IHSAA Sectional Realignment

Over the last few years, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (or IHSAA) has gone to a two-year plan in which it looks at enrollments (both current and future), success factor, the inclusion of new schools following their probationary period, and the exclusion of schools who either close their doors or choose to leave the IHSAA, and they come up with the new Sectional realignments in every team sport. Last week, the IHSAA released its updated list of Sectionals for girls' basketball that will take affect during the 2019-2020 and the 2020-2021 seasons. I took a look at those Sectional alignments, and below are some notes I made. Some are minor items, while others could affect the outcomes of state tournaments.   CLASS 4A Sectional #1: Gary West Side moves back to Class 4A after a brief two-year stint in Class 3A. This affects them because they won the Sectional each year they were in Class 3A, but they also won Sectional #1 the two years prior to heading to Class 3A (2015-2016 & 2016-2017). They should still be considered a contender here, especially with a player the caliber of high-scoring guard Dash Shaw (2020). Sectional #3: Plymouth, coming off of a somewhat surprising Sectional Championship in Sectional #4 this Winter, enters Sectional #3 and should be considered a contender due to gradation losses by most of the other top teams in this field. Also, South Bend Saint Joseph falls back to Class 3A after a brief stint here following their success factor move to 4A. Sectional #7: The members of Sectional #7 have to be shaking their heads. Zionsville, who has won the last four Sectional titles, moves to Sectional #8, but in comes mighty Northwestern, moving to Class 4A due to the success factor from their consecutive Class 3A State Championships. Wing Madison Layden (2020) and post Kendall Bostic (2020) are a tough matchup for teams at any level. Marion also moves in due to enrollment numbers, and they bring the 6-6 RaShaya Kyle (2020) with them, but at least 6-1 Jazmyn Turner (2019) did graduate. West Lafayette Harrison, behind Junior All-Star Syndey Jacobsen (2020), plus a deep, experienced roster, should provide the biggest remaining threat. And don't count out Lafayette Jefferson with Kiara Lewis (2020) and Teresa Maggio (2022) causing problems. This Sectional will at least be much tougher than Northwestern or Marion saw at the Class 3A level. Sectional #8: Top to bottom, this has been one of the most competitive Sectionals in the state, and it only gets tougher. Anderson leaves for Sectional #9, but in comes the aforementioned Zionsville. Yes, Indiana All-Star Maddie Nolan (2019), plus 6-1 Division-I recruit Delaney Richason (2019) graduate, but they are still talented and will pose a problem in what should be a very balanced Sectional. Sectional #9: Anderson is new here, and while Sectional #8 was tough on them, Sectional #9 will also be tough considering the graduation of guard Staisha Hamilton (2019). Sectional #10: This is another tremendously tough Sectional, and it will remain so, even with Heritage Christian headed back to Class 3A after a two-year appearance due to the success factor. Crispus Attucks does enter Sectional #10 due to enrollment numbers, but I wouldn't look for them to make any immediate noise considering you still have to deal with Lawrence North, North Central, Warren Central, and Cathedral.   CLASS 3A Sectional #17: With Gary West Side headed back up to Class 4A, it opens up this Sectional for all of the other entries. Gary Lighthouse CPA had won a couple titles prior to West Side's addition, and they will likely again be a favorite, but Sectional #17 could really be up for grabs this coming season. Sectional #19: South Bend Saint Joseph is back in Class 3A, and instantly they become one of the favorites because of strong Seniors-to-be in wing Keegan Sullivan (2020) and forward Kashlin Biffle (2020). Mishawka Marian, Glenn, and up-and-coming South Bend Washington could pose the biggest threats to Saint Joe in Sectional #19. Sectional #20: After Northwestern won their second consecutive title, the teams in this Sectional breathed a sigh of relief. Then reality set in last week, as the Class 3A Southern Semi-State Champ Benton Central moved back in, and they return quite a bit in forwards Audrey Strawsma (2020) and Kelsey Coffman (2020), plus guard Tressa Senesac (2022), just to name a few. Eastern-Greentown was a late addition to this Sectional, when the IHSAA determined two days after the realignment was announced that they would be moved to Class 3A due to enrollment numbers. The Comets have three nice Junior perimeter players in McKenzie Cooper (2020), Lexi James (2020), and Jeanie Crabtree (2020). West Lafayette is always well-coached and has Junior All-Star Alaina Omonodé (2020) returning, and Maconaquah is a solid young team looking to turn the corner, but I still think Benton Central has at least one more year as a clear favorite. Sectional #21: Just a quick swap here, as Fairfield leaves for Class 2A due to enrollment numbers, but Central Noble's success factor raises them to class 3A. With the graduation of both Sydney Freeman (2019) and Meleah Leatherman (2019), it was going to be tough for Central Noble to compete in Class 2A, let alone Class 3A. Sectional #23: Sectional #23 loses Marion, who had won the last two Sectional titles, to Class 4A, but they pick up Oak Hill from Class 2A due to the success factor. Oak Hill still has a talented player returning in 6-1 post Taylor Westgate (2020), but they must figure out a way to replace four starters, including Adrianna Trexler (2019) and State finals hero Brittany McCorkle (2019), plus a pair of 6-0 twin reserves. I'd look for Norwell to step to the forefront again, but honestly anyone could compete for this title. Sectional #24: There is a lot of movement in Class 3A due to enrollments and success factors, and Sectional #24 inherits Winchester from Class 2A due to their success factor. 