State Tourney Preview: Sectionals #49-#52

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='96074' first='Allison' last='Capouch'] (2023) of Kouts 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 Caston Regional the following weekend. This includes the Class 1A teams from Sectionals #49-#52. Please stay tuned, as today and tomorrow we will conclude our quick synopses of each of the remaining Sectionals across class 1A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #49 at Kouts:</font></strong><br>Game-1: DeMotte Christian (18-5) vs. Washington Township (16-6)<br>Game-2: Tri-Township (16-6) vs. Hammond Academy of Science &amp; Technolgy (4-11)<br>Game-3: Morgan Township (14-7) vs. Winner Game-1<br>Game-4: Kouts (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 #49 will be one of the most fun Class 1A Sectionals to watch this week. Aside from Hammond S&amp;T, everyone else has won 14 or more games, they play solid schedules for Class 1A teams, and they are grouped somewhat closely together in the Sagarin Ratings. Kouts has the best record against Sectional #49 competition at 5-1, but they lost January 10th to Tri-Township, 37-36. The Fillies start four Seniors and a Junior, and they rarely substitute, plus they have a real weapon in Senior [player_tooltip player_id='96074' first='Allison' last='Capouch'] (<em>21.2p, 6.1r, 2.5a, 2.3s</em>). She can fill it up with deep range, or she can attack the basket and finish/draw free throw attempts. Senior <strong>Lauryn Koedyker</strong> (<em>7.0p, 6.1r</em>) missed all of last season with a knee injury, but she gives them a nice interior presence this year. Senior <strong>Emma Garavalia</strong> (<em>6.7p, 5.5r, 2.9s</em>) is a really nice athlete who can help in a variety of ways. Tri-Township is an outside-shooting team that can get on hot streaks and win/lose games from the perimeter. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='572826' first='Miranda' last='Wozniak'] and <strong>Addie Gorski</strong> can each play both backcourt positions. DeMotte Christian versus Washington Township in the opener will be an outstanding start to the week. DMC won the first matchup in November, but they are just 1-2 against all Sectional #49 opponents. Still, though, they have tremendous height and length for a Class 1A school, and their zone variations can frustrate opponents, plus Senior [player_tooltip player_id='178238' first='Skylar' last='Bos'] (<em>19.3p, 3.9r, 5.8a, 3.7s</em>) can provide an offensive outburst at any time. Washington Township has a trio of capable scorers in Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='331817' first='Clair' last='Klinger'] (<em>15.4p, 5.6r, 4.8a, 3.3s</em>) and [player_tooltip player_id='324077' first='Gracie' last='Little'] (<em>15.4p, 3.7r, 3.5a, 4.0s</em>), plus Senior <strong>Addison Graf</strong> (<em>14.5p, 4.7r, 2.7a, 2.6s</em>). Also keep an eye on Morgan Township. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='326478' first='Peyton' last='Honchar'] (<em>13.8p, 7.1r</em>) is a tough matchup for anyone because she has frontline strength and perimeter skill. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='300069' first='Victoria' last='Detraz'] (<em>10.1p, 10.9r</em>) is a real defensive presence in the paint as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional #49 Players to Watch:</strong><br>DeMotte Christian - [player_tooltip player_id='178238' first='Skylar' last='Bos'], 2023 - 19.3p, 3.9r, 5.8a, 3.7s<br>DeMotte Christian - [player_tooltip player_id='366795' first='Sophie' last='Bakker'], 2025 - 13.5p, 6.1r, 2.1a, 2.3s<br>DeMotte Christian - <strong>Claire Bakker</strong>, 2025 - 7.5p, 9.5r, 2.2a<br>DeMotte Christian - <strong>Gabbi Zeilenga</strong>, 2023 - 6.5p, 9.1r, 2.5a<br>Hammond S&amp;T - <strong>Priscilla Otero</strong>, 2025 - 14.4p, 3.6a, 2.1s<br>Hammond S&amp;T - <strong>Leah Thomas</strong>, 2025 - 13.4p<br>Kouts - [player_tooltip player_id='96074' first='Allison' last='Capouch'], 2023 - 21.2p, 6.1r, 2.5a, 2.3s<br>Kouts - <strong>Lauryn Koedyker</strong>, 2023 - 7.0p, 6.1r<br>Kouts - <strong>Emma Garavalia</strong>, 2023 - 6.7p, 5.5r, 2.9s<br>Kouts - <strong>Taylor Moyer</strong>, 2023 - 4.7p, 5.0r, 2.4a<br>Morgan Twp. - [player_tooltip player_id='326478' first='Peyton' last='Honchar'], 2024 - 13.8p, 7.1r<br>Morgan Twp. - [player_tooltip player_id='300069' first='Victoria' last='Detraz'], 2023 - 10.1p, 10.9r<br>Morgan Twp. - <strong>Josie Lemmons</strong>, 2025 - 8.9p, 2.5r, 2.4s<br>Tri-Twp. - [player_tooltip player_id='572826' first='Miranda' last='Wozniak'], 2024<br>Tri-Twp. - <strong>Addie Gorski</strong>, 2024<br>Washington Twp. - [player_tooltip player_id='331817' first='Clair' last='Klinger'], 2025 - 15.4p, 5.6r, 4.8a, 3.3s<br>Washington Twp. - [player_tooltip