Sectional Preview: Class 1A North
Sunday evening, teams from all over the state gathered to watch the annual state tournament pairings show on the IHSAA TV Network. While they watched online, they were able to see who they are matched up with for their opening…
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Continue ReadingSunday evening, teams from all over the state gathered to watch the annual state tournament pairings show on the IHSAA TV Network. While they watched online, they were able to see who they are matched up with for their opening round games, and they were able to view potential opponents for later in the tournament. With the tournament tipping off next Tuesday, I wanted to take the time to preview each Sectional and offer some thoughts on teams and players. Below is a look at Sectionals #49-#56 from Class 1A.
Sectional #49
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Washington Township vs. Covenant Christian (DeMotte)
Covenant Christian (18-4) has had an outstanding season so far, but when the two teams met back in late-November, it was just a 10-point game. Look for this to be a low scoring, single-digit game.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Morgan Township vs. Kouts
Morgan Township is 5-0 versus Sectional opponents, and they defeated Kouts by a dozen points earlier this year, and 33 points just last week. Kouts, however, has had a nice year (16-5), and they have won six of their last seven games. Look for them to be fired up if they make it to the Sectional final.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Morgan Township 49, Kouts 36
I just think Morgan Township has been too good this year against Sectional #49 foes, and I don’t see that changing in the postseason, especially considering Morgan Township is playing host.
X-Factor Player: Olivia Klinger, 2020, Washington Township (Committed to IU-Northwest)
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that guards dominate postseason play. Olivia scores the ball well-enough, and has enough of an “it” factor to her, that she can take over a game and potentially cause an upset or two.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #49:
Sahara Bee, 2020, Morgan Township
Kassie Stanko, 2021, Morgan Township
Emma O’Brien, 2021, Morgan Township
Morgan Kobza, 2020, Kouts
Olivia Klinger, 2020, Washington Township
Mikaela Armstrong, 2021, Washington Township
Skylar Bos, 2023, Covenant Christian (DeMotte)
Hope Zylstra, 2020, Covenant Christian (DeMotte)
Sequoya Turner, 2020, Gary 21st Century
Sectional #50
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Argos Community vs. Triton
Yes, Argos knocked off Triton by 20 points, but that was very early in the season. After a 1-5 start, Triton has posted a 9-7 record since, including winning three of their last four. I anticipate this being a dogfight, plus these two schools are natural backyard rivals.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Oregon-Davis vs. Argos Community
Both of these programs have a strong recent history of girls’ basketball, and I see them doing battle once again for advancement to the Regional. Just a couple of weeks ago, Oregon-Davis dispatched of Argos 55-47, but I think it could be even closer this time around.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Oregon-Davis 58, Argos Community 56 in Overtime
These have been the two best teams in Sectional #50 this season, so playing the odds, I’m going to take them to advance to the championship game. I also think this game will be up and down, but will ultimately take an extra period to determine a champion.
X-Factor Player: Morgan Dunlap, 2020, Argos Community
If Argos is going to pull an upset and knock off Oregon-Davis, it’s going to take Dunlap having a great game. She has had moments in the past where she has taken over games, and she’s capable of doing it once again for the Dragons.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #50:
Mercedes Rhodes, 2021, Oregon-Davis
Katie Sauer, 2020, Oregon-Davis
Jayden Worthington, 2020, Oregon-Davis
Elizabeth Edmonds, 2022, Argos Community
Morgan Dunlap, 2020, Argos Community
Whytnie Miller, 2020, Triton
Morgan Wozniak, 2020, LaCrosse
Madison Shedrow, 2021, Culver Community
Tori Culp, 2021, West Central
Sectional #51
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Elkhart Christian vs. Lakewood Park Christian
These two teams did battle just a couple of weeks back, with LPCA prevailing 39-33. I would anticipate a similar outcome this time around, and possibly even a game that comes down to a final shot.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Fremont vs. Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian
These two teams squared off in early November, and Blackhawk won by one at the end. Fremont began the season 4-7, but they finished it 8-3, including a couple of nice conference wins at the end. I think the winner of this semi-final goes on to win Sectional #51.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Fremont 43, Lakewood Park Christian 34
Like I said above, if Fremont can defeat Blackhawk, I think they have the firepower to win this Sectional. Lakewood Park is a better team than when they lost by 19 to Fremont early in the season, but I think Fremont will just be too much for them in the end.
