Sectional Preview: Class 2A South
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 #41-#48 from Class 2A.
Sectional #41
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Union County vs. Hagerstown
Back in early December, these two teams met, with Hagerstown pulling out a 44-33 win. However, both teams now sit with 17 wins, and this matchup looks all that more intriguing. I think this could be a coin-flip game, where you just don’t know who has any real advantage going into it.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Northeastern vs. Hagerstown
In a pair of meetings this year, these two teams split. Northeastern got the better of Hagerstown on January 11, 42-31. Hagerstown returned the favor January 21, winning 52-47. Speaking of coin-flip games, throw this one onto the pile, though Northeastern is the host school, and that provides a slight advantage.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Shenandoah 49, Northeastern 41
Shenandoah has been led these last three seasons by a strong 2021 class, and they seem to be on a mission once again. While Shenandoah and Northeastern did not square off during the regular season, I’d anticipate this game to maybe be a little closer than outside observers might think.
X-Factor Player: Taylor Farris, 2023, Northeastern
Jenna McFarland is a known commodity at Northeastern, and she’ll certainly contribute, but Farris is a potential star. She has already drawn Division-I interest, she has physical talent, plus she’s skilled enough to play three positions. If she can perform beyond her years next week, Northeastern could upset Shenandoah.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #41:
Kathryn Perry, 2021, Shenandoah
Erikka Hill, 2021, Shenandoah
Jenna McFarland, 2021, Northeastern
Taylor Farris, 2023, Northeastern
Kassidy Oliger, 2020, Hagerstown
Hallie Rogers, 2021, Hagerstown
Madison Gray, 2021, Union County
Sophia Knock, 2022, Union County
Katie Clark, 2020, Knightstown
Ashley Walter, 2021, Centerville
Sectional #42
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Eastern Hancock vs. Irvington Prep
There really weren’t any good early matchups in Sectional #42, but I figured Eastern Hancock and Irvington would be much more competitive than Triton Central and Scecina.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Triton Central vs. Eastern Hancock
Yes, Triton Central defeated Eastern Hancock 83-52 way back on November 16. But this is a natural rivalry that has seen upsets. In 2017, Triton Central was also heavily favored and fell to Eastern Hancock. I still think this matchup is too lopsided, but if there is any Sectional competition for Triton Central, it’s coming from Eastern Hancock.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Triton Central 69, Eastern Hancock 44
This margin might even be optimistic, but scores tend to be a little lower during state tournament games. Eastern Hancock will put up a good fight, but I envision it being at least a ten-point advantage by halftime.
X-Factor Player: Jocelyn Duncan, 2020, Eastern Hancock
If anyone is going to play a factor in upsetting Triton Central, it’s going to have to be Duncan. She is a sharp-shooter who can get hot and bury any number of 3-pointers in a game. It would take a monumental effort from her and her team, but she is the one player, if anyone, who can change this Sectional.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #42:
Maya Chandler, 2020, Triton Central
Rylie Stephens, 2020, Triton Central
Tenleigh Phelps, 2021, Triton Central
Taylor Heath, 2021, Triton Central
Jocelyn Duncan, 2020, Eastern Hancock
Chloe O’Neal, 2021, Eastern Hancock
Jen Hallquist, 2021, Irvington Prep
Monika Nance, 2020, Scecina Memorial
Sectional #43
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Park Tudor vs. Western Boone
Park Tudor has the better record, but Western Boone might have the better team on paper, and they definitely have more postseason experience. Park Tudor does bring top Freshman Layla Gold into battle, and she can be a real problem, but Western Boone has several upperclassmen to lean on as well.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Covenant Christian (Indianapolis) vs. University
Both of these teams have talent throughout their rosters, but give the size advantage to University. They did not play during the regular season, and the eight losses for Covenant Christian concern me a little, but I think they can beat any Class 2A team at any given time, so University needs to tread carefully here.
Sectional Championship Prediction: University 57, Western Boone 48
University is up in Class 2A after always competing at the Class 1A level. I am curious to see how deep they can go after having a spectacular regular season. I think the Trailblazers just have too much size and talent for WeBo.
