2017 class. This year the Arabians must do without graduated guard Lauren Landes (10.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.6 apg), and she was their leader in scoring and assists. Forward Niyah Loomis also graduated. But everyone else is back, with 2019 forward Kailyn Graham (10.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 47 made 3s) now more of the focal point with her soft lefty touch from the perimeter. 2020 forward Aubree Dwiggins (8.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg), 2021 guard Kylie Davis (7.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg), 2020 post Laikyn Conner (6.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg), 2020 point guard Ally Hall (4.0 ppg), and 2019 point guard Leonie Wilson (3.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg) all return with significant Varsity experience. I look for Davis to be a double-figure scorer this season, as she’s probably their best pure talent. Junior guard Jayden Brown played in a handful of games as well, and 2020 forward Megan Mills (6.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg) adds height and athleticism after transferring in from New Castle. [caption id="attachment_15280" align="alignright" width="283"] Sydnee Perry of Mount Vernon (Fortville)[/caption] Mount Vernon is always a threat, because they’re well-coached, they’re a rapidly growing community, and they have a nice mixture of skill and talent throughout their roster. 6-0 forwards Sophie Williams (10.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and Kaitlyn Nugent (2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg) both graduated, as did forward Mary Fleming (6.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.2 apg) and guard Kaitlin Dunlavy. 2020 wing Madison Stamm (2.3 ppg in 9 games) transferred to Anderson Prep. The leaders this year are young but experienced. 2020 guard Sydnee Perry (9.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.0 spg) and 2021 forward Lexi Shelton (8.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg) will likely both be double-figure scorers this season. 2020 point guard Tessa Freeman (4.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.2 apg) and 2021 point guard Abby Worley (3.4 ppg) are little, quick guards who can cause problems. 2019 forward Lindsey Hartl (2.2 ppg) has also played quality minutes. 2021 wing Shamaria Walker could be in line for an opportunity early this season as well. Greenfield-Central is under new leadership once again, and they return a mostly veteran cast. They also had several girls miss games due to injury, so they hope to stay healthy this time around. Forwards Maggie Wheeler (6.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and Jessica Farrell (6.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg) both graduated. Leading scorers Hannah Farrell (14.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.9 spg), a 2020 wing, and Katie Real (10.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 51 made 3s), a 2019 guard, both return in leadership roles. 2021 forward Addison Hill (4.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg) started as a Freshman, while 2019 post Lydia McIntire (3.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg), 2019 forward Madge Weidner, and 2020 guards Crystal Peterson (2.9 ppg) and Grace Rosemeyer were regulars as well. Richmond reached double-digit wins for the first time since 2014-2015, but they did so with four Seniors, three of which started. Leading scorer Braxtyn Hurley (14.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, 3.3 spg) did a lot for them from the point guard spot. Forward Anna Creech (7.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg), wing Kalianna “K.K.” Lauderdale (6.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 spg), and guard Heaven Stephens are also gone. Additionally, they must adapt to the tragic loss of their coach over the Summer. 2019 forwards Kiera Wright (7.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and Zoee Woolridge (3.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg) now step into the spotlight. Both are nice athletes, and Wright has really improved her perimeter shooting. 2019 guard Kelsey Mullins should get more opportunity on the perimeter this time. Athletic 2021 forward Alayha Allen (3.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and water bug 2021 point guard Ajah Orr played as Freshman, and Allen started most of the year. Connersville might be the most experienced team in the Sectional, more so than New Palestine, as they could return as many as ten Seniors this season after graduating just one player, guard Tori Bostwick. Everyone back and expected to play is a 2019 graduate. Guard Marley Smith (15.