Class 4A Season Preview: Sectionals #5-#8

The beginning of the high school season was last week, as many of the teams from around the state 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 North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectionals #5 through #8. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis. I will finish previewing the upcoming season throughout the week.   (SAG = Final 2018-2019 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (403 teams); SOS = Final 2018-2019 Strength of Schedule)   Sectional #5 Carroll-Fort Wayne (14-11) SAG 106; SOS 66 Fort Wayne Snider (8-12) SAG 146; SOS 46 Fort Wayne Northrop (13-10) SAG 154; SOS 175 East Noble (4-20) SAG 255; SOS 110 DeKalb (2-20) SAG 282; SOS 121 Fort Wayne North Side (5-17) SAG 301; SOS 162 Last year Sectional #5 was somewhat up for grabs, as most of these schools suffered significant graduation losses in the 2018 class. Carroll ultimately won the Sectional for the third year in a row, and I would contend that they are likely a slight favorite again this season, as they return the core of their production. Senior point guard Olivia Hoeppner, Senior guard Malia Williams, and Junior point guard Emily Parrett form a skilled and experienced backcourt that should be one of the best in the Fort Wayne area. Junior wing Delane Sheets has a nice combination of strength and skill on the perimeter, while Junior front-liner Evy Murphy provides a post presence, and Sophomore forward Jasmine Anderson brings length and athleticism to the frontcourt. Junior post Olivia Lowery is another candidate for rotation minutes, plus look for Freshmen twin forwards Saniya & Nevaeh Jackson to each have an impact at some point this season. Guard Taylor Fordyce is another Freshman who could seize an opportunity early this year. Fort Wayne Snider’s strength a year ago was their backcourt, but now they must replace Da’Leshia Davis (17.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 4.1 spg) and Nyasia Hardy (6.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg), their two primary ball-handlers. Senior wing Payton Gorman (9.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg) does return, and she is a capable perimeter shooter who can go on hot streaks. Sophomore Niesha Anderson (5.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Senior Marqueisha Weeks-Bryant (2.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg), and Junior Nahkai Boone (6.1 ppg) helped solidify the frontcourt last year. 6’1 Sophomore post Olivia McGillicuddy made major strides over the Summer, and she looks to be much more impactful this season. Fort Wayne Northrop played several underclassmen last season, and if anyone can challenge Carroll the most this season, it might just be the Bruins. Leading scorer Treva Datcher (13.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg) did graduate, but not to worry, as there are plenty of other options this year. Juniors Tiauna White (12.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Destiny Jackson (11.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.0 spg, 2.5 bpg) are a pair of athletic forwards who can both play inside or out. Sophomore guards J’Asia Scott (10.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.0 spg) and Amanda Thatcher (3.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg) form an athletic backcourt duo, plus both can handle, score, and defend. Junior guard Jasmine Perry (2.0 rpg) also saw regular minutes a season ago. Any variety of Juniors and Sophomores should be able to help add depth this year, plus there are three Freshmen in the mix for playing time. East Noble is looking to find the consistent success it had just a few years ago. That likely starts with a deep Junior class, as well as a few solid Sophomores. Junior forward Carly Turner (9.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Junior forward Grace Patton (8.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Junior wing Kylie Garton (6.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Junior guard Anna Becker (5.5 ppg), and Junior guard Karly Kirkpatrick (5.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.5 spg) return as the starting lineup. Senior guard Rylee Cripe (2.8 ppg), Junior forward Kayla Desper, and Sophomore wing Kyndal Mynhier provided depth on most nights. They also look to get back Junior guard Avan Beiswanger (6.3 ppg in 2017-2018), after she missed much of the 2018-2019 season. The Knights took their lumps a season ago, but I’d anticipate them approaching ten wins, or possibly even getting over the .500 mark this year. DeKalb hasn’t had a winning season since 2013-2014, and last year they played without 2018 Indiana All-Star Leigha Brown. If there is any good news, it’s that the 2019 graduates didn’t take too much production with them. They are Brooke-Destinee Lockwood (6.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Bethany Kelley (2.6 rpg), and Kyrsten Butler. Junior forward Paige Pettis (7.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg) and Senior guard Addison Ruby (7.