Season Preview: Class 2A, Sectionals #33-36

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='127223' first='Nasiya' last='Gause'] (2023) of Lake Station's Thomas A. Edison High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past Monday, October 17, marked 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 continue my 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 now transition from Class 1A to Class 2A, beginning with taking a look at the first Class 2A North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #33 through #36. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis.<br><small>(<em>SAG = Final 2021-2022 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (395 teams); SOS = Final 2021-2022 Strength of Schedule</em>)</small></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #33</font></strong><br>Andrean (21-7), SAG 72, SOS 109<br>Lake Station Edison (16-7), SAG 179, SOS 276<br>North Newton (10-10), SAG 227, SOS 270<br>Illiana Christian (5-16), SAG 340, SOS 277<br>Gary Bowman (7-14), SAG 352, SOS 372<br>Whiting (4-17), SAG 360, SOS 312<br>Gary 21st Century (4-12), SAG 382, SOS 373<br>Gary Lighthouse CPA (<em>no records from 2021-2022</em>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There has been some shuffling of Sectional #33, with the subtraction of Bishop Noll and the additions of North Newton, Gary 21st Century, and Gary Lighthouse CPA. With all of the movement, one thing should remain the same, and that's Andrean holding serve as the favorite this year. The 59ers have three talented perimeter players with experience making postseason runs (<em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/10/season-preview-top-10-class-2a-teams/" target="_blank">you can see their team preview here</a></em>). If anyone can challenge Andrean, that would likely be Lake Station Edison. The Fighting Eagles have talent in their 2023 and 2024 classes, and at times they can produce enough offensive firepower to be a real problem. Leading the way for Lake Station are Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='127223' first='Nasiya' last='Gause']</strong> (<em>14.0p, 4.6r, 3.8s</em>) and Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326491' first='Kayla' last='Wilkerson']</strong> (<em>14.0p, 3.1r</em>). Gause is a strong, physical wing guard who can score the ball in bunches from all three levels, while Wilkerson is a long, fluid athlete with the ability to play off the bounce or knock down an open rhythm 3-pointer. The Lady Eagles also welcome back a third double-digit scorer in 5-5 Senior wing <strong>Darne Toney</strong> (<em>10.6p</em>). She is a really nice athlete with speed, quickness, and the ability to really defend the ball all over the floor. 5-3 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177345' first='Nevaeh' last='Mosley']</strong> (<em>4.7p</em>), 5-5 guard <strong>Para McIntosh</strong> (<em>3.9p</em>), and 5-7 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455941' first='Aniah' last='Lewis']</strong> (<em>2.4p</em>) are a trio of Juniors who can add starting experience and/or bench support. Despite a lack of size, Lake Station is very fast and athletic as a group. North Newton moves over to Sectional #33 from Sectional #34. For the Lady Spartans, it couldn't be at a tougher time, as they graduated five Seniors with significant size and experience. Gone via graduation are twins <strong>Harley Schleman</strong> (<em>9.8p, 6.6r, 2.4s</em>) and <strong>Heidi Schleman</strong> (<em>9.0p, 6.6r, 2.0a, 2.2s</em>), guards <strong>Grace Hollopeter</strong> (<em>7.8p, 3.3r, 4.4a, 2.2s</em>) and <strong>Cayci Ehlinger</strong> (<em>7.6p, 3.1r, 3.6a</em>), and forward <strong>Aubree Lemons</strong>. Three of the five stand 6-0 or taller. One bright light is 6-2 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369837' first='Makenna' last='Schleman']</strong> (<em>10.3p, 5.7r</em>), who returns as the leading scorer from a year ago. Another glimmer of hope is that of 5-5 Sophomore guard <strong>Sydney Rainford</strong> (<em>3.8p</em>). She is a really nice athlete who saw some Varsity action amongst veterans a season ago. 5-7 Junior forward <strong>Cheyann Cahill</strong> (<em>1.9p, 2.6r</em>) also returns with experience. With a new coach, the Spartans are sure to have a "true" tryout this year to figure out who else will contribute.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Illiana Christian struggled to find offense a year ago, but with only one graduate and their top four scorers returning, they could see noticeable improvements in 2022-2023. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Faith VanRyn</strong> (<em>4.2p</em>), 5-7 Junior forward <strong>Cheyenne DeJong</strong> (<em>4.2p, 8.0r</em>), Senior post <strong>Mareme Faye</strong> (<em>3.9p, 7.2r</em>), and 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Kaitlin Dykstra</strong> (<em>3.6p, 2.2r</em>) were all key contributors last season. Four additional Seniors and four additional Juniors each saw action in 17 or more games. Gary Bowman played a regular season in 2021-2022, but they unfortunately weren't able to participate in the Sectional and had to forfeit to Whiting because of it. <strong>Derriauna Woodson</strong> (<em>8.6p, 4.7r</em>) and <strong>Samaria Freeman</strong> (<em>8.0p, 4.8r, 2.5a, 6.1s</em>) both graduated, and they were the top two point producers for the Lady Eagles last year. Now, they can potentially look to 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>Kahlen Robinson</strong> (<em>6.5p, 2.7r, 2.9s</em>), 5-6 Senior point guard <strong>Keariana Browder</strong> (<em>5.6p, 2.8r, 2.0a</em>), and 5-11 Senior post <strong>Beauti Santiago</strong> (<em>3.1p, 8.3r</em>) for the most experience of the returnees. The Whiting Lady Oilers will need to find more offense to improve upon their win total from a year ago, and there is potential to improve. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Alondra Rodriguez</strong>, 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Miranda Casanova</strong>, 5-1 Junior guard <strong>Aaliah Blanco</strong>, and 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Iliana Silvas</strong> all return with solid Varsity experience. Gary 21st Century is working towards its first winning season since joining the IHSAA, and with a number of younger players, they can eclipse their high for wins in a season (<em>5 wins</em>) this year. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Angel Johnson</strong>, 5-8 Junior wing <strong>Denise Sandidge</strong>, and 6-0 Junior forward <strong>Amplius Starks</strong> have a couple of years of experience now, as do 6-1 Senior forward <strong>Kayla Bryson</strong> and 6-4 Senior post <strong>Cedrica Harris</strong>. 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Alana Corral</strong> can help as well. The Lady Lions of Gary Lighthouse CPA were not able to field a team a year ago, so hopefully their numbers are back up this season to play once again. They had a run of multiple Sectional titles just a few years ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #34</font></strong><br>South Central (Union Mills) (26-1), SAG 49, SOS 209<br>North Judson-San Pierre (5-18), SAG 202, SOS 90<br>LaVille (10-13), SAG 212, SOS 210<br>Wheeler (7-16), SAG 328, SOS 288<br>Hebron (3-17), SAG 342, SOS 266<br>South Bend Career Academy (0-21), SAG 383, SOS 360</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Satellites of South Central had a fine season in 2021-2022, however they fell to a worthy Andrean team in the morning Regional contest. Now, the Satellites will need to figure out what to do without graduated all-everything guard <strong>Abigail Tomblin</strong> (<em>16.2p, 2.1r, 2.6a, 3.6s</em>). She is now playing at Indiana University-Northwest. Wing <strong>Delanie Gale</strong> (<em>11.9p, 3.0r</em>) and post <strong>Lauren Bowmar</strong> (<em>6.5p, 6.1r</em>) also had big impacts on the program throughout their careers. Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='203664' first='Olivia' last='Marks']</strong> (<em>11.1p, 6.8r</em>) returns and should step into the main leadership role. She plays with an outstanding motor and athleticism. She has already committed to Trine University. Her younger sister, Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201877' first='Sadie' last='Marks']</strong> (<em>3.1p, 3.2r</em>), has always flashed great potential, and they'll need her to play a much bigger role this year. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='59782' first='Lillian' last='Tolmen']</strong> (<em>5.4p, 3.0r, 2.0s</em>) has also seen her share of Varsity action, and she could end up playing a pivotal role as well. 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Kate Welsh</strong> (<em>2.0p, 2.9r, 2.6a</em>) can also help around the perimeter. The Satellites will remain very competitive, but matching the one loss from a year ago would be tough for anyone. North Judson played a Top-5 schedule of all Class 2A teams a year ago, and while they took their lumps, they also had seven single-digit losses, so the potential to post a winning record this year exists. Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='300071' first='Sophia' last='Frasure']</strong> (<em>13.2p, 9.0r</em>), Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='127218' first='Olivia' last='Burkett']</strong> (<em>9.3p, 5.5r, 2.5a</em>), and 5-8 Senior post <strong>Morgan Hensley</strong> (<em>7.2p, 4.5r</em>) led a short rotation a year ago, and all three are capable of 20-point nights. Missed most will be graduated point guard <strong>Gabby Boyd</strong> (<em>3.3p, 3.8r</em>). While her stats weren't huge, she handled the ball quite a bit and caused problems defensively. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Kennedy Baxter</strong> (<em>3.3p</em>), 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Raegan Hensley</strong> (<em>1.3p</em>), and 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Jocilynn Radtke</strong> (<em>1.3p</em>) rounded out the rotation. 5-9 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='880530' first='Kyleigh' last='Lehiy']</strong> saw action in a handful of games, but she could play a lot more this season, as she has noticeable talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaVille is another program who can move into the winning column this year, as the Lady Lancers return all but <strong>Faith Rock</strong> (<em>8.9p, 3.7r</em>), a 2022 graduate. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Lucy Sherk</strong> (<em>12.2p, 8.8r</em>), their leading scorer and rebounder last year, does return to the frontcourt once again. 5-8 Senior guard <strong>Heaylyn Kwiatkowski</strong> (<em>8.6p, 3.3r, 2.3s</em>) also returns as a key player from last season's team. While others obviously played Varsity minutes, a couple of them will need to step up their production in 2022-2023. They can look to a combination of 5-7 Junior guard <strong>London Kwiatkowski</strong> (<em>2.0p</em>), 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218593' first='Brooke' last='Edison']</strong> (<em>1.9p</em>), 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Lily Smith</strong> (<em>1.8p</em>), 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Lauren Edison</strong> (<em>1.7p</em>), and Sophomore forward <strong>Jasmine Foster</strong> (<em>1.4p</em>). Wheeler moves into Sectional #34 from Class 3A, which should help some, but three of their top four players from a year ago graduated. Now, the Lady Bearcats can turn to Senior <strong>Cailynn Harris</strong> (<em>7.1p, 2.9r</em>) and Junior <strong>Abby Ordonez</strong> (<em>2.8p</em>) for experience and leadership if they want to match last season's win total. The Lady Hawks of Hebron are another school looking to improve upon last season. If they are to do so, they will need to figure out a way to score the ball just a little more. What better place to start than 6-1 Senior post <strong>Sidney Elijah</strong> (<em>11.5p, 10.5r</em>). She will surely be a double-double machine once again; they just need to feed her the ball a bit more. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Gabby Wagoner</strong> (<em>3.8p, 5.0r</em>) and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Maddy Heck</strong> (<em>3.3p, 2.0r</em>) have the next most experience for Hebron, who could turn to some younger players as well. In their fifth season as a member of the IHSAA, the Lady Trailblazers of the South Bend Career Academy will continue to build their program. 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Adreania Hyde</strong> (<em>6.6p, 6.8r, 2.2s</em>) will be the first option to help them do so. Seniors <strong>Gabby Terrell</strong> (<em>3.0p, 2.1r</em>), a guard, and <strong>Katelyn Brew</strong> (<em>2.5p, 2.8r</em>), a forward, also return with experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #35</font></strong><br>Eastside (16-10), SAG 123, SOS 122<br>Central Noble (13-9), SAG 141, SOS 167<br>Prairie Heights (11-11), SAG 158, SOS 176<br>Fremont (8-16), SAG 242, SOS 189<br>Churubusco, (8-16), SAG 254, SOS 175<br>Westview (6-17), SAG 276, SOS 188</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #35 is typically always competitive from top to bottom, but this year it takes on a significantly different look. Prairie Heights and Westview were the only two teams here a season ago. Central Noble is my favorite in this field, as they return everyone except graduate <strong>Ashleigh Gray</strong> (<em>4.0p, 2.8r</em>). Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='203666' first='Madison' last='Vice']</strong> (<em>14.1p, 5.8r, 3.2a, 3.0s</em>) and Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264990' first='Meghan' last='Kiebel']</strong> (<em>12.0p, 5.5r, 2.7s</em>) form a dynamic duo in the backcourt. Both are skilled, athletic, and they play extremely hard. Vice is already committed to play at Siena Heights University. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Abigail Hile</strong> (<em>4.7p, 3.8r</em>), plus Juniors <strong>Kyleigh Egolf</strong> (<em>2.4p, 2.1r</em>), a 5-4 wing, and <strong>Courtney Gray</strong> (<em>2.3p</em>), a 5-3 guard, can definitely help the Lady Cougars more this year. Sophomore guards <strong>Kierra Bolen</strong> (<em>1.6p</em>) and <strong>Kennedy Vice</strong> (<em>1.3p</em>) saw a little action as rookies and look to earn regular rotation minutes this time around. The Lady Blazers of Eastside will have to play without graduated point guard <strong>Skyelar Kessler</strong> (<em>9.4p, 2.1r, 2.8a</em>), forward <strong>Mataya Bireley</strong> (<em>4.5p, 4.7r</em>), and forward <strong>McKenna Hoffelder</strong>, who were all multiyear contributors. Now, the Blazers will lean heavily on 6-1 Senior forward <strong>Grace Kreischer</strong> (<em>9.3p, 7.5r</em>). She should get help from 5-11 Senior forward <strong>Kaylie Hertig</strong>, 5-1 Junior guard <strong>Jayci Kitchen</strong>, 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923168' first='Sydnee' last='Kessler']</strong>, and 5-3 Sophomore guard <strong>Paige Traxler</strong>. Eastside can still give Central Noble a run for their money in February, but they'll have to fill holes from last season first. The Panthers of Prairie Heights have had a nice little stretch the last couple of seasons, but unfortunately, they saw five of their top six players walk out the door with their diplomas, including front-liner <strong>Kennedy Kugler</strong> (<em>11.7p, 9.0r, 2.0a</em>) and guard <strong>Alayna Boots</strong> (<em>9.1p, 2.9r, 2.7a, 2.0s</em>). The lone returnee with significant experience is 6-1 Senior forward <strong>Trevyn Terry</strong> (<em>10.3p, 5.8r</em>), so that's at least a sound starting point. However, the Lady Panthers will be looking for anyone and everyone on their roster to step into much bigger roles during the 2022-2023 campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fremont returns nearly everyone; however their lone graduation loss was do-everything wing <strong>Jada Rhonehouse</strong> (<em>16.2p, 7.8r, 2.8s</em>). A number of players saw action last season, but none of them were nearly as productive as Rhonehouse. If they can get two or three of the returnees to combine to make up for that loss, then they could see ten wins, but it will be tough early on, as they learn how to play without her. 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218657' first='Addy' last='Parr']</strong> (<em>5.8p, 2.5r</em>), 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Natalie Gouchenour</strong> (<em>5.1p, 4.0r, 2.1s</em>), 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>Sammy Meyers</strong> (<em>4.5p</em>), and 5-7 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496058' first='McKenzie' last='Parnin']</strong> (<em>2.9p, 3.2r</em>) were the most productive of the bunch in 2021-2022. Churubusco saw 12 girls play in 12 or more games last season, so as they continue to search for a steady rotation, they'll have to do so without graduates <strong>Cara DeBolt</strong> (<em>6.4p, 4.6r, 2.1a, 2.3s</em>) and <strong>Brelle Shearer</strong> (<em>6.0p, 2.5r</em>). 5-5 Sophomore guards <strong>Bridgit Timbrook</strong> (<em>5.4p, 2.5r</em>) and <strong>Brooklyn Sinclair</strong> (<em>4.6p</em>) saw a lot of time as Freshmen, and both look to step into bigger roles in Year-2. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Madison Hosted</strong> (<em>4.7p, 6.1r, 2.2s</em>) is the most experienced returnee, and she could provide veteran leadership for the younger players in the program. Westview is looking to regain it's competitiveness from about six to eight years ago, and while they aren't nearly as tall as they have been in the past, there are a number of returnees who can help them approach ten wins once again. 