Regional Rundown: Class 3A

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id="128150" first="Kencia" last="Levasseur"] of Washington High School. As we enter Regional Saturday, we now have just 16 teams remaining in each of Indiana’s four school classifications. By Valentine’s Day, we will hopefully have our Final Four decided out of each grouping. Below is a look at each of the Regionals in Class 3A, brief analysis of the morning games, as well as a quick prediction as to who we think could advance to the Semi-State. This is one of Indiana’s best weekends when it comes to high school basketball, so be sure to attend (when & where possible) or watch online!!! (All times listed below are Eastern Daylight Time.)   JIMTOWN REGIONAL 10:30 a.m. Lakeland (20-7) vs. Griffith (13-3) Do you like a great story? Then the Lakeland Lakers are for you. Let’s start with their first Sectional title since 1996, in addition to their first season this century with more than 15 wins. Additionally, they did so after second leading scorer, Sophomore Faith Riehl (12.5p, 4.7r, 2.1s), unfortunately tore her ACL on January 15th. Now, the Lakers are riding high, and they don’t want to stop yet. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id="130322" first="Bailey" last="Hartsough"] (17.5p, 8.7r, 2.6a, 3.2s) is one of the most unknown stars in Indiana in the 2021 class. She has height, length, fluid athleticism, plus she’s skilled around the perimeter. Sophomore guard Peyton Hartsough (7.4p, 2.7r, 3.3a, 2.5s) is now asked to step into a more prolific role with Riehl out, as she is a fairly strong, skillful guard who does a little of everything. Look for Senior Madison Keil (5.8p, 3.5r) and Sophomore Alivia Rasler (5.1p, 3.9r, 2.9a) to also step up and play extra minutes with Riehl missing from the lineup. Griffith is its own interesting story. The Panthers missed the middle part of November, the first half of December, and the first two-thirds of January due to COVID precautions, and they ended the regular season playing six games over 11 days, including three in the last four days. It’s a good thing they drew the bye, I suppose. Due to those cancellations, they aren’t really battle-tested, so I’m curious to see how they handle a team like Lakeland who has played a rather tough schedule. Griffith does have a quartet of perimeter players to lean on. Junior guard Marisa Esquivel (14.1p, 2.3r, 3.2s) is their leading scorer. Senior guard Julissa Hamm (11.4p, 2.1r, 2.5s) is second in scoring, while Senior wing Cierra Pipkins (10.5p, 4.1r, 3.2s) also scores in double-figures and leads them in rebounding. Senior guard Ariel Esquivel (8.7p, 3.6r, 2.3a, 2.9s) is their primary ball-handler and looks to distribute, but she can make shots outside as well. They aren’t a very big team, but they do switch defenses and trap some, which plays into their strengths as a group. 12:30 p.m. Kankakee Valley (13-10) vs. South Bend Washington (19-5) The Kougars of Kankakee Valley have had a string of success, primarily at the Class 4A level. Now, in year-two in Class 3A, they look to continue their postseason run after playing against 10 Class 4A teams during the regular season. Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id="96093" first="Lilly" last="Toppen"] (10.3p, 3.5r) is a very good perimeter shooter, and she leads the Kougars into battle this weekend. Junior forward Taylor Schoonveld (9.1p, 5.6r, 2.1s) and Sophomore guard Katie Thomas (8.0p, 2.6r, 2.1a, 2.6s) are also key contributors for Kankakee Valley, and they can each score closer to 20 points on a given night. The Kougars do play five to eight additional girls in their rotation, depending on the opponent, so they do have some depth. The South Bend Washington Panthers present a much bigger problem, as they start just two players under 6-feet tall. They have played against some of the best teams in the state this Winter, and they’ve prospered against them at times. They have elite talent as well, and they are considered the second best team in Class 3A, per Sagarin Ratings. 6-2 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="97241" first="Mila" last="Reynolds"] (19.0p, 9.5r, 2.2b) will be the toughest matchup for the Kougars, as Reynolds can play in the post, in the mid-post, or around the perimeter. She is incredibly versatile, skilled, and athletic. 6-0 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id="59769" first="Amiyah" last="Reynolds"] (10.0p, 7.8r, 6.5a, 4.0s) is a true playmaker and has sacrificed scoring this season to get others involved. She is long, fluid, and highly skilled, plus she has a great feel for the game. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="96086" first="RaShunda" last="Jones"] (17.3p, 4.3r, 3.6a, 4.6s) is extremely quick/fast and athletic. She is a playmaker for herself or others, and she has really improved her perimeter shooting. She can also be a lockdown defender. Junior wing Shamarah Allen (7.7p, 5.1r, 2.5s) gives the Panthers another long athlete who can make plays at both ends of the floor, while 6-4 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id="130364" first="Francisca" last="Galicia"] (4.6p, 4.5r, 2.3b) has given them great minutes this season as a back-end defender and an opportunistic scorer at times. Regional Predictions: In the morning game, the Lakers will need to adjust to Griffith’s pressure and speed. The quicker they do so, the quicker they take control of this contest. I think Griffith will force some turnovers early, keeping it close into the half, but I think Lakeland eventually calms down, takes control, and wins by 12-15 points. In the second contest, I’d look for South Bend Washington to get started early and really get after the Kougars from the tip. Once the Panthers secure the lead, the final score will be determined by how long the starters play into the second half. This game could be 20 points, or it could be well over 30 depending on who plays how many minutes. In the Championship game, I really want to root for Lakeland and their story, but I just don’t think they have the horses to keep up with South Bend Washington. The Panthers will use their size and dominate inside, ultimately beating the Lakers by 20-25 points.   BELLMONT REGIONAL 10:00 a.m. Angola (19-5) vs. Norwell (21-5) Angola comes in looking for their 20th win; something they’ve done each of the last three seasons. They play a tough schedule and are tournament-ready, plus they have one of the best Senior guards in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="35020" first="Hanna" last="Knoll"] (19.0p, 4.4r, 2.3a, 3.8s) is one of the most complete players in Northeast Indiana, and she can play on the ball and run offense, or she can shoot/score it from all three levels. Knoll is also a capable defender on the ball. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id="97276" first="Lauren" last="Leach"] (9.2p, 6.0r, 2.1a) continues to improve with added strength. She, too, can run offense, but she is also a capable shooter, and she rebounds very well for her position. Senior wing Megan Nisun (4.5p, 4.7r) is somewhat undersized for how she plays, but she’s tough-nosed and will battle inside for rebounds and easy scores. Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id="239353" first="Riley" last="Pepple"] (6.5p, 3.0r) followed up her strong play over the Summer/Fall by being a key contributor this Winter for the Hornets. The Norwell Lady Knights won their ninth Sectional crown in the last 11 years, as they have sustained success as a program for some time now. They play a brutal schedule as well, so they are more than prepared for what this weekend brings. The Senior trio of wing [player_tooltip player_id="130352" first="Maiah" last="Shelton"], guard [player_tooltip player_id="99428" first="Kaylee" last="Fuelling"], and guard [player_tooltip player_id="245978" first="Lauren" last="Bales"] have been together for so long now, they just know how to read one another. Shelton is a wiry strong and athletic wing who can shoot/score it from anywhere. She also defends very well. Fuelling is a tough-nosed, strong, nice North/South athlete who can also shoot/score it from all levels. Bales is a smaller, quicker perimeter shooter who will handle the ball a lot of the time and make plays for others. 6-1 Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id="59783" first="Skyla" last="Tomasek"] gives them a true post presence inside, while Freshman guard Kennedy Fuelling is another nice, athletic perimeter player who can make plays for herself or others. 12:00 p.m. Benton Central (14-3) vs. Hamilton Heights (18-1) Benton Central is coming off of a State Finals appearance two seasons ago and a Semi-State appearance last season. This year’s roster had some turnover, though, plus they struggled to get their 22 regular season games in due to COVID cancellations. A pair of talented Juniors now lead the Bison into Saturday’s matchup. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="128135" first="Tressa" last="Senesac"] is as feisty as they come. She is extremely long at her size, she’s quick/fast, and she flies all over the floor making plays. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id="182143" first="Kennedy" last="Tolen"] has really improved her all-around game this last year or so. She is stronger, much more aggressive offensively, and she shoots a good ball from the perimeter. Senior guard Kyrah Tucker brings a great deal of experience to the lineup, plus she can score it a little bit herself. Junior forward Carlee Musser and 6-1 Freshman post [player_tooltip player_id="176407" first="Sarah" last="Gick"] give the Bison some size in the paint, and they will be needed to match up against Hamilton Heights’ size inside. Speaking of the Huskies, they too got a late start to the season due to COVID, but they still managed to get several games caught up, with a loss to Lafayette Central Catholic as the lone blemish on their record. Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id="177352" first="Camryn" last="Runner"] (16.6p, 5.2r, 2.0a, 2.0s) and Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id="62552" first="Jillian" last="Osswald"] (14.9p, 3.4r, 3.9a, 2.6s) paired very nicely together, and they, along with Freshman point guard Ella Hickok (5.6p, 4.7r, 2.7a, 2.5s), form a dynamic backcourt that is tough to defend. Runner is a long and fluidly athletic shooter who will be a really good one long-term. Osswald is a gritty playmaker who has shown the ability to be an elite defender at times. Hickok is a feisty little water-bug who hounds opposing ball-handlers, plus she can create offense for teammates. But the toughest mismatch for most opponents is 6-3 Junior post [player_tooltip player_id="34538" first="MyKayla" last="Moran"] (10.5p, 5.3r). She has a big, strong frame, she plays hard at times and can enforce her will around the block, and if you don’t account for her, she can score 20 points and grab 15 rebounds in a hurry. The Huskies are really clicking this season, plus they will return nearly everyone next year. Regional Predictions: Angola and Norwell will be an absolute battle. Both teams will want to control tempo, both will try to trap a little here and there, and both are skilled around the perimeter. Norwell might have a bit more effective size inside, but Angola might have a little more team speed. I honestly think this will be a one-possession game that comes down to who has the ball last. I’ll take Norwell by one in this contest. In the afternoon game, it will be interesting to see if either team has nerves early. Benton Central has different players stepping into more critical roles this year, while Heights is mostly younger and hasn’t been this deep since 2018. I think Benton Central will try to limit possessions and dictate tempo, while the Huskies will want to use their guards to force turnovers and play in transition. I think it will be a back and forth game of runs, but I’m leaning slightly towards Hamilton Heights. I will pick the Huskies by five, but this could go the other way if a call or two affect the game. In the evening tilt, I think Norwell and Hamilton Heights would be evenly matched. Norwell will have an edge in age and experience, while Heights is probably a bit more purely talented on paper. Norwell typically takes care of the ball, so it will be tough for Heights to turn them over. If the Huskies get sloppy a few possessions in a row, the Lady Knights could take control of a lead and hang on throughout. I like Norwell in this one, but only because of experience and maturity. I think Norwell wins by seven after free throws determine the final margin.   GREENCASTLE REGIONAL 10:00 a.m. Indian Creek (17-6) vs. Tri-West (15-6) The Lady Braves of Indian Creek posted four straight seasons with double-digit losses before this year, then in stepped a pair of talented Freshmen who have helped them to this point. After beginning the year 0-3, the Braves have started to figure things out, and they have won nine of their last ten games. Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id="239346" first="Lauren" last="Foster"] (17.4p, 3.4r, 3.2a) has been spectacular at times this season. She is a strong athlete who plays with a nice motor. She can create offense, knock down the occasional jumper, plus she’s a willing defender. 6-1 Freshman forward [player_tooltip player_id="201885" first="Faith" last="Wiseman"] (9.4p, 9.8r, 2.4a, 3.0b) still needs to get stronger over the years, but she has tremendous skill at her size, and she contributes in a variety of ways. Junior guard Emily Todor (12.0p, 3.4r, 2.2a, 2.6s) serves as the experienced mentor to the rest of the group, plus she is a dangerous shooter outside. Senior post Kurstin Thompson (7.2p, 8.7r) patrols the paint at both ends of the floor and adds another rebounding presence inside. The Tri-West Bruins are ready for anything that comes their way, as they play one of the toughest schedules of any Class 3A team in the state. The Bruins have struggled with Danville over the years, losing to the Warriors in each of the last three Sectionals, but they got their revenge last Friday night, and they look to continue their postseason run this weekend. Tri-West is built around their perimeter play, and they go about 8-10 deep most games. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="61059" first="Kenna" last="Kirby"] (14.6p, 4.7r, 3.6a, 2.9s) is a strong wing guard who can really shoot the ball. She is doing more things this year, creating offense for others, rebounding it well, and giving them all-around contributions instead of just as a scorer. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="182150" first="Isabelle" last="Saylor"] (9.6p, 2.7r, 2.3a, 2.7s) has really stepped up this year and become a more consistent scorer for the Bruins. She’s another capable perimeter shooter, and a tough-nosed worker. Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id="245982" first="Grace" last="Sandlin"] (9.5p, 3.5r, 3.8a, 2.6s) isn’t very tall, but she’s highly skilled, crafty, and she can make shots outside. Junior forward Adrie Thompson (9.2p, 4.3r) is very active and a solid all-around athlete. She plays bigger than she is and provides them with a fourth scoring threat. 12:00 p.m. Bishop Chatard (16-7) vs. Brownstown Central (19-6) Bishop Chatard is riding high, winners of eight of their last nine, plus they just knocked off nemesis Heritage Christian for the second time this season. The Trojans are used to tough competition in the regular season, so they should be prepared for Saturday’s opponent(s). Chatard plays 10-11 girls on most occasions, but the two-headed monster in Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id="130312" first="Zakia" last="Rasheed"] (17.3p, 5.0r, 2.8a, 2.9s) and [player_tooltip player_id="35022" first="Moira" last="McGinley"] (14.5p, 3.8r, 2.5a, 3.1s) have proven tough on opponents once again this season. Rasheed is a strong, physical, hard-working combo guard who can really shoot it outside. McGinley is a high-energy, high-motor, North/South fast athlete who can score at all three levels and defends with great intensity. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="243564" first="Isabel" last="Davis"] (6.3p) would probably be their de facto third option at this point, as eight more girls average anywhere between 4.9 points down to 1.2 points per game. Brownstown Central is no stronger to a monster schedule themselves, taking on most of the best schools in Southern Indiana. They enter this contest winning their last seven, plus they made it to the Semi-State one year ago. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id="130402" first="Katherine" last="Benter"] is a real problem for opponents every game. She is highly skilled, she has a great feel for the game, and she does a really nice job of picking her spots to score versus getting others involved. She can also hit shots with range, and she plays with an outstanding motor. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="178236" first="Madelyn" last="Hackman"] is another do-everything type of player. She is strong for her size, skilled with the ball, plus she’s an accurate perimeter shooter with a nice motor. Junior guard Emma Klinge and Senior forward Avery Koch have solid Varsity experience, but beyond them, the Lady Braves will be looking for any of several youngsters to step up this postseason. Regional Predictions: Indian Creek is a nice story, and they have several good years ahead of them apparently. But I think Tri-West will use it’s experience and skillful guard play to control tempo and put Indian Creek in tough spots all morning. I think Tri-West will win this one by 15-20 points, especially if they can shut down Foster. In Game #2, I think this will be an interesting battle. Chatard has two nice ballplayers, and Brownstown Central has two nice ballplayers. This will come down to who can shut down the other team’s best, and who takes care of the basketball and values possessions. I think Chatard might have more talent on paper, but I think Brownstown does a great job of getting what they want each possession. I can see Chatard winning by 8-10 or Brownstown winning by 4-5, depending completely on what I’ve said previously. For arguments sake, I will take Chatard right now. If Tri-West and Chatard meet in the final, I think both teams match up with each other fairly well size-wise. I do think Chatard possesses a bit more talent and experience, especially out of their top two players, so I will take Chatard to beat Tri-West by seven points.   CHARLESTOWN REGIONAL 11:00 a.m. Rushville Consolidated (17-8) vs. Washington (19-1) The Rushville Lions have never struck me as a flashy team, and I think they can really frustrate opponents with their style of play, because they aren’t very big, and they just out-hustle everyone. Their Sectional Semifinal victory over Greensburg was huge for them, and I think they are much tougher than their record might predict. They play four guards who are skillful and dynamic, but who are also somewhat different. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="128168" first="Olivia" last="Yager"] (14.1p, 6.0r) is a really nice athlete, a good perimeter shooter, but a great attacker, and she has had a nice season this year. Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id="61080" first="Annika" last="Marlow"] (10.1p, 3.4r, 4.0a) is a feisty, tough, strong little guard who directs the offense and gets it where it needs to go. She can hit shots outside as well. Senior guard Jaeda Miller (12.3p, 4.2r, 2.0s) is another quick little guard who is a playmaker off the bounce. She has proven to be a capable scorer this season, plus she rebounds it well at 5-3. She might be the best shooter of the bunch. Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id="59764" first="Briley" last="Munchel"] (6.7p, 2.5a, 2.3s) is another quick/fast little water-bug who can make plays for herself or others at both ends of the floor. Washington comes in with just the one loss, by 23 points to Evansville Memorial, but otherwise they have had a really nice season so far. The Hatchets use great balance and players of all sizes to their advantage. 6-0 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="128136" first="Alaina" last="Thorne"] (15.7p, 8.9r, 3.7a, 2.3s) is really starting to be a dominant player. She has length, fluid athleticism, and she plays with a motor. Strength has been her issue in the past, but that has improved a great deal. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id="128150" first="Kencia" last="Levasseur"] (15.6p, 9.2r, 4.3a, 2.2s) is a unique style of playmaker. She is strongly built, like a power forward or post, but she has a good handle and great vision. She is always trying to involve teammates, she rebounds it well, but now she’s starting to score it much more efficiently. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="182148" first="Jesse" last="Ledgerwood"] (9.9p, 3.8r, 2.4a) has finally gotten a full healthy season in, and she is playing solidly. She can make shots outside, she’s a physical driver, and she’s feisty defensively. Senior wing Jade Browning (9.8p, 4.0r, 2.4a) plays with a good motor and gives them a fourth scoring option. 1:00 p.m. Silver Creek (21-3) vs. Evansville Memorial (18-4) Silver Creek rates out as the top team in Class 3A, per Sagarin Ratings. They have played a legitimate schedule, they beat Class 4A #2 Crown Point 53-49, and they have only lost to Class 4A powers North Central (Indianapolis), Westfield, and Bedford North Lawrence. The Dragons received a big boost this season when 6-0 Senior power forward [player_tooltip player_id="88414" first="Marissa" last="Gasaway"] moved in from Louisville. She is a strong athlete, she plays with a nice motor, and she’s a monster on the boards. Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id="128116" first="Kynidi" last="Striverson"] has really upped her game in her second year at Silver Creek, and she’s a dynamic playmaker who can be an elite defender at times. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="130316" first="Alana" last="Striverson"] is a strong wing who can shoot/score it at all levels, plus she defends hard as well. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id="62561" first="Jaclyn" last="Emly"] has been a constant in the lineup for four years now, and her ability to make shots outside, attack the basket straight-line off the bounce, and run offense on occasion, make her incredibly versatile. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="128122" first="Emme" last="Rooney"] gives them yet another capable perimeter player who can make shots outside or score through contact at the basket. This group is just deep, and there are more guards/wings to sub in when needed. Now, Evansville Memorial is no slouch, and they have their own merits this season. They began the year 13-0 with a Hall of Fame Tournament Championship, having beaten both Fishers and Mount Vernon (Fortville) there. The Tigers rested several key players down the stretch, leading to their four losses, so their record is a bit deceiving. They are incredibly Senior-laden, with seven rostered Seniors in their 12-player rotation. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id="99409" first="Ryleigh" last="Anslinger"] (15.5p, 2.6r, 2.1a, 3.3s) is incredibly well-balanced, though she did explode for 33 points against Mount Vernon in New Castle. She’s a fluid athlete with good skill at all levels. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id="184230" first="Hope" last="Lensing"] (7.0p, 3.8r) is a long, fluid, and skilled face-up ’4’ who does some battling inside for the Tigers. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id="130366" first="Peyton" last="Murphy"] (6.9p, 3.7r, 2.6a, 2.6s) is sort of a do-everything hustler. She can play around the perimeter, in the mid-post, or battle inside. Senior wing Savannah Warren (6.1p, 3.9r, 3.9a, 2.5s) is a long, fluid, somewhat smooth point forward type who runs offense at times for Memorial. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="127211" first="Emily" last="Mattingly"] (8.8p, 2.9r) and Freshman point guard [player_tooltip player_id="177335" first="Avery" last="Kelley"] (7.8p, 3.5r, 2.0s) are two rare underclassmen who play amongst their core Senior rotation. Mattingly is a strong, skillful shooter with range, plus she can handle it at times as well. Kelley is a little, quick/fast playmaker who can also hit shots outside. The Tigers are about as deep as anyone, including Silver Creek. Regional Predictions: In the early game, I really want to look at the records, and the talent on paper, and assume Washington will be the favorite, but I don’t know that I can do it. Part of me thinks Washington is going to have its hands full with Rushville. Here’s the thing...with Washington, Rushville can game-plan and try to shut down one or two specific kids and probably succeed to some degree. You can’t really do that with Rushville, because they can hit you from all different spots. Also, it’s incredibly frustrating to watch guards who are 5-2, 5-3, and 5-4 out-rebound you. If Washington can control the glass and take care of the basketball, then I think they win by a half dozen, however, I am going to pick Rushville by four because I think they are a unique matchup problem. The second game has two teams both good enough to make it to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Silver Creek has a more talented starting unit, without question, while Memorial is deeper from top to bottom. I think Silver Creek will have its hands full, especially if any bench players have to play significant minutes they aren’t used to. Memorial will surely exploit that. But assuming Silver Creek stays healthy and keeps their best out of foul trouble, I like them by a basket or two over Memorial. The Championship game should be pretty clear-cut, and I think whoever wins Game #2 will win the Regional by 15-20 points. If it’s Silver Creek and Rushville, as I’ve reluctantly predicted, then I think Rushville will cause problems early, but Silver Creek will adjust and just has more talented guard play. They will control the second half and separate with ease.