Class 4A Season Preview: Sectionals #13-#16

The high school season now has two weeks in the books, as most teams from around the state have played their first official games. With that in mind, I wanted to finish our thorough preview of the 2019-2020 season. In this article, I will take a look at the second Class 4A South Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectionals #13 through #16. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis. That now concludes each of the Sectional previews for the 2019-2020 season.   (SAG = Final 2018-2019 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (403 teams); SOS = Final 2018-2019 Strength of Schedule)   Sectional #13 Center Grove (22-4) SAG 12; SOS 10 Whiteland Community (15-9) SAG 53; SOS 33 Franklin Community (12-13) SAG 84; SOS 47 Franklin Central (2-20) SAG 141; SOS 6 Greenwood Community (4-19) SAG 187; SOS 38 Shelbyville (4-20) SAG 232; SOS 53 Sectional #13 has been entertaining in years past, and could be again this year. Center Grove has won the past two Sectional titles, but turnover each of the last couple of seasons will allow several players to step into new roles this year. 2019’s graduation took guards Ella Thompson (13.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Emma Utterback (12.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.6 apg) from the Trojans, as well as forward Kylie Storm (3.0 rpg). Additionally, talented Sophomore forward Katie Egenolf (2.6 rpg) has chosen to focus on another sport and is not playing this year. Center Grove does return three starters, though, in Junior wing Mary Wilson (9.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), a tough-nosed, high-motor kid who can really shoot it, Senior guard Claire Rake (5.0 ppg), a Truman State University commit who also shoots it well, and Senior wing Ashley Eck (3.6 ppg, 3.9 ppg), who has committed to play volleyball at Indiana State University. Senior forward Emily Rake and Senior wing Alaina Frankel are two more hard-working role players who have Varsity experience. Junior forwards Alli Lothamer and Emily McWilliams should be regulars this season, plus Freshmen guards Ella Hobson and Emily Karr have a bright future ahead of them. Whiteland put together a solid campaign in 2018-2019, but now they must overcome the loss of six graduates, including five of their top seven scorers. Gone are Megan Harlow (12.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.0 spg), Natalie Stuck (9.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.9 spg), Taylor Klenner (5.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Taylor Mirowski (4.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Madelyn Napier (3.5 ppg), and Libby Baker. Senior front-liner Toni Joyner (9.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 3.4 bpg) is a really nice option on the interior for the Warriors, so look for her to be the focal point this year. Junior guard Gracie McCullars (5.8 ppg) continues to improve and should be their top guard. Beyond those two, there really isn’t anyone left with more than a handful of minutes of Varsity experience. A deep Sophomore class could be key, with guard Kylee Marlin, wing Muskaan Ghuman, guard Bri Terkhorn, and guard Braylyn Clendenen standing out. 6’4 Senior post Wilnie Joseph could also have an impact. Franklin Community looks to get over .500, and the return of Sophomore wing Kuryn Brunson should certainly help with that once she returns. Brunson missed the entire grassroots season after suffering a knee injury. Unfortunately, Seniors Hailee Robbins and Peyton Wilson are no longer playing, but forwards Abby DeArmitt, a Senior, and Lauren Sandrock, a talented Junior, help solidify the frontline. Junior guard Kyra Baker is healthy now and is a steady point guard, while Senior guard Kiki Crabtree, plus Junior guard Megan Thompson, add depth to the backcourt. Look for Junior guards Liv Parramore & Izzy Harrison, and Junior forward Natosha Root, to be in the mix as well. Franklin Central will surely post a better record this season, especially with the return of Senior forward Rachel Loobie (20.0 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.6 spg, 2.5 bpg). Loobie was a 2019 Indiana Junior All-Star and has committed to Central Michigan University. Sophomore wing Rayah Kincer (8.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.0 apg) had a solid Freshman year, but she should provide a lot more production this season. Junior forward Madison Weaver (4.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Sophomore forward Olivia Faust (2.6 ppg), Senior guard Ella Brewer, and Senior post Mya Perry return after being a part of the rotation last year. The most notable graduates were Erica Crawford (4.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and Amelia Magyar (2.