Preseason Preview: Class 4A, Sectionals #9-12

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='366801' first='Aniah' last='Smith'] (2025) of Avon High School.   Tuesday evening, November 1, marked the official start of the season, as more than 90 teams around the state opened with their first game. With the Class 1A, 2A, and 3A previews already complete, I wanted to finish my thorough, multi-article preview of each Regional throughout the state, looking ahead at each Class 4A Sectional, the top teams, and then the preseason all-state teams. As I continue, I will turn to the South and take a look at the first Class 4A South Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #9 through #12. 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 #9 Pendleton Heights (19-6), SAG 37, SOS 46 Mt. Vernon (Fortville) (17-9), SAG 56, SOS 50 New Palestine (13-11), SAG 96, SOS 70 Muncie Central (11-9), SAG 165, SOS 207 Greenfield-Central (9-13), SAG 177, SOS 115 Richmond (8-15), SAG 210, SOS 131 Anderson (9-15), SAG 231, SOS 67   Sectional #9 is sandwiched between the toughest in the state (Sectional #8) and maybe the second toughest in the state (Sectional #10), so at times these teams are overlooked and underappreciated, but there is noticeable talent, quality coaching, and effective team play throughout a Sectional where four or five teams can contend for a title each year. The Lady Marauders of Mt. Vernon High School (Fortville, IN) won Sectional #9 in 2021-2022, and with their best player returning, they strive to achieve that honor once again. Missing, however, are 2022 graduates Maddie Swingle (9.2p, 6.3r, 2.7a, 2.8s), Shay Shipley (7.7p, 3.4r, 4.2a, 2.2s), and Alaina Nugent (3.9p, 2.0r). But optimism surrounds do-everything forward [player_tooltip player_id='177344' first='Ellery' last='Minch'] (17.5p, 4.9r), a 6-2 Junior who can play on the ball, off the ball, or even in the mid-post if necessary. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='372347' first='Khloe' last='Patterson'] (5.2p, 7.1r, 2.2s) moved in last year from New Palestine, and she brought immediate energy, toughness, defense, and rebounding. 5-6 Sophomore wing Kenyonrae Kenny (1.4p), 5-11 Junior forward Easton Wampler (1.3p), and 5-5 Junior wing Kaitlyn Laffey (1.1p) saw limited minutes last year, but each looks to carve out much bigger roles this time around. Depth could be the issue for the Marauders, but look for Sophomore Reagan Britt and Senior Sam Mrnak to be next in line for an opportunity. Pendleton Heights was statistically the best team in the field a year ago, but they were upset by Mt. Vernon in the finale, 53-49. The Arabians saw a lot of productivity leave via the diploma, with Hailee Brunnemer (11.3p, 2.5r), Abigail Rosenkrans (8.8p, 4.8r, 3.2a, 2.0s), Kylea Lloyd (7.0p, 6.2r), and Morgan Martin (3.9p, 2.4r, 2.8a, 2.2s) all moving on. While that might discourage some fans, the sister act of [player_tooltip player_id='241199' first='Whitney' last='Warfel'] (13.7p, 5.3r, 2.7s) and [player_tooltip player_id='295797' first='Kaycie' last='Warfel'] (15.7p, 4.7r, 3.0s) does return. Whitney is a physical, hard-working, and do-everything Senior forward who brings experience and toughness to the lineup. Kaycie compiled an outstanding rookie year, and she is a long, fluidly athletic Sophomore wing who can flat score the ball from all over the floor. They will need help, though, and they'll likely first turn to 5-11 Senior forward Berkley Shelton (3.7p, 3.3r). She has the most additional experience of any returnee. 5-8 Senior wing Ava Phillips (1.2p) and 5-3 Junior guard Skylar Baldwin (1.1p) also saw key minutes here and there a season ago. Also look for 5-7 Freshman wing [player_tooltip player_id='486495' first='Olivia' last='Jones'], 5-11 Junior forward Mikala Ross, and 5-7 Senior forward Tra'Mya Herndon to potentially carve out key roles as well. New Palestine always finds ways to compete, and last year was no exception. Players like Alaina Miller (14.6p, 3.4r) and Rachel Kelley (8.8p, 3.4r, 2.2s) really stepped up, but both are now gone via graduation. So, the attention once again turns to Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='96080' first='Isabella' last='Gizzi'] (20.5p, 5.7r, 2.2a, 3.1s). The tough-nosed guard significantly increased her scoring, and she showed a much higher rate of shot-making from around the perimeter. I would anticipate her numbers increasing once again, as she'll need to rely upon a mostly new cast around her. 5-6 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='825997' first='Allie' last='Blum'] (5.2p, 5.7r, 2.5s), 5-5 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='825990' first='Vivian' last='Miller'] (4.0p, 3.5r), and 5-4 Sophomore guard Tylar Whitaker (1.3p) bring back the most experienced support, so a handful of newcomers will be key. Look for 5-6 Sophomore wing Kylee Beranek, 5-4 Sophomore guard Nevaeh Gebhart, and 5-9 Freshman forward Sadey Hughbanks to contribute to a rather short roster.   