Sectional Preview: Class 2A North
Last 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…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLast 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 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 #33-#40 from Class 2A.
Sectional #33
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Hammond Bishop Noll vs. Lake Station Edison
When the season began, Bishop Noll likely didn’t envision a losing record in the regular season. Additionally, they had beaten Lake Station 13 times over the past nine seasons, but Lake Station won this season’s December matchup 67-50. I’d anticipate a much closer contest this time around.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Marquette Catholic vs. Lake Station Edison
Marquette are the 2018 & 2019 Class 1A State Champions, and while these two teams did not meet during the regular season, they have posted some similar results this year. I would like to see how Marquette’s move to Class 2A works out for them against an up-and-coming program like Lake Station.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Andrean 56, Lake Station Edison 43
Andrean has just been too strong and too complete of a team for their Sectional #33 counterparts this season. If they continue to stay the course and play their way, they should be Sectional champions again after Saturday night.
X-Factor Player: Courtney Blakely, 2021, Hammond Bishop Noll
Blakely is a player with undeniable Division-I ability who can take over games. In the tournament, anything can happen, and when you have a guard of her talent, you can pull off upsets and advance. She does have help, but if she can get hot at the right time, I feel like she could get Noll through to the Regional round.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #33:
Dyamond Blair, 2021, Andrean
Julia Schutz, 2021, Andrean
Tori Allen, 2023, Andrean
Taylor Austin, 2021, Lake Station Edison
Nasiya Gause, 2023, Lake Station Edison
Courtney Blakely, 2021, Hammond Bishop Noll
Rose Fuentes, 2021, Hammond Bishop Noll
Ally McConnell, 2020, Marquette Catholic
Ryleigh Grott, 2021, Marquette Catholic
Jenna Mercer, 2020, Whiting
Abby Toth, 2020, Whiting
Christian Haggard, 2020, Gary Thea Bowman
Sectional #34
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: North Judson-San Pierre vs. Winamac Community
Just a little over a week ago, Winamac upset North Judson 42-30. The fact that these two teams will match up again on Wednesday is incredibly exciting. North Judson is likely again the favorite on paper, but Winamac will be out to prove the first matchup was no fluke. This is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: North Judson-San Pierre vs. Westville
Westville had its ups and downs against good teams during the regular season, but these two teams did not meet. In the atmosphere of a Sectional, I would anticipate a very competitive contest with North Judson prevailing by eight or nine points.
Sectional Championship Prediction: North Judson-San Pierre 43, South Central (Union Mills) 38
This should be a real battle between highly respected small schools from Northwestern Indiana. North Judson will need to get behind 2021 star Lilliann Frasure, while South Central has a much more balanced attack, led by 2020 DePauw commit Amber Wolf. This is one game I’d pay to see in person.
X-Factor Player: Sydney Van Meter, 2020, Rensselaer Central
While I haven’t mentioned Rensselaer much, they’ve had a nice season, and Sydney Van Meter is a player who could spoil someone’s party. She is a long, fluid, skilled wing with a nice jump-shot from the perimeter. If she can go on a hot streak, Rensselaer can compete with anyone in Sectional #34.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #34:
Lilliann Frasure, 2021, North Judson-San Pierre
Olivia Burkett, 2023, North Judson-San Pierre
Amber Wolf, 2020, South Central (Union Mills)
Abigail Tomblin, 2022, South Central (Union Mills)
Delanie Gale, 2022, South Central (Union Mills)
Kendal Johnson, 2022, Winamac Community
Hailey Sanders, 2020, Winamac Community
Sydney Van Meter, 2020, Rensselaer Central
Jessie Ringen, 2022, Rensselaer Central
Sarah Weston, 2020, Westville
Grace Weston, 2022, Westville
Nicole Albers, 2020, Westville
Mackendzie Dresbaugh, 2021, North Newton
Jamie Will, 2020, North Newton
Haley Rokosz, 2020, Hebron
Kyra Stater, 2020, Hebron
Emma Hylek, 2020, Boone Grove
Alexus Ecklund, 2021, Boone Grove
Sectional #35
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Prairie Heights vs. Fairfield
Sectional #35 has taken on quite the makeover since reclassification took place last Summer. When these two teams got together earlier this year, it was Prairie Heights winning the battle of attrition, 35-29. With the Sectional taking place at Fairfield, I’d look for the Falcons to possibly squeak this one out.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Bremen vs. Fairfield
These two schools aren’t that far apart (24 miles), yet they don’t play during the regular season. Bremen is always competitive and has had a nice season, while Fairfield has a youth movement going on, so they’re still learning the ropes but improving daily.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Bremen 52, Westview 34
Westview had a nice run in girls’ basketball during the 2010s, but in 2020 I think it will be Bremen walking away with this Sectional. The combination of Senior guard Erin Coffel and Sophomore guard Ellia Foster form a backcourt duo too tough for the other Sectional #35 teams to stop.