X-Factor Player: Bonnie Lew Ludlow, 2021, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis)
Williams-Harris and Borom actually lead Covenant Christian right now, but Ludlow returned this season from injury and is back to being the player she was pre-injury. She is a tough-nosed, skilled guard who can create for others or make shots herself. If she plays well and the two Seniors are firing on all cylinders, Covenant Christian can win this Sectional.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #43:
Lindsey Syrek, 2020, University
Maddi Sears, 2020, University
Kelsey DuBois, 2023, University
Sierra Hinds, 2021, University
Ilani Williams-Harris, 2020, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis)
Sania Borom, 2020, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis)
Bonnie Lew Ludlow, 2021, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis)
Kara Brewer, 2020, Western Boone
Hillary Reed, 2020, Western Boone
Carly Gibbs, 2020, Cascade
Abby Parsons, 2023, Cascade
Layla Gold, 2023, Park Tudor
Halle Shelt, 2022, Park Tudor
Gretchen Farley, 2023, Park Tudor
Sectional #44
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: North Putnam vs. Cloverdale
These two teams split a pair of games during the regular season, with Cloverdale winning on November 23, 28-27, and North Putnam taking the game on December 3, 59-51. In this tiebreaker, look for home-court advantage to play some effect, but that doesn’t mean Cloverdale is a shoe-in. This one will be close.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: South Putnam vs. Cloverdale
South Putnam is probably the Sectional #44 favorite, and they were 5-1 against Sectional competition this year. But that one loss…well…that was to Cloverdale. The teams split a pair this season, but can Cloverdale come up with that winning formula one more time?
Sectional Championship Prediction: South Putnam 56, Southmont 42
South Putnam won their first meeting by 20 points, and I feel like they have the upper-hand once again this coming week. The best chance for Southmont is to take care of the basketball, make layups, and make free throws.
X-Factor Player: Sidney Veatch, 2021, Southmont
Veatch is a double-double performer for Southmont, and she will be vital to their success. If they have any shot to upset a team like South Putnam, they’ll need her to have a huge game, and she’s proven she can do that.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #44:
Alex Bratcher, 2020, South Putnam
Lexi Vanihel, 2020, South Putnam
Macie Bumgardner, 2021, South Putnam
Sidney Veatch, 2021, Southmont
Belle Miller, 2022, Southmont
Addi Charles, 2021, Southmont
Kyla Willis, 2022, North Putnam
Brie Miller, 2022, North Putnam
Grace Ramsay, 2022, Parke Heritage
Samantha Shrum, 2020, Cloverdale
Lakkain Price, 2020, Cloverdale
Bailey Duke, 2023, Riverton Parke
Sectional #45
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Southwestern (Hanover) vs. North Decatur
While these teams haven’t played since November 19, that game was decided by just one point, 33-32, in favor of Southwestern. I’ll be curious to see if they can muster up a similar tight contest three months later.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Switzerland County vs. Southwestern (Hanover)
This is probably the game everyone is curious about. Southwestern won both regular season matchups, but they were by just four and six points. Can Aleiah Thomas (2020) and Switzerland County make the third time the charm for the Pacers.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Switzerland County 50, Southwestern (Hanover) 48
I’m going against the grain here, as I think Switzerland County at home will surprise some and win Sectional #45. Call it a hunch, but I think they’ll learn from their earlier matchups and make adjustments.
X-Factor Player: Aleiah Thomas, 2020, Switzerland County
Choosing a team’s star as the x-factor seems a little too on-point, but I have a feeling Sectional #45 will go as Aleiah plays. If she’s strong, consistent, and dialed in, Switzerland County can knock off anyone. If anyone can slow her down at all, this could go a whole different direction.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #45:
Aleiah Thomas, 2020, Switzerland County
McKenli Scudder, 2020, Switzerland County
Keirstan Oeffinger, 2021, Switzerland County
Ellie Foley, 2021, Southwestern (Hanover)
Olivia Bohman, 2020, North Decatur
Morgan Stanley, 2021, North Decatur
Lindsey Meyer, 2020, South Ripley
Cierra Copeland, 2020, South Ripley
Cionna Bailey, 2020, Milan
Lana Bell, 2021, South Decatur
Sectional #46
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Crawford County vs. Our Lady of Providence
This is yet another game that will be the third matchup between two teams this season. Back on November 16, Crawford County won in overtime, 54-48. Five days ago, it was Crawford County again, this time 52-39. Providence will need star Natalie Boesing (2020) to be huge-er-er than she has been if they are to advance.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Eastern (Pekin) vs. Crawford County
Eastern won a tight 47-44 contest way back on November 9, but both teams went on to have really nice seasons. They are arguably the two better teams in Sectional #46, so it would be exciting to see them play.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Eastern (Pekin) 39, Crawford County 35
I really think either team can win this game, but I feel like Eastern will pull it out in a low-scoring affair. Eastern point guard Isabell Claywell (2020) has great tournament experiece and can control tempo.