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg), so the Flashes should easily be able to replace their contributions. One newcomer is actually a familiar face, as Senior wing Alexus Mobley (2.9 ppg) returns after spending her Junior year at Warren Central. Greenwood Community looks to improve as well, and they will do so behind Junior point guard Brooklyn Stubblefield (7.3 ppg). Unfortunately, though, Bailee Taft (9.5 ppg) and Sarah DeCastro (7.3 ppg) both graduated. Sophomore guard Anna Pritchett (5.7 ppg), Senior guard Ashley Buster (5.7 ppg), Junior forward Jenna Sawyer (4.6 ppg), and Sophomore forward Quinn Kelly (4.6 ppg) all return. Pritchett and Kelly could really step up in their second seasons. Freshman forward Ella Stivers is a possibility to contribute early on. Shelbyville aims to get better also, but the graduation loss of Olivia Knarr (9.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg) will certainly hurt. Also gone are Ryan Massey (6.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Carris Decatur (5.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Also, Senior guard Olivia Byrd (8.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.5 apg) has opted not to play. Top returnees include Sophomore guard Jaidyn Tackett (5.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Junior guard Megan Eads (4.8 ppg), Senior wing Makayla Terrell (3.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg), and Junior forward Holly Hickman (2.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg). Freshman guard Kylee Edwards could be impactful from the outset.   Sectional #14 Bloomington South (21-4) SAG 20; SOS 32 Martinsville (17-7) SAG 35; SOS 26 East Central (18-7) SAG 44; SOS 55 Columbus North (18-8) SAG 52; SOS 39 Columbus East (10-13) SAG 97; SOS 43 Bloomington North (6-17) SAG 195; SOS 78 Sectional #14 doesn’t get much publicity, but there really isn’t a weak program in the bunch, as they typically always have solid seasons, and when one school has a down year, they tend to bounce back pretty quickly. Bloomington South has had a nice run behind the play of graduated guard Addy Blackwell. With her at the University of Southern Indiana now, there will be a changing of the guard, both literally and figuratively. The backcourt remains strong, as Sophomore Kendall Harmon likely assumes point guard duties moving forward. She is highly skilled and can really shoot the basketball. Seniors Kristen Ridner, Cameron Gillard, and Clara Voskuil all have good skill and bring significant Varsity experience to the backcourt, plus Junior guard Brooke Grinstead has improved a great deal. Senior forward Anneke Furr is more of a wing but will likely play inside some due to the team’s overall lack of size. Junior forward Anya Friend is a tough-nosed, strong kid who can play inside-out as well. Martinsville remains very competitive behind the trio of Walker/Traylor sisters, who happen to also be the younger siblings of Purdue University Sophomore Kayana Traylor. Junior guard Pa’Shence Walker (12.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.4 spg) continues to develop her game, as she led the Artesians in scoring last year. Sophomore wing Ashlyn Traylor (4.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg) looks to increase her output in her second season, while Freshman wing Adelyn Walker is a strong and tough-nosed kid who should add production to the lineup. Martinsville did graduate Bethany Mackin (9.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.2 apg) and Gracie Johnson (6.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.6 spg), and both had been regulars on Varsity for some time. But the Artesians do return 6’2 Senior post Marlayna Kemp (6.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and Senior forward Paige Dorsett (5.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg), who together form a solid frontline. Sophomore Delaney Wolfe (2.9 ppg) is a nice youngster who should up her production, plus Junior guard Kenner Nunn and Senior post Jersey Tannehill look to contribute this season. East Central has a history of tall rosters, but this year they might be as “short” as I can remember. The graduations of 6’4 post Alyssa Robben (10.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and 6’2 post Logan Cox (9.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.7 bpg) are part of the reason. The Trojans also graduated Abby Koch (6.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.2 apg), Ashley McCool (3.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Lauren Weiler, and Carley Knosp. East Central does return their leading scorer, Senior wing Brilan McCory (10.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.8 spg). Junior forward Kyla Maxwell (6.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.6 apg), Junior post Charsan McCory (3.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg), and Senior guard Megan Caudy (2.0 ppg) also return after playing a lot last season. Sophomore Hope Fox is a guard prospect who saw limited action in 13 games last year, but she can help this season. Freshman forward Josie Trabel is a talented youngster who can also help immediately with her diverse skillset. I’d also anticipate Junior forward Emma Ertel, plus Junior guards Molly Robison & Natalie Schnell, and Freshman guard Julia Tiemann playing some sort of role this year. Columbus North has a history of success, and this year they look to top 20 wins once again. With just one 2019 graduate, Nadia Lomax (9.