Class 1A Season Preview: Sectionals #49-#52
The beginning of the high school season is right around the corner, as we are just two weeks away from the first official games. With that in mind, I wanted to begin our thorough preview of the 2019-2020 season. I…
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Continue ReadingThe beginning of the high school season is right around the corner, as we are just two weeks away from the first official games. With that in mind, I wanted to begin our thorough preview of the 2019-2020 season. I will begin by taking a look at the first Class 1A North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectionals #49 through #52. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis. I will continue previewing the upcoming season over the next couple of weeks, with my final preview articles likely posting the first week of games.
(SAG = Final 2018-2019 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (403 teams); SOS = Final 2018-2019 Strength of Schedule)
Sectional #49
Morgan Township (15-9) SAG 161; SOS 250
Kouts (9-13) SAG 267; SOS 305
Washington Township (5-15) SAG 330; SOS 348
Covenant Christian-DeMotte (8-16) SAG 363; SOS 378
Gary 21st Century (1-17) SAG 386; SOS 385
Hammond Academy of Science & Technology; new to the IHSAA
If you can hear the collective exhale coming from Sectional #49, it’s because back-to-back Class 1A State Champion Marquette Catholic has been elevated to Class 2A due to their tournament success. The first team who likely stands to prosper from this is Morgan Township. Following a 15-9 season, the Cherokee return their entire 8-player core, led by one of the best interior players in Sectional #49. Senior power forward Sahara Bee (13.5 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 4.4 off rpg) has been a strong presence inside for the last couple of years, and she looks to be that again this season. Aiding Bee on the frontline are Senior forward Emmy Wells (9.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.0 apg) and Junior forward Kassie Stanko (8.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg). Look for Stanko to have an improved season after playing well all Spring & Summer. In the backcourt, Junior point guard Emma O’Brien (8.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.3 spg) runs the show, with help from Junior wing Sydney Good (6.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg) plus Senior guard Gracie Abbett (4.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.9 apg). I’d consider Morgan Township a solid favorite to win Sectional #49 this time around.
Kouts is probably the best chance to challenge Morgan Township here, and while they did graduate a couple of players, their top point producer returns in Senior forward Morgan Kobza. Look for any number of underclassmen to step up as well, including Sophomores Lyndsey Kobza and Becca Benefield. Other top players in Sectional #49 include Senior guard Olivia Klinger (16.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg) of Washington Township, plus Senior guard Leanna Buiter (6.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.0 spg) and Senior post Hope Zylstra (6.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg) of Covenant Christian-DeMotte. Klinger has already committed to play at IU-Northwest.
Sectional #50
Oregon-Davis (15-9) SAG 156; SOS 211
LaCrosse (12-11) SAG 231; SOS 296
Argos (9-13) SAG 270; SOS 298
Triton (6-17) SAG 274; SOS 161
Culver Community (10-13) SAG 327; SOS 354
West Central (4-18) SAG 356; SOS 347
While the Sectional # changed from 51 to 50 this year, most of the teams remained the same, though last year’s Sectional Champion, South Central-Union Mills, has moved up to Class 2A. Oregon-Davis, last year’s Sectional Runner-Up, now becomes a solid favorite to move on to the Regional round, and with a wealth of experience, it’s easy to see why. Junior wing Mercedes Rhodes (22.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 5.0 spg) was outstanding last year, leading the Bobcats in both scoring and steals. Senior point guard Katie Sauer (12.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 6.8 apg, 4.7 spg) is the heart & soul of this team, as her toughness and leadership are a key component to their success. Senior post Jayden Worthington, Senior wing Sydney Williams, and Senior guard Reece Danford also return having played a lot of Varsity over the past couple of seasons.
LaCrosse could definitely have something to say about who wins Sectional #50, as they gave Oregon-Davis a run for their money in the Sectional Semi-Final last year, plus the Lady Tigers also return their entire rotation. Senior post Katie Bell is a double-double machine, and Senior forward Claire Garwood also scored in double-figures. Senior Mya Morrow handles point guard duties, while Senior wing Madi Heavilin and Senior forward Morgan Wozniak join them in the lineup. Despite posting a sub .500 record last season, Argos could play the role of spoiler this year. They return their top six scorers from a season ago, plus they’ve had their share of recent postseason success. Senior wing Morgan Dunlap (11.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 3.1 spg) is the do-everything type of talent. Senior forward Macy Morris (7.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Senior guard Kagnie Hoffman (6.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.1 apg), Sophomore post Elizabeth Edmonds (5.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg), and Junior wing Madi VanDerWeele (5.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg) look to help the Dragons to a deeper tournament run in 2019-2020.
Triton looks to bounce back from a tough season, plus they always play a brutal schedule for a Class 1A school. Look for Senior Whytnie Miller to lead them again this season. Culver Community reached double-digit wins for the first time since 2014-2015, and they return several Juniors and Seniors this time around. West Central is a newcomer to this Sectional. After a six-year stretch where they won 14 or more games, the Trojans haven’t reached double-figure wins in any of the past four seasons. Junior guard Tori Culp (8.1 ppg) is hoping to help change that trend this year.