X-Factor Player: Chloe Jolloff, 2021, Lakewood Park Christian
LPCA is kind of the wildcard in this Sectional as a team. They have a couple of talented guards and the potential to upset anyone. Jolloff continues to get better each time I see her, and I think she has the skill and ability to take over any game in Sectional #51.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #51:
Jada Rhonehouse, 2022, Fremont
Samantha Kuhn, 2020, Fremont
Hailee Kline, 2022, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian
Hallie Vander Dussen, 2020, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian
Chloe Jolloff, 2021, Lakewood Park Christian
Taylor Gerke, 2022, Lakewood Park Christian
Abbey McKibbin, 2020, Elkhart Christian
Mariah Miller, 2020, Bethany Christian
Sectional #52
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: North White vs. Frontier
Frontier hasn’t necessarily had the season it had hoped, but these two teams play tonight in their regular season finale, so both teams will be able to get a sense of one another and make adjustments for next Tuesday night’s game, which should be closer regardless of who turns out to be victorious.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Pioneer vs. North White
Back in mid-December, North White handed Pioneer just its second loss of the season, 37-34. Since then, Pioneer has rattled off 13 straight victories, plus they’ve added possibly their most talented player back to the lineup following an injury. Pioneer will have payback on their mind if both teams see each other in the final.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Pioneer 48, North White 37
Pioneer has found their groove over the second half of the season and is just humming along. I don’t really see anyone in Sectional #52 standing in their way except maybe North White, and with the return of Ashlynn Brooke (2023), I think it will be a difficult task for the Vikings to upset the Panthers again.
X-Factor Player: Ashlynn Brooke, 2023, Pioneer
Ashlynn is a talented prospect who missed the majority of the season after suffering a July 2019 ACL injury. Her return has added a boost to an already potent Pioneer team, and as she continues to round into the player she was pre-injury, look for them to potentially make a deep tournament run.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #52:
Ashlynn Brooke, 2023, Pioneer
Hailey Cripe, 2022, Pioneer
Olivia Brooke, 2021, Pioneer
Olivia Allen, 2021, North White
Abigale Spry, 2023, North White
Lynzi Heimlich, 2022, North White
Emma Blissett, 2022, Frontier
Jordan Clingler, 2021, Caston
Alexxys Standish, 2022, South Newton
Emma Michal, 2020, Tri-County
Sectional #53
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Lakeland Christian vs. Southwood
These two teams have yet to play each other, and both have had sub-.500 seasons so far. While it might not be the most attractive game on the schedule at first glance, it should be a very competitive contest.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: North Miami vs. Northfield
Just two weeks ago, these two teams battled to a 46-45 outcome favoring North Miami. North Miami is led by three Senior perimeter players, while Northfield leans on a host of talented Junior wings. I think the second time around favors Northfield because of their 2019 tournament success and experience.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Northfield 49, Southwood 35
If Northfield can escape North Miami, I think they will gain confidence and be primed to make another deep run in Class 1A. Southwood has a pair of Senior perimeter players who are solid, but the talent Northfield’s Juniors possess is tough to match up with.
X-Factor Player: Kearston Stout, 2021, Northfield
Addi Baker and Emma Hoover have been steady all season long, so you kind of know what you’re going to get. Stout is a wildcard, because she’s skilled, talented, and when she has good games, the Norse typically succeed. If she can score in double-digits throughout the tournament, they can make a nice run again.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #53:
Emma Hoover, 2021, Northfield
Addi Baker, 2021, Northfield
Kearston Stout, 2021, Northfield
Bailey Keim, 2020, North Miami
Hannah Hall, 2020, North Miami
Maryann Freeman, 2020, North Miami
Makenna Pace, 2020, Southwood
Erin Lehner, 2020, Southwood
Tori Calizo, 2020, Lakeland Christian
Jessi Calizo, 2022, Lakeland Christian
Georgia Hanauer, 2021, Southern Wells
Sectional #54
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Attica vs. Clinton Central
Don’t let the records fool you, when these two teams met back in mid-December, Attica frustrated Clinton Central and kept it close, with CC prevailing by a score of 43-36. If Attica can again be the “fly in the ointment”, I think they can give Clinton Central a definite scare.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Clinton Central vs. North Vermillion
These are the only two teams in Sectional #54 with winning records, but they did not play each other at all during the regular season. This could be an even contest, as their Sagarin Ratings and their strength of schedules are eerily similar. It should be a one to two possession game in the end.