Muncie Central posted its first winning season since 2015-2016, and they look to build upon that, despite the graduation losses of Jasi Scaife (13.8p, 12.1r), Garynn Sims-Jones (8.7p, 2.4r, 3.9a, 2.5s), and Makaiya Lowe (4.5p, 3.7r). This season, look for 5-6 Junior guard Gabby Douglass (7.6p, 3.2r, 2.3a, 2.5s) to take over leadership responsibilities, as she can score it from all over, she can handle and create, plus she will defend with energy. 5-10 Senior forwards Trinity Malone (4.5p, 3.5r) and Victoria Hardnett (3.4p, 3.2r) also saw key rotation minutes last year, and both look to potentially start this season. Filling out the rest of the lineup will be key, but look for the Lady Bearcats to consider Juniors Katie White, Alaija Douglass, Taj Isom, and Zaniah Barnes, along with Sophomore Sadie Hanna, plus Freshmen Kadence Smith, Chloe Pugh, and Grace Walker. Greenfield-Central looks to not only reach 10 wins in 2022-2023, but they'll also strive for a winning record, and with their top two scorers from a year ago being just Freshmen, they are set up for a nice stretch of consecutive seasons. The most significant loss for the Lady Cougars is Josie White (5.2p, 4.9r), a Sophomore front-liner who is no longer listed on their roster. Annan Tiede (4.2p, 3.2r) was the most impactful 2022 graduate, and she will be missed. Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='324066' first='Chaney' last='Brown'] (15.5p, 7.4r) led the team in scoring and rebounding a season ago, and that should be the case for three more seasons. She can play in the mid-post or around the perimeter, and she plays with an outstanding motor. Fellow Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='511387' first='Brooklyn' last='McConnell'] (8.6p), a 5-3 guard, should start alongside Brown for three more years. 5-6 Senior wing Aryana Hibbard (1.8p, 2.8r), 5-3 Senior guard Taylor Smith (2.2p), plus 5-9 Junior forward Katie Holmes can potentially provide some upperclassmen leadership for Greenfield-Central. The Richmond Lady Red Devils are another team blessed with young talent. They did suffer significant graduation losses, though, with Jayci Allen (12.3p, 6.3r, 2.6a) and Jakaia Lotz (11.2p, 5.9r, 2.1s) departing via graduation. At the same time, everyone else who played major minutes a year ago were primarily Freshmen. Looking to step into leadership positions this year are Sophomore guards Madison Sonsini (8.0p, 2.3r), a 5-9 shooter/scorer, and [player_tooltip player_id='331786' first='Kiarra' last='Handley'] (4.5p), a 5-6 combo guard. 5-9 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='430240' first='Amari' last='Jackson'] (2.0p, 3.8r) brings energy and athleticism, while 6-0 Sophomore forward Maren Bolser (2.0p, 3.8r) adds height. Sophomore wing Cami Turpin is another member of a deep 2025 class who can help in her second year. The Lady Indians of Anderson High School have a chance to improve upon a 9-win 2021-2022 season, with the potential for nearly all of their key producers eligible to return. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='331796' first='Jacelyn' last='Starks'] (10.3p, 2.2r) showed great improvement throughout the grassroots season, and she could be a problem for opponents, scoring it from all three levels. Senior guard Zoe Allen (7.1p, 5.0r, 2.7s) is another capable shooter/scorer who can approach double-digits this year. 5-4 Senior forward Makhile McWilliams (5.1p, 3.3r) and 5-7 Senior wing Payton Sargent (4.9p, 4.2r) can provide rebounding, while 5-4 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1005020' first='Kennedy' last='Brown'] (5.1p) saw a lot of minutes as a rookie. The Lady Indians aren't very big, so they'll have to rely on their athleticism and pressure defense to give them any advantage.   