X-Factor Player: Treasure Nickelson, 2021, Crawford County
Treasure is a high-motor, tough-nosed battler. I feel like she could exploit Eastern’s frontline if they match up. She will need to contribute about 20 points and a dozen rebounds, but she’s more than capable.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #46:
Isabell Claywell, 2020, Eastern (Pekin)
Lily Crumpton, 2021, Eastern (Pekin)
Kendra Sill, 2021, Eastern (Pekin)
Treasure Nickelson, 2021, Crawford County
Brooke Elliott, 2020, Crawford County
Natalie Boesing, 2020, Our Lady of Providence
Brigid Welch, 2020, Our Lady of Providence
Grace Igleheart, 2020, Austin
Jalen Coomer, 2020, Austin
Allison Horn, 2020, Henryville
Riley Nunn, 2021, Henryville
Jasmine Walker, 2021, Clarksville
Sectional #47
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Paoli vs. South Knox
If you look at their records, you might think this is a lopsided matchup. But South Knox only beat Paoli 44-42 a month ago. Paoli has postseason pedigree, and if they can bring the same effort from their first matchup this week, they have a shot at a nice opening round upset.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Linton-Stockton vs. Vincennes Rivet
Sectional #47 is loaded at the top, and the Semi-Finals could present fans with this heavyweight matchup. Linton has been highly ranked each of the last couple of years, while Rivet is up from Class 1A after two State Finals’ appearances. Linton won the first matchup three weeks ago, 65-43, but this one should be closer.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Linton-Stockton 53, South Knox 46
South Knox won the first meeting 47-43, but that was back around Thanksgiving. I feel like Linton is one of the best teams in Class 2A, and I anticipate them making a deep run in the tournament, starting here. While this will be a tough matchup for them, look for the Miners to prevail in a close one.
X-Factor Player: Caroline Herman, 2020, Vincennes Rivet
You don’t hear a lot about Caroline because she isn’t a travel ball kid, and she is down there in Vincennes. But I assure you, she can play, and she has put together a really nice, improved Senior season. She is a long, fluid, and skilled wing who can handle/create and shoot. She could be huge for Rivet this postseason.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #47:
Vanessa Shafford, 2021, Linton-Stockton
Aubrey Burgess, 2021, Linton-Stockton
Haley Rose, 2021, Linton-Stockton
Mykayla Couchenour, 2020, South Knox
Hannah Ivers, 2020, South Knox
Tia Tolbert, 2020, Vincennes Rivet
Caroline Herman, 2020, Vincennes Rivet
Lauren Carie, 2021, Vincennes Rivet
Graycie Poe, 2022, North Knox
Grace Yochum, 2020, North Knox
Jayden Shaff, 2020, Mitchell
Jackie Crews, 2023, Paoli
Indy Workman, 2022, Eastern Greene
Sectional #48
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: North Posey vs. Southridge
Southridge defeated North Posey decidedly, 50-28, back on December 10. But Southridge’s best player, Myah Montgomery (2022), is now unfortunately out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. This draw has become much more intriguing, and I wouldn’t be surprised if North Posey pulls the upset.
Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Forest Park vs. Evansville Mater Dei
Forest Park is the only team in Sectional #48 with a winning record, but don’t let that fool you. Mater Dei is notorious for playing tough regular season schedules to prepare them for the tournament, and they are probably a little better than their record might indicate. Forest Park won the first meeting back in November.
Sectional Championship Prediction: Forest Park 48, Evansville Mater Dei 45
I can honestly see this outcome going either direction. Mater Dei has solid postseason experience, and Forest Park has played well this season. I wouldn’t be shocked if it took an overtime (or two) to decide this one.
X-Factor Player: Kennedy Wenger, 2022, Evansville Mater Dei
Mater Dei already has a nice shot at a Sectional title, but if they are to do so, I think Wenger needs to come up big for them. The 6-0 forward is still coming into her own, but she has great length, she’s fluid, and she can shoot the basketball at all levels. If she can average in the mid-teens this week, it will certainly help Mater Dei.
Top Players To Watch In Sectional #48:
Faith Zazzetti, 2020, Forest Park
Macie Zink, 2020, Forest Park
Lydia Betz, 2023, Forest Park
Mariah Dickerson, 2021, Evansville Mater Dei
Kennedy Wenger, 2022, Evansville Mater Dei
Haley Wilson, 2020, North Posey
Jenna Rhineburger, 2022, North Posey
Alix Stoermer, 2020, South Spencer
Trinity Britton, 2023, South Spencer
Bree Noland, 2021, Perry Central
Ava Hilgenhold, 2020, Tell City