X-Factor Player: Brea Garber, 2023, Fairfield
Garber is an extremely long, fluid, smooth, and skilled wing. She continues to grow and is still a little thin, but if she can string together a trio of nice outings, she can give Fairfield a chance to win Sectional #35.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #35:
Erin Coffel, 2020, Bremen
Ellia Foster, 2022, Bremen
Brea Garber, 2023, Fairfield
Chloe Dell, 2020, Fairfield
Kennedy Kugler, 2022, Prairie Heights
Alexis German, 2020, Prairie Heights
Gloria Miller, 2021, Westview
Trynitie Cox, 2020, LaVille
Sectional #36
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: South Adams vs. Eastside
When these two teams played just after Christmas, South Adams lost in uncharacteristic fashion, 56-27. Eastside has had a strong season, yes, but I would bet on this game being much closer and able to lean either way, especially with Eastside having to travel over an hour for their Sectional game.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Bluffton vs. Eastside
While this may look a little lopsided on paper, Bluffton was the 2019 Sectional champ, and they play a tough switching man defense that can be difficult to adjust to. If they can compete early and possibly even lead, I can see them frustrating Eastside into tough shots and making this game a nail-biter.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Adams Central 42, Eastside 37
These two teams opened the season with each other, with Eastside coming away victorious, 41-39. Adams Central has improved throughout the season, and they finished 9-2 down the stretch. I think this game can go either way, but I’m choosing the Flying Jets to win this time around.
X-Factor Player: Lydia Loshe, 2020, South Adams
Lydia is a four-year Varsity contributor and an absolute ball of energy. If she can exhibit Senior leadership, stuff the stat sheet like she has in the past, and help elevate the rest of her teammates’ play, South Adams could be this season’s Cinderella in Sectional #36.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #36:
McKenna Dietsch, 2021, Adams Central
Carly Holley, 2020, Adams Central
Sullivan Kessler, 2021, Eastside
MacKensie Rieke, 2020, Eastside
Peyton Pries, 2023, South Adams
Lydia Loshe, 2020, South Adams
Emme Boots, 2021, Bluffton
Zoe Barger, 2021, Bluffton
Myah Bear, 2020, Churubusco
Morgan Howard, 2023, Whitko
Marissa Rivers, 2021, Fort Wayne Canterbury
Sectional #37
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Rochester Community vs. Delphi Community
Sectional #37 begins with possibly the two best teams squaring off. They have not played each other this season, but both are undefeated against other Sectional teams. Rochester is very tall across the board, while Delphi has had past tournament success and relies on its guards and wings for production.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Wabash vs. Manchester
This is a matchup of county and conference rivals, and while Wabash has the better record, Manchester got the better of the Apaches by 13 points just a couple of weeks ago. I would doubt this matchup would be as widespread, and I could see either team winning depending on who earns more trips to the free throw line.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Delphi Community 55, Wabash 43
Delphi doesn’t play many of these teams, but they do usually play a solid schedule to prepare for postseason play, and they are always competitive despite their record. They are my pick to advance to the Regional this year.
X-Factor Player: Maci Brown, 2020, Rochester Community
Brown isn’t very big in stature, but she is Rochester’s best player, and she’s a lethal perimeter shooter who can get on hot streaks that destroy opponents. She’s capable of putting together back-to-back 20-point games from outside, and she could certainly help Rochester win Sectional #37
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #37:
Lillie Smith, 2020, Delphi Community
Haley Nelson, 2021, Delphi Community
Maci Brown, 2020, Rochester Community
Kaitlin Rogers, 2021, Rochester Community
Alivia Short, 2021, Wabash
Mariah Wyatt, 2021, Wabash
Emma Garriott, 2021, Manchester
Megan Wagner, 2021, Carroll (Flora)
Kelsey Hammond, 2020, Carroll (Flora)
Paxtyn Hicks, 2021, Lewis Cass
Sectional #38
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Clinton Prairie vs. Lafayette Central Catholic
Right from the outset, it’s possibly the two best teams in Sectional #38 matching up. Central Catholic won a mid-November battle 45-40, but a lot has transpired since then. They’ll be playing at a neutral site, and neither team has much of an advantage. I think this will be a hotly contested game that comes down to the last shot.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Clinton Prairie vs. Seeger
On January 9, Clinton Prairie defeated Seeger 38-34, and I can see the Sectional #38 finale being somewhat similar. Both teams have strong perimeter play, both are successful programs, and both have a star or two to lean on. This would be another fun matchup I’d pay to see in person.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Clinton Prairie 37, Seeger 36
I can definitely see this game coming down to the wire, and I see both teams struggling to score early in this one. I think they both get it going after halftime, but I think the Gophers will escape with the narrow one-point win.