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg) do return to lead the Barons this year. Junior forward Morgann Leslie (3.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Senior front-liner Mackenzie Cox, and Senior forward Allyson Stuckey all saw quality minutes last season. Look for Freshmen Maddie Hickman and Lillie Cone to potentially step into big roles immediately. Junior guard Sarah Brown is another newcomer who could have an instant impact in the lineup. Fort Wayne North Side is an extremely scrappy bunch, and they always give good effort. But this year they must replace five graduates, all included in their top six scorers from a season ago. Nya Coleman (13.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.2 spg), Jewel Reuille (6.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.2 apg), Makyla Wilchar (3.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.0 spg), Chae-Lynn Wilchar (2.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg), and Trinity Mitchell (2.5 rpg) all leave via the diploma. That leaves only Senior guard Sumiyha Chambers (7.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2 spg) with significant experience. Sophomore guard Felicia Smith, Senior forward Jasmine Chambers (2.1 rpg), and Junior forward Semiya Reed (2.2 rpg) are the only other returnees who saw the floor last season.   Sectional #6 Homestead (25-4) SAG 6; SOS 21 Fort Wayne South Side (16-8) SAG 40; SOS 49 Columbia City (14-11) SAG 91; SOS 89 Huntington North (7-15) SAG 196; SOS 83 New Haven (3-20) SAG 317; SOS 176 Fort Wayne Wayne (1-20) SAG 360; SOS 139 Homestead remains a power to beat in Northeast Indiana, as they again look like a Top-5 team in the state. 6’3 Sophomore forward Ayanna Patterson (12.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg) headlines a strong group of returnees, as she is a top National prospect and brings excellent athleticism and skill to the floor. Senior forward Sydney Graber (10.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg) had an outstanding grassroots season and should be primed for a huge Senior year. She is committed to Central Michigan University. Senior guard Rylie Parker (7.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg) is a threat as a shooter, and she will attend Purdue University-Fort Wayne next year. Wing Sylare Starks (11.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.5 apg), forward Haley Swing (8.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg), point guard Kara Gealy (4.7 ppg, 3.9 apg), wing Sophia Buck, forward Julia Huey, and posts Bri Lucas & Olivia Seifert all graduated, leaving some holes to fill. There is always talent waiting in the wings for the Spartans, though, so look for the likes of Junior point guard Grace Sullivan, Junior post Amber Austin, and Sophomore forward Maggie Keinsley to get a look early this season. Freshman forward Alison Stephens and Freshman guard Molly Stock might also be in line for playing time from the outset. At times, Fort Wayne South Side has been a thorn in the side of Homestead, and they very well could play that role again this season. The Archers return an experienced and very athletic group, despite graduating Darriyn Hackbarth (7.6 ppg) and T’Laizha Morris (5.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg). The backcourt of Senior point guard Jaci Jones (12.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.8 apg), a University of Detroit Mercy commit, and Sophomore point guard Olivia Smith (11.0 ppg, 2.2 apg), is incredibly quick/fast, tough-nosed, and dynamic. Junior guard Jasney Combs (3.9 ppg) should provide guard depth this season. Up front, Senior forward Alaya Chapman (10.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Junior forward Lamiya Woodson (6.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg), a Youngstown State University recruit, provide an athletic duo to contend with. South Side will need Junior guard Cassidy Connelley (2.4 ppg) and Junior forward Lashay Peterson to step up and provide more depth this time around. Sophomore forward Terra Easley and Freshman guard Justice Billingsley should play roles in the rotation as well. For the second time, Columbia City revisits Class 4A by entering Sectional #6. This year, the Eagles are minus graduates Grace Cotter and Hunter Alles, but they return the majority of their production. Senior guard Olivia Shearer is a deft shooter from the perimeter. Sophomore wing Rebekah Marshall had a solid Freshman year, but she should be in line for a breakout season this time. Senior guards Grace Schrader and Carly Mable should be able to solidify the backcourt and take care of the ball, while forwards Gabby Fry and Brayden Lickey, both Seniors, add frontcourt depth. Junior wing Hayley Urban and Junior forward Madi Woodward also look for spots in the rotation. Huntington North was a tough-nosed team last year, and post Madelyn Robrock (15.