Season Preview: Class 2A, Sectionals #37-40

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard'] (2025) of Manchester High School.   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 couple of weeks, looking ahead at each Sectional, the top teams, and preseason all-state teams. I will now turn my attention from one Class 2A North Regional to the other, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #37 through #40. 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 #37 Bishop Luers (12-11), SAG 132, SOS 62 South Adams (15-9), SAG 142, SOS 133 Adams Central (9-13), SAG 186, SOS 145 Bluffton (7-15), SAG 246, SOS 197 Manchester (3-20), SAG 264, SOS 166 Whitko (6-17), SAG 273, SOS 226   Down the stretch last year, Bishop Luers fielded a 7-player rotation, but the Spring saw four of those ladies leave via graduation. Gone are leading scorer Anna Parent (13.6p, 8.0r, 3.6a, 2.0s), Celia Eyrich, Anna Zimmermann, and Jada Bright. However, the Lady Knights could post a much better record this year than last, if they can find some depth. Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='298259' first='Addie' last='Shank'] (10.7p, 11.2r) leads all returnees. She has good size and strength, she likes to play with physicality, but she can also flash skill around the block or in the mid-post. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='506023' first='Reese' last='Rhodehamel'] (7.2p, 5.4r) and Maggie Parent (4.9p, 4.3r) found their way into the lineup last year, and I'd look for each to take that next step as Sophomores. There are a few more Juniors and Sophomores waiting for their turn, but Luers is most excited about the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='201869' first='Annika' last='Davis'] to the Varsity roster, finally. She is a versatile combo guard with the ability to shoot/score it at all three levels, plus she can create for others. She missed last season due to transfer restrictions. She should give an instant boost to the team production-wise. There is good and bad both for the Starfires of South Adams. To begin with, the Lady Starfires return their top two scorers from a year, however, they also graduate half of their 8-player rotation. Gone via the diploma are Kristen Wynn (6.3p, 2.6r), Carlie Sealscott (3.6p, 4.5r), Makayla Hamrick, and Alison Smith. Back in the fold are sisters [player_tooltip player_id='127233' first='Peyton' last='Pries'] (11.8p, 3.6r, 2.3a, 2.2s), a 5-6 Senior guard, and Macy Pries (10.7p, 2.1r, 2.1a), a 5-8 Junior wing. They bring good skill, athleticism, and toughness to the lineup. 5-4 Junior guard Lexie McKibbon (4.1p) and 5-10 Senior forward Cora Baker (2.9p, 3.6r) also return with solid Varsity experience. From there, though, experience is limited, and a number of underclassmen will compete for remaining spots/roles. Backyard rival Adams Central played a number of girls a season ago, however they graduated three of their top producers and seven Seniors in total. Most notable of the losses are Alivia Dalrymple, Kylee Roe, and Marissa Van de weg. This time around, 5-6 Senior wing Gracie Garwood, 5-4 Junior guard Athena Schwartz, and 5-10 Junior forward Grace Fisher look to lead the way. They should get help from 5-9 post Addie Baker and 5-8 wing Alexa Brotherton, a pair of Sophomores who saw time as rookies.   The Bluffton Tigers had an up and down year in 2021-2022, however, they also had four Freshmen see action in 20 or more games. Despite losing leading scorer Monroe Heller (10.0p, 3.9r, 2.4s) and leading rebounder Ryleigh Johnson (5.1p, 5.4r) to graduation, the Lady Tigers are optimistic about a potential 10-win season in 2022-2023. 5-7 Sophomore forward Maryn Schreiber (6.0p, 5.3r) is a great place to start. She can score around the paint, she's a strong rebounder, and with the added year of experience, she could approach a double-double average this season. 