Season Preview: Class 1A, Sectionals 49-52

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='572826' first='Miranda' last='Wozniak'] (2024) of Tri-Township High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monday, October 30, is the first day Indiana high school teams are eligible to begin official games, therefore the beginning of the 2023-2024 high school season is right around the corner. This article serves as the first of many to come, previewing each Sectional in the state. I will begin by taking a look at the first Class 1A North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #49 through Sectional #52. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis.<br><small>(<em>SAG = Final 2022-2023 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (395 teams); SOS = Final 2022-2023 Strength of Schedule</em>)</small></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #49</font></strong><br>Kouts (17-8), SAG 137, SOS 243<br>Washington Township (20-7), SAG 142, SOS 262<br>Morgan Township (14-8), SAG 189, SOS 286<br>Tri-Township (17-7), SAG 223, SOS 316<br>DeMotte Christian (18-6), SAG 240, SOS 335</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Senators of Washington Township made an impressive run all the way to the North Semi-State in 2022-2023, and it looks like they will once again be the team to challenge in Sectional #49. Despite the graduation loss of <strong>Addison Graf</strong> (<em>15.0p, 4.6r, 2.6a, 2.6s, 56 3s</em>), the Senators return a skilled and talented backcourt in the way of 5-7 Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324077' first='Gracie' last='Little']</strong> (<em>14.6p, 3.7r, 3.4a, 3.8s, 43 3s</em>) and 5-5 Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331817' first='Clair' last='Klinger']</strong> (<em>14.7p, 5.2r, 4.5a, 3.0s, 81 3s at 39%</em>). Either one of them can bury shots from deep, take care of the basketball, and facilitate to teammates. They will need some help this season, and that is likely to come from 5-5 Junior <strong>Jaycee Jackson</strong> (<em>4.5p, 2.0r, 26 3s</em>), 6-0 Sophomore front-liner <strong>Brooke Campbell</strong> (<em>2.8p, 6.3r</em>), plus 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Sarah Boby</strong> (<em>1.2p, 2.0r</em>). They are kind of a "live by the '3', die by the '3'" type of team, but if Campbell and Boby can give them an interior presence, it will certainly go a long way. One group who can compete with Washington Township will be Porter County rival Morgan Township. The Cherokees return one of the best players in the Sectional in 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326478' first='Peyton' last='Honchar']</strong> (<em>13.5p, 6.9r</em>). Health affected this squad a season ago, as second leading scoring <strong>Madi Lemmons</strong> (<em>10.7, 6.0r, 2.6a</em>), a 5-6 Junior wing, was limited to just nine games before ending her season. She handles the ball and initiates the offense a lot of the time, giving them security in the backcourt. 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>Shiloh DeBoard</strong> (<em>6.0p, 4.8r, 3.0a</em>) got great experience last season and looks to contribute a great deal more in her second year. Also look for 5-5 Junior wing <strong>Josie Lemmons</strong> (<em>8.6p, 2.6r, 2.3s</em>), Madi's twin sister, to continue being a pest defensively. Missed most is graduated 6-1 post <strong>Victoria Detraz</strong> (<em>10.5p, 10.9r, 1.7b</em>), who gave them a true rim protector.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers of Tri-Township are another team who could make some noise here. They return nearly everyone, including an experienced backcourt. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572826' first='Miranda' last='Wozniak']</strong> and 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Addie Gorski</strong> are both versatile players who can play the role of facilitator or shooter/scorer. Graduated guard <strong>Avery Hendrixson</strong> will be missed. 