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, 51 made 3s) is the standout talent, and she’s one of the best pure shooters in the state, regardless of class. Forward Jessica Beckman (7.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg), guard Lauren Thompson (6.4 ppg, 31 made 3s), forward Maddie Gregory (4.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg), and forward Elise Bottomley (2.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg) round out the starting lineup. Wings Hannah Groce (2.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg) and Sarah Griffin are the primary subs.   Sectional #10 Lawrence North (20-5) SAG 5/6; SOS 4 Warren Central (20-7) SAG 6/7; SOS 2 North Central-Indianapolis (20-7) SAG 11/12; SOS 7 Heritage Christian (15-10) SAG 17/18; SOS 11 Cathedral (12-11) SAG 39/57; SOS 34 Lawrence Central (3-19) SAG 78/169; SOS 17 Arsenal Technical (4-20) SAG 99/332; SOS 66 [caption id="attachment_11858" align="alignleft" width="191"] Justis Gordon of Cathedral[/caption] Sectional #10 is loaded with talent and quality teams, including the 2018 Class 4A State Champions, Warren Central. Warren, along with Lawrence North, North Central, and Heritage Christian, are all featured in our Top-50 teams in the state, regardless of class, so they will be previewed shortly. Of the teams remaining, Cathedral is a team who could really surprise some people. Dynamic scoring guard Keya Patton (19.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.6 spg) and guard Molly Beatty (6.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg) are both gone via the diploma. But 2020 wing Justis Gordon (10.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.8 spg) is a great passer in sort of a point forward position, and she had an outstanding Summer with both the Irish and with her grassroots team. 2021 guard Courtney Fields (8.1 ppg, 2.1 spg) is a talented youngster who got a lot of opportunity last season as well. 2019 forward Maddy Lee (4.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg), 2020 front-liner Nyah Conway (3.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg) are experienced in the frontcourt. Guard Clara Lee (3.3 ppg in 18 games), and forwards Mia Finn (2.5 rpg in 17 games) and Caroline Cline (11 games) all played some last season as Freshmen. Lawrence Central and Arsenal Technical have had their struggles recently, and they both look to approach ten wins this season. Lawrence Central has both good news and bad news. The good news is they only played two Seniors last season, and neither guard Ania King (4.2 ppg) nor forward Dionna Washington was a starter or major contributor. 2019 guards Charlize Turner (10.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Kalyn Williams (8.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.1 spg), Haley Ragonesi (4.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg), and Sarai Baker (4.8 ppg) return in the backcourt, while 2020 Jaliah Nailor (4.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and 2021 forward Da’Naria Washington (2.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg) return up front. 2021 guard Madison Guyse (6.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg) also played a lot as a Freshman and has nice upside. 2022 wing Tori Smiley could play as well. The bad news for the Bears, is they play a brutal schedule and two of their best 2022 prospects enrolled at other area high schools. Arsenal Technical must replace graduated forward Jaida Beck, post Brelynn Grundy, and guard Madison McCullough. 2019 guard Giovanni Garrett and 2020 guard Makaila Kremple return with the most experience.   Sectional #11 Pike (25-2) SAG 2/3; SOS 5 Ben Davis (17-8) SAG 14/15; SOS 9 Roncalli (12-12) SAG 36/46; SOS 22 Southport (5-17) SAG 57/101; SOS 24 Perry Meridian (7-16) SAG 58/104; SOS 28 Decatur Central (8-14) SAG 84/202; SOS 100 [caption id="attachment_11301" align="alignright" width="237"] Caitlin Baird of Perry Meridian[/caption] Sectional #11 should be much more competitive this time around, as Pike graduated a lot of production and the other teams should be improved. Pike, Ben Davis, and Roncalli are all featured in our Top-50 teams, regardless of class, so we will preview Pike and Ben Davis soon. Roncalli was touched on earlier this week. Perry Meridian did graduate leading scorer Sadie Hill (15.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.3 spg), along with Camry Ege and Taylor Hooten, but they return everyone else, so I expect them to flip over to the other side of the .500 mark. 6-3 2019 forward Caitlin Baird (7.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.6 bpg) is a matchup problem. She actually handles the ball and runs offense for them at times, plus she has good size to defend the interior. She is a member of the USA volleyball team and is headed to Stanford for volleyball next year. 2019 wing Ariana Booker (7.