Season Preview: Top-10 Class 3A Teams

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='127211' first='Emily' last='Mattingly'] (2023) of Evansville's Reitz Memorial High School (in blue).   In less than a week, the 2022-2023 season is set to begin, as more than 90 teams from all over Indiana have their first games set to take place on November 1st. With that said, who are the best teams in Class 3A for the 2022-2023 season? Below I have attempted to answer that question as best as possible. This preseason outlook is based solely on how I think teams will stack up this season. Past success isn't meaningless, but year-in and year-out rosters change, players graduate, Freshmen arrive, and other players transfer. Teams can slide up or down the competitive scale for any number of other reasons as well. In Class 3A, that can be magnified even greater, as just a couple of players can shift the balance of power in the state tournament.   CLASS 3A PRESEASON POLL   1. Twin Lakes (19-6) While the Lady Indians have been a nice program, they have been waiting for these next couple of seasons to really make their mark in the state tournament, and it starts with their incredibly strong backcourt play. The trio of [player_tooltip player_id='96094' first='Addison' last='Ward'] (11.8p, 3.8r, 3.1a), [player_tooltip player_id='177346' first='Olivia' last='Nickerson'] (18.3p, 4.9r, 2.6a, 2.2s), and [player_tooltip player_id='295786' first='Addison' last='Bowsman'] (15.8p, 4.7r, 3.9a, 2.4s) are difficult to chase around for the duration of a game, as they can all make shots/plays to help Twin Lakes seek victory. Ward is a Senior who has played a variety of roles. She has been a traditional point guard, operated the offense, and brought energy for teammates. She has more recently played quite a bit off the ball, knocked down open shots, and become a feisty defender. Nickerson is a Junior and the outside shooting weapon every coach hopes for, as she can really stretch defenses with her range and accuracy. She also has ball skill and can get into the defense, but at the end of the day, opponents can't allow her to find any rhythm outside. Bowsman is a Sophomore point guard who stepped in last year as a rookie and gave them a feisty leader, but also a calming presence because of her ability to control a game. She is a savvy ball-handler, a very good shooter, and she can deliver the ball to teammates. Additionally, Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='406158' first='Hannah' last='Hodgen'] (6.4p, 4.7r, 2.4a) is a scrappy, versatile forward who can handle it a little, shoot it a little, but she also makes a ton of hustle plays all over the floor. 5-8 Senior front-liner Kora Pass (4.2p, 6.6r) is a physical presence who acts as a primary screener offensively, and a key rebounder defensively. The x-factor this year could be the health of 5-11 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='178235' first='Evelyn' last='Scharer'] (4.5p, 4.0r in 6 games). She has length, athleticism, and she can really disrupt some things defensively because of her physical ability. If she can put in a full, healthy season, she could give them a frontcourt presence they mostly played without last year.   2. Corydon Central (21-3) Before last year, Corydon had posted losing records in six of the previous seven seasons. With Silver Creek's move to Class 4A, I would now call the Panthers a solid favorite to make a run in the South in Class 3A. They return eight of their top nine players from last season, including their top four scorers and rebounders. Leading the prowl for the Lady Panthers is Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='178232' first='Ava' last='Weber'] (20.1p, 7.8r, 2.6a, 3.5s). She is an inside-out threat who can act as a point forward and facilitate, but she's also dominant in the mid-post. She's a solid athlete with a natural overall feel for the game. Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='324096' first='Josie' last='Vaughn'] (9.8p, 3.1r, 3.4a, 3.5s) is a dynamic little point guard who, if anything, alleviated a lot of pressure off of Weber last season. Vaughn's ability to control tempo and take care of the basketball really helps this team go. Additionally, she is a feisty defender, and she can knock down shots/score the ball effectively as well. 5-5 Senior guard Bailey Orme (9.2p, 3.1r, 4.3a, 4.0s) isn't a grassroots participant, but she is a really nice, undervalued basketball player who does a good job of playing off of others in this program. 5-9 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='825961' first='Jaiden' last='Cantrell'] (6.6p, 5.3r) really stepped up at times last year, and she's kind of their interior, high-energy, tough, physical athlete who does a lot of the blue-collared things. I could see her approaching double-double averages as a Junior. 