Regional Preview: Class 3A

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 3A Regionals. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>JIMTOWN REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>NorthWood (24-3)</strong>; Sagarin 32 (#6 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 69 <strong>Mishawaka Marian (22-5)</strong>; Sagarin 41 (#10 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 113 <strong>Knox (24-1)</strong>; Sagarin 56 (#15 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 172 <strong>Gary Lighthouse CPA (16-7)</strong>; Sagarin 201 (#58 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 371 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Mishawaka Marian vs. NorthWood These two teams are reasonably close in proximity, and they in fact played as recently as January 21, with Marian winning, 53-45. NorthWood has a little bit more size and better true interior play, while Marian has a tremendous backcourt and looks to score it a lot from the perimeter. I think this game could come down to foul trouble, rebounding, and maybe a last possession. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Knox vs. Gary Lighthouse CPA Knox has to be playing the "no respect" card right now. After starting the season with 20 straight wins, they are nowhere to be found in the ICGSA's end-of-season poll. They have a heady Freshman point guard, size inside, and good wing shooters. Lighthouse might be counted out before they step on the floor, but they have three talented, athletic wings who can all score the ball. If Knox can handle pressure and take care of the ball, this is theirs. Otherwise, Lighthouse can pull the upset here. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Mishawaka Marian 52, Knox 46 You can very easily substitute NorthWood for Marian in this game, because I think the first semi-final game will be incredibly close. I went with Marian due to guard play, and while they might not run away with the game against Knox, I do think they'll build a small cushion early and maintain it throughout the contest. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/christina-himelick/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/christina-himelick/">Christina Himelick</a></a>, 2020, Mishawaka Marian H.S. Christina has a reputation as a high-motor post, but she is much more than that. This season she has put together some explosive offensive games, and Friday in the Sectional Semi-Final, she posted a double-double, scoring 20 points, and smoothly knocking down a trio of 3-pointers. She will need to be at the top of her game against NorthWood's dynamic duo inside of <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kate-rulli/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kate-rulli/">Kate Rulli</a></a></strong> (2020) and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddy-payne/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddy-payne/">Maddy Payne</a></a></strong> (2020). <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Jimtown Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kate-rulli/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kate-rulli/">Kate Rulli</a></a>, 2020, NorthWood <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddy-payne/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddy-payne/">Maddy Payne</a></a>, 2020, NorthWood <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alea-minnich/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alea-minnich/">Alea Minnich</a></a>, 2021, NorthWood <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nevaeh-foster/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nevaeh-foster/">Nevaeh Foster</a></a>, 2023, Mishawaka Marian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/christina-himelick/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/christina-himelick/">Christina Himelick</a></a>, 2020, Mishawaka Marian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenzie-hudgen/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenzie-hudgen/">McKenzie Hudgen</a></a>, 2021, Mishawaka Marian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/remi-jordan/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/remi-jordan/">Remi Jordan</a></a>, 2021, Knox Felicity Olejniczak, 2021, Knox <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/riley-messer/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/riley-messer/">Riley Messer</a></a>, 2023, Knox <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/trinity-barnes/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/trinity-barnes/">Trinity Barnes</a></a>, 2022, Gary Lighthouse CPA <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/prentciss-gates/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/prentciss-gates/">Prentciss Gates</a></a>, 2021, Gary Lighthouse CPA <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/iatia-poston/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/iatia-poston/">Iatia Poston</a></a>, 2022, Gary Lighthouse CPA &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>BELLMONT REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Benton Central (24-3)</strong>; Sagarin 25 (#4 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 173 <strong>Norwell (21-4)</strong>; Sagarin 38 (#8 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 70 <strong>Winchester Community (23-3)</strong>; Sagarin 42 (#11 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 188 <strong>Garrett (16-8)</strong>; Sagarin 124 (#40 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 185 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Norwell vs. Winchester Community Winchester, despite graduating a couple of starters, transitioned into Class 3A without so much as a hiccup. They then navigated through their new Sectional without pause. Now comes the real test, as Norwell is a true "system" team where everyone knows how to play, and they all fulfill a role and perform it at a high level. Norwell will need to continue making shots, because Winchester is still talented, but I think Norwell will edge out the Golden Falcons in a close one. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Benton Central vs. Garrett Garrett has been a really nice story in Northeast Indiana. After narrowly escaping Woodlan in the Sectional Semi-Final, they upset conference rival and highly ranked Angola. They are also playing several Sophomores and a Freshman a lot of minutes. Benton Central made an appearance in last year's Class 3A State Finals, but they did so through the South bracket. This year they return nearly everyone, and they are just as skilled, talented, and disciplined. I look for their postseason experience to take control of this game. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Benton Central 53, Norwell 52 This will be a true battle of the programs that will come down to late-game execution. Both teams are known for their zone defenses, both teams are very well-coached, and both teams have solid basketball players who understand how to play. It may not be the most thrilling game for the casual fan, but it should be a coach's delight to watch. Strategy, effort, and communication will be huge in this one. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/audrey-strawsma/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/audrey-strawsma/">Audrey Strawsma</a></a>, 2020, Benton Central H.S. Audrey was a monster last season throughout the state tournament, and she's someone who will be difficult for the other three teams in this field to defend. She is a little undersized as a back-to-the-basket kid, but she has strength, bounce, and an incredible motor. She also has a nice mid-post game, and if the rest of the Lady Bison can get her the ball in good spots, she could have a 25--point, 15-rebound game at any time. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Bellmont Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/audrey-strawsma/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/audrey-strawsma/">Audrey Strawsma</a></a>, 2020, Benton Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kelsey-coffman/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kelsey-coffman/">Kelsey Coffman</a></a>, 2020, Benton Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tressa-senesac/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tressa-senesac/">Tressa Senesac</a></a>, 2022, Benton Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/breann-barger/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/breann-barger/">Breann Barger</a></a>, 2020, Norwell <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maiah-shelton/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maiah-shelton/">Maiah Shelton</a></a>, 2021, Norwell <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaylee-fuelling/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaylee-fuelling/">Kaylee Fuelling</a></a>, 2021, Norwell Lauren Bales, 2021, Norwell <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madeline-lawrence/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madeline-lawrence/">Madeline Lawrence</a></a>, 2020, Winchester Community <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/becca-chamberlin/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/becca-chamberlin/">Becca Chamberlin</a></a>, 2020, Winchester Community <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/caitlyn-campbell/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/caitlyn-campbell/">Caitlyn Campbell</a></a>, 2023, Winchester Community <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-kelham/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-kelham/">Bailey Kelham</a></a>, 2023, Garrett <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nataley-armstrong/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nataley-armstrong/">Nataley Armstrong</a></a>, 2022, Garrett Morgan Ostrowski, 2022, Garrett Faith Owen, 2022, Garrett &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>GREENCASTLE REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Heritage Christian (18-7)</strong>; Sagarin 34 (#7 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 29 <strong>Brownstown Central (24-3)</strong>; Sagarin 39 (#9 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 78 <strong>Danville Community (20-5)</strong>; Sagarin 48 (#12 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 77 <strong>Cardinal Ritter (16-9)</strong>; Sagarin 117 (#39 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 120 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Cardinal Ritter vs. Brownstown Central On paper, Cardinal Ritter looks like a major underdog in this Regional field. However, they are mostly Juniors and Seniors, and they have big-game experience. They have skill, they have talent, and they have the potential to beat anyone they'll see Saturday. Brownstown has quietly become one of the best programs in Southern Indiana over the years, and other teams in this Regional should be fearful of facing them, especially considering they won't know much about them other than what they see on film. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Heritage Christian vs. Danville Community Heritage Christian plays an incredibly tough schedule, so don't let their seven losses fool you. They have a backcourt that includes three Division-I prospects, and a frontcourt with multiple girls 6-0 and taller who play with energy, rebound, and finish around the basket. Danville is very different stylistically. They have an elite shooter/scorer in <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ella-collier/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ella-collier/">Ella Collier</a></a></strong> (2020), with several versatile guards and wings around her. I would think Heritage Christian will want to speed this game up, while Danville will want to slow it down and execute. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Brownstown Central 46, Heritage Christian 43 I honestly think this game is a coin-flip that can go either direction. If Heritage Christian can make shots and value possessions, they have an advantage. But Brownstown's ability to execute and play disciplined defense could really slow Heritage Christian down, and they don't really enjoy playing a half-court game. I like Heritage Christian, but look for Brownstown to possibly control tempo and win this one. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddie-patterson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddie-patterson/">Maddie Patterson</a></a>, 2021, Danville Community H.S. If Danville is going to knock off Heritage Christian and potentially win this Regional, it's going to take more than <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ella-collier/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ella-collier/">Ella Collier</a></a></strong> (2020). Maddie has the opportunity to step up as that #2 kid for the Warriors. She has a wiry strong, athletic frame, she has skill in the mid-post and around the perimeter, and she plays with a good motor. If she can take care of the ball, make the open shots the defense gives her, and be really good at the defensive end of the floor, Danville can advance. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Greencastle Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ariana-wiggins/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ariana-wiggins/">Ariana Wiggins</a></a>, 2021, Heritage Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-watkins/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-watkins/">Sydney Watkins</a></a>, 2020, Heritage Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tyranny-brown/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tyranny-brown/">Tyranny Brown</a></a>, 2021, Heritage Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-lee/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-lee/">Courtney Lee</a></a>, 2021, Heritage Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katherine-benter/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katherine-benter/">Katherine Benter</a></a>, 2021, Brownstown Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ashley-schroer/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ashley-schroer/">Ashley Schroer</a></a>, 2020, Brownstown Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/halle-hehman/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/halle-hehman/">Halle Hehman</a></a>, 2020, Brownstown Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ella-collier/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ella-collier/">Ella Collier</a></a>, 2020, Danville Community <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddie-patterson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddie-patterson/">Maddie Patterson</a></a>, 2021, Danville Community <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-gould/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-gould/">Chloe Gould</a></a>, 2021, Danville Community <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-litzelman/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-litzelman/">Emma Litzelman</a></a>, 2021, Cardinal Ritter Kelsey Waggoner, 2022, Cardinal Ritter Gabriella Hicks, 2020, Cardinal Ritter Meghan Sandifer, 2020, Cardinal Ritter &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>CHARLESTOWN REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Salem (22-3)</strong>; Sagarin 15 (#1 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 41 <strong>Evansville Memorial (22-3)</strong>; Sagarin 21 (#2 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 65 <strong>Greensburg (23-3)</strong>; Sagarin 23 (#3 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 116 <strong>Washington (21-3)</strong>; Sagarin 51 (#13 in Class 3A); Strength of Schedule 117 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Evansville Memorial vs. Greensburg With the three highest rated teams per Sagarin, this Regional is absolutely loaded, and this first semi-final could be the best game of the bunch. Memorial is as structured as it comes, and while they might not have household names outside of Evansville, they are very good and tough to beat. Greensburg has put together a nice stretch of seasons, and this year they look as strong as ever with solid depth. It's hard to say either team has an advantage, and this one will be about who plays "their" way. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Washington vs. Salem Washington has a nice, young, talented roster that has figured out how to win, and they look like they have a couple of more really successful seasons ahead of them. Salem figured out quickly how to play without their best player, <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/leah-miller/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/leah-miller/">Leah Miller</a></a></strong> (2020), who has missed the entire season due to injury. Salem is very much the veteran, more experienced team, and I think it pays off for them in this Regional matchup. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Salem 48, Evansville Memorial 44 You can just as easily plug Greensburg in for Memorial, but I went with Memorial. I still think Salem matches up well with any of these teams, and the others will have a tougher time matching up with them. The Lions have depth, experience, skill, talent, and size. Even though this is a loaded Regional field, I will be a little surprised if Salem isn't headed to Semi-State. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/melina-wilkison/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/melina-wilkison/">Melina Wilkison</a></a>, 2021, Greensburg H.S. Melina is a pure ball of energy. She is long, quick/fast, and athletic. Offensively, she is always on the attack off the bounce, but she can knock down an open rhythm jumper as well. Defensively, she can take on guards or wings, and she can be an absolute pest at times. I think she'll need to be great for them to get past both Memorial and Salem/Washington. She is capable of putting up points in bunches, but at 5-5 she does so much more, like rebound, turn people over, and distribute to open teammates. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Charlestown Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/karly-sweeney/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/karly-sweeney/">Karly Sweeney</a></a>, 2021, Salem <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lettie-nice/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lettie-nice/">Lettie Nice</a></a>, 2020, Salem <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abigail-ratts/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abigail-ratts/">Abigail Ratts</a></a>, 2022, Salem Hope Tomlinson, 2020, Salem <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ryleigh-anslinger/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ryleigh-anslinger/">Ryleigh Anslinger</a></a>, 2021, Evansville Memorial <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/peyton-murphy/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/peyton-murphy/">Peyton Murphy</a></a>, 2021, Evansville Memorial <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emily-mattingly/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emily-mattingly/">Emily Mattingly</a></a>, 2023, Evansville Memorial <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aliyah-evans/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aliyah-evans/">Aliyah Evans</a></a>, 2020, Greensburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/melina-wilkison/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/melina-wilkison/">Melina Wilkison</a></a>, 2021, Greensburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/micha-morrison/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/micha-morrison/">Micha Morrison</a></a>, 2020, Greensburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-cooney/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-cooney/">Taylor Cooney</a></a>, 2021, Greensburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alaina-thorne/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alaina-thorne/">Alaina Thorne</a></a>, 2022, Washington <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kencia-levasseur/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kencia-levasseur/">Kencia Levasseur</a></a>, 2022, Washington