Regional Preview: Class 4A

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 have gotten back to work preparing for the Regional rounds this weekend. Each Regional consists of two Semi-Final games in the morning/midday tomorrow, Saturday, February 15, followed by a Championship Game later in the 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 4A Regionals. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>LAPORTE REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Crown Point (26-0)</strong>; Sagarin 3 (#3 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 48 <strong>Penn (25-2)</strong>; Sagarin 9 (#8 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 32 <strong>LaPorte (18-7)</strong>; Sagarin 59 (#38 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 104 <strong>Munster (22-5)</strong>; Sagarin 86 (#49 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 146 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Crown Point vs. Penn This is a rematch of last year's Regional Final, in which Crown Point won in overtime, 54-47. The Bulldogs also defeated Penn in this year's Hall of Fame Tournament, 49-37. But Penn has two players back who did not participate in December. <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaitlyn-costner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaitlyn-costner/">Kaitlyn Costner</a></a></strong> (2021) gained her eligibility in the Sectional, after transferring in from Elkhart Central, and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jordyn-smith/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jordyn-smith/">Jordyn Smith</a></a></strong> (2021) is back playing after injuring her knee at the beginning of the school year. Both should definitely help Penn narrow the advantage. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Munster vs. LaPorte LaPorte has been up and down throughout the year, but they are now the winners of seven in a row and looking like the hotter team at the moment. Munster began the year winning their first 12 games, then dropped four of the next seven, before finishing the season winning seven of eight. I don't know which way to go here. It's a toss-up for me, because both teams have flaws, but both do some really nice things as well. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Penn 59, LaPorte 44 Both of the first round matchups are coin-flip games for me, and I could very easily see the other two teams in the finale. At the same time, I had to pick someone, so here it is. Penn is a better team top to bottom than LaPorte right now, and I think they will get out to an early lead and control the game throughout. No matter what, though, I think either Penn or Crown Point from the first semi-final are your Regional winners. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaitlyn-costner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaitlyn-costner/">Kaitlyn Costner</a></a>, 2021, Penn H.S. Kaitlyn has not played against Crown Point with this Penn squad the last two seasons. Because of her athleticism and her defensive prowess, I think she could be key in defending a player like Crown Point's <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jessica-carrothers/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jessica-carrothers/">Jessica Carrothers</a></a></strong> (2022). If she can stick to Carrothers and limit her touches/quality shots, I think the Kingsmen have enough offense in their arsenal to outscore the rest of the Bulldogs. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the LaPorte Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jessica-carrothers/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jessica-carrothers/">Jessica Carrothers</a></a>, 2022, Crown Point <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/dash-shaw/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/dash-shaw/">Dash Shaw</a></a>, 2020, Crown Point <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abby-stoddard/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abby-stoddard/">Abby Stoddard</a></a>, 2020, Crown Point <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lilly-stoddard/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lilly-stoddard/">Lilly Stoddard</a></a>, 2022, Crown Point <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/trinity-clinton/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/trinity-clinton/">Trinity Clinton</a></a>, 2021, Penn <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/reganne-pate/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/reganne-pate/">Reganne Pate</a></a>, 2020, Penn <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaitlyn-costner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaitlyn-costner/">Kaitlyn Costner</a></a>, 2021, Penn <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jordyn-smith/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jordyn-smith/">Jordyn Smith</a></a>, 2021, Penn <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nyla-asad/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nyla-asad/">Nyla Asad</a></a>, 2020, LaPorte <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ryin-ott/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ryin-ott/">Ryin Ott</a></a>, 2021, LaPorte Kayla Jones, 2020, LaPorte Alanti Biggers, 2021, LaPorte <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sara-zabrecky/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sara-zabrecky/">Sara Zabrecky</a></a>, 2020, Munster Emily Zabrecky, 2020, Munster Holly Kaim, 2021, Munster &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>MARION REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Northwestern (26-0)</strong>; Sagarin 1 (#1 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 85 <strong>Homestead (25-1)</strong>; Sagarin 2 (#2 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 31 <strong>Fishers (23-1)</strong>; Sagarin 4 (#4 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 6 <strong>Fort Wayne Carroll (17-6)</strong>; Sagarin 44 (#32 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 56 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Fishers vs. Northwestern Fishers has put together an outstanding season, and they will look to speed this game up and force Northwestern to play faster than they want. Northwestern is very seasoned, well-coached, and disciplined. They will try to be a little more deliberate and use their size and strength to their advantage. I still think it would take something out of the norm, like extreme foul trouble or health, to affect Northwestern in this game, and I think the Tigers from Northwestern win by double-figures. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Homestead vs. Fort Wayne Carroll This pairing of neighboring school districts hasn't been much of a rivalry lately, with Homestead winning 13 consecutive matchups over the last 11 seasons. Homestead took care of business back in early December, to the tune of 67-29. I think this game will be closer, but I wouldn't expect a monumental upset. Carroll is a really nice team, but success for them would be making this a 12-point loss. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Northwestern 57, Homestead 55 I can't pick against a team that has been nothing but dominant the last three seasons. At the same time, I have felt since about Christmas that Homestead was probably the team best built to take down Northwestern. They have the talent, skill, size, and coaching to match up with the Tigers, but they also force mismatches Northwestern would have to adjust to. If Homestead is making shots, it wouldn't shock me at all if they win this Regional. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ayanna-patterson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ayanna-patterson/">Ayanna Patterson</a></a>, 2022, Homestead H.S. Teammate <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-graber/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-graber/">Sydney Graber</a></a></strong> (2020), plus Northwestern's <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-layden/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-layden/">Madison Layden</a></a></strong> (2020), and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendall-bostic/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendall-bostic/">Kendall Bostic</a></a></strong> (2020) might be better high school basketball players than Ayanna at this time, but she is a special pure talent who is unique to our state right now. If she can play like one of the best players in the country, she can take over a game like this and be key to Homestead making a run all the way to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Marion Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-layden/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-layden/">Madison Layden</a></a>, 2020, Northwestern <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendall-bostic/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendall-bostic/">Kendall Bostic</a></a>, 2020, Northwestern <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/klair-merrell/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/klair-merrell/">Klair Merrell</a></a>, 2020, Northwestern <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenna-layden/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenna-layden/">McKenna Layden</a></a>, 2023, Northwestern <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ayanna-patterson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ayanna-patterson/">Ayanna Patterson</a></a>, 2022, Homestead <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-graber/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-graber/">Sydney Graber</a></a>, 2020, Homestead <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rylie-parker/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rylie-parker/">Rylie Parker</a></a>, 2020, Homestead <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-sullivan/">Grace Sullivan</a>, 2021, Homestead <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-burton/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-burton/">Katie Burton</a></a>, 2021, Fishers <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tamia-perryman/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tamia-perryman/">Tamia Perryman</a></a>, 2020, Fishers <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaitlynn-feagan/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaitlynn-feagan/">Kaitlynn Feagan</a></a>, 2020, Fishers <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/audra-emmerson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/audra-emmerson/">Audra Emmerson</a></a>, 2021, Fishers <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-hoeppner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-hoeppner/">Olivia Hoeppner</a></a>, 2020, Fort Wayne Carroll <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emily-parrett/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emily-parrett/">Emily Parrett</a></a>, 2021, Fort Wayne Carroll <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/malia-williams/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/malia-williams/">Malia Williams</a></a>, 2020, Fort Wayne Carroll <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/saniya-jackson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/saniya-jackson/">Saniya Jackson</a></a>, 2023, Fort Wayne Carroll &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>DECATUR CENTRAL REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Lawrence North (22-4)</strong>; Sagarin 6 (#6 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 3 <strong>Brownsburg (20-8)</strong>; Sagarin 11 (#10 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 8 <strong>Ben Davis (13-11)</strong>; Sagarin 19 (#17 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 4 <strong>New Palestine (18-7)</strong>; Sagarin 43 (#31 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 38 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Ben Davis vs. Lawrence North Ben Davis might not have a great record, but they are a product of an intense schedule, and a conference and county where teams beat up on each other. The Giants have talent, but they had struggles during the regular season, only to figure it out and win a Sectional...again. Lawrence North is the defending Class 4A Runner-Up, and they look nearly as strong this year, though their interior play is still coming along. They have a tremendously athletic and skilled backcourt that should cause Ben Davis problems, but the Giants are a feisty bunch. I'll take the Wildcats by nine. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> New Palestine vs. Brownsburg New Palestine had one of the more impressive Sectional wins, taking care of a one-loss Mount Vernon (Fortville) team that had previously beaten them by 19 in the regular season. Brownsburg struggled to find their footing early in the season, but they have won 11 of their last 12 and look primed to beat just about anyone who gets in their way. This will be a tight contest early, because New Palestine plays incredibly hard, but look for Brownsburg to secure an eight-point win and advance to the finale. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Lawrence North 49, Brownsburg 48 Brownsburg lost to Lawrence North by one point earlier this season, and I think it will be just as close this time around. Don't get me wrong, Brownsburg is more than capable of taking care of the Wildcats, and part of me wants to lean that direction. But I think the experience Lawrence North gained during last year's run will help them overcome any pitfalls in the Regional. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kristian-young/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kristian-young/">Kristian Young</a></a>, 2020, Lawrence North H.S. I commented about this a year ago, and I still believe it rings true. When Kristian plays within herself, takes what the defense gives her, and changes speeds and senses tone well, the Wildcats are a much better team. During their State Finals run last season, it was the most disciplined and savvy I think she has looked, and she will need to repeat that type of effort throughout the remainder of this year's tournament, especially if Lawrence North has Bankers Life Fieldhouse aspirations once again. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Decatur Central Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jayla-smith/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jayla-smith/">Jayla Smith</a></a>, 2021, Lawrence North <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-davidson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-davidson/">Katie Davidson</a></a>, 2020, Lawrence North <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kristian-young/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kristian-young/">Kristian Young</a></a>, 2020, Lawrence North <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lauren-gunn/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lauren-gunn/">Lauren Gunn</a></a>, 2020, Lawrence North <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/allison-bosse/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/allison-bosse/">Allison Bosse</a></a>, 2020, Brownsburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ally-becki/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ally-becki/">Ally Becki</a></a>, 2021, Brownsburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mackenzie-stien/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mackenzie-stien/">Mackenzie Stien</a></a>, 2020, Brownsburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/khera-goss/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/khera-goss/">Khera Goss</a></a>, 2020, Ben Davis <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/natalie-howard/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/natalie-howard/">Natalie Howard</a></a>, 2021, Ben Davis Micah Jett, 2021, Ben Davis Nyre Williams, 2020, Ben Davis <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jordan-reid/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jordan-reid/">Jordan Reid</a></a>, 2020, New Palestine <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabella-gizzi/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabella-gizzi/">Isabella Gizzi</a></a>, 2023, New Palestine <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/michaela-jones/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/michaela-jones/">Michaela Jones</a></a>, 2020, New Palestine &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>COLUMBUS NORTH REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Bedford North Lawrence (19-5)</strong>; Sagarin 12 (#11 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 26 <strong>East Central (22-5)</strong>; Sagarin 17 (#15 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 43 <strong>Evansville North (20-5)</strong>; Sagarin 35 (#27 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 68 <strong>Franklin Central (15-11)</strong>; Sagarin 46 (#34 in Class 4A); Strength of Schedule 14 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Franklin Central vs. East Central What a turnaround Franklin Central has made this year. From 2-20 last season to this; it's quite remarkable really. <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-loobie/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-loobie/">Rachel Loobie</a></a></strong> (2020) is their workhorse, and she'll need to continue being dominant inside against a disciplined, well-coached, and interior-oriented East Central group. With girls like <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/brilan-mccory/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/brilan-mccory/">Brilan McCory</a></a></strong> (2020) and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hope-fox/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hope-fox/">Hope Fox</a></a></strong> (2022) around the perimeter, East Central is better than they have been outside, and I think they have a slight upper-hand in this matchup. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Bedford North Lawrence vs. Evansville North Bedford has transitioned from the big, powerful teams they've had in the past, to a more perimeter-oriented approach. They have strong guard play, and if they are hitting shots, I think it will benefit them as they get deeper in the tournament. Evansville North is a bit of a "sleeper" here, and they have their own shot-makers who can cause problems for Bedford or the other two teams in this Regional. I think Bedford will win the game, but I think it could be tough for a while. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Bedford North Lawrence 39, East Central 36 My gut tells me that there will be a very patient and deliberate pace to this game. Both teams are well-coached and disciplined. Both teams will play good defense, take care of the basketball, and run their offense. I think it comes down to shots, and Bedford probably has the ability to make tougher shots and more shots from distance. I would not be surprised with East Central advancing, though. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/josie-trabel/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/josie-trabel/">Josie Trabel</a></a>, 2023, East Central H.S. Josie has put together an outstanding Freshman campaign, and she will look to continue it this weekend. The biggest thing as a Freshman is to not get stunned too badly by the lights and the crowds, and to just focus and play basketball. If she can do that, she's a skillful 6-0 forward who can play inside-out. She has a really nice motor, and she can defend multiple positions. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Columbus North Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-mcknight/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-mcknight/">Chloe McKnight</a></a>, 2021, Bedford North Lawrence <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/irye-gomez/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/irye-gomez/">Irye Gomez</a></a>, 2021, Bedford North Lawrence <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-webb/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-webb/">Madison Webb</a></a>, 2020, Bedford North Lawrence <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/karsyn-norman/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/karsyn-norman/">Karsyn Norman</a></a>, 2023, Bedford North Lawrence <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/josie-trabel/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/josie-trabel/">Josie Trabel</a></a>, 2023, East Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/brilan-mccory/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/brilan-mccory/">Brilan McCory</a></a>, 2020, East Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hope-fox/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hope-fox/">Hope Fox</a></a>, 2022, East Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kenna-hisle/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kenna-hisle/">Kenna Hisle</a></a>, 2020, Evansville North <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaliah-neighbors/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaliah-neighbors/">Kaliah Neighbors</a></a>, 2022, Evansville North <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/gabby-joyner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/gabby-joyner/">Gabby Joyner</a></a>, 2020, Evansville North <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-loobie/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-loobie/">Rachel Loobie</a></a>, 2020, Franklin Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alexus-mobley/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alexus-mobley/">Alexus Mobley</a></a>, 2020, Franklin Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-faust/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-faust/">Olivia Faust</a></a>, 2022, Franklin Central