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Jayda Pryor</strong>, 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Kendra Frazier</strong>, plus 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Addison Hendrixson</strong> all have experience upfront, while 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Sydney Hudson</strong> adds backcourt depth. The Fillies of Kouts are experiencing as much graduation loss as anyone in Class 1A, plus they change coaches. All-Stater <strong>Ally Capouch</strong> (<em>21.1p, 5.9r, 2.4a, 2.2s</em>) will be a huge hole to fill. <strong>Lauryn Koedyker</strong> (<em>7.0p, 6.2r</em>), <strong>Emma Garavalia</strong> (<em>6.8p, 5.5r, 2.9s</em>), and <strong>Taylor Moyer</strong> (<em>4.4p, 4.8r, 2.4a</em>) also leave with major starting experience. 5-7 Senior forwards <strong>Macie Sanders</strong> (<em>4.1p, 2.0r</em>) and <strong>Olivia Miller</strong> (<em>1.3p, 1.1r</em>) bring back the most experience, but I look for 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='489207' first='Ellah' last='Young']</strong> (<em>3.2p</em>) to have a breakout year and become the leader of this program. She is an outstanding shooter and a nice all-around athlete. DeMotte Christian is another school going through a changing of the guard. Gone are 6-0 wing <strong>Skylar Bos</strong> (<em>19.3p, 3.9r, 5.8a, 3.7s</em>), 6-1 forward <strong>Gabbi Zeilenga</strong> (<em>6.7p, 9.1r, 2.5a</em>), plus 5-8 wing <strong>Olivia Mellon</strong> (<em>3.0p</em>). They do return Junior twins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366795' first='Sophie' last='Bakker']</strong> (<em>13.4p, 6.2r, 2.1a, 2.3s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692231' first='Claire' last='Bakker']</strong> (<em>7.5p, 9.5r, 2.2a</em>). Sophie is a 5-11 wing, while Claire mans the interior at 6-0. 5-10 Junior <strong>Audrey DeVries</strong> (<em>4.5p, 3.3r</em>) brings back big game experience as well, but look for 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Cassie Nanninga</strong> (<em>2.1p</em>) and 6-0 Senior front-liner <strong>Reagan Kooy</strong> (<em>1.0p, 2.8r</em>) to play much bigger roles this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #50</font></strong><br>Triton (15-9), SAG 201, SOS 222<br>Argos (13-13), SAG 207, SOS 235<br>Marquette Catholic (14-9), SAG 238, SOS 342<br>Culver Community (10-13), SAG 246, SOS 282<br>Westville (11-11), SAG 300, SOS 321<br>Oregon-Davis (7-16), SAG 326, SOS 285<br>South Bend Trinity at Greenlawn (3-18), SAG 356, SOS 278</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marquette Catholic has been gradually building the program up the last couple of seasons for a deep tourney run, and they could cash in this season with arguably the most talented roster in Sectional #50. 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis']</strong> (<em>18.5p, 6.0r, 2.9s</em>) made quite the splash as a rookie, and she should only be that much stronger in year-2. Add to that the duo of 6-0 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324083' first='Natalie' last='Robinson']</strong> (<em>6.1p, 6.3r</em>) and 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331799' first='Jiselle' last='Chabes']</strong> (<em>5.9p, 3.2r, 3.6a, 2.3s</em>), both of which have been starters both years of their careers, and you have a rather talented nucleus. Junior twins <strong>Livia Balling</strong> (<em>3.9p, 4.2r</em>), a 6-0 forward, and <strong>Elaina Balling</strong> (<em>2.8p, 5.1r</em>), a 5-11 post, have also each lettered twice already. The only other returnee who has played in more than 15 games is 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Brielle Jones</strong> (<em>1.8p, 2.2r</em>), however I would also expect to see 5-5 Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751101' first='Marissa' last='Pleasant']</strong> early and often. She shined at our PGH Freshman Showcase this August. Argos beat Triton in a nailbiter for the Sectional #50 title, 53-49 in overtime. This year, Triton returns five of their top six players from a season ago, including 6-1 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369830' first='Addyson' last='Viers']</strong> (<em>14.9p, 10.9r, 2.2b</em>), a walking double-double machine. Not only does Viers provide a presence in the paint, but she also has skill and touch around the perimeter. Graduated guard <strong>Kinsey