Season Preview: Class 1A, Sectionals #61-64
In this article:
This coming Monday, October 17, will mark the start of official practices, therefore the beginning of the 2022-2023 high school season is right around the corner. With that in mind, I wanted to begin a thorough, multi-article preview spread throughout…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis coming Monday, October 17, will mark the start of official practices, therefore the beginning of the 2022-2023 high school season is right around the corner. With that in mind, I wanted to begin a thorough, multi-article preview spread throughout the next few weeks, looking ahead at each Sectional, the top teams, and preseason all-state teams. I will wrap up Class 1A by taking a look at the second South Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #61 through #64. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis.
(SAG = Final 2021-2022 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (395 teams); SOS = Final 2021-2022 Strength of Schedule)
Sectional #61
Lanesville (26-2), SAG 50, SOS 261
West Washington (15-8), SAG 270, SOS 358
Borden (12-11), SAG 316, SOS 363
Rock Creek (9-9), SAG 337, SOS 376
Christian Academy (7-16), SAG 356, SOS 374
South Central (Elizabeth) (1-16), SAG 377, SOS 364
Lanesville, winners of four consecutive Sectional titles, has averaged 22 wins per season over that span. With everything they return this season, I would consider the Lady Eagles strong favorites in Sectional #61 once again this year (you can see their team preview here). Despite the graduation of guard Madison Brown (7.5p, 4.3r, 3.0a, 2.3s) and sister Mackenzie Brown, the Senators of West Washington could duplicate last season’s win total with the return of nearly everyone else. 5-9 Sophomore forward Ava Woods Ava Woods 5'10" | PF West Washington | 2025 IN (9.3p, 5.3r, 2.0a) stepped up big-time as a rookie, and she should become a team leader in Year-2. 5-2 Junior point guard Alandra Johnson and 5-4 Senior wing Aynsley Nance return the most experience, but I’d anticipate Sophomore guards Lilly Thompson, 5-6, and Emma Schmidt, 5-3, helping to solidify the backcourt. The Senators were previously in Sectional #62 but look to make their mark in their new home this season. Borden was the only other team from Sectional #61 above .500 last year, and the Lady Braves look to improve upon that in 2022-2023. They could look immediately to two talented Freshmen to make an instant impact. 5-10 guard Riley Rarick Riley Rarick 6'0" | CG Borden | 2026 State IN and 5-11 wing Ava Wheeler Ava Wheeler 6'0" | PF Borden | 2026 State IN both have Division-I potential, and both have the ability to help this team to close to 20 wins in 2022-2023. Add to that the return of skillful 5-5 Senior guard Emily Cissell (16.0p, 5.5r, 2.1a), and the Lady Braves are off to a great start. Cissell is a very good perimeter shooter, and she can score it in bunches. Last year, fellow Senior Paige Robinson (5.2p, 4.0r, 2.7a), a 5-5 wing, was the second leading scorer on this defensive minded team. Borden did graduate Caitlyn Cook (4.8p, 2.0r), but 5-8 Senior post Claire Hall (3.7p, 3.7r), 5-8 Sophomore guard Hannah Peine (3.2p), 5-5 Junior wing Gabby Thomas (2.3p, 2.5r), and 5-7 Senior forward Delaney Smith (2.1p, 3.1r) were all contributors in the core rotation last year. Another Freshman, 5-10 post Emma Hart Emma Hart 5'10" | PF Borden | 2026 IN , could also see the floor from the outset.