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg), that looks to be very possible. Junior guard Alexa McKinley (10.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.0 spg) returns to run the team. She can make shots or create for others. Senior guard Annie Anderson (5.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.2 apg) is another versatile guard who has a good feel for the game. Senior wing Sierra Norman (7.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Senior post Tessa Lomax (5.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg), Sophomore forward Kylah Lawson (4.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), and Junior wing Madison White (3.6 ppg) return a great deal of Varsity experience and production. Freshmen guards Lauren Barker and Emma Long might see some action sooner rather than later this year. Columbus East will attempt to get above the .500 mark this season, and with a player like Sophomore guard Koryn Greiwe (19.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.2 spg) in the lineup, that is certainly possible. She had an outstanding rookie year and should only continue to climb. The Olympians only graduated Claire Cunningham (8.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.7 bpg), Sarah Park (4.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg), and Beyoncey Coleman-Turner, so there is a lot of production back. Senior wing Katie Dougherty (7.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Senior guard Whitley Rankin (7.4 ppg), and Sophomore wing Albany Speer (2.5 ppg) are all back in perimeter positions. To have any chance at 15 or more wins, they’ll need someone to step up and strengthen the frontcourt. 6’3 Freshman post Gabby Dean is a real talent who continues to grow and develop. She could cause problems for opponents this year. Freshmen forwards Leah Bachmann & Emma Jenkins, plus Freshmen wings Brielle Stevens & Heidi Murphy, could all answer the call from the jump. Bloomington North is looking to get back to double-figure wins this time around, and they very well could behind an experienced group of Seniors. Senior guard Ainsley Urbanski (18.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg) is clearly the best of the bunch. Senior guard Erin Lillis (7.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.5 apg) had a nice Summer and should add more this year. Senior guard Bentlei Grooms (4.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and Senior forward Nadia Trent (3.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg) return as starters from a year ago. Junior wing Stephanie Nicola (2.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and Junior forward Elyse Goad (4.8 rpg) fight for bigger roles. Junior forward Casey Thomas returns after missing last season, and she should add athleticism and rebounding to the lineup. Freshman point guard Jamie Lian could carve out a role for herself as well. The Cougars only graduation losses were Allison Hopkins (3.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and Lexona Herendeen.   Sectional #15 Bedford North Lawrence (23-6) SAG 13; SOS 18 Jeffersonville (14-10) SAG 18; SOS 19 Seymour (13-10) SAG 90; SOS 30 Jennings County (16-9) SAG 98; SOS 59 New Albany (6-18) SAG 125; SOS 41 Floyd Central (8-14) SAG 134; SOS 40 The Stars of Bedford North Lawrence will be transitioning these next couple of seasons from a team who relied on their size, to a team with outstanding guard play. 2019 Indiana Miss Basketball Jorie Allen (19.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.3 apg) has left, and classmates Jacy Hughes (7.0 ppg, 3.8 apg), Allie Fugate (3.0 ppg), Katie Fisher, Sylvia Woods, and Abby Riley are gone as well. That leaves a few voids to fill this season. 6’2 Senior post Madison Webb (9.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg) returns with a wealth of experience, and 6’4 Senior post Peyton Sweet should be ready to back her up and contribute as well. After those two, the team gets much smaller. Junior wing Chloe McKnight (9.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.0 apg) is a deft shooter who has played Varsity since her Freshman year. Junior wing Irye Gomez (3.6 ppg) is an athlete who has really worked on her skillset and should be much-improved this year. Senior guard Gracie Crulo-Rood and Junior guard Jenna Louden return at least some experience to the backcourt. Up front, Junior Makena Moore and Junior Haley Deckard look to contribute more this season. The arrival of pass-first Freshman point guard Karsyn Norman should really help, though, as the Stars finally have someone who can make this offense click. For as much as I like Bedford and what they have brewing, I think Jeffersonville very well could be the team to beat in Sectional #15. They have a mixture of everything, but they also return one of the state’s best players in Senior forward Nan Garcia (19.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg), a Penn State University commit. Nan doesn’t get the attention she deserves, probably because of location, because if she were at a MIC school in Indy, you’d hear about her all the time. The Red Devils have more weapons, though, starting with Senior wing Kiersten Poor (8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg), who had a fantastic Summer. Poor is committed to Grace College. Junior wing Alexis Gibson (6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) could really improve her numbers this year, as could dynamic Senior point guard Kelsie James (4.