Sectional Championship Prediction: North Vermillion 44, Clinton Central 40
When I feel like two teams are this close, I lean towards talent, and I just feel like North Vermillion has the slight edge in that category. If they can get their two high-scoring perimeter players going, the Falcons should be advancing to the Regional round.
X-Factor Player: Jessica Akard, 2020, Clinton Central
Akard is capable of putting together big games, so she can help will them to tough wins. If she plays well, I think they can beat North Vermillion and win the Sectional. If North Vermillion, or really anyone for that matter, shuts her down, it could be a struggle for Clinton Central.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #54:
McKenzie Crowder, 2021, North Vermillion
Rylee Dowers, 2020, North Vermillion
Jessica Akard, 2020, Clinton Central
Kendall Davison, 2022, Clinton Central
Reese Noble, 2020, Covington
Chloe Morris, 2020, Covington
Cece Rice, 2022, Attica
Lily Martin, 2021, Faith Christian
Sydney Argo, 2022, Faith Christian
Maddie Schoenradt, 2022, Faith Christian
Sectional #55
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Liberty Christian vs. Cowan
Cowan won this Sectional a year ago, and Liberty Christian has mustered only five wins this season, but when they played just after Christmas, it was only an 8-point win. Both teams are led by interior players, so it will come down to guard play and who can make shots or take care of the ball.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Daleville vs. Cowan
Last year it was Cowan defeating Daleville for the Sectional Crown, but this season it was Daleville with a convincing 14-point win. In this potential semi-final, look for Cowan to definitely narrow the margin from earlier in January, but it’s probably a coin toss as to who wins this game.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Tri-Central 38, Daleville 37
Tri-Central is playing host, they are the “new kid on the block” in this Sectional, and they haven’t played any of these teams, so no one is familiar with them. I think their past tournament successes will help give them an edge, though Daleville (or Cowan, or APA, or whoever) could give them a run for the title.
X-Factor Player: Madison Stamm, 2020, Anderson Prep (Committed to Manchester)
Anderson Prep might be the most talented team in Sectional #55, but they’ve been streaky and had their ups & downs. Madison is a long, fluidly athletic sharp-shooter, and she can create offense in a hurry. Don’t be surprised to see her get hot, along with Davis and Prewett, and see APA end up winning this Sectional.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #55:
Kenadie Fernung, 2021, Tri-Central
Brittany Temple, 2021, Tri-Central
Heather Pautler, 2021, Daleville
Audrey Voss, 2022, Daleville
Kaylee Kear, 2021, Cowan
Madison Stamm, 2020, Anderson Prep
Tommya Davis, 2020, Anderson Prep
Savannah Prewett, 2020, Anderson Prep
Elena Tufts, 2020, Liberty Christian
Izabella Mitchell, 2020, Wes-Del
Sectional #56
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Randolph Southern vs. Union City
There honestly doesn’t look to be a competitive first round matchup, so I chose this game because I’m curious to see how Union City comes out. They were in the State Finals in 2017, and they have talent, so I’m curious to see if they are on a mission, or if they are feeling their way out, trying to figure it out.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Blue River Valley vs. Tri
These two teams split a regular season pair of games, but it was an odd split. In mid-November, Blue River won at Tri by 13 points, but then in early January, Tri won on a neutral court by 12 points. If there was ever a coin-flip type of matchup, this might be it.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Tri 46, Blue River Valley 41
The trio of Tri, Blue River, and Union City are all playing well right now, but Tri has certainly looked like the more dominant and more improved team on paper. I think it pays off for them, though Union City is hosting, and that could be quite an advantage considering the 45-60 minute drives the other two have to endure.
X-Factor Player: Mackenzie Green, 2020, Union City
Mackenzie isn’t one of Union City’s top scorers, but with such a young roster around her, she’s the seasoned veteran who played in the 2017 State Finals. She is a dangerous perimeter shooter, a feisty little guard, and she’s someone who can disrupt an opponent. She can help Union City win Sectional #56.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #56:
Bailey Parham, 2023, Tri
Averi Phelps, 2021, Tri
Maddie Burchett, 2021, Tri
Ally Madden, 2022, Blue River Valley
Mallory Cross, 2021, Blue River Valley
Skylie Lutz, 2022, Union City
Mariah Claywell, 2022, Union City
Emily Livingston, 2022, Union City
Kalee Hayes, 2020, Randolph Southern
Shelby Jeffers, 2020, Randolph Southern
Honour Ellis, 2023, Union (Modoc)
Danielle Ogden, 2021, Union (Modoc)
Delanie Russell, 2021, Cambridge City Lincoln