Sectional #51
Fremont (17-9) SAG 191; SOS 253
Bethany Christian (14-10) SAG 242; SOS 328
Lakewood Park Christian (8-13) SAG 286; SOS 293
Blackhawk Christian (10-13) SAG 302; SOS 327
Elkhart Christian (10-10) SAG 332; SOS 374
Hamilton Community (1-8) SAG 395; SOS 376
Formerly Sectional #52, Sectional #51 remains pretty much intact. Under new leadership last season, Fremont won their first Sectional since the 2011-2012 season, plus they advanced all the way to the Regional final, before falling to Marquette Catholic. The Eagles did lose Bella Dangerfield and her 11.7 points per game via graduation, but they still return a lot of experience. Junior wing Jada Rhonehouse (6.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Senior forward Samantha Kuhn (6.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg), and Senior guard Macayla Guthrie (5.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg) lead the way for Fremont. Guard Grace Schmucker (3.2 ppg, 2.3 spg), wing Madelyn Cress (3.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg), and post Sydney Applegate (2.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg) add depth in a big Senior class.
Lakewood Park Christian’s record from last season is a little deceiving, but they did play several Freshmen and Sophomores throughout the campaign. They are my pick to bounce back and take the Sectional #51 crown in 2019-2020. Junior point guard Chloe Jolloff (13.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.5 spg) is a natural floor general who can play at both ends of the floor. Sophomore guard Taylor Gerke (14.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.2 spg) looks to build on an outstanding start to her career, as she led the Panthers in scoring. Sophomore guard Frannie Talarico (4.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.0 spg) also put together a solid rookie season. Look for Sophomore guard Sophie Burris (2.6 ppg), Senior forward Sami Hartz (2.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg), and Junior forward Tori Miller (2.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg) to contribute in bigger ways this time around.
Bethany Christian had a nice season one year ago, but unfortunately for them, they graduated Anya Kauffman (16.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.9 spg) and Kassy Miller (6.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 4.7 off rpg), their two leading scorers. They should still be competitive in this Sectional, as they return several other Seniors and Juniors with Varsity experience. Tops on the list, likely to step into leadership roles this year, are Senior forward Mariah Miller (5.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Senior guard Karina Kern (3.8 ppg), Senior guard Jadyn Kaufmann (2.7 ppg), and Senior forward Emma Thomas (2.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg). Other top players in Sectional #51 include Senior wing Hallie Vander Dussen of Blackhawk Christian, plus Seniors Shealey Skaggs, Leah Burden, and Abbey McKibbin of Elkhart Christian. One additional note, there are rumors that Hamilton Community might only be playing a Junior Varsity schedule, but no official word has been made as of yet.
Sectional #52
North White (17-8) SAG 214; SOS 319
Pioneer (16-7) SAG 227; SOS 351
South Newton (15-7) SAG 305; SOS 368
Tri-County (5-15) SAG 335; SOS 362
Caston (6-16) SAG 346; SOS 360
Frontier (1-21) SAG 375; SOS 365
Not only does Sectional #50 have a new “name” (Sectional #52), but it also finds itself with a new returning Champion, as Pioneer supplanted North White for the first time in five years. Unfortunately, though, the Lady Panthers graduated guard Tia Freshour (12.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 3.2 spg) and second-leading scorer MiKenna Landis (9.1 ppg, 2.3 spg). However, Pioneer does return a few experienced underclassmen and adds a Division-I Freshman prospect. Sophomore wing Hailey Cripe (9.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Junior wing Olivia Brooke (7.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.3 apg), and Junior front-liner Madison Blickenstaff (4.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg) all saw the floor a lot last season and should lead the Panthers until Freshman point guard Ashlynn Brooke hopefully returns sometime after the New Year from a July ACL injury. Ashlynn is a unique talent at the Class 1A level, as she has already drawn a great deal of Division-I interest. She will be a game-changer throughout her career, even if that doesn’t start until 2020-2021.
North White looks to continue its winning ways, but they must do so without leading scorer Sara Rose (15.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 2.8 spg), Chandelle Valdizon (4.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg), or Emma Provancal (3.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg)…all graduates. Junior guard Olivia Allen (9.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.0 apg), Senior wing Marissa Benitez (3.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg), and Junior forward Kinsey Westerhouse (2.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg) return the most experience, but a Sophomore class that includes wing Lynzi Heimlich (7.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg), guard Hannah Cosgray (2.6 ppg), and forward Caitlin Conn (3.0 rpg) looks to add to the effort in 2019-2020.
South Newton posted a nice season with 15 wins, but they also graduated their top four scorers, including Jaimie Diedam (15.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.8 spg), Hayley Warne (9.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.8 spg), Malyah Embery (7.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg), and Shanelle Embery (5.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg). Look for Sophomore forward Alexxys Standish to be in the spotlight more this season. Other top players in Sectional #52 include Senior wing Emma Michal (7.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 spg) of Tri-County, Senior wing Emily Holt (14.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.9 apg, 5.0 spg) and Junior front-liner Jordan Clingler (14.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.6 bpg) of Caston, plus Senior wing Kyra Wilson (7.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg) of Frontier.
Feature image of Chloe Jolloff of Lakewood Park Christian Academy. Picture taken by Brice Vance of the KPC News Evening Star.