Sectional #10 North Central (21-7), SAG 10, SOS 9 Warren Central (11-9), SAG 23, SOS 11 Cathedral (15-10), SAG 34, SOS 19 Lawrence Central (12-11), SAG 36, SOS 16 Lawrence North (10-15), SAG 47, SOS 6 Crispus Attucks (12-9), SAG 185, SOS 244 Arsenal Technical (4-17), SAG 363, SOS 269   Sectional #10 is filled with talented athletes, strong programs, and the potential to have a State Finals representative just about every year. This year, there are four or five teams who could post winning records, if not approach 20 wins. Lawrence Central and their incredible young talent will likely be the favorite over the next handful of seasons (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/11/preseason-preview-top-10-class-4a-teams/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/11/preseason-preview-top-10-class-4a-teams/" target="_blank">you can see their team preview here</a>). At the same time, there aren't any givens with this field, so watch out for just about anyone to take the crown. North Central has long been an imposing force in Sectional #10, but the Lady Panthers were hit hard by graduation. Gone is 2022 Indiana All-Star Tanyuel Welch (19.3p, 6.7r, 3.1s), now playing at the University of Memphis. Also missing are Destinee Hooks (13.3p, 4.4r, 2.1s), Samara Douglas (3.3p, 3.4r), and Makenzie Carroll. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='96077' first='Ava' last='Couch'] (8.6p) now looks to step into a leadership role, as she returns a great deal of experience. She can score the ball all over the floor and should see a lot more shots in her final year. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='178231' first='Trinity' last='Archey'] (7.0p, 2.4r) also returns to the backcourt for the Panthers, and she's coming off of a strong Spring & Summer showing. From here, North Central can look a number of different directions. Up front, I would anticipate Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='59753' first='Nakiya' last='Harris'] being a focal point this season. She is a strong, physical, and athletic interior scorer/rebounder. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='326493' first='Kaitlyn' last='Hoff'] will also see key minutes, as she can play a variety of roles, especially defensively. Also, Freshman forward D'Aaliyah Kemp brings height, length, and a great deal of potential moving forward. On the perimeter, Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='177337' first='Kaiden' last='Kreinhagen'] has quality experience and brings toughness to the lineup, while [player_tooltip player_id='295787' first='Gabrielle' last='Burrus'] is a strong Sophomore point guard who can handle and make shots with some range. Warren Central looks to be a problem in 2022-2023, as they return quite a bit of production, plus they welcome some newcomers who can contribute immediately. Most notably gone from last year are Le'Aije Ellington (10.8p, 3.5r), DeNishia Nalls (6.2p, 4.4r, 2.5s), and Mary Porter (4.2p, 5.3r). Back in the fold is 2022 Indiana Junior All-Star [player_tooltip player_id='59726' first='Asiah' last='Baxter'] (15.1p, 11.6r, 2.3s), an Ohio University recruit. She plays with a tremendous motor, has a real nose for the ball, and she can score it inside or out. Also in her fourth year in the lineup is Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='59781' first='Sanaa' last='Thomas'] (10.1p, 2.9r, 7.2a). She is a true facilitator, but she can also shoot it with some range. 5-8 Junior wing Paige Highbaugh (2.7p) and 5-11 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='460830' first='Imani' last='Benson'] (1.4p) have also seen some clock in the past. But a Freshman and a trio of Lawrence Central transfers look to help immediately. The Freshman is wing Denell Jacobs, who grew up in Lawrence Township. Older sister, and Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='331815' first='Denyha' last='Jacobs'], moves over to Warren Central after seeing starter's minutes the previous two seasons. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='331797' first='Candyce' last='Hollins'], plus Junior forward Taleah Davidson, both played for Lawrence Central a year ago as well. They look to add athleticism and rebounding for the Lady Warriors.   Cathedral put together a nice 2021-2022 season, but they saw Katie Bremer (12.3p, 6.4r, 2.2a), Darryn Ely (5.9p, 4.3r), and Gabby Gay (3.8p, 3.2r, 2.0a) handed their diplomas in the Spring. Back to lead the Irish this year is Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='59751' first='Layla' last='Gold'] (15.4p, 5.5r, 2.2a). She has height, tremendous length, fluid athleticism, and the ability to knock down shots from 3-point range or attack the basket off the bounce. She could have a huge Senior season. Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='326477' first='Taylor' last='Lewis'] (4.7p, 3.9r) and Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='298253' first='Catherine' last='Cline'] (3.3p, 2.2r) are multisport kids we don't get to see often during the grassroots season, but they are both long, athletic, and skilled. 5-8 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='506017' first='Abby' last='Beasley'] (1.9p, 2.3a) saw a lot of minutes as a rookie, and she looks to take on a bigger load in Year-2. Senior forward Nya Huff (3.3p, 2.8r) also looks for an expanded role. 5-7 Sophomore guard Jaida Wilson (4.7p, 2.8r) transferred in from Heritage Christian and adds another athletic guard, while 5-8 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1122716' first='Reaghan' last='Gilmore'] tries to carve out an opportunity as well. The Lawrence North Wildcats are just three years removed from a state championship, and they look to rebound from a sub .500 season in 2021-2022. Ariel Helm (10.3p, 10.6r) does not return, as she is off playing college volleyball now. But the Lady Wildcats do welcome back Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='155437' first='Monica' last='Williams'] (7.3p, 3.3r, 2.5a, 2.1s), who is a talented athlete with playmaking ability. She is committed to Ohio University. Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id='295793' first='Jamaya' last='Thomas'] (7.2p, 3.8r) saw plenty of touches as a rookie, and she is a powerful force around the block. She should only continue to improve and could average a double-double at some point. Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt'] (5.7p, 3.3r, 2.6a) also looks to build upon a strong Freshman season for the Lady Wildcats. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='127212' first='Laniya' last='Early'], Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='96095' first='Maykayla' last='Washington-Cobb'], Junior guard Kamara Mills, and Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='773769' first='Ellysa' last='Morris'] will help provide a combination of depth and experience. Early is a talented athlete, while Washington-Cobb returns from a knee injury and provides strength inside. The Lady Tigers of Crispus Attucks posted their first winning season since the 2016-2017 campaign, and they could very well achieve similar results again this year. Unfortunately, promising 5-4 Junior point guard Shyaira Woods was injured in an October car accident and will miss significant time. The Lady Tigers will also have to adapt to the graduation of Shyanne Vaughn. Back in the fold are 5-3 Senior guard Daisha Bullock (7.7p, 4.2r, 2.8s) and 5-6 Sophomore guard Mariah Kenter-Garrett (7.4p, 2.9r, 3.9s), and each has double-digit scoring potential. Look for 6-2 Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='826004' first='Lariah' last='Wooden'], 5-10 Senior forward Raylyn Yates, and 5-4 Junior guard Miyana Scott to round out the lineup, with Wooden and Yates providing a reasonably sizeable frontcourt presence. The Arsenal Tech Lady Titans won just four games a year ago, but with a tremendous amount of production returning, they could reach that early this season and possibly double their win total from 2021-2022. 5-5 Junior guard Kayla Lacombe returns to the lineup. She is a dynamic scorer and can fill it up from all over the floor. Look for her to potentially have a huge season. 5-7 Sophomore forward Natanya Edwards also returns and provides an interior defensive and rebounding presence. Junior guard Jasmine Chambers is new to the lineup and could provide a boost at both ends of the floor.   Sectional #11 Ben Davis (15-10), SAG 21, SOS 7 Pike (11-12), SAG 54, SOS 14 Roncalli (12-13), SAG 85, SOS 34 Franklin Central (5-17), SAG 124, SOS 15 Southport (11-13), SAG 193, SOS 156 Perry Meridian (6-17), SAG 241, SOS 153 Decatur Central (8-15), SAG 265, SOS 172   Sectional #11 has been responsible for past state champions, and each year there are a couple of contenders who can typically make deep playoff runs. Ben Davis returns the most talent and potential for success this year, so they're our favorite at the beginning of the 2022-2023 season (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/11/preseason-preview-top-10-class-4a-teams/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/11/preseason-preview-top-10-class-4a-teams/" target="_blank">you can see their team preview