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg) was a big part of that, but she has graduated. While there are a few experienced returnees, the Vikings now look for new leadership. That could come from any number of players, beginning with Junior guard Reece Colclesser (5.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Senior forward Megan McDonald (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Sophomore point guard Leah Campbell (3.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.9 apg), and Junior guard Lily Clanin (2.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Junior post Katelynn Arnold and Senior wing Bayleigh Double have both seen the floor at times in the past as well. Freshman guard Taylor Double could be an immediate option as well. New Haven strives for its first winning season in the 2000s, but that will prove difficult, especially with the graduation of RaeShawn Norfleet. Senior guard Dynyah Lee, Senior forward Londyn Lee, Junior guard Savannah Weekly, and Junior forward Olivia Arnos return the most experience. Fort Wayne Wayne is another school trying to find a rhythm as a program, and this year they should at least be somewhat improved. Post Mya Jackson (8.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and guard Quinnia Reese (7.6 ppg) both graduated, but there is reason for excitement for the Generals in 2019-2020. First, Senior post Shiara Alexander (3.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.8 spg, 1.6 bpg), Senior guard Jasmine Mims (2.0 ppg), and Senior post Chanelle Clay (2.3 rpg) return. But an influx of Freshmen talent could make a difference immediately. Point guard Emilia Diaz and 6’1 post Ambrea O’Quinn appear to have star potential. Forward Makayla Johnson, point guard Rayviona Jones, and point guard Aniah Hill should be Varsity regulars from the jump as well. Guard Jada Stewart might also see some action early in her rookie season.   Sectional #7 Northwestern (27-3) SAG 2; SOS 35 West Lafayette Harrison (19-6) SAG 27; SOS 95 Lafayette Jefferson (14-10) SAG 47; SOS 31 Marion (23-5) SAG 50; SOS 85 McCutcheon (16-8) SAG 95; SOS 90 Logansport (10-13) SAG 192; SOS 167 Kokomo (3-20) SAG 266; SOS 73 Sectional #7 has taken on quite the makeover this year. First, Zionsville Community has moved over to Sectional #8. Then, 2018 & 2019 Class 3A State Champion Northwestern has moved up to Class 4A due to their tournament success, plus 2019 Class 3A Northern Semi-State representative Marion has also moved into Class 4A. I really want to say there are three or four legitimate candidates to win Sectional #7 this year, but until someone knocks off Northwestern in a state tournament game, and as long as they have Senior wing Madison Layden (21.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 6.7 apg, 5.1 spg) and Senior front-liner Kendall Bostic (18.7 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.8 bpg), the Tigers are still the team to beat. Not only will they remain relevant after the move to Class 4A, but they will likely be a Top-5 team throughout the entirety of the season. Guard Klair Merrell (7.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.4 apg) and Forward Sarah Heaver (3.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg) return for their Senior seasons as well. Guard Katie Neher (8.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg), plus frontcourt players Allison Miller, Novalei Loer, and Stephanie Burns all graduated, so now new faces must step into prominent roles. Sophomore post Leah Carter had a nice grassroots season and could have an impact right away. Junior guard Jena Loer and Sophomore guard Audrey Koetter could also play early and often. But the most important new piece, however, is likely to be 6’0 Freshman forward McKenna Layden, who possesses a great deal of skill and talent like her sister. She should slide into the lineup seamlessly and help them continue to be a tough offense to stop. West Lafayette Harrison is definitely a team to keep an eye on this season. After a successful 2018-2019 campaign, they return nearly all of their production. Forward Olivia Stansbury (5.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg) will be missed, plus post Kyndel Buchanan (2.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and guard Mary Walter also graduated, however the team’s top four scorers return. Senior guard Sydney Jacobsen (18.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.9 spg) is one of the most skilled guards in the state. She was an Indiana Junior All-Star over the Summer, and she is committed to Division-II power Ashland University. Senior wing Tasi Kukobat (8.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) put together a modest stat-line last year, but she has the ability to post big numbers from game to game. And twin Junior wings Anna (7.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, 3.0 spg) and Emma Henderson (5.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg) are tough-nosed, high-motor producers with nice skillsets. They have already committed to play softball at the University of Iowa. Junior point guard Lexi Fraley (5.0 ppg, 2.0 apg, 2.1 spg), Junior guard Allison Tolen (3.1 ppg), and Junior guard Elliott Lareau (3.