5-2 Junior guard Haley Gibson (5.7p, 3.7r), 5-6 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1122868' first='Isabella' last='Stout'] (5.1p, 3.0r), 5-8 Sophomore wing Tressa Renner (3.3p), and Sophomore guard Marly Drayer (3.3p) form a nice, young foundation. 5-5 Senior wing Lily King (2.3p, 2.3r) also played quite a bit last year. Manchester grad Makenzy Meyer (5.8p, 6.1r) was limited to just nine games last season, but the Squires showed marked improvement, winning two of their three games, once she returned after Christmas. Unfortunately for Manchester, in addition to Meyer, leading scorer and rebounder Ainsley West (12.6p, 6.3r), along with Keilan Creager (4.8p, 3.7r, 2.0a), also moved on following graduation. Now, a lot of the responsibility falls on the shoulders of talented Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard'] (9.2p, 3.0r). She is a long, fluidly athletic, smooth combo guard who can facilitate or score the ball from all three levels. She'll need help, though, and the best chances of that will likely come from Junior Gracie Lauer (3.5p, 5.0r). The Lady Squires will need a number of other players to step up, but exceeding last season's win total should still be a very achievable goal. The Whitko Lady Wildcats also plan to improve upon their 2021-2022 season, and with just one key 2022 grad missing, Eryn Watmough (5.8p, 4.2r), there is hope on the horizon. 5-8 Junior wing Kloe Krieg (12.8p, 4.3r) returns after leading the Wildcats in scoring as a Sophomore. The Sophomore trio of 5-7 wing Braisha Harrison (9.9p, 2.6r), 5-8 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1122773' first='Adriyanna' last='Phillips'] (8.7p, 2.5r), and 6-2 post Gwen Howard (2.1p, 4.8r) all showed promise as rookies. 5-5 2023 wing Kirsten Schipper (2.5p, 2.1r) can help with Senior leadership.   Sectional #38 Lafayette Central Catholic (24-5), SAG 31, SOS 36 Clinton Prairie (18-8), SAG 98, SOS 201 Carroll (Flora) (18-8), SAG 103, SOS 178 Seeger (18-5), SAG 163, SOS 327 Delphi (9-13), SAG 277, SOS 260 Covington (7-14), SAG 325, SOS 341   Sectional #38 is shaping up to be a good one entering the 2022-2023 season. After a brief stop in Class 1A last year, the Lady Knights of Lafayette Central Catholic are back in Class 2A, and they could very well be the favorite here. They've landed at #5 in our Class 2A preseason poll (<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>). Immediately behind them at #6 are the Carroll (Flora) Cougars. They have skill, talent, and experience (<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>). Clinton Prairie was considered for our Top-10, and they very well might have something to say about Sectional #38 when it's all said and done, but the graduation loss of Tynlie Neal (16.4p, 4.3r, 2.5a, 2.5s) is nothing less than significant for the Gophers. She was their primary ball-handler, their leading scorer, plus she brought a ton of energy and toughness to the court. Tatum Nash (2.3p, 4.0r) is another grad who played key minutes throughout her career. Clinton Prairie still has a number of quality returnees, all hoping to make their mark on the program. The Senior trio of 5-11 forward Sydney Swan (9.5p, 4.8r), 5-6 guard Claire Ecenbarger (9.2p, 3.1r, 2.8a, 2.5s), and 5-7 guard Kaitlyn Beck (7.1p, 3.8r) have starting experience and should help mask the loss of Neal. Ecenbarger will likely be the primary ball-handler this season. Also look for 5-8 Sophomore wing Abbey Swan (3.0p, 2.2r) to increase her production in a bigger role in Year-2.   Seeger isn't a very tall team, but they return a great deal of experience, including one of the program's best players over the years. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='460834' first='Aubry' last='Cole'] (16.8p, 4.2r, 3.3a, 3.2s) leaves it all out on the floor every game, and she looks to cap a tremendous career with a strong 2022-2023 campaign. Fellow Seniors, Macy Kerr and Paige Laffoon, both 5-9 forwards, have a great deal of experience and provide a strong presence up front. 5-9 Senior wing Anna Moore and 5-8 Junior guard Addie Shrader can help around the perimeter, plus both have seen their share of minutes as well the past couple of seasons. One newcomer to keep an eye on is Rylea Wetz (1.8p, 3.7r), a 5-10 Sophomore forward who moved in with the arrival of her father as head coach. She saw action in 25 games last year for a good Tipton team. Delphi seeks double-digit wins this year, and the return of a number of key pieces will certainly help their efforts. Gone via graduation are Libbie Smith (8.9p, 3.9r, 2.4s) and Kaitlyn Miller (4.7p, 5.2r), but the Oracles return six ladies who played in 15 or more games. The leading scorer and rebounder from a year ago was 5-6 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1044766' first='Jenna' last='Roth'] (9.1p, 7.1r, 2.9s), and the talented youngster eyes a double-double encore in her follow-up season. 5-6 Junior forward Alexis Miller (6.4p, 5.7r, 2.4s), 5-2 Junior point guard Lacey Pickering (5.9p, 4.1r, 2.3a, 3.4s), 5-2 Senior wing Evann Royal (4.9p, 2.5r), 5-11 Sophomore front-liner Maddy Brown (1.6p, 4.3r), plus Junior forward Miah Sinks look to make bigger impacts this season. The Covington Trojans are seeking their first winning season in four years, but they must do so minus key graduates Briley Peyton, Karsyn Engle, and Shiann Haymaker. Luckily for the Trojans, 5-8 Junior guard Lilly Hacquet and 5-9 Senior forward Micah Stonecipher bring back a great deal of experience. From there, a lot of underclassmen will be battling for key roles and opportunities.   Sectional #39 Eastbrook (19-3), SAG 55, SOS 182 Tipton (21-5), SAG 59, SOS 135 Blackford (17-6), SAG 97, SOS 185 Madison-Grant (12-11), SAG 184, SOS 199 Taylor (8-15), SAG 206, SOS 130 Eastern (Greentown) (3-21), SAG 293, SOS 147 Elwood (0-22), SAG 378, SOS 234   A season ago, Sectional #39 was incredibly strong. Winchester has moved on to Sectional #40 since then, but there are still three outstanding teams who will battle for the crown. Despite some graduation losses, Eastbrook is a Top-10 team in our Class 2A preseason poll, and I'd consider them a slight favorite here to begin the 2022-2023 season (<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>). Tipton has a strong girls' basketball history, and they will be strong once again this year, however they will have to do so without graduates Ella Wolfe (14.0p, 3.9r, 2.5a, 3.3s), Abigail Parker (9.1p, 3.3r), Olivia Spidel (6.3p, 2.6r), and Macy Earl (1.9p). Sophomore Rylea Wetz (1.8p, 3.7r) ended up transferring to Seeger as well. Luckily for the Blue Devils, they return one of the best post players in Class 2A in 6-3 Senior [player_tooltip player_id='127234' first='Ashlee' last='Schram'] (14.6p, 11.2r, 2.8s). She has a strong frame, good hands & feet, and great touch facing the basket. She is a real matchup nightmare for Blue Devil opponents. 5-7 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='264121' first='Hallie' last='Wolfe'] (3.5p) and 5-8 Junior forward Kaiya Money (3.2p) both have two years of Varsity experience under their belts already, so I can see both/either of them becoming a double-digit scorer immediately. Wolfe can handle the ball and shoot it outside, while Money is a nice mid-range forward and a good athlete. Beyond that, Tipton will be looking to fill holes in their rotation, but those three can carry the load if necessary. The Blackford Bruins have been gearing up for this season, as they have strong Senior and Junior classes returning. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='127227' first='Olivia' last='Leas'] (16.0p, 5.6r, 3.0s) has led the Lady Bruins in scoring each of the last three seasons, and she's a really nice athlete. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='127242' first='Olivia' last='Waters'] (12.8p, 4.5r, 4.0a, 2.9s) is as versatile as they come at this level, and she can play a point forward role or score the ball herself from all three levels. 5-9 Senior wing Brianna Stroble (7.9p, 3.4r) also returns with multiple years of Varsity experience, as do twin 5-10 Junior forwards [player_tooltip player_id='874133' first='Sydnee' last='Morris'] (7.7p, 5.0r, 3.1s) and Savanna Morris (1.6p, 2.4r). Additionally, Blackford is even deeper with 5-2 Junior guard Chloe Wicker (4.7p) and 5-6 Junior forward Faith Gephart (2.0p) having logged key Varsity minutes in the past. The Lady Bruins nearly made our Class 2A preseason Top-10, and they'll be a tough "out".   The Argylls of Madison-Grant saw double-digit wins for the first time in five seasons last year, however, they graduated Azmae Turner (12.3p, 6.9r, 2.3a), Gracey Fox (3.5p, 4.2r), and Chelsea Bowland (2.8p, 2.4r). Hope for another successful season rests with the backcourt duo of 5-6 Senior point guard Daya Greene (11.5p, 3.7r, 4.1a, 2.6s) and 5-4 Junior guard Maddy Moore (8.7p, 3.9r, 2.4a). The two of them will need to provide even more offense for the Argylls in order to keep up with opponents. 5-10 Junior post Katie Stowers (1.1p) will be relied on to provide a presence inside. The Taylor Titans will be in somewhat of a rebuild mode, as Kelsi Langley (15.8p, 7.5r) and Emma Good (15.6p, 3.4r, 2.3a) left after each starting for four seasons. The Lady Titans hope to get a full season out of 5-5 Senior guard Katie Hogan (3.5p, 4.0r, 2.0a) after she managed just two games at the end of the year following an injury. From there, Sophomore wing Jallainah Harris (5.2p, 6.2r, 2.0a) and 5-8 Senior post Alexandra Collins (5.0p, 6.0r) are the other two proven producers to this point. Scoring will be difficult to come by, so defense will likely be a priority for the Titans. Eastern (Greentown) returns to Sectional #39 after a 2-year stay in Class 3A. Leading scorer and rebounder Kara Otto (9.3p, 6.1r, 2.1b) has graduated, so the Comets have a lot of work to do following a 3-win season, however 5-9 Senior forward Macy Coan (7.1p, 5.4r) and 5-7 Junior wing Jenna Odle (4.7p, 2.8r) are a solid starting point. They each enter their third season of Varsity play. Elwood looks to get in the win column this year, after just six ladies played in the program all of last year. 5-2 Senior guard Yzabelle Ramey (3.9p, 2.4r) is their top returning stat-producer.   Sectional #40 Winchester (24-2), SAG 32, SOS 191 Lapel (17-8), SAG 109, SOS 174 Alexandria-Monroe (17-6), SAG 120, SOS 324 Wapahani (17-7), SAG 137, SOS 259 Monroe Central (12-11), SAG 201, SOS 236 Wes-Del (8-12), SAG 312, SOS 330 Burris Laboratory (2-8), SAG 358, SOS 208   The Golden Falcons of Winchester Community High School are our #1 team in the Class 2A preseason poll. They have talent, skill, depth, and experience, and I fully expect them to be the favorite in Sectional #40 to start the year (<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>). Lapel and Wapahani might have something to say about that when February rolls around. The Lapel Bulldogs return a great deal of production, plus they welcome two key newcomers to the roster. Gone, however, is double-double machine Ashlynn Allman (13.4p, 10.0r). Of the returnees, 5-8 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='460836' first='Deannaya' last='Haseman'] (10.5p, 3.8r, 2.4a) returns for her third year as a Varsity letter-winner. She is strong, skilled, and plays with a motor. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='331773' first='Madelyn' last='Poynter'] (8.2p, 2.6r) brings a lot of energy and athleticism to the lineup, and she can play at all three levels. She enters her second season after transferring in from Fishers. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='496029' first='Jaylee' last='Hubble'] (6.4p, 3.5r) had a strong Summer and Fall, and she looks for an even better Senior season after moving in from Pendleton Heights last year. 5-5 Senior point guard Kerith Renihan (6.2p, 5.1a) is their floor general, and she does a nice job of setting up teammates. New to the roster are Freshman forward [player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills'] and Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='455942' first='Jocelyn' last='Love']. Wills is an elite athletic talent who can run and jump with the best of Indiana's Freshmen. She will make an immediate frontcourt impact. Love is a transfer from Noblesville, and she is a solid athlete with good skill who can contribute outside right away. The Lady Raiders of Wapahani will certainly miss the contributions of the graduated Lala Lee (10.0p, 5.0r, 2.0a), however they return quite a bit of experience. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='127244' first='Camryn' last='Wise'] (18.7p, 7.0r, 3.1a, 3.4s) is one of the better players in all of Class 2A, and she will lead them into action once again. 5-4 Senior guard Reese Baker (12.4p, 2.2r, 2.5s) gives them a strong and experienced backcourt presence. Seniors Kendyl Thrasher (5.9p, 2.5r, 2.2a, 2.0s), a 5-4 guard, and Lauren Luce (5.1p, 5.4r, 2.0a), a 5-7 forward, give the Lady Raiders a nice starting unit once again.   Alexandria-Monroe must deal with the loss of 4-year starting point guard Jada Stansberry (17.2p, 2.3r, 3.2a, 6.3s). She was the ultimate creator, offensively, and disruptor, defensively. Shooter Ally Honeycutt (7.8p, 3.0r) and forward Emma Smith (4.8p, 4.3r) also leave noticeable holes to fill. The Lady Tigers do have a budding star in Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='404111' first='Jacklynn' last='Hosier'] (13.7p, 5.7r, 2.2a, 4.1s). She is a long, still-growing, and smooth combo guard who can do a variety of everything well. Beyond that, 5-10 Senior post Cali Crum (5.9p, 4.8r) and 5-7 Sophomore forward Lily Harpe (4.1p, 4.0r) should help bolster the frontline. The Lady Tigers will just need to figure out who else will start alongside those three established contributors. Monroe Central was all Seniors and Freshmen last year. While they graduated five Seniors, including Alexandra McGrath (7.4p, 5.6r) and Macy Shinn (7.4p, 2.7r, 2.7a), the Golden Bears return their top two performers from a year ago in Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='295783' first='Kimber' last='Abshear'] (8.6p, 7.3r) and [player_tooltip player_id='366800' first='Sydney' last='Patterson'] (8.0p, 4.2r). Both have skill and talent, and both should make solid jumps statistically from Year-1 to Year-2. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1218670' first='Addy' last='Puckett'] (4.6p, 4.9r) also saw plenty of action as a rookie. Wes-Del could have a tough season, as they graduated their top three producers and six of their top seven. Most notably missing are Gracie Gilland (18.5p, 3.8r, 2.0a, 4.1s), Marci Bunch (5.1p, 3.9r, 2.3s), and Jaci Knott (4.3p, 2.2r, 2.1s). The best of the returnees is 6-0 Senior post Rayven Luzzadder (3.2p, 4.4r). That's a good starting point, but they'll need to find a lot more productivity, especially in the backcourt, from a host of newcomers. The Lady Owls of Muncie's Burris Laboratory were Senior-heavy a year ago, however they have a couple of returnees with multiple years of experience. 5-3 Senior guard Faith Shroll and 5-9 Senior forward Molly Davis will likely lead the Owls into action in 2022-2023.

The featured image is of Brookelynn Buzzard Brookelynn Buzzard 5'7" | CG Wabash | 2025 State IN (2025) of Manchester High School.