here</a>). The Pike Lady Red Devils haven't won a Sectional title since the 2017-2018 season, but last season's triple overtime loss to Ben Davis in the finale has them even hungrier this year. The Red Devils had to say "goodbye" to Jaelynne Murray (11.9p, 6.7r), Lauren Horton (5.5p, 3.3r, 4.1a), Sade Smith (3.7p, 4.0r), and Olivia Hence (1.8p), but they've had a number of talented youngsters waiting their turn. Leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='59727' first='Giavonnie' last='Belton'] (14.9p, 2.6r, 2.0s), a Senior guard, does return and looks to lead Pike to success. A pair of classmates help Belton, and they are wing [player_tooltip player_id='203652' first='Autumn' last='Rucker'] (4.6p, 3.3r) and forward [player_tooltip player_id='96076' first='Alexia' last='Cole'] (5.9p, 3.2r). Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='326484' first='Alexis' last='Warren'] (7.5p, 6.8r) has also worked hard to develop her game, and she could average a double-double this year. Beyond that, experience is limited, but talent is not. Junior guard KeKe Cole and Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='331820' first='Morgan' last='Crowe'] look to contribute immediately. Both are nice backcourt athletes who can make plays at either end of the floor. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='453218' first='Ashiyah' last='Teague'] and Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='406432' first='Jadyn' last='Harris'] offer support along the frontline. Teague is a skilled athlete, while Harris is a long, tall, developing talent. The Roncalli Royals look to better their record in 2022-2023, and with their top four players returning, it's a great possibility. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='96084' first='Sydney' last='Horton'] (10.5p, 2.8r, 2.5a) is back for her fourth season in the lineup. She is a tough-nosed, skillful guard who is committed to Trine University. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='239349' first='Claire' last='Lindsey'] (10.0p, 3.6r, 2.1s) and Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='826016' first='Taylor' last='Turk'] (6.3p, 2.3r) will flank Horton in the backcourt. Both can play a variety of roles for the Lady Royals. Senior wing Jordan Hendricks (8.6p, 3.3r in 11 games) hasn't played since mid-December 2021, but she could add an offensive boost once she does return. Also look for newcomers [player_tooltip player_id='296265' first='Sara' last='Rosko'] (6.9p, 2.1r), a Sophomore point guard who was previously homeschooled, and [player_tooltip player_id='486513' first='Brennah' last='Cerny'], a Freshman wing, to find immediate roles at the outset of this season. 5-10 Senior post Josie Oliger (2.8p, 3.8r) should help up front, but frontcourt depth is limited. 6-0 Junior post Jasmine Horsman could possibly help in that regard. Franklin Central will likely be much-improved this year, as they played a lot of underclassmen last season. The Flashes did graduate Indiana All-Star Rayah Kincer, but she played in just two games before unfortunately missing the rest of the season with an injury. Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='295800' first='Lily' last='Graves'] (10.5p, 3.5r) likely benefited the most, being forced into a key role and having to handle the ball a lot more than she probably would have with Kincer around. Junior athlete [player_tooltip player_id='264120' first='Carys' last='Wilson'] (8.1p, 4.7r) also saw a role expansion, and she, paired with Graves, should form a nice duo moving forward. Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='331803' first='Emma' last='McVey'] (7.3p, 3.0r) is a third youngster who gained a lot of experience, plus she brings good energy to the floor. A trio of Seniors will likely provide depth and leadership. They are 5-9 post Abby Steinhofer (3.5p, 5.8r), 5-7 wing Mattie Finney (2.3p, 3.0r), and 5-3 guard Madison Monday (2.1p).   The Southport Cardinals look to get above .500 for the first time since the 2016-2017 season. While Miranda Deane (12.7p, 5.7r, 2.4a, 2.6s) did graduate, nearly everyone else returns, giving them optimism for an improved 2022-2023. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='460832' first='CeCe' last='Mitchell'] (11.2p, 6.4r, 2.2s) and Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='410037' first='Lela' last='Scott'] (10.0p, 6.0r, 2.8a, 2.5s) return after each scored in double figures. Sophomore guard Kassie McMasters (3.7p, 3.0r) saw a lot of quality time as a Freshman, and she looks to step up even more in her second season. Senior forward Breanna Reed (2.2p) and Senior wing Marianna Martinez are the only other players who have seen more than 10 games of action. Senior point guard Katie Cherry and Sophomore front-liner Sophia Nguyen look to help provide depth this time around. The Falcons of Perry Meridian are another program looking to post a winning record for the first time since the 2016-2017 season. They did graduate Ella Scaringe (11.8p, 6.2r) and Alli Rastrelli (2.5p, 2.3r), but they have other key pieces returning. It starts with Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='59765' first='Maya' last='Mundy'] (15.3p, 4.1r, 2.1s), who has been a staple in the lineup since she arrived. She does a little of everything to help contribute to the effort. 5-9 Junior forward Izzy Egan (4.9p, 6.8r, 2.1s) brings a strong interior presence for the Lady Falcons, as do 5-9 Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id='1122885' first='Mariah' last='Thomas'] (2.2p, 3.6r) and 5-10 Junior post Kaleigh Butts (2.1p, 3.3r). Look for 5-2 Freshman guard Aubrey Hall to make an instant impact, as she is a very good perimeter shooter and a nice athlete as well. Senior wing Reagan Rhea (1.8p) is another perimeter player who could see a lot of minutes early this season. Decatur Central will be an interesting watch, both this year and moving forward. While they have never really been a force in girls' basketball, they enrolled an impressive group of newcomers, mixed between Freshmen and a couple of transfers. Top returnees include Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='241189' first='Cadence' last='Thomas'] (9.8p, 2.3r), Senior guard Marier Fuller (3.3p, 4.2r, 2.0a), and Senior forward Kyra Vanscoy (2.8p, 3.2r). Thomas has been a four-year regular and could have a strong final season. But the attention then turns to a host of newcomers. Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='453215' first='Soriah' last='Gouard'] transferred in this Fall from Danville High School in Danville, Illinois. She brings length, athleticism, and skill to the lineup. Freshman point guard [player_tooltip player_id='331774' first='Kamrah' last='Banks'] probably brings the biggest fanfare, however, as she has picked up a number of Division-I offers over the last couple of Summers from her grassroots play. She is a dynamic playmaker with a tremendous feel for the game, and she should be a star immediately for the Lady Hawks. Guard [player_tooltip player_id='492315' first='Kenadi' last='Banks'], forward [player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston'], and point guard [player_tooltip player_id='832664' first='Aleeyah' last='McElrath'] are a trio of additional Freshmen who have starting and eventually star potential to build this program around. While young, Decatur Central should eventually see the rewards of this youth movement.   Sectional #12 Brownsburg (14-11), SAG 22, SOS 10 Plainfield (15-9), SAG 58, SOS 28 Avon (7-17), SAG 67, SOS 13 Terre Haute North Vigo (18-8), SAG 81, SOS 86 Terre Haute South Vigo (4-19), SAG 350, SOS 151   Sectional #12 will likely see an atypical year in 2022-2023, as they won't have a dominant team in regard to statewide competition. They will, however, see a highly competitive Sectional in which just about every team can compete this season. Brownsburg will again be good, but they will need to find creative ways to score the ball, while depending on their defense to keep them in most games. The Lady Bulldogs saw Miya Webb (5.3p, 3.6r, 2.4a, 2.5s), Kiera Guckenberger, Novalee Glass, Ra'Mya Milton, and Jordan Griffin all graduate, but they are a strong program with younger prospects just waiting their turn. The top returnee is Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='59780' first='Kailyn' last='Terrell'] (11.7p, 4.0r, 2.1a). She has multiple years of experience, plus she's a tough-nosed guard who does a little of everything well. One advantage the Bulldogs have most nights is that of 6-6 Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id='295789' first='Avery' last='Gordon'] (7.4p, 5.3r). She has tremendously improved her skillset and ability to score the ball, plus she's a monster defensive presence who blocks/alters most shots inside of 15-feet. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='201875' first='Emma' last='Hendricks'] is a very good perimeter shooter who has seen plenty of Varsity action already. 