The Lady Lions of Rock Creek look to cross into double-digit wins this season for the first time since 2004-2005 when they were 14-8. The return of 5-5 Junior guard Chloe Carter should definitely help with that. She can score it, rebound, or facilitate at times. The Lions also have back 5-9 Junior forward Santana Dozal and 5-7 Junior forward Sierra Alcorta. Rock Creek is rather young as a whole, so their future is very bright, but the addition of 5-6 Freshman point guard Kelis Dansby Kelis Dansby 5'7" | PG Rock Creek Academy | 2026 State IN should also help tremendously. She is a fast and athletic playmaker who should change their dynamic quite a bit once she adjusts to the Varsity game. The Christian Academy of Indiana posted their most wins since the 2016-2017 season, and they too look to approach .500 this time around. 5-3 Sophomore guard Leah Stevens (8.4p, 3.9r, 2.1s) made quite the splash last year, leading the Lady Warriors in scoring. She’ll be joined in the backcourt by 5-5 Junior guard Brooklyn Shields (4.8p, 4.8r, 2.1a). Up front, the Warriors turn to 5-10 Senior forward Lilly Yates (7.4p, 7.8r), last season’s leading rebounder. The most notable loss will be that of graduated guard Ashlin Owen (7.0p, 4.2r, 2.6s). Following three consecutive Sectional titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and a 19-7 record during the 2017-2018 season, South Central (Elizabeth) has won just eight games combined over the past four years. However, the return of 5-8 Senior wing Millie Spencer, 5-7 Senior guard Kendall Kiper, and 5-6 Sophomore point guard Olivia Maley give the Lady Rebels a great deal of optimism to potentially increase their win total significantly.
Sectional #62
Trinity Lutheran (16-9), SAG 159, SOS 223
New Washington (14-10), SAG 215, SOS 352
Rising Sun (10-14), SAG 294, SOS 318
Shawe Memorial (9-11), SAG 348, SOS 368
Crothersville (3-14), SAG 381, SOS 366
Medora (no records from 2021-2022)
Like Lanesville in Sectional #61, Trinity Lutheran has exerted their recent dominance, winning four of the last five Sectional crowns. They also return a number of key players, and I would call them a solid favorite to win their fifth title in six years come February (you can see their team preview here). New Washington moves in from Sectional #61, so instead of battling Lanesville, they now have to deal with Trinity Lutheran. The loss of Grace Ellison (9.6p, 3.0r) will certainly factor into the Mustangs’ strategy at the beginning of the year, but the return of 5-8 Junior guard Kaidin James Kaidin James 5'8" | SF New Washington | 2024 IN (11.5p, 4.0r, 3.8s) has to have New Washington fans excited to see what she does next. James will likely be the focal point of the Mustang offense, and she also has 5-5 Senior point guard Macy Fields (4.3p, 3.1r, 2.9a, 2.0s) to lean on for help. New Washington has a number of other players with Varsity experience, so they will need a few of them to continue improving in order to compete with Trinity Lutheran for the Sectional #62 title. It has been since the 2015-2016 season that the Shiners of Rising Sun have put together a winning season, but this could be the year they turn it around. The Shiners return all of their core, and a few of them will return next year as well. 5-4 Senior guard Baylee Morris (10.0p, 3.7r, 2.4s) leads the way, as she can score it from all three levels. She is helped most by the Junior duo of 5-10 post Alyssa Simpson (9.7p, 10.3r) and 5-6 Junior forward Jenna Peelman (8.0p, 6.5r). 5-8 Senior wing Kieran Groover (4.9p, 4.2r, 2.2a) and 5-2 Junior guard Nora Powell (4.8p, 3.5r) each also saw action in more than 20 games a year ago. There are also a number of Sophomores and Juniors available to provide depth, plus 5-7 Freshman point guard Carrigan Friend could find her way onto the Varsity floor early this season. Rising Sun moves in from Sectional #60.
Shawe Memorial went with a youthful approach a year ago, playing a number of Freshmen. This year, they look to post their first winning season since 2016-2017. The return of 5-5 Senior guard Autumn Lathrem and 5-5 Junior guard Yolett Perez does offer the Hilltoppers some upperclassmen experience. From there, they turn to that aforementioned 2025 class, with a couple of girls pushing the 6-foot mark. They should undoubtedly be improved, but whether or not they can contend for a Sectional title will be more of a midseason discussion. Crothersville will be in a “next person up” mode this year, as they suffered significant graduation losses, including those of forward Zoe Spangler and guard Kennadi Lakins. 5-5 Senior guard Shania Hyland has the most experience of the returnees for the Lady Tigers, and 5-6 Junior forward Emily Lanning is probably a close second. They’ll need to find running ‘mates quickly to improve upon last season’s record. The Medora Lady Hornets have not been able to field a team for two years now due to numbers, but hopefully they’ll be back on the court soon, if not this season.
