Merry Midpoint: Class 4A, Sectionals #9-#16

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id="59766" first="Karsyn" last="Norman"] (2023) of Bedford North Lawrence High School. With 13 weeks in the regular season during the IHSAA girls’ basketball season each year, the Christmas to New Years’ time period basically represents the midpoint of the season by weeks. Nearly every team has played double-digit games at this point, so I wanted to take an early look at who the better teams are in each Class 4A Sectional as they make the turn towards the second half of the season. Below I have highlighted Sectionals #9-#16.   Sectional #9 - Mount Vernon (Fortville) - Likely Favorite: Pendleton Heights - Upset Candidate: Mount Vernon (Fortville) - Comments: Sectional #9 features four teams from the Hoosier Heritage Conference and three teams from the North Central Conference, so needless to say, these teams are all very familiar with each other. Pendleton Heights (10-3) has had a strong first half to the season, and they defeated Mount Vernon, 47-36, earlier this year, but playing in Fortville won’t be easy. The Arabians have gotten strong play from a trio of double-figure scorers, beginning with Freshman wing [player_tooltip player_id="295797" first="Kaycie" last="Warfel"] (14.5p, 4.5r, 3.5s). Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="241199" first="Whitney" last="Warfel"] (13.5p, 5.6r, 2.1s) and Senior wing Hailee Brunnemer (12.0p, 2.6r). The Marauders lean heavily on one of the state’s best Sophomores in 6-2 wing [player_tooltip player_id="177344" first="Ellery" last="Minch"], but they’ve also gotten strong play from New Palestine transfer Khloe Patterson, a Junior forward, as well as Seniors [player_tooltip player_id="128186" first="Alaina" last="Nugent"], Shay Shipley, and Maddie Swingle. Sectional #10 - North Central (Indianapolis) - Likely Favorite: North Central (Indianapolis) - Upset Candidate: Lawrence Central/Warren Central/Lawrence North/Cathedral - Comments: Sectional #10 rarely goes as anticipated, as there are a number of talented teams in what can be argued as the second deepest 4A Sectional next to Sectional #8. North Central suffered significant graduation losses in 2021, but they still have one of the strongest rosters in the state. Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id="128118" first="Tanyuel" last="Welch"] is elite on the perimeter, while Seniors [player_tooltip player_id="128170" first="Destinee" last="Hooks"] and Covenant Christian transfer [player_tooltip player_id="34555" first="Samara" last="Douglas"] provide the muscle up front. Junior [player_tooltip player_id="96077" first="Ava" last="Couch"] is a legitimate Division-I prospect on the wing, and classmate [player_tooltip player_id="178231" first="Trinity" last="Archey"] has also played well around the perimeter. But the Panthers can be beaten, and there are several options to upset them in Sectional #10. Lawrence Central, and the combination of Freshman star [player_tooltip player_id="295763" first="Jaylah" last="Lampley"] (16.5p, 6.5r, 2.9a), Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id="97284" first="Tori" last="Smiley"] (14.2p) and [player_tooltip player_id="128206" first="Montasia" last="McAllister"] (9.0p, 4.8r, 2.7a), plus Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id="331815" first="Denyha" last="Jacobs"] (12.9p, 4.0r, 3.1s) can put up points in a hurry and cause problems defensively. Warren Central comes strong with Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="59726" first="Asiah" last="Baxter"] (13.9p, 10.8r, 2.3s) and Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="182138" first="Le’Aije" last="Ellington"] (10.1p, 3.2r), plus Junior floor general [player_tooltip player_id="59781" first="Sanaa" last="Thomas"] (9.6p, 2.8r, 6.8a). Lawrence North has pedigree and a little experience remaining from that 2020 State Championship run in the form of Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id="155437" first="Monica" last="Williams"], while Cathedral has size, length, and athleticism throughout their roster, led by Junior [player_tooltip player_id="59751" first="Layla" last="Gold"] (15.6p, 4.9r) and Senior [player_tooltip player_id="128137" first="Katie" last="Bremer"] (12.4p, 5.9r, 2.2a). Sectional #11 - Perry Meridian - Likely Favorite: Ben Davis - Upset Candidate: Pike - Comments: The Giants are regaining that magic they had in the late 1990s and early 2000s when they were THE team everyone in Central Indiana had to go through. Their Junior class is talented and big, but there are a couple of nice Senior contributors as well. Senior front-liner Johnai Wimbleduff (12.7p, 3.8r) leads them in scoring and has a nice toughness and motor in her repertoire. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id="96082" first="Taylor" last="Guess"] (12.5p, 8.5r, 2.2s) and [player_tooltip player_id="203653" first="Cristen" last="Carter"] (11.7p, 10.4r) are both Division-I prospects who stand over 6-feet tall, while Junior wings [player_tooltip player_id="155438" first="Kaleah" last="Toomer"] (6.2p, 3.3r, 2.6a, 2.3s) and [player_tooltip player_id="59735" first="Kirsten" last="Clark"] (3.2p, 2.4a) have drawn their share of interest as well. Northwestern University softball commit [player_tooltip player_id="243570" first="Kansas" last="Robinson"] (6.1p, 5.5r, 2.7s) has also put together a fine career for the Giants. The Pike Red Devils have shown a resurgence this season as well, following just ten wins over the last two years combined. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id="128119" first="Jaelynne" last="Murray"] (12.8p, 6.8r, 2.3s) is a really nice talent and has committed to Alabama A&M. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id="59727" first="Giavonnie" last="Belton"] (15.9p, 3.0r, 2.0s) has also been a bright spot for the Red Devils this year, and she is shooting it well outside (38%) and from the line (80%). Sectional #12 - Brownsburg - Likely Favorite: Plainfield/Brownsburg - Upset Candidate: Mooresville - Comments: This was a toss-up, as Brownsburg won an early season matchup with Plainfield, 45-39, but the Quakers have been hot of late, winning their last five and nine of their last eleven. Plainfield is highly experienced, with four Seniors leading the way. They are wing [player_tooltip player_id="97247" first="Ellie" last="Wilkerson"] (14.0p, 6.3r, 2.2s), forward [player_tooltip player_id="61051" first="Jozee" last="Rhodes"] (13.6p, 4.7r), and guards Audrey Harper (6.9p, 2.7r, 4.0s) and [player_tooltip player_id="128144" first="Audrey" last="Tallent"] (5.1p, 4.5r, 2.8a). Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id="239347" first="Payton" last="Benge"] (4.5p, 3.7r) gives them another sizeable presence. Brownsburg doesn’t have a much different roster than a year ago, but the subtraction of star guard Ally Becki, a 2021 grad, left a huge hole to fill. Seniors Miya Webb and [player_tooltip player_id="303400" first="Kiera" last="Guckenberger"], plus Junior [player_tooltip player_id="59780" first="Kailyn" last="Terrell"] handle backcourt duties, while Seniors [player_tooltip player_id="128179" first="Novalee" last="Glass"] and [player_tooltip player_id="128190" first="Ra’Mya" last="Milton"] are a strong presence up front. If anyone can sneak in here and make a run, it’s likely Mooresville. They have good size and strength, plus a nice mixture of youth and experience. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id="177326" first="Rachel" last="Harshman"] (14.2p, 7.1r) has really improved since a year ago. Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id="182141" first="Madelynn" last="Denny"] (12.9p, 3.3r, 2.7s) is another double-digit scorer for the Pioneers. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id="239348" first="Kalyn" last="Bunch"] (9.4p, 6.1r) has also been good along the frontline. Sectional #13 - Franklin Central - Likely Favorite: Franklin Community - Upset Candidate: Center Grove - Comments: This one is pretty cut and dry, as The Grizzly Cubs are 5-0 against Sectional #13 competition thus far this season, and they are 17-1 overall on the year. Senior transfer [player_tooltip player_id="97305" first="Ashlyn" last="Traylor"] (15.3p, 6.3r, 2.8a, 3.3s) and Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id="61040" first="Kuryn" last="Brunson"] (13.4p, 4.0r, 3.0a) lead the way for Franklin, while Junior transfer [player_tooltip player_id="59785" first="Adelyn" last="Walker"] (8.3p, 2.4r, 2.8a) and Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="326479" first="Erica" last="Buening"] (8.1p, 3.6r) have really stepped up their games this year. And to show off their depth, Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id="177336" first="Scarlett" last="Kimbrell"] (6.1p, 4.6r) and [player_tooltip player_id="176408" first="Lauren" last="Klem"] (5.4p, 2.8r, 2.4a, 2.0s) tied as their second leading scorers at 11.0 points per game one season ago. Now, with all of that said, Center Grove has played Franklin close twice this year, losing by three points on each occasion, so you can count the Trojans in as being confident they can win this thing. Junior transfer [player_tooltip player_id="59729" first="Savanna" last="Bischoff"] (9.9p, 4.5r) has been a nice addition to the lineup, while Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="59756" first="Ella" last="Hobson"] (7.8p, 2.7r, 3.8a) has complemented her well in the backcourt. Sophomore newcomer [player_tooltip player_id="201884" first="Rachel" last="Wirts"] (7.7p, 4.6r) provides nice size inside, and Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="177311" first="Aubrie" last="Booker"] (7.1p, 3.7r, 2.9a) is a nice playmaking athlete outside. Sectional #14 - Bloomington North - Likely Favorite: Columbus East - Upset Candidate: East Central - Comments: Sectional #14 is likely another two-team race, with the slight edge going to Columbus East, following a 55-46 win over East Central before Thanksgiving. The Olympians have gotten spirited play from Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id="127236" first="Saige" last="Stahl"] (16.4p, 9.1r, 2.0a, 5.1s) this year, and she leads them in both scoring and rebounding so far. Senior leader [player_tooltip player_id="97261" first="Koryn" last="Greiwe"] (16.2p, 3.2r, 3.2a, 3.8s) continues to play with a tremendous motor and toughness, helping the Columbus East program to a great deal of success during her tenure. Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id="178239" first="Leah" last="Bachmann"] (8.8p, 6.2r, 2.8s) has also been strong inside for the Olympians. East Central counters with a strong duo of their own in Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="59784" first="Josie" last="Trabel"] (17.4p, 6.9r, 2.4a, 3.4s) and Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="128165" first="Hope" last="Fox"] (14.0p, 5.9r, 3.9a, 3.2s). They have been highly effective together the last couple of years. Junior Laney Baker (9.2p, 3.4r, 2.9a, 2.4s) has also been solid for the Trojans this season. Sectional #15 - Jeffersonville - Likely Favorite: Bedford North Lawrence - Upset Candidate: Jennings County/Jeffersonville - Comments: Bedford is a strong favorite in Sectional #15, and rightfully so. They take on all comers and usually wind up victorious most evenings. They are led by a strong backcourt in Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="176409" first="Chloe" last="Spreen"] (16.1p, 6.0r, 2.2a) and Junior [player_tooltip player_id="59766" first="Karsyn" last="Norman"] (14.9p, 3.3r, 2.9a, 3.3s). Spreen is a high-major combo guard who does a little more of the scoring for the Lady Stars, while Norman is a mid-major prospect who can shoot it with range or set up teammates, plus she’s very feisty defensively. If anyone in this Sectional can play them tough, it’s likely going to be Jennings County. They are somewhat young and led by Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id="201871" first="Alivia" last="Elmore"] (15.2p, 4.3r, 3.3a, 2.2s) and Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id="177362" first="Juliann" last="Woodard"] (13.0p, 11.8r, 2.3a, 3.2s). They are both tough-nosed, hard-working players who can control a game inside the arc. Senior [player_tooltip player_id="243567" first="Lily" last="Ernstes"] (9.1p, 4.8r, 2.8a) can play inside or out and gives the Panthers some veteran leadership. Jeffersonville has had a solid season so far, but they might still be a year away from competing for the Sectional #15 title. They have several Sophomores and Juniors who contribute fairly evenly at times, but watch out for Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="59774" first="Cadence" last="Singleton"], Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="59768" first="Sophia" last="Reese"], and Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="177339" first="Elle" last="Marble"]. Sectional #16 - Evansville Harrison - Likely Favorite: Castle - Upset Candidate: Evansville North - Comments: The Sectional #16 crown has gone to Castle or Evansville North each of the last four seasons, and I don’t see that changing this year either. Castle knocked off North 61-54 just before Thanksgiving, but this title is still up for grabs. The Knights are 10-3 thus far and lean on Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id="128117" first="Natalie" last="Niehaus"], Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="267399" first="Jordan" last="Coon"], and fast-rising Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="239354" first="Aleyna" last="Quinn"] for scoring. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id="128142" first="Megan" last="Kain"] and [player_tooltip player_id="97258" first="Kyrisha" last="Hay-Swope"], along with Junior [player_tooltip player_id="127216" first="Devyn" last="Barton"], bring a defensive element to the team as well. Evansville North is coming off of a big win against North Central (Indianapolis) on Tuesday, the Huskies are 10-2, and they’ve won seven in a row. With nearly five players in double-digits, they are difficult to defend. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="267400" first="Jaidn" last="Green"] (12.2p, 5.2r, 4.9a) is the top scorer and assist person. Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id="96092" first="Jalyn" last="Shelby"] (10.5p, 6.7r, 2.3a) can score it inside or shoot the ’3’, while Junior Alabama transfer [player_tooltip player_id="328917" first="Amiyah" last="Buchanan"] (12.0p, 7.2r) has given North a long, athletic presence in the frontcourt. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id="128140" first="Kaliah" last="Neighbors"] (9.5p, 6.2r, 2.2a) and [player_tooltip player_id="128157" first="Kaylee" last="Martin"] (9.1p, 3.5r) are also near the 10-point-per-game plateau.