5-9 Junior forward Morgan Adams (3.2p, 2.8r), Senior point guard Bre Edwards (2.9p), and Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id='404110' first='Alyssa' last='Groover'] (1.3p) bring experienced depth to the lineup, as well as good skill and ability. Charlestown and Scottsburg will present problems in the Sectional for Corydon, but the Panthers were 6-0 against current Sectional #30 teams a year ago.   3. Mishawaka Marian (20-6) After three consecutive Sectional titles, the Lady Knights had to stare down the Panthers of South Bend Washington the last two seasons. With Washington now in Class 4A, it looks like Marian will be the favorite to advance from Sectional #19 once again. Graduation did take a bit of a toll, as they are without the services of Kenndall Bethel (9.3p, 2.1r, 3.0a), Payton Rangel (4.8p, 3.0r), Meghan McCormick (3.8p), and Hannah Burch (1.9p, 3.9r). However, their two most dynamic offensive weapons return in Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='59748' first='Nevaeh' last='Foster'] (19.5p, 4.9r, 2.8a, 3.3s) and [player_tooltip player_id='127232' first='MaKaya' last='Porter'] (19.0p, 9.7r, 2.7a, 3.0s, 2.5b). Foster, a 5-8 do-everything guard, is a talented shooter, she has ball skill, and she is crafty with it. She has a genuine feel for the game, and she has already committed to Western Kentucky University. Porter, a 5-11 forward, unfortunately severely injured her knee in the Spring, so she will be continually returning to form as the season wears on. When fully healthy, she is strong, athletic, and a dominant physical presence at all three levels. Additionally, the Lady Knights welcome a third double-digit scorer to the lineup in Concord transfer [player_tooltip player_id='331766' first='Aliyah' last='Hershberger'] (13.7p, 2.2r, 2.3s). The Senior guard can operate from the point position, but she's also a very good perimeter shooter who can get hot quickly. She will give them a third option outside who will be difficult to defend. Athletic Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='460826' first='Shayla' last='Alexander'] (4.2p, 4.9r) really grew as a player throughout the grassroots season, and I'd expect her to be able to contribute even greater this season. The two biggest questions for Marian will be (1) how long until Porter is herself once again, and (2) where they turn to for bench depth. Otherwise, this team has four strong Seniors ready to lead them into action.   4. Norwell (19-5) I don't know that there is another way to put it other than the Norwell Lady Knights are a machine. It doesn't matter who they graduate and what year it is, they always return experience, depth, and players who are a product of a K-12 system in which all of them know how to play basketball. Over the past 12 seasons, the Lady Knights have won nine Sectional titles and two Regional titles. Looking at what's returning to the roster, they could very well be in for a deep run once again in 2022-2023. Missing, however, are graduated guards Emily Todd and Mackinzie Toliver, and that should not be taken lightly. But what returns is really nice as well. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='264113' first='Kennedy' last='Fuelling'] (15.3p, 3.0r) is a talented athlete who can get to the basket with ease, but she also shot 39% (59-152) from 3-point range last season. Fellow Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='331809' first='Makenzie' last='Fuess'] (10.5p, 2.8r) has improved as much as anyone in the state over the past 12-18 months, and I could see her making another statistical jump this season. She, too, can really rip the nets from outside. 6-2 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='59783' first='Skyla' last='Tomasek'] has been highlighted on PGH Indiana before, but she is an undervalued frontline prospect. She has touch, skill, and the ability to score it, plus she is a strong, tough-nosed, and physical interior presence. She does a nice job on the boards, blocking shots, and rotating to "help" defensively. 6-0 forward Dekota Hubble and 5-11 forward Haley Green add size, while 5-5 guard Annabelle Johnson and 5-7 wing Lillian Norris add depth on the perimeter. All four players are current Juniors.   5. Evansville Memorial (21-5) After upending Gibson Southern 70-49 in early December of 2021, the Reitz Memorial Lady Tigers fell to those same Titans in the Sectional Championship, 61-57. This season, they look to avenge that loss, and they will do so with nearly everyone returning. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='127211' first='Emily' last='Mattingly'] (14.2p, 4.2r, 2.1a, 2.7s) looks to cap a four-year Varsity career with a deep playoff run. She is tough, physical, and versatile from the wing. She has already committed to Indiana Wesleyan University. Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='177335' first='Avery' last='Kelley'] (11.6p, 4.2r, 2.5a) is another tough-nosed, hard-working player for the Tigers, and she can take care of the ball, knock down shots outside, or find open teammates. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='177332' first='Sophia' last='Johnson'] (12.7p, 6.0r) possesses the most talent of the three, and she has the potential to erupt for 30 points on any given night. Her ability to play inside-out also causes problems for opponents. From there, Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='295756' first='Myla' last='Browning'] (5.7p, 3.1r) saw a lot of opportunity as a rookie, and she looks to contribute even more this season. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='127217' first='Lydia' last='Bordfeld'] (4.7p, 4.5r) is another seasoned veteran who will have spent four seasons at the Varsity level, like Mattingly. She helps on the interior, especially defensively. That starting unit will be tough to match for any opponent, let alone those in Class 3A. If they can establish solid depth, they could find themselves as the Class 3A South representative in late-February.   6. Indian Creek (22-5, Regional Finalist in 2021-2022) Despite entering the Sectional at 18-4, the Lady Braves found themselves outside of the ICGSA Class 3A Top-10 poll at the end of the year. This year, make no mistake about it, they are as talented and capable as anyone at getting to Indianapolis. 6-4 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='201885' first='Faith' last='Wiseman'] (12.2p, 10.9r, 2.8a, 3.2b) is taller, stronger, and much more effective than she was a season ago. The Indiana University commit should find herself closer to 20 points per game than 12 this time around, as she's one of the best players in the state, regardless of class or position. She can play inside or out, and there aren't many players who come to mind in The Hoosier State who match up well with her. Classmate [player_tooltip player_id='239346' first='Lauren' last='Foster'] (16.7p, 4.6r, 3.4a) has quietly turned herself into one of the best 2024 guards in the state. She is tough-nosed, hard-working, and skillful. She makes hustle plays, highlight plays, and everything in between for her team. With those two in the fold, I think some have forgotten Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='59746' first='Abby' last='Fleetwood'] (20.6p, 7.3r, 4.6a, 4.7s in 2020-2021 at Brown County) moved in last season but was ineligible due to transfer restrictions. Now, she adds another dynamic scorer and playmaker who has good size, strength, and toughness. If that wasn't enough, 5-6 Senior wing Savannah Hall (6.3p, 3.6r) and Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='506021' first='Ayla' last='Lollar'] (5.4p, 2.4r) have their share of talent, skill, and experience as well. Each could probably be double-digit scorers in other situations. It would not shock me one bit if this group was hanging multiple banners following the 2022-2023 season.   7. Hamilton Heights (18-6, Sectional Champion in 2021-2022) What to do with the Lady Huskies was tough for me, because they did lose a couple of significant pieces to graduation in 6-3 post MyKayla Moran (8.8p, 5.9r) and guard Mia Shields (10.4p, 2.7r, 2.2s). At the same time, they do manage to return one of the best Junior guards in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='177352' first='Camryn' last='Runner'] (17.0p, 5.4r, 2.0a, 3.0s). She is a natural scorer who moves somewhat effortlessly around the floor. She can hit shots with range or attack the basket, plus she's skilled enough to be the primary point guard when necessary. Fellow Junior sidekick [player_tooltip player_id='298256' first='Ella' last='Hickok'] (4.7p, 3.2r, 3.7a, 2.3s) is a quick, fast, water-bug type of point guard. She is a creator offensively and a feisty, tough-nosed defender who can guard the ball 84-feet. 5-4 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='331787' first='Kaylee' last='Rhoton'] (5.6p) completes a well-rounded and experienced backcourt for the Huskies. She shot 45% from 3-point range a season ago. While they didn't put up huge numbers, Junior wings Hadleigh Cherry (1.6p) and Morgan Ottinger, plus Sophomore wing Kennedy Cherry, each saw action in 14 or more games last year. Those four should see their opportunities increase, as Heights will need to build depth quickly.   8. Bellmont (17-9, Sectional Champion in 2021-2022) The Lady Braves have built quite a competitive program over the last few years, but in 2021-2022 they won their first Sectional title in 20 years. Instrumental over the last four years was guard Kenzie Fuelling (10.7p, 2.7r, 3.1a, 3.6s), but she is now playing at Ohio Northern University. Still, though, Bellmont has a trio of returnees who will help lead them this time around. First is Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='460828' first='Sydney' last='Keane'] (10.9p, 3.2r, 2.6a, 2.4s). She can knock down the occasional perimeter jumper to keep defenses honest, but she's so much better attacking the basket. She can also slide over and run offense when necessary. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='496021' first='Hailey' last='Cole'] (10.1p, 3.8r) is another double-digit scorer for the Lady Braves. She is also capable from the 3-point line, but she's skilled with the ball and is a more effective scorer from the mid-post. Then there is 5-8 Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='828044' first='Emily' last='Bleke'] (6.5p, 5.7r). She is a very active rebounder who keeps possessions alive, plus she can score it from all three levels. 