6-0 forward Madeline Lawrence (2020) and shooter Becca Chamberlin (2020) return for the Golden Falcons, but they graduated a lot as well. This will be a tough move for Winchester, especially with teams like Hamilton Heights, Yorktown, and up-and-coming Delta in this field. Sectional #27: This Sectional has taken on a complete overhaul with teams moving in and out and all over the place. What I do know, is Heritage Christian should be a favorite again after falling back from Class 4A, and the guard play of top Sophomore Ariana Wiggins (2021) and Junior All-Star Sydney Watkins (2020) should be the difference-maker. Bishop Chatard's Sophomore duo of Zakia Rasheed (2021) and Moira McGinley (2021) could provide some resistance and take out Heritage Christian, and Lebanon has had success in past years, but they are mostly rebuilding right now under another new coach. Sectional #29: Connersville falls from Class 4A to this Sectional due to enrollment numbers, but the graduation of seven Seniors, four of which started, will make this a tough transition for the Spartans. Greensburg and Rushville stand out here, with a couple of other schools capable of contending as well. Sectional #30: And they're back...after two runs to the Class 3A State Finals, North Harrison bumped up to Class 4A, but they have returned. With the graduation of Miss Basketball candidate Lilly Hatton (2019), the Cougars will turn to youthful experience in Diana Burgher (2022) and Alison Saunders (2022), but the two are certainly more than capable of leading this team to postseason success. I would still consider Salem, led by Leah Miller (2020) and Karly Sweeney (2021), a real threat to repeat. Plus when you have nice players like Jaclyn Emly (2021) of Silver Creek, Jade Nutley (2021) of Madison, and Jaylah Mays (2020) of Scottsburg around, just about anyone in this Sectional has a chance on any given night.   CLASS 2A Sectional #33: There are many angles to take with this Sectional, but I'll start with Marquette Catholic. After consecutive Class 1A titles, Marquette moves up to Class 2A due to the success factor. But, after graduating nearly all of their production, this season could be a struggle at times. Andrean also falls into this Sectional due to enrollment numbers. They graduate Karli Miller (2019) but have a nice young group to develop and contend with. I think Bishop Noll remains the primary catalyst here, and the Junior-to-be trio of Courtney Blakely (2021), Laila Rogers (2021), and Rose Fuentes (2021) is incredibly difficult to defend. High-scoring guard Taylor Austin (2021) always gives Lake Station a fighting chance as well. Sectional #34: South Central-Union Mills is up from Class 1A, and that should add an interesting dynamic to this now eight-team Sectional. Forward Amber Wolf (2020) is a really nice player for the Satellites. I still think this Sectional goes through North Judson-San Pierre and Lillian Frasure (2021), even with the gradution of 6-0 forward Madeline Schumacher (2019). Sectional #35: This Sectional is now wide open for the taking. After Westview won it for a few years and then Central Noble took it the last two, there is no clear-cut favorite here. Central Noble has moved to Class 3A, and Fairfield has fallen to Class 2A and entered this Sectional due to enrollment numbers. Whitko also left and slid over one Sectional to #36. Sectional #37: Instead of driving 80 minutes each direction to Sectional #39 last year, Carroll-Flora is now closer to home. They had an uncharacteristically down year this Winter, but with their best players having been a Junior and two Sophomores, they should rebound nicely this coming season. Oak Hill is gone to Class 3A and Southwood has fallen to Class 1A, and I think this is a Sectional that three or four teams could have a great chance to win. Sectional #39: What was a seven-team Sectional has now become a five-team Sectional. Eastern-Greentown moved up to Class 3A, Carroll-Flora moved to Sectional #37, and Alexandria-Monroe moved to Sectional #40. Blackford fell from 3A to 2A and entered this Sectional as well. Tipton will still likely be the favorite behind a talented young cast, but don't be surprised if Eastbrook or Taylor challenge them for the crown. Sectional #43: University has seen their enrollment move them into Class 2A, and they start off in a much tougher Sectional with the likes of Covenant Christian, an improving Park Tudor, and solid programs like Western Boone and Cascade. University graduates several key pieces from its Semi-State team, but they do return 6-2 forward Lindsey Syrek (2020), guard Maddi Sears (2020), and they welcome a talented incoming Freshmen group. Covenant Christian should again be strong behind Imani Williams-Harris (2020), Bonnie Lew Ludlow (2021), and Samara Douglas (2022). Sectional #47: Because it's in the South, many people won't talk about this Sectional, but it could be one of the most competitive at the top. Linton-Stockton was a ranked team in Class 2A for much of this past season, and their core are all 2021s. Vincennes Rivet moves up from Class 1A due to their success factor, and while Grace Waggoner (2019) graduates, they have some really nice players like Tia Tolbert (2020), Caroline Herman (2020), Lauren Carie (2021), and Meredith Weiss (2022) returning. North Knox, South Knox, and Paoli are also always typically strong "outs" come tourney time.   CLASS 1A Sectional #50: With Marquette Catholic moving to Class 2A, it allows teams like Oregon-Davis, Triton, and Argos to again return to the top of this Sectional and contend for titles. Sectional #58: University moves up to Class 2A, allowing teams like Bethesda Christian and the Indiana School for the Deaf to compete for championships. Bethesda is led by a talented player in Maddi Fulks (2020), so look for them to be a front-runner, but the Deaf Hoosiers counter by returning three double-digit scorers in Hannah Puent (2020), Kalena Bumbala (2020), and 6-0 Anya Pothorski (2020).