player_id='324077' first='Gracie' last='Little'], 2025 - 15.4p, 3.7r, 3.5a, 4.0s<br>Washington Twp. - <strong>Addison Graf</strong>, 2023 - 14.5p, 4.7r, 2.7a, 2.6s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #50 at Culver Community:</font></strong><br>Game-1: Marquette Catholic (13-8) vs. Oregon-Davis (7-15)<br>Game-2: Argos (10-12) vs. Culver Community (10-12)<br>Game-3: South Bend Trinity (3-17) vs. Westville (10-10)<br>Game-4: Triton (14-8) 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> In a field of seven teams, there are four who stand out to me. Triton began the year 7-1, suffered through a 1-5 stretch where they were decimated by injuries/illnesses, then finished winning six of eight games. All but one of their losses were to Class 3A/2A competition as well. The combination of Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='372358' first='Kinsey' last='Atkins'] (<em>10.8p, 4.8r, 3.5s</em>) and 6-1 Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='369830' first='Addyson' last='Viers'] (<em>14.3p, 10.6r, 2.3b</em>) will be a tough matchup for most teams in Sectional #50. Marquette Catholic might actually be the most talented team in this Sectional, and their presence this season will only make this group of teams stronger. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis'] (<em>18.7p, 5.4r, 2.9s</em>) is very athletic and explosive, and she can put up 30+ points at any moment. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='324083' first='Natalie' last='Robinson'] (<em>6.5p, 6.5r</em>) will be one of the most athletic forwards in this group as well. If the Blazers can value possessions a little more than usual, they can beat anyone in Sectional #50 by double-figures. Argos and Culver matched up in a Sectional Semifinal a year ago, with Argos advancing as far as the Regional final even. But graduation took a significant piece of their puzzle. They are still going to be tough to knock off, as they possess strong and steady guard play, headlined by multisport talent <strong>Emma Dunlap</strong>, a Senior. Culver was somewhat young a season ago, and this year it has shown with more consistency. If they can get by Argos in Round-1, they can get to the Sectional Championship game this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional #50 Players to Watch:</strong><br>Argos - <strong>Emma Dunlap</strong>, 2023<br>Argos - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825863' first='Samantha' last='Redinger']</strong>, 2024<br>Argos - <strong>Isabella Stults</strong>, 2023<br>Culver - <strong>Grace Sieber</strong>, 2024<br>Culver - <strong>Kaylee Hamilton</strong>, 2023<br>Marquette - [player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis'], 2026 - 18.7p, 5.4r, 2.9s<br>Marquette - [player_tooltip player_id='324083' first='Natalie' last='Robinson'], 2025 - 6.5p, 6.5r<br>Marquette - [player_tooltip player_id='331799' first='Jiselle' last='Chabes'], 2025 - 5.9p, 3.0r, 3.4a, 2.2s<br>Oregon-Davis - <strong>Mackenna Chessor</strong>, 2023<br>Oregon-Davis - <strong>Elizabeth Johnson</strong>, 2023<br>SB Trinity - <strong>Teresa Pingel</strong>, 2023 - 9.2p, 9.5r, 2.2s, 2.5b<br>Triton - [player_tooltip player_id='369830' first='Addyson' last='Viers'], 2024 - 14.3p, 10.6r, 2.3b<br>Triton - [player_tooltip player_id='372358' first='Kinsey' last='Atkins'], 2023 - 10.8p, 4.8r, 3.5s<br>Triton - <strong>Jocelynn Faulkner</strong>, 2024 - 7.3p, 4.6r, 3.1a<br>Westville - [player_tooltip player_id='570380' first='Andrea' last='Benefield'], 2025<br>Westville - <strong>Loreli Mallon</strong>, 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #51 at Blackhawk Christian:</font></strong><br>Game-1: Lakewood Park Christian (8-13) vs. Hamilton Community (2-11)<br>Game-2: Blackhawk Christian (13-10) vs. Bethany Christian (19-3)<br>Game-3: Elkhart Christian (6-13) vs. Winner Game-1<br>Game-4: Winner Game-2 vs. Winner Game-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overview:</strong> Sectional #51 comes down to two teams...Bethany Christian and Blackhawk Christian. I hate for it to be that blunt, but it just is this year. Bethany Christian is looking for their third Sectional title, and just their second since 1998. The backcourt duo of Junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='338899' first='Zoe' last='Willems'] (<em>16.9p, 8.2r, 2.6a, 3.8s</em>) and [player_tooltip player_id='326492' first='Mariah' last='Stoltzfus'] (<em>9.9p, 3.2r, 4.0a, 4.5s</em>) is tough to beat. Not only do you have to match their skill and ability, but they also play with a tremendous amount of toughness and energy. You will absolutely have to take this title from them. Blackhawk Christian, on the other hand, has won five Sectional titles since 2015, including three in a row. They have a lot of postseason experience, but they did suffer a big 2022 graduation loss. Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='572795' first='Allie' last='Boyer'] gives them a skilled, sizeable presence who will be tough for anyone else in this field to match up with. If she can stay out of foul trouble and they can get her the ball most possessions, they can control a game from the inside. Also keep an eye on Lakewood Park Christian Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828004' first='Ava' last='McGrade']</strong> (<em>15.6p, 5.0r, 2.2s</em>), who has had a great second season for the Lady Panthers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional #51 Players to Watch:</strong><br>Bethany - [player_tooltip player_id='338899' first='Zoe' last='Willems'], 2024 - 16.9p, 8.2r, 2.6a, 3.8s<br>Bethany - [player_tooltip player_id='326492' first='Mariah' last='Stoltzfus'], 2024 - 9.9p, 3.2r, 4.0a, 4.5s<br>Bethany - <strong>Kiersten Todd</strong>, 2023 - 6.4p, 3.9r<br>Blackhawk - [player_tooltip player_id='572795' first='Allie' last='Boyer'], 2024<br>Blackhawk - <strong>Emma Kline</strong>, 2024<br>Blackhawk - <strong>Aubrie Swain</strong>, 2023<br>Elkhart Christian - <strong>Ivy Clapsaddle</strong>, 2026<br>Elkhart Christian - <strong>Allison Russell</strong>, 2024<br>Hamilton - <strong>Krystyalyn Mullin</strong>, 2023<br>Lakewood Park - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828004' first='Ava' last='McGrade']</strong>, 2025 - 15.6p, 5.0r, 2.2s<br>Lakewood Park - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874116' first='Jade' last='Carnahan']</strong>, 2024 - 12.3p, 10.7r, 2.8a, 2.2s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #52 at Tri-County:</font></strong><br>Game-1: Frontier (5-17) vs. Tri-County (11-11)<br>Game-2: West Central (6-16) vs. North White (6-17)<br>Game-3: South Newton (1-18) vs. Winner Game-1<br>Game-4: Caston (20-2) vs. Winner Game-2<br>Game-5: Winner Game-3 vs. Winner Game-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overview:</strong> While there are two favorites in Sectional #51, Sectional #52 is up to Caston. If they play as they have all year, they should advance to the Regional. Now, there are some good teams here, and Tri-County &amp; North White have played them to within 13 and 11 points, respectively. But Caston is just strong, deep, and solid all the way around, led by Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='239357' first='Isabel' last='Scales'] (<em>16.3p, 8.3r, 3.2a, 3.4s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874149' first='Addison' last='Zimpleman']</strong> (<em>11.5p, 4.3r, 2.2a, 2.4s</em>). Tri-County is the host school, and they have a couple of nice Juniors of their own in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828013' first='Sara' last='Zarse']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 7.0r, 4.8a, 4.0s</em>) and <strong>Johnetta Whitmire</strong> (<em>9.0p, 5.5r</em>). If they can control tempo and make shots late, they could upset Caston. I also wouldn't rule out North White and their Seniors, <strong>Tessa Robertson</strong> (<em>15.0p, 7.0r</em>) and <strong>Abigale Spry</strong> (<em>9.5p, 4.2r, 3.1a, 3.3s</em>). They won this Sectional a season ago and advanced all the way to the Semi-State. They did graduate a couple of key 2022 players, but they also played nearly all of December 2022 shorthanded with Spry and a couple of others injured. Their record is a bit deceiving because of it, so don't count them out just yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional #52 Players to Watch:</strong><br>Caston - [player_tooltip player_id='239357' first='Isabel' last='Scales'], 2024 - 16.3p, 8.3r, 3.2a, 3.4s<br>Caston - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874149' first='Addison' last='Zimpleman']</strong>, 2024 - 11.5p, 4.3r, 2.2a, 2.4s<br>Caston - <strong>Bailey Harness</strong>, 2023 - 9.0p, 6.5r<br>Frontier - <strong>Emma Sorensen</strong>, 2023<br>North White - <strong>Tessa Robertson</strong>, 2023 - 15.0p, 7.0r<br>North White - <strong>Abigale Spry</strong>, 2023 - 9.5p, 4.2r, 3.1a, 3.3s<br>North White - <strong>Autumn Reif</strong>, 2026 - 6.1p, 6.3r<br>South Newton - <strong>Addysen Standish</strong>, 2024 - 13.6p, 4.6r, 2.4s<br>Tri-County - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828013' first='Sara' last='Zarse']</strong>, 2024 - 11.6p, 7.0r, 4.8a, 4.0s<br>Tri-County - <strong>Johnetta Whitmire</strong>, 2024 - 9.0p, 5.5r<br>Tri-County - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923137' first='Hannah' last='Arvin']</strong> 2025 - 8.0p, 6.9r<br>West Central - <strong>Annika Smith</strong>, 2024 - 16.0p, 8.7r, 3.4s<br>West Central - <strong>Kailee Bishop</strong>, 2025 - 10.9p, 4.5r, 2.5a, 2.3s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->