Atkins</strong> (<em>10.4p, 4.5p, 3.2s</em>) will be missed, but Senior guard <strong>Jocelynn Faulkner</strong> (<em>7.5p, 4.1r, 3.0a</em>) showed promise a season ago and could fill that void as their playmaker. Look for 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Jenna Bules</strong> (<em>4.0p, 4.0r</em>) and 5-3 Sophomore guard <strong>Sierra Hawley</strong> (<em>2.2p, 2.6r</em>) to help Faulkner in the backcourt, while 5-10 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044763' first='Sydney' last='King']</strong> (<em>1.4p, 1.7r</em>) should see an uptick in minutes in the paint. As for Argos, the Dragons will miss versatile, do-everything wing <strong>Emma Dunlap</strong> (<em>12.3p, 3.6r, 2.2a, 2.4s</em>), plus front-liner <strong>Bella Stults</strong> (<em>8.6p, 6.0r</em>), both 2023 graduates. However, they do welcome back 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825863' first='Samantha' last='Redinger']</strong> (<em>15.3p, 2.0r, 34 3s at 42%</em>), a sharpshooter worth chasing around. Top candidates to help Redinger this season are 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Morgyn Barcus</strong>, 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Aleasia Sarver</strong>, 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Ava Stackhouse</strong>, and 5-7 Sophomore forward <strong>Ellie Bollenbacher</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Culver Community always seems to be the "fly in the ointment" for someone in Sectional #50 each year, and they could play spoiler again this season. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, guards <strong>Rose Peterson</strong> and <strong>Kaylee Hamilton</strong> both graduated. Look for them to turn to 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Grace Sieber</strong> and 5-10 Junior wing <strong>Brynn Berndt</strong> to be the main catalysts around the perimeter, while 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Avery Garland</strong> and 6-0 Junior post <strong>Amiyah Williams</strong> should have the first shot to contribute on the interior. Westville is a team who could surprise some people, as they have one of the best frontline prospects in the field in 6-1 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570380' first='Andrea' last='Benefield']</strong>. She is skilled, talented, and plays as hard as anyone. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Loreli Mallon</strong> gives the Blackhawks a long and athletic presence in the backcourt, while 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Addison Sontay</strong> has also improved and should contribute. Oregon-Davis hasn't posted a winning record since the 2019-2020 season, so they will again look to regain their glory days. If the Bobcats are to do so, they will need 5-8 Sophomore <strong>Sarah Thompson</strong> (<em>13.2p, 7.4r</em>) to continue playing with a veteran savvy. She put together a strong rookie year, but they will need even more from her in 2023-2024. 5-8 Senior guard <strong>Reagan Danford</strong> (<em>9.8p, 5.0r, 42 3s</em>) will be critical to the backcourt for the Bobcats. Unfortunately, guard <strong>Elizabeth Johnson</strong> has graduated. South Bend Trinity rounds out the Sectional #50 field, and despite still being in its infancy stages as an IHSAA member, most of their roster does return. However, leading scorer &amp; rebounder <strong>Teresa Pingel</strong> (<em>9.5p, 9.6r, 2.1s, 2.7b</em>) did graduate. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>Ava Tormey</strong> (<em>3.2p, 7.7r</em>) is the Titans' top returning player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #51</font></strong><br>Bethany Christian (24-4), SAG 125, SOS 267<br>Blackhawk Christian (13-11), SAG 184, SOS 204<br>Lakewood Park Christian (10-14), SAG 295, SOS 326<br>Elkhart Christian (6-14), SAG 342, SOS 327<br>Hamilton Community (2-12), SAG 381, SOS 369</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #51 isn't very strong on a statewide level, however Bethany Christian made it all the way to Indianapolis and the Class 1A State Finals, before bowing out to a deep Lanesville squad. Luckily for the Bruins, their top two players both return. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338899' first='Zoe' last='Willems']</strong> (<em>17.1p, 8.2r, 2.6a, 3.4s</em>) is a strong, physical wing guard, while 5-2 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326492' first='Mariah' last='Stoltzfus']</strong> (<em>10.9p, 3.5r, 4.3a, 4.1s</em>) is an all-heart, all-motor point guard who leads by example. Those two should be able to carry this team through the Sectional, but they will need help from someone else at some point, as <strong>Kiersten Todd</strong> (<em>6.5p, 3.9r</em>), <strong>Julia Moser</strong> (<em>5.7p</em>), and <strong>Kolette Kern</strong> (<em>2.4p, 2.1r</em>) all graduated. The next most experienced Bruins who could fill some of those minutes are 5-1 Senior guard <strong>Eva Horning</strong> (<em>1.6p</em>) and 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Morgan Chupp</strong> (<em>0.8p</em>). Blackhawk Christian always seems to be competitive, and they could give Bethany Christian some trouble. 6-2 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572795' first='Allie' last='Boyer']</strong> is a monster matchup problem in the paint, but 6-1 forward <strong>Aubrie Swain</strong> did graduate. Look for 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Emma Kline</strong> and 5-0 Junior guard <strong>Avery Elsworth</strong> to be the top performers in the backcourt. Elsworth had some particularly strong moments during the grassroots season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakewood Park Christian could be the dark horse of Sectional #51, as they return a pair of double digit scorers in 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828004' first='Ava' last='McGrade']</strong> (<em>16.0p, 4.9r, 2.3s</em>) and 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874116' first='Jade' last='Carnahan']</strong> (<em>12.6p, 10.4r, 3.0a, 2.1s</em>). Additionally, the Panthers welcome the return of 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Grace Merkel</strong> (<em>5.1p, 3.4r in 2021-2022</em>), after she missed the 2022-2023 season. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Grace Kamleiter</strong> (<em>4.0p, 2.5r</em>) also returns with quality Varsity experience. While they aren't huge, the Panthers are scrappy and should compete with this field. Both Elkhart Christian and Hamilton Community will be looking to simply improve in 2023-2024. With everyone eligible to return, Elkhart Christian could be eyeing a 10-win season as well. 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>Ivy Clapsaddle</strong> (<em>10.4p, 2.9r, 2.9s</em>) leads the way for the Eagles, while classmates <strong>Sheridan Maxwell</strong> (<em>5.2p, 2.3r</em>), a 5-5 guard, and <strong>Sydni Haviland</strong> (<em>3.2p, 5.1r</em>), a 5-6 forward, also lettered as rookies and could provide even more support this season. 5-4 guard <strong>Allison Russell</strong> (<em>6.0p, 3.2r, 2.3a, 3.1s</em>) is a do-it-all Senior who gives them some stability and experience in the backcourt. Hamilton Community won nine games during the 2016-2017 season. They have won four combined in the years since. Most years, the Marines struggle for roster numbers, but the hope is that Senior guard <strong>Jasmine Schiek</strong> is able to lead them from the point this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #52</font></strong><br>Caston (20-3), SAG 91, SOS 200<br>Tri-County (14-12), SAG 191, SOS 266<br>North White (8-18), SAG 214, SOS 179<br>West Central (6-17), SAG 292, SOS 284<br>Frontier (5-18), SAG 320, SOS 251<br>South Newton (1-19), SAG 374, SOS 336</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Caston Comets have been primed for this season, as a strong 2024 class has carried them the last three years. Last season, however, they were upset in overtime by North White in the Sectional, 42-39. Before that, it was either North White or Pioneer they had to deal with on a regular basis. This year, they should be the standout team in Sectional #52. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239357' first='Isabel' last='Scales']</strong> (<em>16.4p, 8.2r, 3.2a, 3.3s</em>) is a do-everything player who can dominate a game from just about every position. When she needs help, fellow 5-7 Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874149' first='Addison' last='Zimpleman']</strong> (<em>11.3p, 4.3r, 2.2a, 2.3s</em>) is a capable double-figure scorer who can also handle the ball and initiate the offense. 5-6 guards <strong>Macee Hinderlider</strong> (<em>3.7p, 2.2r</em>) and <strong>Annie Harsh</strong> (<em>3.5p</em>) are other members of that 2024 class looking for a Sectional title this year. Graduate <strong>Bailey Harness</strong> (<em>9.0p, 6.6r</em>) is a significant loss for the Comets, however. The Cavaliers of Tri-County strike me as a team who could really sneak up and surprise some people this season. They have a tremendous amount of experience returning as all of their production is back, and they have nice balance throughout their roster. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828013' first='Sara' last='Zarse']</strong> (<em>10.7p, 7.1r, 5.0a, 4.2s</em>) is one of the state's best small school kids no one knows about. She does it all for the Cavaliers, whether that means scoring, facilitating, or defending. 5-5 Senior forward <strong>Johnetta Whitmire</strong> (<em>9.0p, 5.5r</em>) and 5-8 Junior front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923137' first='Hannah' last='Arvin']</strong> (<em>8.3p, 6.9r</em>) are nice compliments to Zarse and play mostly on the interior. Sophomore guard <strong>Grace Luck</strong> (<em>7.3p, 3.3r, 2.4s</em>) is fortunate to have upperclassmen around her, so she doesn't have to star, but she has breakout potential any given night. 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Allista Taulman</strong> (<em>5.7p, 2.8r, 2.0s</em>) brings even more experience to the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings of North White will be transitioning this season, as four of their top five scorers all graduated. Gone are <strong>Tessa Robertson</strong> (<em>14.9p, 7.0r</em>), <strong>Abigale Spry</strong> (<em>9.1p, 3.9r, 3.5a, 3.0s</em>), <strong>Katie Stevens</strong> (<em>3.3p</em>), and <strong>Callie Hunt</strong> (<em>3.0p, 3.7r, 2.0a</em>). A nice surprise a season ago was the play of 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>Autumn Reif</strong> (<em>6.6p, 6.8r</em>). She will now be the focal point for the Vikings and their opponents. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Morgan Carter</strong> (<em>2.9p</em>) also showed some potential at times and could step up this season. The Trojans of West Central are another team in this Sectional #52 field who return everything from a season ago. 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Annika Smith</strong> (<em>15.1p, 8.3r, 3.3s</em>) is a productive player who could be a problem for opponents. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Kailee Bishop</strong> (<em>10.8p, 4.1r, 2.4a, 2.1s</em>) is another double-figure scorer for the Trojans. 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Mara Sharpe</strong> (<em>6.5p, 3.0r, 3.7a, 3.7s</em>), 5-7 Junior forward <strong>Liza Allen</strong> (<em>5.9p, 3.4r</em>), and 5-5 Senior wing <strong>Brooklynn Mellon</strong> (<em>3.9p, 2.3r</em>) round out the experienced lineup. Frontier looks to bounce back following a 5-win season, but they must do so minus their top two scorers from a year ago. Gone are guards <strong>Lacie Mears</strong> (<em>12.1p, 4.2r</em>) and <strong>Emma Sorensen</strong> (<em>8.3p, 2.2r, 4.0a, 2.6s</em>). 5-4 Senior wing <strong>Haley Jay</strong> (<em>7.5p, 5.3r, 2.5s</em>) could be their answer this year, but she'll need help from somewhere if the Falcons are to increase their win total. Fortunately for South Newton, it can't get much worse. Unfortunately for the Rebels, they have only won four games over the past four seasons combined. If they are to amass multiple victories, look for 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Addysen Standish</strong> (<em>13.5p, 5.0r, 2.4s</em>) to play a major part in that success. 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Avalin Bohlinger</strong> (<em>3.5p, 4.8r</em>) also saw significant minutes as a Freshman last season and should be even better this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->