State Tourney Preview: Sectionals #37-#40

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard'] (2025) of Manchester High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The IHSAA Sectional draw took place last Sunday evening, so all of the 390+ schools participating in this year's state tournament found out when they would be playing their first game, which will take place in just a matter of days. Below is a look at each of the Sectionals that will feed into the Lapel Regional the following weekend. This includes the Class 2A teams from Sectionals #37-#40. Please stay tuned, as this weekend we will have a quick synopsis of each of the remaining Sectionals across classes 2A and 1A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #37 at Bluffton:</font></strong><br>Game-1: Bluffton (10-10) vs. Manchester (6-16)<br>Game-2: South Adams (12-10) vs. Whitko (9-13)<br>Game-3: Adams Central (6-15) vs. Winner Game-1<br>Game-4: Bishop Luers (9-13) vs. Winner Game-2<br>Game-5: Winner Game-3 vs. Winner Game-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overview:</strong> Sectional #37 is probably about as wide open as any in Class 2A. Bishop Luers is probably the most talented group, and they've played a "4A" schedule, being in the Summit Athletic Conference, but they've only played one Sectional #37 opponent, and that was Adams Central. Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='298259' first='Addie' last='Shank'] (<em>13.3p, 9.4r</em>) should have her way inside against most opponents here, while Junior [player_tooltip player_id='201869' first='Annika' last='Davis'] (<em>11.4p, 2.6r, 2.4a</em>) is a versatile combo guard who can create, shoot, and defend. South Adams will likely be the top threat to Luers, as they have also played a tough schedule this year. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='572804' first='Macy' last='Pries'] (<em>15.5p, 2.8a, 4.2s</em>) and Senior [player_tooltip player_id='127233' first='Peyton' last='Pries'] (<em>8.7p, 4.8r, 3.0a, 3.0s</em>) provide a strong sister act in the backcourt for the Starfires, and as long as they handle their business on Tuesday night, they have the ability to take care of the basketball and make enough shots to potentially take down Luers on Friday night. From there, Adams Central and Bluffton are typically fundamental, smart with the ball, and they can frustrate opponents. Additionally, Manchester Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard'] (<em>16.4p, 3.9r, 2.2a, 2.0s</em>) is a nice individual talent to keep an eye on in Sectional #37.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional #37 Players to Watch:</strong><br>Adams Central - <strong>Athena Schwartz</strong>, 2024 - 8.8p, 3.3r, 2.6a, 4.4s<br>Adams Central - <strong>Gracie Garwood</strong>, 2023 - 8.4p, 5.0r, 2.2s<br>Bishop Luers - [player_tooltip player_id='298259' first='Addie' last='Shank'], 2024 - 13.3p, 9.4r<br>Bishop Luers - [player_tooltip player_id='201869' first='Annika' last='Davis'], 2024 - 11.4p, 2.6r, 2.4a<br>Bishop Luers - <strong>Miley Wareing</strong>, 2026 - 6.5p, 6.0r<br>Bluffton - <strong>Haley Gibson</strong>, 2024 - 11.8p, 3.3r<br>Bluffton - <strong>Maryn Schreiber</strong>, 2025 - 8.5p, 7.6r<br>Manchester - [player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard'], 2025 - 16.4p, 3.9r, 2.2a, 2.0s<br>Manchester - <strong>Gracie Lauer</strong>, 2024 - 7.7p, 7.1r<br>South Adams - [player_tooltip player_id='572804' first='Macy' last='Pries'], 2024 - 15.5p, 2.8a, 4.2s<br>South Adams - [player_tooltip player_id='127233' first='Peyton' last='Pries'], 2023 - 8.7p, 4.8r, 3.0a, 3.0s<br>Whitko - <strong>Kloe Krieg</strong>, 2024 - 10.4p, 3.1r, 2.3s<br>Whitko - <strong>Braisha Harrison</strong>, 2025 - 9.6p, 2.3r<br>Whitko - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122773' first='Adriyanna' last='Phillips']</strong>, 2025 - 8.5p, 2.3r</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #38 at Lafayette Central Catholic:</font></strong><br>Game-1: Seeger (19-3) vs. Delphi (10-13)<br>Game-2: Carroll (Flora) (20-3) vs. Covington (8-14)<br>Game-3: Lafayette Central Catholic (17-6) vs. Winner Game-1<br>Game-4: Clinton Prairie (16-7) vs. Winner Game-2<br>Game-5: Winner Game-3 vs. Winner Game-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overview:</strong> Sectional #38 could be a lot of fun. Lafayette Central Catholic has a history of making it to downtown Indianapolis, and they could get there again this year...if they can survive their own Sectional. They are #25 in the all-class Sagarin Ratings with the 34th ranked schedule. Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='127241' first='Tori' last='Thompson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='331814' first='Kendal' last='Rider'] have done a nice job of stepping into leadership roles this year, while Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='295785' first='Carley' last='Barrett'] is a versatile, skillful talent. However, they have not played anyone from Sectional #38, so it's tough to say how they stack up. Carroll (Flora) brings a ton of offensive production and a strong Junior class to the field. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='201873' first='Alli' last='Harness'] (<em>23.9p, 5.3r, 4.5a, 3.5s</em>) and [player_tooltip player_id='239358' first='Madison' last='Wagner'] (<em>16.2p, 7.5r, 3.7a, 3.2s</em>) are as potent of an offensive duo as there is in Class 2A. Both players shoot it well outside, and with great range, plus Harness is quite the playmaker off the bounce. Clinton Prairie graduated one of their best ever in 2022, but they've done a nice job of using all of their parts to create a strong sense of team. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='574550' first='Sydney' last='Swan'] (<em>13.0p, 5.1r, 2.0a, 2.2s</em>) is a long and athletic inside-out forward who can pour in 30 points at any time. Fellow Senior <strong>Kaitlyn Beck</strong> (<em>11.5p, 3.3r</em>) is fairly strong and physical in the mid-post, while Senior [player_tooltip player_id='574561' first='Claire' last='Ecenbarger'] (<em>8.2p, 3.2r, 5.1a, 4.1s</em>) is a nice playmaker around the perimeter and a quality on-ball defender. Then there is Seeger, and they've been great under a new Head Coach who brought his daughter with him. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='460834' first='Aubry' last='Cole'] (<em>19.0p, 4.0r, 2.8a, 4.0s</em>) is pound for pound one of the toughest kids around, and she can fill it up with deep range. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='570386' first='Rylea' last='Wetz'] (<em>10.3p, 8.9r, 2.9s</em>) brings a little size, nice skill, and the understanding of a coach's daughter. She is a double-double waiting to happen each time out. I still think Central Catholic is the favorite, but I wouldn't be surprised by any of these four teams winning Sectional #38.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional #38 Players to Watch:</strong><br>Carroll - [player_tooltip player_id='201873' first='Alli' last='Harness'], 2024 - 23.9p, 5.3r, 4.5a, 3.5s<br>Carroll - [player_tooltip player_id='239358' first='Madison' last='Wagner'], 2024 - 16.2p, 7.5r, 3.7a, 3.2s<br>Carroll - <strong>Laney Johnson</strong>, 2024 - 8.3p, 3.3r, 2.0s<br>Carroll - <strong>Jamilah Tillman</strong>, 2024 - 5.9p, 7.4r<br>Central Catholic - [player_tooltip player_id='127241' first='Tori' last='Thompson'], 2023<br>Central Catholic - [player_tooltip player_id='295785' first='Carley' last='Barrett'], 2025<br>Central Catholic - [player_tooltip player_id='331814' first='Kendal' last='Rider'], 2023<br>Clinton Prairie - [player_tooltip player_id='574550' first='Sydney' last='Swan'], 2023 - 13.0p, 5.1r, 2.0a, 2.2s<br>Clinton Prairie - <strong>Kaitlyn Beck</strong>, 2023 - 11.5p, 3.3r<br>Clinton Prairie - <strong>Abbey Swan</strong>, 2025 - 9.6p, 5.8r, 2.2s<br>Clinton Prairie - [player_tooltip player_id='574561' first='Claire' last='Ecenbarger'], 2023 - 8.2p, 3.2r, 5.1a, 4.1s<br>Covington - <strong>Sydni Crain</strong>, 2025 - 9.3p, 3.2r<br>Covington - <strong>Kali Pettit</strong>, 2024 - 8.0p, 8.1r, 2.7b<br>Delphi - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044766' first='Jenna' last='Roth']</strong>, 2025 - 14.2p, 5.2r, 2.0a, 2.8s<br>Delphi - <strong>Lacey