X-Factor Player: Kiley White, 2020, Seeger
White is a stat-sheet-stuffer and has been throughout most of her career. She is capable of putting up big numbers across the board, and she will need to do so if Seeger is to advance to the Regional round.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #38:
Tynlie Neal, 2022, Clinton Prairie
Katie Blacker, 2020, Clinton Prairie
Kiley White, 2020, Seeger
Karsyn Cherry, 2022, Lafayette Central Catholic
Caroline Lutz, 2021, Lafayette Central Catholic
Madison Miller, 2021, Rossville
Michelle Rodkey, 2022, Rossville
Allie Delph, 2021, Sheridan
Dakota Borman, 2021, Fountain Central
Sectional #39
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Blackford vs. Taylor
These teams do not play each other during the regular season, and both are young and finding their way right now. They are both exceeding expectations with Freshmen and Sophomores leading them, and I think this could be a high-scoring game that comes down to who can make shots late.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Taylor vs. Tipton
Last season, Tipton dispatched of Taylor fairly easily, but this year it was Taylor with the 11-point regular season victory. Both teams are led by Sophomores, and both are capable of winning Sectional #39, but I think this game would be very close and competitive.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Tipton 49, Taylor 43
Sectional #39 isn’t as wide open as it might appear on paper, and there will be many close matchups. But if these two teams escape and are in the final game, I think it will be very entertaining at both ends of the floor.
X-Factor Player: Ashlee Schram, 2023, Tipton
This is a lot to put on a Freshman, but the 6-2 post has averaged a double-double this season and come up key at times. If she has a strong tournament, she could help make Tipton’s path to another Sectional crown that much easier.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #39:
Ella Wolfe, 2022, Tipton
Abigail Parker, 2022, Tipton
Ashlee Schram, 2023, Tipton
Kelsi Langley, 2022, Taylor
Emma Good, 2022, Taylor
Olivia Leas, 2023, Blackford
Liv Waters, 2023, Blackford
Johwen McKim, 2022, Eastbrook
Shauna Singer, 2020, Eastbrook
Azmae Turner, 2022, Madison-Grant
Daya Greene, 2023, Madison-Grant
Sectional #40
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Alexandria-Monroe vs. Monroe Central
Monroe Central is the Sectional #40 favorite, and they are a considerable favorite in this game. But Alexandria is a tough matchup for most, because they really don’t play true posts, and they can shoot and/or drive it at all five positions. When they get hot, they can compete with anyone…they just need to stay hot.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Frankton vs. Monroe Central
These two teams played at the very beginning of the season, with Monroe Central winning 55-43. Fast forward three months, and we have two of the better teams in Class 2A potentially matching up in the Sectional Semi-Finals. Monroe Central is still the favorite, but I think it’s a much closer game throughout.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Monroe Central 50, Lapel 48
Sectional #40 was a tough one for me to pick, as I could see arguments for three different teams winning the title. I will stick with “chalk”, though, and choose the Golden Bears to outlast everyone else. Lapel is a tough matchup, without question, so they very well could emerge victorious.
X-Factor Player: Addie Gardner, 2020, Frankton
Addie hasn’t posted the numbers she envisioned this season, but the 5-10 wing is talented, smooth, and skilled. She’s a knockdown 3-point shooter, but she is playing stronger, attacking the basket more with both hands, and she disrupts opponents defensively with her length. She has the ability to lead Frankton to the Regional.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #40:
Hannah Bolton, 2020, Monroe Central
Gabby Beckham, 2020, Monroe Central
Makynlee Taylor, 2020, Lapel
Lily Daniels, 2021, Lapel
Ashlynn Allman, 2022, Lapel
Chloee Thomas, 2021, Frankton
Addie Gardner, 2020, Frankton
Lauryn Bates, 2022, Frankton
Madison Thompson, 2021, Wapahani
Camryn Wise, 2023, Wapahani
Reece VanBlair, 2021, Alexandria-Monroe
Jada Stansberry, 2022, Alexandria-Monroe
Jaleigh Crawford, 2022, Elwood Community
Claudia Leavell, 2020, Elwood Community