Sectional Preview: Class 3A 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 opening round games, and they were able to view potential opponents for later in the tournament. With the tournament tipping off tomorrow, I wanted to take the time to preview each Sectional and offer some thoughts on teams and players. Below is a look at Sectionals #25-#32 from Class 3A.   Sectional #25 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: North Montgomery vs. Frankfort Sectional #25 didn't provide us with any quality early round games, but I figured this one could be as close as any. North Montgomery is improved from the past few years, but Frankfort has a chance if they can take care of the basketball. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Danville Community vs. Tri-West This has to be THE game in Sectional #25 that everyone is looking forward to. This is a long-time rivalry with a lot more than just a Sectional win on the line. Danville won the regular season contest 64-37 back around Thanksgiving, but Tri-West is much better than that score, so I don't anticipate it being that wide open this week. Sectional Championship Prediction: Danville Community 61, Greencastle 41 Danville is the best team in Sectional #25, and I feel like they'll show that this week. Greencastle has it's share of quality players as well, but in my opinion, this game will be close until halftime, then Danville will take off. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kenna-kirby/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kenna-kirby/">Kenna Kirby</a></a>, 2022, Tri-West If anyone in this Sectional has a chance to cause problems for Danville, it's Sophomore guard <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kenna-kirby/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kenna-kirby/">Kenna Kirby</a></a> of Tri-West. She is tough-nosed, she can score it at all levels, and she can explode for 30+ points at any moment. It will take a monumental effort like that, but she's the one who can change this Sectional. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #25: <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/kenna-kirby/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kenna-kirby/">Kenna Kirby</a></a>, 2022, Tri-West Isabelle Saylor, 2022, Tri-West Adrie Thompson, 2022, Tri-West <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/allison-stevens/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/allison-stevens/">Allison Stevens</a></a>, 2020, Greencastle <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-payne/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madison-payne/">Madison Payne</a></a>, 2020, Monrovia Ashley Smith, 2020, Monrovia Lauren Kellerman, 2020, Crawfordsville Katie Rice, 2022, North Montgomery Jordan Frazier, 2022, Frankfort   Sectional #26 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Brown County vs. Brownstown Central On paper, these are probably the two best teams in Sectional #26. Brownstown is new to this Sectional, and they don't play anyone else in the field. I think that mystery actually benefits Brownstown a little more, because they have played a significantly tougher schedule than anyone else here, so they'll be prepared. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Brownstown Central vs. Edgewood If Brownstown can get by Brown County, I think they'll have an interesting matchup in Edgewood, who should knock out Northview with relative ease. Edgewood would be the toughest remaining opponent for Brownstown along their path to advance to a Regional. Sectional Championship Prediction: Brownstown Central 61, South Vermillion 37 These two Sectional opponents are separated by more than 2 1/2 hours of travel time, so luckily they're meeting in between at Owen Valley. South Vermillion has a nice collection of Senior wings and forwards, but I just think Brownstown Central has too much depth and experience and will prevail easily. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abby-fleetwood/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abby-fleetwood/">Abby Fleetwood</a></a>, 2023, Brown County Abby is a tough-nosed, gritty, take-care-of-the-ball, traditional point guard. That is great, but she'll need to score it a little more for them to have a shot at winning Sectional #26. She does have good poise and a veteran savvy working for her, but 15 points per game would certainly be welcomed as well. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #26: <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/allison-stogsdill/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/allison-stogsdill/">Allison Stogsdill</a></a>, 2020, Brown County <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abby-fleetwood/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abby-fleetwood/">Abby Fleetwood</a></a>, 2023, Brown County Aubrey Hollander, 2020, Brown County Chelbie Anderson, 2020, Edgewood Taylor Minnick, 2021, Edgewood <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mallory-hawkins/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mallory-hawkins/">Mallory Hawkins</a></a>, 2020, South Vermillion <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rebecca-berry/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rebecca-berry/">Rebecca Berry</a></a>, 2020, South Vermillion <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/macey-timberman/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/macey-timberman/">Macy Timberman</a></a>, 2022, Northview <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aliyah-owens/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aliyah-owens/">Aliyah Owens</a></a>, 2022, Northview Mikayla Miller, 2021, Owen Valley Reagan Martin, 2023, Owen Valley Kylee Stepp, 2021, West Vigo Grace Likens, 2021, West Vigo   Sectional #27 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Indianapolis Shortridge vs. Guerin Catholic This is another Sectional with some uneven opening round games, but this one struck me as probably being the most competitive. Guerin looks improved against a fairly tough schedule, and Shortridge has won some games as well. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Bishop Chatard vs. Heritage Christian In my opinion, Bishop Chatard is the one team who can unseat Heritage Christian. They have the depth and talent to play with them, but Heritage Christian won the regular season meeting 47-35 back before Christmas. Sectional Championship Prediction: Heritage Christian 47, Bishop Chatard 41 Heritage Christian fell back to Class 3A after spending a couple of years in Class 4A. They have three talented guards, and a number of bigs to help inside. Chatard has two of the better wings in 2021, plus several other nice pieces as well. I think this game will be closer than in December, but Heritage Christian can make a deep tournament run. X-Factor Player: Erika Pemberton, 2020, Bishop Chatard Juniors <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/zakia-rasheed/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/zakia-rasheed/">Zakia Rasheed</a></a> and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/moira-mcginley/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/moira-mcginley/">Moira McGinley</a></a> have been tremendous for the Trojans on the perimeter, but if Chatard is going to upset Heritage Christian, they'll need more. Enter long and athletic 6-0 front-liner Erike Pemberton. She is a bouncy, defender/rebounder type who could be huge for them if she can outplay others' frontline stars. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #27: <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/zakia-rasheed/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/zakia-rasheed/">Zakia Rasheed</a></a>, 2021, Bishop Chatard <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/moira-mcginley/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/moira-mcginley/">Moira McGinley</a></a>, 2021, Bishop Chatard Erika Pemberton, 2020, Bishop Chatard Alexis Wines, 2022, Lebanon Christina Lamb, 2022, Lebanon <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nicole-cunningham/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nicole-cunningham/">Nicole Cunningham</a></a>, 2020, Guerin Catholic Olivia Labus, 2021, Guerin Catholic Gabby Godbout, 2021, Brebeuf Jesuit <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/eryn-turner/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/eryn-turner/">Eryn Turner</a></a>, 2020, Indianapolis Shortridge Dariyah Lawrence, 2021, Emmerich Manual   Sectional #28 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: George Washington vs. Cardinal Ritter This isn't exactly a premier matchup, but it is the best of what's available. Cardinal Ritter has played a tremendously tougher schedule and won more games. Washington is above .500, but they're going to need a perfect effort from Trenaé Mann (2021) and Aiyana Ross (2021) to have a chance at an upset. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Speedway vs. Cardinal Ritter On paper, these are the two of the three best teams in Sectional #28. In an early season matchup, Cardinal Ritter won a tight one, 53-49, but that was at Speedway and this is at a neutral location. I look for it to be close for a while but Cardinal Ritter should come away the victors. Sectional Championship Prediction: Cardinal Ritter 52, Indian Creek 50 in overtime I couldn't choose between these two evenly matched teams. Additionally, they haven't faced each other yet this year. I went "chalk" here according to Sagarin, and I think Cardinal Ritter edges Indian Creek on free throws at the end. X-Factor Player: Maddie Barnes, 2021, Speedway Speedway is the team that can throw the monkey into the wrench for Cardinal Ritter and Indian Creek. Maddie is a strong, tough-nosed, high-motor wing who plays with good versatility. She can play outside like a guard and score/handle the ball, but she is willing to be physical too and battle on the interior. Her play will dictate Speedway's level of success. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #28: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-litzelman/">Emma Litzelman</a>, 2021, Cardinal Ritter Kelsey Waggoner, 2022, Cardinal Ritter Gabriella Hicks, 2020, Cardinal Ritter Meghan Sandifer, 2020, Cardinal Ritter <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lauren-pendleton/">Lauren Pendleton</a>, 2020, Indian Creek Ali Harris, 2020, Indian Creek Hannah Grider, 2020, Indian Creek Maddie Barnes, 2021, Speedway Brooke Hartman, 2021, Speedway Camiell Perry, 2022, Speedway <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/neasia-lee/">Neasia Lee</a>, 2020, Beech Grove Mya Crawford, 2020, Beech Grove Tia O'Connor, 2021, Beech Grove Trenaé Mann, 2021, George Washington Aiyana Ross, 2021, George Washington Lanijah Wells, 2020, George Washington Grace Abbott, 2021, Herron London Love, 2022, Herron   Sectional #29 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Greensburg vs. Rushville Consolidated Greensburg is a well-oiled machine that has made deep runs the last few years. They are led by a host of Seniors & Juniors with quality experience. Rushville is also well-coached, and they are going through a youth movement, albeit a talented one at that. Rushville will be about a nine-point underdog, but plan on them making this a fight to the finish. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Lawrenceburg vs. Greensburg The battle of the 'burgs, and both currently sit at 20-3 on the year. They just played Thursday, with Greensburg prevailing, 51-35. I'm sure Lawrenceburg will have that in the back of their mind, as I anticipate a great game. Sectional Championship Prediction: Greensburg 46, Lawrenceburg 40 Greensburg is still the more seasoned team top to bottom, and they just have more depth right now. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/juliana-kemper/">Juliana Kemper</a> (2020) is a takeover player for Lawrenceburg, and they'll need her to do just that. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/annika-marlow/">Annika Marlow</a>, 2022, Rushville Consolidated Marlow isn't a flashy scorer or anything, but she's a coach's kid, she plays with a veteran savvy, and she can control the game from the point guard position. If she can take control early and keep her team away from live-ball turnovers while also distributing it on-time/on-target, Rushville could sneak their way into the Regional. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #29: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/aliyah-evans/">Aliyah Evans</a>, 2020, Greensburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/melina-wilkison/">Melina Wilkison</a>, 2021, Greensburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/micha-morrison/">Micha Morrison</a>, 2020, Greensburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-cooney/">Taylor Cooney</a>, 2021, Greensburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/juliana-kemper/">Juliana Kemper</a>, 2020, Lawrenceburg Kierah Lowe, 2021, Lawrenceburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/annika-marlow/">Annika Marlow</a>, 2022, Rushville Consolidated <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-yager/">Olivia Yager</a>, 2022, Rushville Consolidated Tori Campbell, 2020, Rushville Consolidated Carlie Werner, 2020, Batesville Ashley Nobbe, 2022, Batesville Kairee Hodapp, 2020, Franklin County Taylor McCreary, 2020, Franklin County Paige Dunaway, 2022, Connersville Maranda Cranfill, 2021, Connersville <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kyrstin-bond/">Kyrstin Bond</a>, 2020, South Dearborn   Sectional #30 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Charlestown vs. North Harrison Sectional #30 is absolutely LOADED with teams. These two met back in mid-November, with North Harrison squeaking out a 58-57 victory. A lot has happened since then, and I think I'm going to lean towards the Senior trio of perimeter players at Charlestown, especially hosting the Sectional. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Silver Creek vs. Salem This is clearly a top matchup just about anywhere in the state in Class 3A. Salem reached the Semi-State last year, while Silver Creek picked up a pair of Division-I move-ins over the Summer. Both teams have talented perimeter players, but I lean towards Salem because they do have solid interior play as well. Sectional Championship Prediction: Salem 47, Silver Creek 42 When these two teams met in early January, Salem took the win, 48-44. This time I look for a similar result and a quality game, but I think Salem is clearly the deeper, more experienced team when it comes to the postseason. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kynidi-striverson/">Kynidi Striverson</a>, 2022, Silver Creek The younger Striverson sister could be the key to Silver Creek advancing deep into the tournament. She has Division-I talent and huge upside, but she hasn't shown a takeover mentality and put all of it on display on a regular basis since moving in. If she can reach that potential soon, Silver Creek could be a team to reckon with. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #30: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/karly-sweeney/">Karly Sweeney</a>, 2021, Salem <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lettie-nice/">Lettie Nice</a>, 2020, Salem <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/abigail-ratts/">Abigail Ratts</a>, 2022, Salem Hope Tomlinson, 2020, Salem <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alana-striverson/">Alana Striverson</a>, 2021, Silver Creek <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jaclyn-emly/">Jaclyn Emly</a>, 2021, Silver Creek <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emme-rooney/">Emme Rooney</a>, 2022, Silver Creek <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kynidi-striverson/">Kynidi Striverson</a>, 2022, Silver Creek <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jade-nutley/">Jade Nutley</a>, 2021, Madison Consolidated Paige Young, 2020, Madison Consolidated <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jaylah-mays/">Jaylah Mays</a>, 2020, Scottsburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/zoe-zellers/">Zoe Zellers</a>, 2021, Scottsburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/karston-watson/">Karston Watson</a>, 2020, Charlestown <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jackie-biscardi/">Jackie Biscardi</a>, 2020, Charlestown Alison Saunders, 2022, North Harrison <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/diana-burgher/">Diana Burgher</a>, 2022, North Harrison <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lucy-robertson/">Lucy Robertson</a>, 2020, North Harrison Ava Weber, 2023, Corydon Central   Sectional #31 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Princeton Community vs. Sullivan Princeton and Sullivan did not play this season, and while Princeton may have had a down year record-wise, they have the potential to upset anyone here. Sullivan has a talented, but young backcourt, and I think this game could be much more interesting than it might look on paper, especially since it's at Princeton. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Washington vs. Vincennes Lincoln Vincennes Lincoln has been used to winning, especially recently, but Washington has shown quite the resurgence this season. Both teams have talent in the frontcourt and the backcourt, and they played to a 51-47 Vincennes Lincoln advantage back around Thanksgiving. This game could be a coin-flip throughout. Sectional Championship Prediction: Vincennes Lincoln 61, Sullivan 49 If Vincennes Lincoln can escape Washington, I think this could end up being the start of a longer run for them through the state tournament. They have strong guard play, size up front, and they have valuable experience. I think Sullivan will be scrappy for a half to three quarters, but Vincennes' talent will take over eventually. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kencia-levasseur/">Kencia Levasseur</a>, 2022, Washington I've touched on Kencia a few times since the Fall, and she has backed it up with strong play this Winter. She is a unique player, built like a post, but with ball skill, the ability to create for teammates, score attacking the basket, and rebound against bigger players. She will need to be on point for Washington to win Sectional #31. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #31: Alaine Thorne, 2022, Washington <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kencia-levasseur/">Kencia Levasseur</a>, 2022, Washington <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/darrian-carmean/">Darrian Carmean</a>, 2020, Vincennes Lincoln <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maycee-lange/">Maycee Lange</a>, 2021, Vincennes Lincoln <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/gracie-shorter/">Gracie Shorter</a>, 2022, Sullivan <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/delainey-shorter/">Delainey Shorter</a>, 2022, Sullivan Lauren Vaughn, 2020, Pike Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jalyn-nelson/">Jalyn Nelson</a>, 2020, Pike Central <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-sisk/">Hannah Sisk</a>, 2021, Princeton Community <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/cortney-dove/">Cortney Dove</a>, 2022, Princeton Community   Sectional #32 Most Intriguing First Round Matchup: Gibson Southern vs. Evansville Reitz Memorial Right off the bat on Tuesday, we get two of the area's better teams facing off. Memorial won the first matchup between the two, 69-52, and I think it shocked a few people the margin was so big. Gibson Southern is as talented as just about anyone in Class 3A, but Memorial is well-coached and disciplined. Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Heritage Hills vs. Winner of Game-1 (above) I think whoever wins that very first game will find an interesting Friday matchup with Heritage Hills. This half of the bracket is absolutely loaded. Heritage Hills is no slouch, but I think they'll be a little undermanned against whichever team advances in the first game Tuesday. They've already lost to Gibson Southern. Sectional Championship Prediction: Gibson Southern 57, Boonville 49 Since I have to choose a winner from that first game, I'm leaning towards Gibson Southern right now. They had a tight, six-point win over Boonville in early January, and I think this Sectional final will be a good one as well. I'm not sure it will be a one or two possession game, but I do think it will be competitive throughout. X-Factor Player: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rebekah-gordon/">Rebekah Gordon</a>, 2021, Heritage Hills Rebekah is a definite game-changer, and she could end up being a Sectional-changer if she can dominate around the paint this week. She has 30-point & 15-rebound potential on any given night, and if she can stay out of foul trouble and explode for those types of numbers each night, Heritage Hills could be a mild sleeper to win Sectional #32. Top Players To Watch In Sectional #32: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ryleigh-anslinger/">Ryleigh Anslinger</a>, 2021, Evansville Reitz Memorial <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/peyton-murphy/">Peyton Murphy</a>, 2021, Evansville Reitz Memorial <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/meredith-raley/">Meredith Raley</a>, 2020, Gibson Southern <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kamryn-miller/">Kamryn Miller</a>, 2021, Gibson Southern <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rebekah-gordon/">Rebekah Gordon</a>, 2021, Heritage Hills <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hadley-lytton/">Hadley Lytton</a>, 2022, Heritage Hills <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alaysha-brandenberger/">Alaysha Brandenberger</a>, 2022, Boonville Ramey Wilder, 2020, Boonville <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/paige-robinson/">Paige Robinson</a>, 2021, Mount Vernon Libby Steinhart, 2021, Mount Vernon Brooke Jackson, 2021, Mount Vernon Denaya Harris, 2020, Evansville Bosse Millai Madison, 2020, Evansville Bosse