5-3 Junior guard <strong>Hope Bortner</strong>, plus 5-1 senior guards <strong>Andrea Miller</strong> and <strong>Kamryn Miller</strong> can handle perimeter duties, while 5-5 Senior forward <strong>Sara Lapp</strong> helps provide somewhat of a frontcourt presence. Size will hurt them in the long run, but they are scrappy and can control tempo at times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #36</font></strong><br>Pioneer (21-5), SAG 83, SOS 180<br>North Miami (15-9), SAG 150, SOS 219<br>Winamac (7-17), SAG 197, SOS 89<br>Lewis Cass (9-14), SAG 204, SOS 137<br>Wabash (9-14), SAG 228, SOS 202</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After their attendance in Sectional #37 last year, Pioneer moves to Sectional #36, and they should be the odds-on favorite to contend for a title once again (<em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/10/season-preview-top-10-class-2a-teams/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/10/season-preview-top-10-class-2a-teams/" target="_blank">you can see their team preview here</a></em>). At the same time, North Miami has a lot to say about that, as they return nearly everyone, including their top six scorers from 2021-2022. At the top is Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361363' first='Logan' last='Mouser']</strong> (<em>14.2p, 3.3r, 2.3a, 3.6s</em>). She is an athletic combo guard who can score or facilitate when needed. 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Kaiden Hanley</strong> (<em>12.3p, 6.1r, 2.4s</em>) and 5-9 Senior wing <strong>Ellie Musselman</strong> (<em>10.4p, 3.9r</em>) also proved to be capable scorers for the Lady Warriors. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Molly Freeman</strong> (<em>5.8p, 3.5r</em>), 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Allison Bowman</strong> (<em>4.4p, 4.1r, 2.3a</em>), and 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Emily Smith</strong> (<em>3.0p, 2.2r, 2.7a, 2.3s</em>) round out their rotation from last season, and all contribute in a number of ways, making North Miami very difficult to match up with. At the other end of the scope is Winamac, who will be going through a transition this year, having graduated their top four scorers. Missing are <strong>Kingsley Kroft</strong> (<em>9.0p, 4.2r, 2.1a</em>), <strong>Kaya Campbell</strong> (<em>8.8p, 3.1r, 2.8a</em>), <strong>Ella Gearhart</strong> (<em>7.0p, 4.9r, 2.4a</em>), and <strong>Brooke Lynne Ulerick</strong> (<em>4.6p, 4.4r</em>). 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Piper Link</strong> (<em>4.0p, 4.1r</em>) and 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Maggie Smith</strong> (<em>3.8p, 3.2r</em>) showed some promise as Sophomores, but now they're thrust into key roles for the Lady Warriors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis Cass will also be in rebuilding mode, trying to replace 6-0 wing <strong>Kendal.Johnson</strong> (<em>14.6p, 4.2r</em>), <strong>Hallie Coffey</strong> (<em>7.9p, 5.3r</em>), <strong>Izabella Tharp</strong>, and <strong>Ashlee Lindley</strong>, all 2022 graduates. Johnson was a standout the last couple of seasons for the Lady Kings. 5-11 Junior front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874125' first='Kinsey' last='Mennen']</strong> (<em>3.7p, 4.9r, 2.5a</em>) and 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Elly Logan</strong> (<em>3.2p, 4.5r</em>) are the two lone returnees who have played in more than 20 games. Look for them to be the primary leaders moving forward for Lewis Cass. Mennen had a nice grassroots season and could be a double-double machine moving forward. Wabash has a history of success in girls' basketball, and this year they could turn a number of losses from a year ago into wins, especially returning their top two scorers, and four of their top five. In her fourth year on Varsity, 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Libby Mattern</strong> (<em>9.1p, 3.3r, 2.6a, 2.6s</em>) will look to fill it up from the perimeter. She will also initiate/run the offense at times. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Rylee Yoakum</strong> (<em>8.4p, 4.2r, 2.1a, 2.6s</em>) is a nice athlete who can make plays at either end of the floor as well. 5-9 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825912' first='Kierra' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>6.8p, 4.3r</em>), 5-11 Senior post <strong>Jade Stumbo</strong> (<em>3.5p, 6.2r</em>), and 5-5 Senior wing <strong>Hannah Layne</strong> (<em>2.3p, 2.6r</em>) could round out a strong, experienced rotation for the Lady Apaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->