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg) played in the rotation last year. Senior front-liners Abigail Pribble and Molly Walker have shined at times during the travel seasons, but they’re still trying to find their niche with the Raiders. Don’t be surprised is Sophomore guard Olivia Lowry gets a shot at rotation minutes as well this season. Marion had a nice run last season, and they will still be a tough out come tournament time. They return one of the most talented players in the 2020 class in 6’6 Senior post RaShaya Kyle (15.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.7 spg, 2.3 bpg), plus the Purdue University commit gets help from Senior guard Ellie Vermillion (8.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.0 spg), who has been a staple in the Giant backcourt over the years. Vermillion recently committed to Indiana Wesleyan University. But Marion did graduate some other significant pieces, and they are surrounding those two with a mostly inexperienced roster. 6’1 forward Jazmyn Turner (17.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.8 spg) will be a huge loss statistically, but she was great because when teams honed in on Kyle, she could help ease that pressure. Ayanna Harvey (7.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and Markeisha Jackson (2.6 ppg, 2.4 apg), both starters, also graduated. That leaves just Junior wing Olivia Aguilar (3.6 ppg) with any major Varsity experience. This year Junior forward Ashanti Cardine, Sophomore guard Shalay Jeffries, Senior guard Kaliyah Jones, Junior guard Zariyha Hahn, and Freshman guard Culeeya Jones all look to step up. The last couple of seasons, Lafayette Jefferson has been one of the better teams in Sectional #7, but now their roster is in flux. Guards Nykela Haskins (10.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.1 spg) and Brandi Norton (9.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg) both graduated, after being regulars in the lineup during their careers. Sophomore point guard Teresa Maggio (13.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.3 apg, 4.5 spg) transferred to McCutcheon. Senior post Kiara Lewis (16.8 ppg, 8.9) suffered an injury setback in the Spring, and she chose not to play this season. Then Senior point guard Kyrstin Green (10.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.9 apg, 2.8 spg) transferred to a school in Louisiana. Now Senior wing Ashlynn McTagertt (5.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg) is thrust into a leadership role. Senior guard Emma Mitchell, Senior forward Skylar Sumrall, and Junior guard Sanaa Cartledge return some experience, but collectively not much production. The addition of Sophomore point guard Teresa Maggio (13.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.3 apg, 4.5 spg) quickly helps McCutcheon become that much more competitive. After graduating Olivia Dowden (17.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.2 spg), Trinity Berning (7.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.1 spg), Maddie Rooze (3.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg), and Wynne Swick, there were going to be some roles to fill regardless. Junior guard Daylynn Thornton (8.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg) should be a nice compliment to Maggio in the backcourt. Junior forward Heather Johnson (5.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg) should increase her numbers in the frontcourt. Senior wing Bailey Burton (5.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Senior post Kaylee Little (2.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg) will add size and skill up front. Freshman Caitlyn Miller might also carve out a role early this season. Last season, Logansport won their most games since the 2013-2014 season when Whitney Jennings was Miss Basketball. Things are looking up, but the graduation losses of Taru Kurunsaari (13.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.2 apg), Taylor Pasquale (12.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.0 apg), and Yilian Rodriguez (3.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg) will certainly be tough to replace. Additionally, Senior point guard Elle Deardorff (15.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.2 spg) suffered a knee injury over the Summer, so her availability and when she’ll be back to full capacity are in question to begin the season. That leaves Senior posts Emilee Cripe (5.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and Teeny Brown (3.0 rpg) as the most experienced players on the roster to begin the season. They’ll need others to step up quickly, and Junior guard Malia Roberts (2.2 ppg) could be at the top of that list. As for Kokomo, they are under new leadership for the fifth time in seven seasons. The Wildkats lost talented Senior guard Tionna Brown (11.