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.1 spg), an Indiana University-Kokomo commit. Those four will need several less-experienced players to step up and help them this year to make a deep tournament run. Freshmen Cadence Singleton, Sophia Reese, and Tatum McFarland look to contribute immediately. Junior post Aija Estes and Junior guard Lauren Gillenwater should round out the core rotation. Jeffersonville graduated Tori Handley (8.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.0 apg), plus twins Jasmine & Jade Lilly. With their top two scorers graduating, Seymour will need to find some newcomers to help keep them above the .500 mark this season. Gone are Makenna Fee (11.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.0 apg), Ashton Chase (12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.1 apg), and Megan Ritz (3.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg). The Owls will now turn to Junior forward Grace Meyer (11.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg) to lead the way. Senior guard Aidan Hiester (5.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.0 apg), Sophomore forward Grace Schrader (3.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg), and Junior guard Alyssa Perry all saw rotation minutes last season. Stepping up this season could be Sophomore guard Eliza Cash, or Freshmen Brooke Trinkle & Cali Cummings might get an opportunity as well. Either way, there will be some new pieces learning the Varsity game on the fly. Jennings County would like to continue winning like last season, but with four of their top six scorers graduating, it could prove to be difficult. Gone via the diploma are Callie Wilder (12.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.8 apg), Kylee Matern (11.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Madi Skinner (5.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.1 apg), Alana Daeger (4.4 ppg in 11 games), and Tyla Roberts. What is good for the Panthers is they return their leading scorer, Junior guard Addyson Kent (12.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.7 apg). Kent is a sharpshooter whose numbers should continue to improve. Sophomore forward Lily Ernstes (7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) saw quality minutes last season and should become the #2 to Kent. Junior forward Kenna Maschino (2.1 rpg) was a part of the rotation as well. I’d anticipate Freshmen Lindsey Millspaugh and Megan Vogel seeing the floor early this season as well. New Albany seems to be transitioning into a youth movement, with several younger players having seen the floor last season, plus more entering the fold this year. Sophomore guards Maleea Roland and Taylor Treat are talented youngsters who continue to learn and grow. There are also any number of Freshmen on hand who will likely get their chance to step up and contribute. The lone Senior in the backcourt is Mya Jackson, and she is in her third year of Varsity action. Up front, Junior forward Layne Burke is a hard-working, athletic forward who can play inside-out. The Bulldogs also got a big transfer in 6’2 Senior post Naria Reed. Reed is originally a Jeffersonville native, but she had attended school at Louisville Ballard the last three years. Floyd Central will attempt to reach ten wins for the first time since the 2016-2017 season, but they must do so without graduates Grace Hale, a 6’2 post, plus Sophia Gianfagna and Kara Jermont. Also, wing Lindsey Dorsch, who led them in scoring last year, decided not to return for her Senior year. The Highlanders do return Senior point guard Kalissa Fosskuhl, and she has been a fixture in the lineup since her Freshman year. Sophomore guard Keegan Kaiser also returns, so their backcourt remains intact. Junior wing Grace Suer started some last year as well. Junior guard Sophie Gasaway and Sophomore wing Kendall Brown look for more of an opportunity this season. Additionally, Freshmen Callie Jo Celichowski and Mandy Hess could earn immediate playing time. Celichowski is the daughter of 1992 Indiana All-Star Missy Taylor.   Sectional #16 Castle (23-5) SAG 15; SOS 69 Evansville North (13-12) SAG 99; SOS 82 Jasper (15-8) SAG 105; SOS 106 Evansville F.J. Reitz (3-19) SAG 289; SOS 163 Evansville Harrison (3-16) SAG 291; SOS 134 Evansville Central (3-18) SAG 314; SOS 117 With a 46-6 record the last two seasons, Castle has been a dominant force in Southwestern Indiana. This year, however, Evansville North and Jasper could push the Knights for the Sectional #16 title. Castle is likely still a slight favorite, especially with Sophomore wing Natalie Niehaus (12.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.3 spg) leading the way. But the Knights did graduate Jessica Nunge (16.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.1 spg), Hannah Hood (11.