Pickering</strong>, 2024 - 7.5p, 3.5r, 3.2a, 3.1s<br>Delphi - <strong>Lexi Miller</strong>, 2024 - 7.2p, 4.9r, 2.5s<br>Seeger - [player_tooltip player_id='460834' first='Aubry' last='Cole'], 2023 - 19.0p, 4.0r, 2.8a, 4.0s<br>Seeger - [player_tooltip player_id='570386' first='Rylea' last='Wetz'], 2025 - 10.3p, 8.9r, 2.9s<br>Seeger - <strong>Paige Laffoon</strong>, 2023 - 9.7p, 5.6r, 2.6s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #39 at Blackford:</font></strong><br>Game-1: Eastbrook (16-5) vs. Madison-Grant (10-12)<br>Game-2: Eastern (Greentown) (2-21) vs. Blackford (19-3)<br>Game-3: Taylor (0-21) vs. Tipton (14-9)<br>Game-4: Elwood (2-20) vs. Winner Game-1<br>Game-5: Winner Game-2 vs. Winner Game-3<br>Game-6: Winner Game-4 vs. Winner Game-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overview:</strong> Sectional #39 will likely come down to Blackford, Eastbrook, and Tipton. In fact, Blackford just beat Eastbrook by a single point two days ago. Blackford has a strong core of upperclassmen, led by Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='127227' first='Olivia' last='Leas'] (<em>16.2p, 4.3r, 2.6s</em>) and [player_tooltip player_id='127242' first='Olivia' last='Waters'] (<em>11.2p, 3.4r, 4.8a, 3.9s</em>). Those two have started for four years, and they would like to finish off their careers with Blackford's first Sectional title since the 2008-2009 season, if not a deeper run in the state tournament. Eastbrook will stand in their way, assuming both teams can get to Saturday night. Eastbrook has experience as well, with a core group of Juniors who are more than capable of advancing. [player_tooltip player_id='239351' first='Sophia' last='Morrison'] (<em>15.0p, 2.4r, 2.7a, 3.8s</em>) is a highly skilled sharpshooter and ball-handler who can take over games. <strong>Olivia Howell</strong> (<em>12.5p, 6.1r, 2.7a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825904' first='Audri' last='Prater']</strong> (<em>8.2p, 3.4r</em>) have contributed in big ways at times this season, and they'll be needed to win three games this coming week. The wildcard here is Tipton. The Blue Devils are 5-0 against Sectional #39 opponents, but they haven't played Blackford or Eastbrook this season. Tipton will lean heavily on 6-3 Senior [player_tooltip player_id='127234' first='Ashlee' last='Schram'] (<em>13.6p, 11.0r, 2.0a, 2.0b</em>). If they can keep her out of foul trouble and get her the ball, she can be a force in this Sectional field. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='264121' first='Hallie' last='Wolfe'] (<em>11.3p, 2.2r, 2.1a</em>) and <strong>Kaiya Money</strong> (<em>11.1p, 2.2r, 2.0a</em>) have three years of Varsity experience and will provide perimeter shooting and hustle plays at both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional #39 Players to Watch:</strong><br>Blackford - [player_tooltip player_id='127227' first='Olivia' last='Leas'], 2023 - 16.2p, 4.3r, 2.6s<br>Blackford - [player_tooltip player_id='127242' first='Olivia' last='Waters'], 2023 - 11.2p, 3.4r, 4.8a, 3.9s<br>Blackford - <strong>Brianna Stroble</strong>, 2023 - 8.0p, 3.7r<br>Blackford - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874133' first='Sydnee' last='Morris']</strong>, 2024 - 7.9p, 7.6r, 2.2s<br>Eastbrook - [player_tooltip player_id='239351' first='Sophia' last='Morrison'], 2024 - 15.0p, 2.4r, 2.7a, 3.8s<br>Eastbrook - <strong>Olivia Howell</strong>, 2024 - 12.5p, 6.1r, 2.7a<br>Eastbrook - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825904' first='Audri' last='Prater']</strong>, 2024 - 8.2p, 3.4r<br>Eastbrook - <strong>Kortney Goff</strong>, 2024 - 8.1p<br>Eastern - <strong>Jenna Odle</strong>, 2024 - 8.2p, 2.9r<br>Elwood - <strong>Liv Shannon</strong>, 2023<br>Madison-Grant - <strong>Daya Greene</strong>, 2023 - 8.6p, 4.8r, 4.5a, 4.7s<br>Madison-Grant - <strong>Maddy Moore</strong>, 2024 - 11.0p, 3.9r, 2.5a, 3.5s<br>Madison-Grant - <strong>Caydence Campbell</strong>, 2026 - 6.2p, 3.0r<br>Taylor - <strong>Katie Hogan</strong>, 2023<br>Tipton - [player_tooltip player_id='127234' first='Ashlee' last='Schram'], 2023 - 13.6p, 11.0r, 2.0a, 2.0b<br>Tipton - [player_tooltip player_id='264121' first='Hallie' last='Wolfe'], 2024 - 11.3p, 2.2r, 2.1a<br>Tipton - <strong>Kaiya Money</strong>, 2024 - 11.1p, 2.2r, 2.0a</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #40 at Alexandria-Monroe:</font></strong><br>Game-1: Wapahani (19-4) vs. Lapel (16-7)<br>Game-2: Muncie Burris (0-15) vs. Wes-Del (3-17)<br>Game-3: Monroe Central (12-9) vs. Winchester (17-6)<br>Game-4: Alexandria-Monroe (17-5) vs. Winner Game-1<br>Game-5: Winner Game-2 vs. Winner Game-3<br>Game-6: Winner Game-4 vs. Winner Game-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overview:</strong> Winchester began the year as my Preseason #1 in Class 2A. They have had a solid season, with some quality losses, and they have beaten a good Lapel team, though one of their losses was by five points to Wapahani. I still like Winchester, as they have a lot of Senior and Junior leadership, including one of the state's better players in Senior [player_tooltip player_id='127219' first='Caitlyn' last='Campbell']. She is a long, fluidly athletic, playmaking wing. She does a lot of everything for the Golden Falcons. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='300078' first='Morgan' last='Lawrence'] is another scoring threat, as she can make shots outside, but she's tough and physical, and she understands how to use the free throw line. Wapahani also brings veteran experience to the table, and the Lady Raiders must make adjustments after drawing Lapel in the first round. Lapel won an overtime matchup between the two teams by nine points just five days ago. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='127244' first='Camryn' last='Wise'] (<em>16.1p, 6.6r, 2.7a, 2.2s</em>) and <strong>Reese Baker</strong> (<em>14.3p, 2.7r</em>) offer Wapahani a pair of double-digit scorers. Speaking of Lapel, they have several nice pieces capable of putting up numbers in any given game. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills'] (<em>15.8p, 12.6r</em>) is a talented athlete who has controlled the boards this season. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='331773' first='Madelyn' last='Poynter'] is another nice wing for Lapel, and she can score it in a variety of ways. Then there is Alexandria-Monroe, and the Lady Tigers look to explosive Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='404111' first='Jacklynn' last='Hosier'] (<em>24.4p, 4.1r, 3.4a, 4.4s</em>) for offense. If opponents can limit her touches and rhythm looks, it will be tough for them to score, however, if she can get rolling, they'll be in great shape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional #40 Players to Watch:</strong><br>Alexandria - [player_tooltip player_id='404111' first='Jacklynn' last='Hosier'], 2025 - 24.4p, 4.1r, 3.4a, 4.4s<br>Alexandria - <strong>Cali Crum</strong>, 2023 - 7.4p, 5.1r<br>Alexandria - <strong>Lily Harpe</strong>, 2025 - 7.0p, 6.0r, 3.2a, 2.6s<br>Burris - <strong>Acacia Russell</strong>, 2023<br>Lapel - [player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills'], 2026 - 15.8p, 12.6r<br>Lapel - [player_tooltip player_id='331773' first='Madelyn' last='Poynter'], 2024 - 12.3p, 3.8r<br>Lapel - [player_tooltip player_id='460836' first='Deannaya' last='Haseman'], 2023 - 9.4p, 2.5r, 2.7a<br>Monroe Central - [player_tooltip player_id='295783' first='Kimber' last='Abshear'], 2025 - 13.5p, 10.4r, 3.2b<br>Monroe Central - [player_tooltip player_id='366800' first='Sydney' last='Patterson'], 2025 - 10.p, 3.5r, 3.0a<br>Wapahani - [player_tooltip player_id='127244' first='Camryn' last='Wise'], 2023 - 16.1p, 6.6r, 2.7a, 2.2s<br>Wapahani - <strong>Reese Baker</strong>, 2023 - 14.3p, 2.7r<br>Wapahani - <strong>Lauren Luce</strong>, 2023 - 9.0p, 6.6r<br>Wes-Del - <strong>Rayven Luzzadder</strong>, 2023 - 9.1p, 12.5<br>Winchester - [player_tooltip player_id='127219' first='Caitlyn' last='Campbell'], 2023<br>Winchester - [player_tooltip player_id='300078' first='Morgan' last='Lawrence'], 2023<br>Winchester - [player_tooltip player_id='460835' first='Reagan' last='Riggin'], 2023<br>Winchester - <strong>Avery Mote</strong>, 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->