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.8 spg in 10 games) midseason last year when she moved to Fort Wayne, and forward Adria Hartley (15.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg) graduated, otherwise most of the rest of the team was eligible to return this year. Sophomore guard Chloe McClain (8.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg) could develop into a star for the Wildkats. Junior wing Sanighia Balantine (3.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg) also contributed regularly. Sophomore forward Jada Claire Broomfield (2.2) also played regular minutes a season ago. 6’0 Freshman post Nande Geyton is an intriguing newcomer who might see the floor at some point this season.   Sectional #8 Hamilton Southeastern (27-1) SAG 1; SOS 8 Carmel (14-11) SAG 10; SOS 2 Zionsville Community (18-9) SAG 16; SOS 11 Fishers (15-10) SAG 19; SOS 13 Westfield (15-8) SAG 41; SOS 22 Noblesville (9-14) SAG 62; SOS 14 Sectional #8 is consistently one of the best, if not the best, Sectionals in the entire state each year. It might have even improved with the addition of Zionsville Community, as Anderson has moved to Sectional #9. Hamilton Southeastern is where to start, as they are the defending State Champions in Class 4A. And where better to start than all-everything Senior wing Sydney Parrish (21.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.5 apg). The University of Oregon commit is looking for back-to-back State Titles, though it will be the first time in her career she has played without graduates Amaya Hamilton (11.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), Malea Jackson (9.6 ppg), Tayah Irvin (4.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg), and Molly Walton (3.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg). Hamilton was a 2019 Indiana All-Star. One starter who does return is Senior guard Jackie Maulucci (7.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and I think she is ready for a breakout year. After Parrish and Maulucci, the Royals aren’t lacking talent. They have a number of college prospects who have waited for their chance to play bigger roles. Junior wing Lydia Self (3.8 rpg) is a very good perimeter shooter who can be a real threat for them this year. Senior wing Bailee Poore is a tough-nosed kid who is a willing rebounder & defender. Sophomore guard Mikayla Hinshaw is a really nice athlete who prides herself at the defensive end of the floor. Senior Lauren Morris and Sophomore Ryan Viele are a pair of talented guards who finally get their opportunity to shine. Freshmen Olivia Brown and Riley Makalusky should also get some playing time early this season. The Royals might take a loss or two early in the season on their tough schedule, but I’d anticipate them being around come Sectional time ready to advance deep in the tournament once again. I think Carmel could be the real surprise here in Sectional #8, and not because they weren’t good a year ago. I think people look at their 14-11 record and assume it was a down year without considering the number of inexperienced kids they played against a tough schedule. Reagan Hune (11.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Macy Berglund (9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Mackenzie Wood (7.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg), and Sophie Bair (2.6 apg) did graduate, but there is a lot left in the cupboard. 6’0 Sophomore wing Kate Clarke (8.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg) had a solid Freshman campaign, considering she was hounded most nights by opposing defenses. She has improved tremendously in the offseason and will be scary for opponents this year. 6’2 Junior forward Bridget Dunn (9.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg) is highly skilled and showed flashes of great play last year. Senior point guard Kiara Gill (2.9 ppg, 2.0 apg) started some last season, and she is a tremendous athlete with a knack for defense. Junior forward Riley Pennington (2.1 ppg), Senior guard Gracie Collins, Junior point guard Brooklynn Edwards, and Senior forward Breanna Bolles all saw the floor a little last season as well. One player reportedly not returning is Junior forward Tally Seitz (3.6 ppg). However, Freshman wing Hannah Lach is a talented youngster who will get minutes, plus I’m curious to see how Senior guard Fatima Valiente and Sophomore guard Lara Valiente fit in this season. The sisters moved here from Spain and are talented players, but they are still adjusting to their new surroundings. Zionsville Community has had a nice string of seasons recently, but they have a “changing of the guard”, as 2019 Indiana All-Star Maddie Nolan (13.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.4 spg in 5 games), Delaney Richason (11.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.6 apg), Megan Sheridan (9.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Gabby Woodworth (7.