5-7 Senior guard Morgan Eaker, 5-9 Sophomore forward Morgan Montgomery, 5-10 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='203659' first='Paige' last='Kirtz'], 5-7 Junior wing Macy Twomey, and 5-8 Sophomore wing Claire Miller each look to expand their roles from past seasons. Plainfield consistently fields strong teams, and last year was no different. But with their top six scorers all having graduated, they are truly dealing with turnover as much as anyone. Gone via the diploma are Ellie Wilkerson (16.0p, 6.4r, 2.4s), Jozee Rhodes (13.3p, 5.3r, 2.0a), Audrey Tallent (7.4p, 5.3r, 2.8a), Audrey Harper (6.0p, 2.4r, 2.9s), Shannon Olejnik (4.4p, 2.5r), and Taylor Haltom (4.1p). 6-1 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='239347' first='Payton' last='Benge'] (3.6p, 3.7r) and 5-6 Sophomore guard Ellison Stewart (1.1p) return with the most significant experience. Look for Benge to be a focal point on the interior this season. Stepping into a critical role immediately could be Freshman wing [player_tooltip player_id='486496' first='Berkeley' last='Williams']. She is tough-nosed, skillful, crafty, and she plays with an outstanding motor. 5-5 Sophomore guard Morgan Barnes and 5-5 Sophomore wing Ambrie Corbin look to compete for slots in a young but energetic lineup.   The Lady Orioles of Avon High School did manage to graduate six Seniors in the Spring, but they still maintain a fun, exciting group of athletes who could cause a lot of people problems in 2022-2023. Most notable of the graduates are Jordan Richmond (13.9p, 5.5r) and Tonai Moore (6.8p, 2.8r, 2.2a), but a great deal of backcourt firepower returns. Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='366801' first='Aniah' last='Smith'] (10.9p, 2.3r, 4.1a, 2.0s) is electric and incredibly enjoyable to watch. She is a real playmaker at both ends of the floor. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='331808' first='Nyla' last='Lewis'] returns after missing last season, and she is another quick, fast, and explosive athlete. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='331819' first='Amya' last='Bass'] (7.5p, 2.5r) and Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='295814' first='Nevaeh' last='Wren'] (3.1p) look to be more involved this season, and both add athleticism and creativity with their play as well. Also look for Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='496065' first='Mya' last='Thompson'] to add even more depth in the backcourt, as she is another crafty ball-handler who can make shots. Up front, look for 5-11 Senior forward Hailey Guingrich (5.3p, 2.5r), plus 5-9 forwards [player_tooltip player_id='516351' first='Hadja' last='Walker'], a Senior, and Soryah Hart, a Sophomore, to provide interior scoring, defense, and rebounding. Terre Haute North Vigo enters the season looking to replace a talented player in 2022 Indiana All-Star Zoe Stewart (24.8p, 4.3r, 2.0a, 2.9s). She was the only Lady Patriot who averaged double figures last season, so her production will be tough to fill. Additionally, the Patriots are down four more graduates, most notably Halie Gilbert (8.8p, 8.3r, 2.1s) and A.J. Campbell (4.3p, 4.1r, 2.2s). But North Vigo does have a few pieces left in the cupboard, led by Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='59763' first='Preslee' last='Michael'] (8.8p, 5.0r, 3.5a, 2.2s). She is tough, physical, skilled, and should increase her scoring quite a bit. 5-8 Junior wing Rebecca Gore (4.2p), 5-10 Senior forward Jetta Harmon (3.5p, 3.8r), and 5-11 Senior forward Lilly Jensen do return with big-game experience as well. From here, the Patriots will likely turn to 5-8 Junior wing Aubrey Ervin and 5-4 Senior guard Hallie Hayes, in what on paper looks like a very veteran roster. To the South are the Lady Braves of Terre Haute South Vigo. They are looking for their first winning season since 2012-2013. Offense could be a struggle this year, but I'd anticipate a number of younger players gaining Varsity experience. Seniors Josiah Killinger and Gracie Adamson, plus Juniors Indiann Nichols, Adi Speth, and Presley White should provide the upperclassmen leadership they'll need, but a strong Freshman class will see a number of ladies find the floor this season. Look for guards Karizma English-Malone and [player_tooltip player_id='449149' first='Katherine' last='Sarver'], plus forwards Avery Cassell and Breena Ireland, to earn their stripes as rookies.

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