Sectional #63
Vincennes Rivet (20-7), SAG 108, SOS 211
Springs Valley (12-10), SAG 252, SOS 326
Barr-Reeve (11-16), SAG 274, SOS 284
Loogootee (6-18), SAG 285, SOS 183
Shoals (7-15), SAG 318, SOS 323
Orleans (4-19), SAG 323, SOS 298
Washington Catholic (5-13), SAG 376, SOS 355
Over the last 15 seasons, Vincennes Rivet has been known for its dominance in girls’ basketball. They returned to Class 1A last year, following a two-year stint in Class 2A due to the success factor. I’d look for the Patriots to again be strong this year, as they are likely the tallest team in Class 1A (you can see their team preview here). Springs Valley comes over from Sectional #64, and they hope to take a shot at Rivet, but they’ll have to do so minus three starters, most notably the graduated Jessalyn Mahan (13.5p, 5.7r, 3.2s). Kennedy Land and Hailey Wilson had also been key to their success. 5-1 Senior guard Brynne Buchanan does return to lead the Blackhawks into action, and she’ll have help from a handful of Juniors who’ve seen Varsity action. There is also a lot of hope on the horizon, as 5-10 Freshman wing Maddie Carnes Maddie Carnes 5'10" | SF Springs Valley | 2026 State IN built quite a reputation throughout middle school, at least locally, and looks to potentially be a top contributor earlier rather than later. She is a nice athlete with skill at all levels. Perhaps fellow Freshman, 5-4 point guard Maci Eckerty Maci Eckerty 5'4" | PG Springs Valley | 2026 IN , could also lend some help to the effort. She has a good feel for the game and can set up teammates. Barr-Reeve is a team on the rise, and they have one of the better younger players in Class 1A in 6-0 front-liner Hannah Bledsoe Hannah Bledsoe 6'0" | PF Barr-Reeve | 2025 State IN (10.8p, 8.5r). Bledsoe has tremendous length, she’s a solid all-around athlete, she plays with a motor, and she’s skilled. Her future is bright in a Vikings uniform, but she isn’t all they have. 5-6 Senior point guard Colleen Trambaugh (5.9p, 3.2r, 2.9a, 2.6s), 5-4 Senior guard Beth Graber (4.9p, 3.3r), and 5-5 Junior guard Willow Thompson (4.2p, 3.4r) should solidify the backcourt, as all three have starting experience. 5-9 Junior forward Ava Carter (2.6p, 3.4r) and 5-9 post Mariah Brunson (2.1p, 2.8r) return and should help alleviate some of the pressure on Bledsoe inside.
The Loogootee Lions return to Class 1A following a two-year run in Class 2A due to their recent successes. This year, they will be navigating through a youth movement. 5-6 Junior guard Emily Hawkins Emily Hawkins 5'6" | SG Loogootee | 2024 IN is an upperclassman with Varsity experience. Otherwise, the Lady Lions will look to their 2025 class and players like 5-4 point guard Jadaya Farhar and 5-9 front-liner Madison Waggner. Shoals could be interesting this year. Last year, they nearly doubled their win total from 2020-2021, and if they can figure out a way to replace graduated guard Haley Fischer, they could approach ten wins. 6-0 Senior post Gracie Shaw is a good starting point, as she could be a double-double kid as a Senior. 5-5 Junior point guard Taylor Turpin has multiple years in the lead guard role now. From there, though, the Jug Rox must turn to a bit of inexperience and youth, though a few younger players did see at least some Varsity action last year. Orleans suffered a tough blow last year, as 2022 grad Lily Saliba (6.3p, 5.7r, 3.7a, 4.3s) made it through just three games before missing the rest of the year. However, it allowed them to play young and see several girls gain Varsity experience. The Bulldogs should reap the rewards from that this year. The unquestioned leader, now, is 5-8 Sophomore forward Mylie Knight (7.3p, 6.1r). She’ll be aided most by 5-8 Junior forward Jill Salmon (5.1p, 3.2r), 5-4 Senior wing Emily DeWitt (5.0p, 3.0r), 5-7 Sophomore guard Cambree Cline (4.9p, 3.1r), and 5-7 Sophomore point guard Adrian Abel (3.6p). Washington Catholic struggled to score a year ago (26.8 points per game), but the good news is they have four of their five key players back. The Cardinals turn first to 5-4 Senior wing Mya Cline (14.1p, 5.2r, 2.2s). 5-6 Senior wing Brynna Hunter (4.4p, 4.5r), 5-8 Junior forward Addie Talbert (2.8p, 4.4r), and 5-7 Sophomore forward Tara Vertus (1.6p, 5.8r) should all help after playing big minutes a year ago.