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.4 apg), Chloe Wilson, and Lily Bird (2.1 rpg) have all departed via the diploma. Senior guard Kaiti Huber (6.6 ppg) has reportedly not returned after starting much of last season. That’s not to say they don’t have talent returning, but there will be several new faces in the lineup. Junior forward Katey Richason (13.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.7 apg) actually led the Eagles in both scoring & rebounding last season. She recently committed to Miami University in Ohio. Senior guard Imani Thomas (4.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg) has played good minutes, while Senior guard Aalia Carlson (3.7 ppg in 13 games) saw some opportunity after moving in from the East Coast. The shift now turns to newcomers, and 6’0 Freshman forward Laila Hull has star potential written all over her. Sophomore guards Marissa Urbanek, Alyssa McCarthy, and Gabby Gay, Junior wing Katie Wright, and Sophomore forwards Mya Childress & Erica Bostwick will all battle for regular playing time this season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Freshman front-liner Mallory Heerdt at some point either. The Fishers Tigers could be a big-time wildcard in this Sectional as well. They return a deep group of perimeter players and add a pair of nice Freshmen to their backcourt. Junior guard Katie Burton (13.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg) is back and primed for a huge season statistically. Senior wing Tamia Perryman (9.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.6 apg) continues to improve each season, and she had an outstanding Summer. She has committed to Marian University. Junior point guard Audra Emmerson (6.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg) does a nice job balancing scoring and distributing, and she plays much bigger than she is. And Senior wing Kaitlynn Feagan (2.9 ppg) also returns to add depth. But there is much excitement with the arrival of Freshmen twins Hailey & Olivia Smith. The two are strong for their age, skilled, tough-nosed, and always on attack. They help make this one of the best backcourts in the state. Up front, Senior post Lydia Stullken (4.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg) protects the paint. She is committed to Division-III power DePauw University. Really the only thing lost were graduates Skylar Fulton (8.0 ppg) and Cierra Tolbert (2.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Westfield continues to build back up to the power it was just a few years ago, and they combine youthful talent with experienced upperclassmen. The Shamrocks did graduate Jade Shipley (8.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.8 apg), Zoe Pentecost (2.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg), and Regan Dimond, but there are a lot of ballplayers left. Sophomore forward Alyssa Crockett (10.7 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.7 apg) has good size, skill, and ability. She could take another step towards Westfield stardom this season. Senior forward Ava Henson (7.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg) has always been a high-motor “glue” kid who does whatever it takes to win. Junior front-liner Gigi Eldredge (6.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg) was primed for a big year but suffered an injury in July and is questionable for the season. Senior guard Ashtin DeCraene (5.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg) had a nice Summer and is improved. From there, there are a lot of unknowns. Sophomore forward Madi Kerrigan should carve out a much bigger role, and Junior guard Jessica Castor saw the floor some last year and will likely be depended on much more this season. Sophomore guards Olivia Robey and Chesney Tebbe are also waiting for their shot. Last year was the first time Noblesville finished under .500 since the 2011-2012 season, so they are looking to improve behind a mostly experienced lineup. The Millers did graduate Mallory Johnson (14.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.2 apg) and Maddie Knight (14.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg), their two leading scorers. But Freshman guard Ashlynn Shade could be more impactful than either of them in her rookie season, and she should put up star quality numbers all year. Junior forward Emily Wood (4.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Senior forward Anna Kiser (2.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg), and Senior post Devon Ray help form a capable frontline that should be solid on the boards. Senior guard Abby Haley (3.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.4 apg) and Junior guard Mallory Miller (3.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg) return experience to the backcourt. From there, several newcomers look to fill roles and add depth. A number of other Freshmen could see the floor, most notably forward Dani Mendez and guard Brooklyn Ely. 6’3 Freshman post Brooklyn Smitherman is another intriguing youngster who should improve over the years.   Feature image is of Sydney Parrish of Hamilton Southeastern High School. Image is courtesy of hseroyalsathletics.com.