Regional Preview: Class 2A

Last Saturday night, 64 teams were crowned 2020 Sectional Champions. While they would probably like to spend a little more time celebrating their achievement, they must get back to work and prepare for the Regional rounds this coming weekend. Each Regional consists of two Semi-Final games in the morning/midday on Saturday, February 15, followed by a Championship Game later that evening. I wanted to take the time to preview each Regional and offer some thoughts on teams and players, so below is a look at the four Class 2A Regionals. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>WINAMAC REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>South Central (Union Mills) (19-7)</strong>; Sagarin 95 (#8 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 240 <strong>Bremen (18-7)</strong>; Sagarin 101 (#11 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 176 <strong>Andrean (15-12)</strong>; Sagarin 139 (#20 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 165 <strong>Adams Central (19-7)</strong>; Sagarin 148 (#21 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 282 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Andrean vs. Bremen This could turn out to be an outstanding matchup. Both teams play hard, are well-coached, and compete with just about everyone they play. I know on paper, analytics suggest Bremen is about a five-point favorite, but I would lean towards Andrean. They have been better in recent postseasons, and I feel like they have a little more depth, but Bremen has <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/erin-coffel/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/erin-coffel/">Erin Coffel</a></a></strong> (2020) who can change games quickly. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> South Central (Union Mills) vs. Adams Central It's interesting that both teams have aeronautical nicknames, as it's the Satellites versus the Flying Jets in this one. However, I think this game will take on a more deliberate pace. South Central has a talented forward in DePauw University commit <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/amber-wolf/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/amber-wolf/">Amber Wolf</a></a></strong> (2020), while Adams Central is led by point guard <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenna-dietsch/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenna-dietsch/">McKenna Dietsch</a></a></strong> (2021). South Central will lean on their depth and postseason experience. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> South Central (Union Mills) 48, Andrean 43 South Central might have just moved up from Class 1A this season, but they should be the better team in this Regional field. They have experience, talented youngsters, and they have played in a lot of big games. Andrean has their share of postseason experience and success recently, but I'm still going to go with South Central in this one. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/erin-coffel/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/erin-coffel/">Erin Coffel</a></a>, 2020, Bremen H.S. Erin is probably the player most likely to erupt for big scoring numbers. She is a really nice athlete, she has had big games in the past, and she'll need repeat performances if the Lions are to advance. But her potential to take over games could vault them into the Semi-State game. It will be a tall task, but she is their best chance to get there. Erin is committed to play softball at the University of Kentucky. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Winamac Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/amber-wolf/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/amber-wolf/">Amber Wolf</a></a>, 2020, South Central (Union Mills) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abigail-tomblin/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abigail-tomblin/">Abigail Tomblin</a></a>, 2022, South Central (Union Mills) Delanie Gale, 2022, South Central (Union Mills) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/erin-coffel/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/erin-coffel/">Erin Coffel</a></a>, 2020, Bremen Ellia Foster, 2022, Bremen Dyamond Blair, 2021, Andrean <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/julia-schutz/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/julia-schutz/">Julia Schutz</a></a>, 2021, Andrean <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tori-allen/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tori-allen/">Tori Allen</a></a>, 2023, Andrean <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenna-dietsch/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenna-dietsch/">McKenna Dietsch</a></a>, 2021, Adams Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/carly-holley/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/carly-holley/">Carly Holley</a></a>, 2020, Adams Central &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>FRANKTON REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Lafayette Central Catholic (19-7)</strong>; Sagarin 119 (#16 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 148 <strong>Frankton (18-7)</strong>; Sagarin 126 (#17 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 217 <strong>Rochester Community (18-7)</strong>; Sagarin 161 (#26 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 258 <strong>Eastbrook (12-13)</strong>; Sagarin 254 (#56 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 287 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Eastbrook vs. Frankton This is a very intriguing matchup, as two Central Indiana Conference rivals match up. Frankton got the better of Eastbrook, 56-24, back in mid-December, plus Frankton is playing at home, but I think this game will be closer than the 32-point margin from earlier this season. Eastbrook is shutting teams down defensively right now, but Frankton is confident as well, and they are more skilled and talented, so I'll lean towards Frankton. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Lafayette Central Catholic vs. Rochester Community Lafayette Central Catholic is a regular in the later postseason rounds, while Rochester has had success, but it has been sporadically spread out over the years. Central Catholic will lean heavily on it's perimeter play, and Rochester is long and tall along the frontline. I think if Central Catholic can take care of the basketball, they have the guard play to control tempo and manage the game however they want. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Frankton 56, Lafayette Central Catholic 51 This one is a really tough decision, and I've already changed my mind twice writing this paragraph. Frankton has a much more balanced roster, though, and a 6-1 post in <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloee-thomas/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloee-thomas/">Chloee Thomas</a></a></strong> (2021) who could be a matchup problem for Central Catholic. I do like Central Catholic's guards, but they are a little less-experienced, and I think it will be tougher for them to carry the load against Frankton. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ava-gardner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ava-gardner/">Ava Gardner</a></a>, 2021, Frankton H.S. Ava has always been a skilled, talented prospect, but her Sectional Semi-Final performance against Monroe Central really helped put her in the spotlight, and it helped the Eagles to a huge win over a top Class 2A program. If she can continue her hot shooting and play with confidence, I think she can be that extra needed weapon to help Frankton win this Regional. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Frankton Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/karsyn-cherry/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/karsyn-cherry/">Karsyn Cherry</a></a>, 2022, Lafayette Central Catholic Caroline Lutz, 2021, Lafayette Central Catholic <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloee-thomas/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloee-thomas/">Chloee Thomas</a></a>, 2021, Frankton <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/addie-gardner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/addie-gardner/">Addie Gardner</a></a>, 2020, Frankton <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lauryn-bates/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lauryn-bates/">Lauryn Bates</a></a>, 2022, Frankton <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ava-gardner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ava-gardner/">Ava Gardner</a></a>, 2021, Frankton Johwen McKim, 2022, Eastbrook Shauna Singer, 2020, Eastbrook Maci Brown, 2020, Rochester Community Kaitlin Rogers, 2021, Rochester Community &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>SOUTHMONT REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Triton Central (24-0)</strong>; Sagarin 8 (#1 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 209 <strong>Shenandoah (23-2)</strong>; Sagarin 91 (#7 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 316 <strong>Covenant Christian (Indianapolis) (17-8)</strong>; Sagarin 99 (#9 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 127 <strong>South Putnam (18-6)</strong>; Sagarin 153 (#23 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 275 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Shenandoah vs. South Putnam Something has been brewing in Middletown the last couple of seasons, but for the first time in a while, Shenandoah didn't have Triton Central in their Sectional. Now, they have a chance to get to the Regional final and take them out there. South Putnam is no slouch, though, and they will put up quite the fight for about three and a half quarters, but I think Shenandoah makes the shots necessary down the stretch to win by about six or seven points. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Triton Central vs. Covenant Christian (Indianapolis) Triton Central has had a fantastic season, and they are likely a 20-point favorite or better in this game. But the one thing Triton Central hasn't done this year is face a lot of adversity. Covenant Christian is the type of team who is talented enough and skilled enough to frustrate Triton Central. The Warriors have had an uneven season, but they are peaking at the right time, and I'm curious to see how Triton Central responds. I still like the Tigers by about 12-15, but I think it will be a dogfight. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Triton Central 58, Shenandoah 47 Once again, Triton Central will be a double-digit favorite, but I think Shenandoah will really bring it. They have seen this opponent in the past, battled them hard, and I think they'll be more than motivated. I think Triton Central's depth and athleticism will take over at some point, but expect this one to be close throughout. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-stamper/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-stamper/">Bailey Stamper</a></a>, 2021, Triton Central Bailey is not on the list of players below, and she's not a top scorer for the Tigers, but she is a unique piece they possess that the other teams could struggle with in this Regional. She is a 6-1 post with a strong frame and a great motor. If she can establish position to collapse defenses, grab key rebounds, and defend the paint while staying out of foul trouble, she could be integral to Triton Central's success this weekend. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Southmont Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maya-chandler/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maya-chandler/">Maya Chandler</a></a>, 2020, Triton Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rylie-stephens/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rylie-stephens/">Rylie Stephens</a></a>, 2020, Triton Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tenleigh-phelps/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tenleigh-phelps/">Tenleigh Phelps</a></a>, 2021, Triton Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-heath/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-heath/">Taylor Heath</a></a>, 2021, Triton Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kathryn-perry/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kathryn-perry/">Kathryn Perry</a></a>, 2021, Shenandoah <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/erikka-hill/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/erikka-hill/">Erikka Hill</a></a>, 2021, Shenandoah <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ilani-williams-harris/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ilani-williams-harris/">Ilani Williams-Harris</a></a>, 2020, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis) Sania Borom, 2020, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bonnie-lew-ludlow/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bonnie-lew-ludlow/">Bonnie Lew Ludlow</a></a>, 2021, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/samara-douglas/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/samara-douglas/">Samara Douglas</a></a>, 2022, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis) Alex Bratcher, 2020, South Putnam <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lexi-vanihel/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lexi-vanihel/">Lexi Vanihel</a></a>, 2020, South Putnam Macie Bumgardner, 2021, South Putnam &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>PAOLI REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Linton-Stockton (21-5)</strong>; Sagarin 50 (#2 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 167 <strong>Eastern (Pekin) (18-8)</strong>; Sagarin 67 (#4 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 114 <strong>Evansville Mater Dei (10-14)</strong>; Sagarin 164 (#37 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 134 <strong>North Decatur (14-11)</strong>; Sagarin 191 (#40 in Class 2A); Strength of Schedule 242 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Evansville Mater Dei vs. Linton-Stockton Mater Dei is sort of the "old reliable" program. They typically return a couple of starters, plug in a couple of nice, "system" players, and seemingly make deep runs year after year. Linton-Stockton is riding the wave of a strong Junior trio who have had nothing but success in their time with the Miners. I think Linton-Stockton is just too talented right now, and while it might be close early, it could end up being a 15 to 18-point margin by the end. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Eastern (Pekin) vs. North Decatur I'm not really sure this game will be much closer, but I'm not going to count North Decatur out just yet. They made a nice run through Sectional #45, and they avenged an early season loss to Southwestern (Hanover). Eastern comes in with a lot of postseason success, and point guard <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabell-claywell/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabell-claywell/">Isabell Claywell</a></a></strong> (2020) was a starter on their 2017 State Championship team. I will take Eastern by about a dozen in this one. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Linton-Stockton 52, Eastern (Pekin) 47 This is definitely a game I would pay to watch. I think Linton-Stockton will want to get up and down the floor a little more, while it would benefit Eastern to control tempo. In the end, I think the Junior trio of <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/vanessa-shafford/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/vanessa-shafford/">Vanessa Shafford</a></a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aubrey-burgess/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aubrey-burgess/">Aubrey Burgess</a></a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/haley-rose/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/haley-rose/">Haley Rose</a></a></strong> will present too many problems for the Musketeers. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mariah-dickerson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mariah-dickerson/">Mariah Dickerson</a></a>, 2021, Evansville Mater Dei If there is a chance of an upset, it's because of Mariah. She is a big, strong, physical post with good feet, soft hands, and the ability to make mid-post jumpers as well. She missed much of last season with an injury, but this year has had some really good moments. If Mater Dei can feed her the ball regularly, and if she can stay out of foul trouble, she could very well average 20+ points and 12+ rebounds, helping Mater Dei to another Regional title. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Paoli Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/vanessa-shafford/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/vanessa-shafford/">Vanessa Shafford</a></a>, 2021, Linton-Stockton <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aubrey-burgess/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aubrey-burgess/">Aubrey Burgess</a></a>, 2021, Linton-Stockton <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/haley-rose/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/haley-rose/">Haley Rose</a></a>, 2021, Linton-Stockton <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabell-claywell/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabell-claywell/">Isabell Claywell</a></a>, 2020, Eastern (Pekin) Lily Crumpton, 2021, Eastern (Pekin) Kendra Sill, 2021, Eastern (Pekin) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mariah-dickerson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mariah-dickerson/">Mariah Dickerson</a></a>, 2021, Evansville Mater Dei <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kennedy-wenger/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kennedy-wenger/">Kennedy Wenger</a></a>, 2022, Evansville Mater Dei Olivia Bohman, 2020, North Decatur Morgan Stanley, 2021, North Decatur