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg) is an athletic playmaker who could explode this season offensively. 5-9 2020 wing Savanna Pipes (5.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and 5-9 2021 forward Sally Mortensen (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg) bring good versatility to the lineup. 2021 guard Ali Dale (2.1 ppg in 16 games) and 2019 forward Molly Armstrong (15 games) have some experience as well. 6-4 2021 post Lauralye Simpson is a real presence in the paint if she gets an opportunity this season. Southport graduated three of their eight rotational players, but they have some nice pieces back. Leading scorer Savannah Edington (10.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg) was one of those graduates, as were guard Andrea Vidaurre (6.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 32 made 3s) and post Tiana Wright (7.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg). 2020 point guard Lexie Green (9.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.1 apg) returns, and she improves each season with added strength. I look for her to really increase her production this season. 2020 guard Kyra Duncan (8.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and 2019 guard Ashley Raisor (5.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg) also played a lot of minutes for the Cardinals. Wing Vanessa Miller and guard Kayden Casey are two 2020s who also saw the floor some last season. Decatur Central is looking for its first winning season since 2009-2010, and they return nearly everyone. In fact, the only graduate was Kyrstyn Dyson (2.3 rpg). 2020 guard Vanessa Wilson (12.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.9 spg) and athletic 6-1 2019 post Ajulu Thatha (11.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.8 spg) are returning double-figure scorers. Thatha continues to improve at a fast rate and is starting to score it much better now. 2019 forward Izzy Burr (7.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg), 2020 wing Kenzee Smith (6.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.9 spg), and 2020 forward Lindsey Duncan (4.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg) are the next most experienced performers back. 2020 guard Alayna Allen (2.0 ppg), 2021 post Kenadi Brand, and 2021 wing Reese Parks also have some Varsity experience.   Sectional #12 Brownsburg (19-6) SAG 15/16; SOS 10 Mooresville (16-9) SAG 28/30; SOS 19 Plainfield (16-8) SAG 32/37; SOS 20 Avon (14-11) SAG 37/50; SOS 23 Terre Haute South Vigo (11-13) SAG 69/126; SOS 52 Terre Haute North Vigo (7-18) SAG 76/147; SOS 41 [caption id="attachment_10407" align="alignleft" width="300"] Amani Brown of Terre Haute South Vigo[/caption] Sectional #12 is another deep and competitive Sectional. Brownsburg and Mooresville will be previewed in the coming weeks, while we’ve already touched on Plainfield and Avon. All four are in our Top-50 teams statewide, regardless of class. That just leaves rivals Terre Haute North and South. South Vigo looks to be much-improved this season, and a big reason for that is the return of 2019 guard Amani Brown (24.3 ppg, 2.2 apg in 2016-2017), who was injured just before the first game last season. She is an explosive and dynamic 5-5 guard who can flat fill it up. The Lady Braves did graduate six Seniors, most notably guard Taylor Pepperworth (17.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.0 apg), forward Gretchen Etling (6.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg), and guard Mara Russell (4.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Brown gets backcourt help from 2021 guard Zayda Hatfield (8.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 33 made 3s), who had a great Freshman season. 2019 forward Lauren England (5.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg), 2019 wing Chaiela Edinburgh (2.9 rpg), and 2020 forward Michaela Cox (2.1 ppg) will have to step up on the frontline this season. Up town at North Vigo, 2019 wing Aundrea Kearschner and 2019 forward Sarah Chatman return for their Senior seasons. 2020 power forwards Shaelynn Bell and Emma Saunders, and 2020 wing Stella Hart are a trio of talented youngsters who should take on bigger roles this season. They will be without graduated forward Kaitlyn Hankins.   Header photo of Warren Central celebrating their 2018 Class 4A State Championship; photo courtesy of athletics.warren.k12.in.us. Photo of Sydnee Perry courtesy of Mount Vernon's Hudl account. Photo of Justis Gordon courtesy of irishmegaphone.com. Photo of Caitlin Baird courtesy of southsidervoice.com. Photo of Amani Brown courtesy of Keith Hollins' Twitter account.