Sectional #64
Tecumseh (20-8), SAG 70, SOS 114
Northeast Dubois (17-6), SAG 164, SOS 314
Wood Memorial (6-13), SAG 314, SOS 296
Evansville Christian (3-14), SAG 357, SOS 362
Cannelton (9-14), SAG 384, SOS 388
Tecumseh won the 2022 Class 1A state title, but the graduation loss of do-everything forward Kaybree Oxley (17.7p, 9.3r, 2.1a, 2.7s), plus four other 2022 grads, will certainly hinder their efforts to repeat. Still, though, they return enough that we nearly had them in our preseason Top-10 for Class 1A once again. 5-9 Junior forward Jenna Donohoo Jenna Donohoo 5'10" | PF Tecumseh | 2024 IN (13.0p, 7.2r) really stepped up as a Sophomore, and she should be one of the team leaders as a Junior. Look for her to take on a lot of Oxley’s responsibilities this year. 5-5 Senior point guard Karsyn Flowers (9.3p, 3.2r, 4.9a, 2.9s) is back to take care of the ball, she’s a good defender, and she’ll likely also score it a little more as a Senior leader. 5-7 Senior guard Pennelope Lemen (2.4p, 2.9r) will give them more experience on the perimeter, something they will need immediately this year. 5-11 Senior forward Brianna Marx (2.2p, 2.3r) provides help up front for Donohoo, plus 5-9 Sophomore wing Katelyn Marx (2.3p) showed nice promise in flashes last season. Look for her to step into a much bigger role now. Northeast Dubois brings back nice experience, one of the Sectional’s better players, and they look to fight for the Sectional #64 crown this year, if not advance farther (you can see their team preview here).
Wood Memorial has graduated a number of key players over the last two seasons, so it’s fortunately something they’ve dealt with before. Now, they will lean on several returnees who split minutes and gained experience last year. If they can gel early, they could be a 10-win team when it’s all said and done. Look for 5-5 Senior guard Megan Keeker, 5-8 Senior forward Kennedy Shoultz, 5-6 Senior guard Skylynn Meredith, 5-8 Senior forward Lucy Schwomeyer, and 5-6 Senior forward Grace Frederick to headline a seasoned lineup. Juniors Kamryn Blacklock, a 5-7 guard, Jillian Page, a 5-6 guard, and Josie Page, a 5-8 wing also return with experience. Evansville Christian enters its first season being IHSAA tournament eligible, so it will be fun to see what they can do in their first-ever Sectional appearance. One thing’s for sure, and that’s the presence of 5-4 Junior guard Tina Geer (13.9p, 3.9r, 5.6s) is welcomed by Eagle fans. She is an athletic playmaker who could hit the 1000-point mark by the time she graduates. The Eagles played four 2024s and four 2025s regular minutes a year ago, and 5-7 Junior forward Addison Grubb (7.6p, 7.1r, 2.2s) plus 5-9 Sophomore post Adriana Marx (4.0p, 6.5r) control the boards on the inside for Evansville Christian. They are young and inexperienced, but they could be entertaining to watch as a group. Cannelton found its way to nine wins last season, their most since the 2011-2012 campaign. With only seven players on the roster and two graduating, it makes it tough for the Bulldogs, however a repeat of last season is highly possible due to the return of 6-2 Senior post Kendall Hale Kendall Hale 6'2" | C Cannelton | 2023 State IN (19.8p, 8.7r, 2.1a, 5.9b). Hale has scholarship level talent and skill, plus she’s a matchup nightmare for most schools at the Class 1A level. If the Bulldogs can take care of the ball long enough to get it to Hale inside, they can cause problems. 5-5 Sophomore guard Kylie Anastasiades (6.4p, 5.3r, 3.5a) took over ball-handling responsibilities as a rookie last year, so look for major improvement in Year-2 from her.