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg), McKenna Tutt (3.9 ppg), Kial Mitchell (3.0 ppg), Paige Hopkins (2.1 ppg), and Mikele Niehaus (2.1 rpg). There are still a couple of girls on hand with quality Varsity experience. Senior guard Josie Freeman (7.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.9 apg) is a nice athlete. Senior wing Carly Harpenau (4.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.3 spg) is incredibly active and versatile. And Senior forward Allison Willis (2.8 ppg) helps up front. From there, the Knights will rely on newcomers to fill out the rest of the roster, and there is little to no experience provided by each of them. Guard Keira Moore, wing Megan Kain, point guard Kyrisha Hay-Swope, and forward Mariah Martinez form a nice Sophomore group that should help immediately. Freshman point guard Devyn Barton could also be in line for a role early this season. I would think Evansville North would be a primary challenger to Castle’s reign. The Huskies return all but graduate Arieonna Garrett (7.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and Junior guard Lindsay Johnson (5.2 ppg). Senior wing Kenna Hisle (14.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2 apg) is the primary catalyst for North. Senior wing Gabby Joyner (7.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.7 spg) should make a much bigger impact this year, after looking strong all offseason. Senior guard Maddie Haynes (4.6 ppg, 2.0 apg), Sophomore wing Kaylee Martin (4.5 ppg), and Sophomore front-liner Kaliah Neighbors (3.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg) all saw significant minutes last time around. Martin and Neighbors should play much bigger roles in the Huskies’ success this season. Also look for Freshman post Jalyn Shelby, Sophomore athlete Malaya Mattingly, and Sophomore guard Caelynn Christian to see time in the rotation this year. Jasper is the other team I think could legitimately stake claim to the Sectional #16 crown. While leading scorer Kortney Ruhe (12.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.3 apg) and Rachel Gress (3.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg) did graduate, the Wildcats return everyone else. Senior wing Claire Knies (9.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.4 apg) is a nice, do-everything talent who has committed to Division-I Bellarmine University. Senior point guard Brooke Nottingham (10.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.3 apg) is rather under-appreciated, and she at times can be the pulse of this team with her extreme hustle. Senior forward Reagan Egbert (8.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and Senior wing Meredith Hilgefort (5.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.4 spg) rounded out the starting lineup last year, until Hilgefort missed all of January. Junior forward Emma Shelton (3.7 ppg) is primed for a much bigger year, plus Senior post Riley Merder (2.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Senior point guard Lexie Jerger, and Senior guard Isabelle Blazey all saw the court regularly last season. Evansville Reitz should be somewhat improved, as they return their top three scorers from a season ago. Back are Junior post Catie Shane (9.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg), Sophomore gaurd Alyssa Haynes (4.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg), and Senior guard Mackenzie Groben (4.4 ppg). If Sophomore wing Carlee Effinger (3.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Senior post Jada Compton (2.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg), and Junior forward Lily Beyers (2.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg) can give them just a little more output this year, they could double their wins. Evansville Harrison is in a similar position as Reitz, but Harrison graduated six of their eight rotation players, including leading scorers Jaya Hedgepeth (12.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg) and Madison Beck (9.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.1 spg). If the Warriors are to be more successful, Senior guard Jada Morgan (8.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.1 spg) and Sophomore guard Naijana Collins (3.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg) must each step up their game significantly. Evansville Central had a rough year, but they’ve typically had talent and been successful. I can certainly see them approaching double-digit wins once again, and it all starts with Junior post Amaya Thomas (11.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg). She is tough-nosed and a tremendously hard worker, but her teammates must feed her and feed her often for the Bears to win games this season. It would also help if Senior guard Leslie Morton (4.3 ppg), Sophomore forward Mya Johnson (2.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg), and Senior guard Josie Jones (2.6 ppg) could give them just a little bit more this year. Seniors Alison Willman & Faith Frank, and Sophomore Lauren Nalley, all guards, look to be more involved as well this season.   Feature image is of Nan Garcia of Jeffersonville High School. Image is courtesy of her own Twitter account.