5-8 Senior forward Rachel Bleke and 5-7 Junior front-liner Taylor Louis will add depth to the frontcourt, while 5-7 Senior guard Ellen Scott and Junior point guard Arabelle Laurent offer additional support around the perimeter. If Bellmont can find someone to step into Fuelling's shoes and handle the ball opposite of Keane, it will allow Keane, along with Cole and the younger Bleke to concentrate on being the primary focal points offensively. Defensively, the Lady Braves allowed just 35.9 points per game, ranking 37th out of 395 IHSAA schools from a season ago.   9. Gibson Southern (19-8, Regional Finalist in 2021-2022) In order for Gibson Southern to advance from their Sectional, they'll have to knock off Evansville Memorial (above). One season ago, they did just that, so they are capable and possibly favored. Returning their top four scorers from last season, plus a number of other key pieces, the Lady Titans are primed for another tournament run if they can get through the Tigers once again. Leading the way for Gibson Southern is smooth shooting Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='177324' first='Chloey' last='Graham'] (16.9p, 3.6r, 2.3s). She buried 65 3-pointers at a 39% clip last season, plus she knocked down 81% of her charity tosses. She has strength, plays with a motor, and can fill a variety of roles for the Titans. Opponents would normally faceguard Graham all game, but they must also pay special attention to Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='295774' first='Gabby' last='Spink'] (13.9p, 3.4r, 4.5a, 2.1s). A year younger, Spink nearly matched Graham's perimeter efforts, knocking down 54 3-pointers herself. However, Spink also acted as the primary ball-handler and got teammates the ball in scoring positions. But that's not all for the Titans, as Seniors Alexis Tucker (11.1p, 5.6r) and [player_tooltip player_id='127243' first='Ava' last='Weisheit'] (8.6p, 7.0r, 2.3a) are additional threats. Tucker is a 5-9 forward who plays with strength and physicality in the mid-post, while Weisheit is another 5-9 forward, but one who can play effectively at all three levels. She can make shots outside, play in the mid-post, or battle around the basket with her strength. From there, Gibson Southern hopes 5-8 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='506027' first='Nola' last='Ravellette'] (2.0p) can step into a bigger role this season. She has a solid to strong frame like Tucker and Weisheit, plus she is a nice athlete who can play at all three levels. 5-4 Junior wing Ally Malone (1.6p, 2.5r) has considerable experience as well, and she'll give the Lady Titans more backcourt depth.   10. Charlestown (17-6) The Charlestown Pirates played a seven-player rotation a season ago, and six of those seven are eligible to return in 2022-2023. The one missing component is DeMaria King (8.0p, 11.0r), an athletic, strong, rebounding machine who was difficult to block out. She is now at the University of Louisville on the track & field team. In the meantime, [player_tooltip player_id='127229' first='Tatum' last='McFarland'] (11.8p, 2.7r, 2.6a), [player_tooltip player_id='177316' first='Kennedy' last='Coleman'] (11.4p, 7.3r, 2.8a, 2.1s), and [player_tooltip player_id='177348' first='Maddie' last='Nipper'] (10.2p, 3.2r, 4.3a, 2.6s) all return as double-digit scorers from a season ago. McFarland transferred in last year from Jeffersonville and made an instant impact. She is a strong, fairly athletic Senior guard who can score or distribute. She also buried 59 3-pointers and shot 85% from the charity stripe. Coleman is a long, wiry-strong Junior forward who plays with great versatility. She can act as a wing, play around the perimeter, and do things off the bounce, but she also has the size and length to be tough in the mid-post. Nipper is a quick and shifty Junior point guard who plays with a lot of feistiness. She is crafty and has a real feel for the game offensively, plus she too can bury shots from the perimeter. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='178233' first='Laney' last='Hawkins'] (6.7p, 2.9r, 2.0a) might have modest stats, but she is another player capable of pouring in 20+ points at any time. She is a fluid and smooth athlete, she has touch outside, and she can handle/create for others. Junior forwards Lienna Blackstone (2.2p, 2.1r) and Ashlyn Moore (1.6p, 3.4r) also have significant experience and will help provide depth.   TEN MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Benton Central (27-2, Regional Finalist in 2021-2022) Cascade (18-5) Danville (18-7) Fairfield (24-4, Class 2A Regional Champion in 2021-2022) Garrett (27-2, Regional Champion in 2021-2022) Jay County (20-4) Northwestern (19-5, Class 4A Sectional Champion in 2021-2022) Scottsburg (11-12) Vincennes Lincoln (17-9, Sectional Champion in 2021-2022) West Lafayette (12-11)

The featured image is of Emily Mattingly Emily Mattingly 5'10" | SF Evansville Memorial | 2023 State IN (2023) of Evansville's Reitz Memorial High School (in blue).