Sectional Preview: Class 1A South

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 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 #57-#64 from Class 1A.   Sectional #57 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Shakamak vs. White River Valley While White River Valley got the better of Shakamak around Christmas (45-18), the two teams played back at the beginning of the season and it was just a 43-40 WRV win. I'll be curious to see if Shakamak can readjust and make this a close contest once again. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Bloomfield vs. North Central (Farmersburg) Bloomfield is 4-0 against the Sectional field, but three of those games have been reasonably close throughout. The game against North Central in early December was just a 68-67 triumph for Bloomfield. Sectional Championship Prediction: North Central (Farmersburg) 59, Bloomfield 55 I am giving the upper hand to North Central. They have been more consistent, whereas Bloomfield has had good stretches and bad. I think what <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylee-shelton/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylee-shelton/">Kylee Shelton</a></a> (2021) has done for Bloomfield this year has been great, but the North Central trio of <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/averi-davidson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/averi-davidson/">Averi Davidson</a></a> (2021), <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jocelyn-cox/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jocelyn-cox/">Jocelyn Cox</a></a> (2021), and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-williams/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-williams/">Courtney Williams</a></a> (2021) could be too much for Bloomfield. X-Factor Player: Gracie Lowry, 2022, Bloomfield <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylee-shelton/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylee-shelton/">Kylee Shelton</a></a> is a known commodity for the Cardinals, so you know she is going to show up each game. Lowry is their second leading scorer, and a double-digit scorer at that. If she can get rolling in the Sectional, Bloomfield could very well take care of North Central (and others) for the 2nd time this season. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #57: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/averi-davidson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/averi-davidson/">Averi Davidson</a></a>, 2021, North Central (Farmersburg) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jocelyn-cox/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jocelyn-cox/">Jocelyn Cox</a></a>, 2021, North Central (Farmersburg) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-williams/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-williams/">Courtney Williams</a></a>, 2021, North Central (Farmersburg) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylee-shelton/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylee-shelton/">Kylee Shelton</a></a>, 2021, Bloomfield Gracie Lowry, 2022, Bloomfield Claire Hostetter, 2020, White River Valley Mattie Thrasher, 2021, White River Valley Jaci Stone, 2022, Shakamak Lauryn Myers, 2021, Clay City Emma Manion, 2021, Eminence   Sectional #58 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Traders Point Christian vs. Metropolitan Yes, both teams are sitting on just four wins for the season, but that's what makes Sectional play that much more intriguing. Someone will get an opening round win here, and this should be a very competitive game. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Indiana School for the Deaf vs. Bethesda Christian Bethesda Christian has had their way with all of these teams this year, and in the past. The Deaf School is the one team who has the talent to potentially match up. The Deaf Hoosiers are built around their size and interior play, while the Patriots lean on two Senior guards. I give the edge to Bethesda Christian. Sectional Championship Prediction: Bethesda Christian 61, Riverside 42 Riverside is playing in its first IHSAA state tournament, and I think they have enough to get to the final, but Bethesda Christian just has too much experience, talent, and skill for the other teams in Sectional #58. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/anya-pothorski/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/anya-pothorski/">Anya Pothorski</a></a>, 2020, Indiana School for the Deaf If the Deaf Hoosiers are to have a chance against Bethesda Christian, Pothorski has to control the paint. At 6-0, she is one of the biggest, most skilled interior players in Sectional #58. If she can create a presence defensively, stay out of foul trouble, dominate the glass, and even score a little, it could go a long way. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #58: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddi-fulks/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddi-fulks/">Maddi Fulks</a></a>, 2020, Bethesda Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-shafer/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-shafer/">Rachel Shafer</a></a>, 2020, Bethesda Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-puent/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-puent/">Hannah Puent</a></a>, 2020, Indiana School for the Deaf <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/anya-pothorski/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/anya-pothorski/">Anya Pothorski</a></a>, 2020, Indiana School for the Deaf Ayriana Clay, 2021, Riverside Terrah Taylor, 2022, Riverside Delaney Moyer, 2020, International School of Indiana Zoey Lewis, 2020, Metropolitan Danisha Austin, 2023, Indiana Math & Science Raegan Smith, 2022, Traders Point Christian Julie Bartels, 2022, Traders Point Christian   Sectional #59 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Indianapolis Lutheran vs. Christel House I realize neither of these teams have won many games, but the other games in this Sectional likely aren't going to be very close. This one actually has a chance to be very competitive and come down to a final possession. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Greenwood Christian vs. Tindley Over the past couple of seasons, this has been a hotly contested matchup. Greenwood Christian has the upper hand this year in terms of experience, talent, and skill, but never count out Tindley's explosiveness. Sectional Championship Prediction: Greenwood Christian 72, Indianapolis Lutheran 37 Greenwood Christian is just way too able this season, and I think they have an opportunity to put together a deep run in the Class 1A state tournament, as long as they stay healthy and avoid any bizarre incidents. X-Factor Player: Aniya Washington, 2021, Tindley Washington is a tough, strong, athletic combo guard who can fill it up at times. If Tindley is going to make a run and eventually knock off Greenwood Christian, Washington has to be the key catalyst and take control of the game at both ends of the floor. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #59: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabella-reed/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabella-reed/">Isabella Reed</a></a>, 2021, Greenwood Christian Ellie Bigelow, 2022, Greenwood Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alexis-mead/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alexis-mead/">Alexis Mead</a></a>, 2020, Greenwood Christian Savannah Frye, 2021, Greenwood Christian Aniya Washington, 2021, Tindley Jayda Shannon, 2022, Tindley Darryn Hood, 2022, Tindley Katelyn Newport, 2021, Indianapolis Lutheran Ali Lance, 2020, Central Christian Asia Van Rhoon, 2021, Central Christian Alexcia Thorpe, 2021, Providence Cristo Rey Brooklynn Justice, 2020, Christel House LaTasha Hatchett, 2021, Victory College Prep   Sectional #60 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Waldron vs. Southwestern (Shelbyville) Southwestern got the better of Waldron during the regular season, 57-34. But that was back in mid-November and Waldron was just finding their footing behind several youngsters. I am curious to see how this will turn out now that everyone has played 20+ games. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Jac-Cen-Del vs. Morristown Jac-Cen-Del is undefeated versus the Sectional #60 field, but Morristown has a history of recent success as well. I still think Jac-Cen-Del has a decided advantage, but I want to see what the Yellow Jackets can come up with to slow them down. Sectional Championship Prediction: Jac-Cen-Del 48, Southwestern (Shelbyville) 40 Jac-Cen-Del is looking to make a deep run in the state tournament, and it all starts here in Sectional #60. If they can stay disciplined, execute, and stick to the plan, they should be the favorite to beat anyone here. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lexi-wilkins/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lexi-wilkins/">Lexi Wilkins</a></a>, 2021, Southwestern (Shelbyville) Wilkins is one of the state's better under-the-radar shooters. She can fill it up, and if she can get hot, she can give Southwestern a chance to beat just about any opponent, including Jac-Cen-Del. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #60: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/paige-ledford/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/paige-ledford/">Paige Ledford</a></a>, 2021, Jac-Cen-Del Annabelle Williams, 2022, Jac-Cen-Del <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lexi-wilkins/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lexi-wilkins/">Lexi Wilkins</a></a>, 2021, Southwestern (Shelbyville) Emma Theobald, 2021, Morristown Rylee Kleine, 2021, Morristown Lauryn Thomas, 2021, Waldron <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-johnson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-johnson/">Katie Johnson</a></a>, 2022, Oldenburg Maddi Wilson, 2021, Rising Sun Baylee Morris, 2021, Rising Sun   Sectional #61 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Borden vs. New Washington When these two teams battled at the beginning of December, New Washington won 50-32. However, both teams are hovering around the .500 mark, and I'm curious to see if Borden has made up any ground in the last two months. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Lanesville vs. New Washington Lanesville has pretty much had their way with the Sectional #61 field this season. However, when these two teams met just before Christmas, it was only a 10-point game. Can New Washington come up with enough of anything to upset a 20-win Lanesville squad? Sectional Championship Prediction: Lanesville 61, New Washington 48 I think Lanesville is just too strong of a team, and they have a ton of experience, even without a big Senior presence. Home court could benefit New Washington, but I don't think it alone will be enough. X-Factor Player: Makynsie Barger, 2020, New Washington If there is one player who can give New Washington a chance at an upset of Lanesville, it's likely Barger. She has led New Washington for a few years now, and she has the ability to have big nights. They'll need her to step up once again. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #61: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/gracie-adams/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/gracie-adams/">Gracie Adams</a></a>, 2021, Lanesville <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/linzie-wernert/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/linzie-wernert/">Linzie Wernert</a></a>, 2023, Lanesville Makynsie Barger, 2020, New Washington Taylor James, 2020, New Washington Mackenzie Krouse, 2020, New Washington Christina Knight, 2022, Borden Brooklyn Lewis, 2021, South Central (Elizabeth) Marie Goodwin, 2020, South Central (Elizabeth) Leah Thompson, 2021, Rock Creek   Sectional #62 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Edinburgh vs. Trinity Lutheran Right off the bat 21-3 Trinity Lutheran draws 17-5 Edinburgh. Trinity Lutheran won by 14 points earlier this season, but that was just after Thanksgiving. Look for Edinburgh to give it everything they have, but I'm not sure it will be enough against Trinity Lutheran's size and versatility. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Trinity Lutheran vs. West Washington West Washington has historically been a solid program, and even earlier this month they gave Trinity Lutheran problems before falling 49-40. This isn't going to be an easy path to a championship for Trinity Lutheran, but I think this game could be key for Trinity Lutheran making a longer run in the tournament. Sectional Championship Prediction: Trinity Lutheran 53, West Washington 46 I do think West Washington will be a tough "out" in Sectional #62, and Trinity Lutheran will have its struggles with them, but in the end Trinity Lutheran is the bigger, more skilled, and more talented opponent, and they should win the crown. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/destiney-ramey/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/destiney-ramey/">Destiney Ramey</a></a>, 2020, Edinburgh Ramey has been an explosive scorer and stat sheet stuffer throughout her career, and Edinburgh will need that if they are to upset Trinity Lutheran in the first round. She is certainly capable, and while she could use some help, she has the tools to make big shots down the stretch in a close game. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #62: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-tabeling/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-tabeling/">Bailey Tabeling</a></a>, 2023, Trinity Lutheran <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-jaynes/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-jaynes/">Sydney Jaynes</a></a>, 2021, Trinity Lutheran <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-sabotin/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-sabotin/">Hannah Sabotin</a></a>, 2020, Trinity Lutheran <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/destiney-ramey/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/destiney-ramey/">Destiney Ramey</a></a>, 2020, Edinburgh Haven Link, 2020, Edinburgh Annelise Lollar, 2021, Edinburgh <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kassidy-keltner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kassidy-keltner/">Kassidy Keltner</a></a>, 2020, West Washington Sara Stice, 2021, West Washington <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rian-russell/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rian-russell/">Rian Russell</a></a>, 2020, West Washington Addy Cole, 2021, Crothersville Makayla Helt, 2020, Crothersville Mariah Cobb, 2023, Medora   Sectional #63 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: North Daviess vs. Loogootee Let's call a spade, a spade...neither of these opening round games look like they'll be all that close, but at least North Daviess has ten wins and can potentially hang with Loogootee for a little while. I have seen top teams struggle for a few minutes adapting to the atmosphere, so if that happens, North Daviess has a chance. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Orleans vs. Barr-Reeve Orleans handled Barr-Reeve 67-48 this season, but that was back in mid-November. Barr-Reeve is a better team than that outcome, so I'm curious to see if they can close the gap significantly, and even pull off an upset. Sectional Championship Prediction: Loogootee 62, Orleans 47 Loogootee is the #2 team in Class 1A for good reason. I do think this game will be closer than the 69-39 regular season advantage, but I still think Loogootee is a much better team and a favorite to advance far. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sheridan-robbins/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sheridan-robbins/">Sheridan Robbins</a></a>, 2021, Orleans Robbins is a do-everything forward who can make shots at all levels, she can rebound, and she can defend multiple positions. Orleans is going to need her to be all of those things if they are going to make the Sectional #63 finale and potentially upset Loogootee. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #63: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kalea-fleming/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kalea-fleming/">Kalea Fleming</a></a>, 2021, Loogootee Brooklyn Jones, 2021, Loogootee <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sheridan-robbins/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sheridan-robbins/">Sheridan Robbins</a></a>, 2021, Orleans Hailee Powell, 2021, Orleans Addison Ainscough, 2021, Barr-Reeve Hayley Beuhler, 2021, North Daviess Maggie Shaw, 2020, Shoals Ally Cline, 2021, Washington Catholic   Sectional #64 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Northeast Dubois vs. Springs Valley Springs Valley has quietly handled their business this year, to the tune of a 17-5 record. Northeast Dubois is a feisty group who can cause problems. When these two teams met in early December, Springs Valley came away a 14-point winner. I look for this second matchup to be much more competitive. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Springs Valley vs. Tecumseh Both of these teams have been really good all season, and I think this is the matchup Sectional #64 fans want to see. Tecumseh won a nine-point contest just a couple of weeks ago, and this should end up being the matchup for the Sectional title. Sectional Championship Prediction: Tecumseh 53, Springs Valley 49 This would definitely be a Sectional final I would pay to see, and I think it will live up to its billing. If Springs Valley plays a near-perfect game and Tecumseh struggles with the atmosphere, I can see those from French Lick pulling the upset. Otherwise, Tecumseh will be your winner here. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jewel-mccormick/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jewel-mccormick/">Jewel McCormick</a></a>, 2020, Springs Valley McCormick has been a dominant force for some time now for Springs Valley. She can control a Class 1A game from inside the paint, and as long as she's able to handle the boards, defend the rim, and stay out of foul trouble, she'll be a problem for all Sectional #64 opponents. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #64: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaybree-oxley/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaybree-oxley/">Kaybree Oxley</a></a>, 2022, Tecumseh <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-holder/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-holder/">Chloe Holder</a></a>, 2020, Tecumseh <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jewel-mccormick/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jewel-mccormick/">Jewel McCormick</a></a>, 2020, Springs Valley Ellison Burton, 2020, Springs Valley <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-frederick/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-frederick/">Madison Frederick</a></a>, 2021, Wood Memorial Peyton Shoultz, 2021, Wood Memorial Hadley Fuhrman, 2022, Northeast Dubois <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendall-hale/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendall-hale/">Kendall Hale</a></a>, 2023, Cannelton