Season Preview: Class 1A, Sectionals 53-56

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486509' first='Maya' last='Layton'] (2026) of Faith Christian 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 second of many to come, previewing each Sectional in the state. I will continue by taking a look at the second Class 1A North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #53 through Sectional #56. 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 #53</font></strong><br>Southwood (19-6), SAG 166, SOS 300<br>Lakeland Christian (15-7), SAG 279, SOS 357<br>Northfield (5-15), SAG 293, SOS 238<br>Southern Wells (7-15), SAG 327, SOS 294<br>Canterbury (2-18), SAG 364, SOS 315</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #53 could be...interesting. The teams at the top last year lost key players to graduation and transfer, and the teams at the bottom last year aren't significantly improved. With that said, it could be a very competitive coin toss when it comes to the champion this year. Southwood was strong last season, claiming their first Sectional title since the 2002-2003 season. However, they saw <strong>Ella Haupert</strong> (<em>19.8p, 4.5r, 2.0a, 2.6s</em>), <strong>Aleia Sweet</strong> (<em>12.2p, 6.6r, 2.9a, 3.2s</em>), <strong>Alaina Winer</strong> (<em>8.9p, 3.0r, 2.4a, 3.3s</em>), <strong>Meredith Norman</strong> (<em>3.0p, 2.2r</em>), and <strong>Makenna Younce</strong> (<em>2.0p, 2.8r</em>) all leave via the diploma. That just leaves 5-10 Senior post <strong>Emmerson Chellis</strong> (<em>3.7p, 5.3r</em>) and 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Quinn Claussen</strong> (<em>1.4p, 4.4r</em>) with the most experience for the Knights. The backcourt will be a big question mark entering November. Lakeland Christian was anticipating the graduation of their top player, <strong>Mattie Stonebraker</strong> (<em>17.1p, 5.9r, 2.5a, 2.8s</em>), but they were planning for the return of everyone else. Unfortunately, Mattie's younger sister <strong>Reese</strong> (<em>12.4p, 7.2r, 3.2a, 3.1s</em>), a Sophomore this season, has transferred to Whitko. The Cougars will now lean heavily on a deep Junior class, led by 5-7 guard <strong>Katie Reimink</strong> (<em>7.0p, 4.4r, 2.1a</em>), 5-6 guard <strong>Hanna Stout</strong> (<em>4.5p, 3.3r</em>), and 5-10 forward <strong>Dayton Sibert</strong> (<em>3.8p, 4.5r</em>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northfield has seen recent success, but the 2022-2023 season was a tough one for the Norse. The good news is, they return everyone, and they had three double-figure scorers a year ago. 5-10 Senior front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572800' first='Hannah' last='Holmes']</strong> (<em>15.7p, 14.4r</em>) is a monster in the paint and has been an all-state caliber player for a couple of years. 5-11 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122656' first='Elli' last='Baker']</strong> (<em>12.4p, 3.2r</em>) and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Camryn Kuhn</strong> (<em>11.2p, 2.4r</em>) offer some stability on the perimeter. Look for 5-8 Sophomore forward <strong>Callie Hoffman</strong> (<em>4.7p, 6.0r</em>) to see her production rise, as she saw plenty of action as a Freshman. Southern Wells is another program looking to recapture its success from a decade ago, however they had to say "goodbye" to five Senior graduates back in the Spring. Look for 5-11 Junior forward <strong>Ashlie Needler</strong> to get first crack at being the centerpiece moving forward for the Lady Raiders. Fort Wayne Canterbury has had a tough go of it recently as well. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, they graduated two of their top three scorers. Only 5-10 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044742' first='Kiora' last='Bell']</strong> (<em>5.7p, 3.4r</em>) returns from that trio, and she is now the most experienced Cavalier on the roster. She will need help from 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Lucy Gray</strong> (<em>4.5p</em>) and 5-1 Sophomore guard <strong>Grace Chaille</strong> (<em>3.5p</em>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #54</font></strong><br>Clinton Central (16-7), SAG 180, SOS 290<br>Faith Christian (21-4), SAG 194, SOS 302<br>Rossville (15-11), SAG 231, SOS 250<br>Fountain Central (11-13), SAG 315, SOS 347<br>North Vermillion (9-15), SAG 325, SOS 354<br>Attica (6-15), SAG 331, SOS 343</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Clinton Central Bulldogs put together a nice 2022-2023 regular season, however they fell at the hands of Faith Christian in overtime of their first Sectional game. The Bulldogs should make another run at it, especially considering they return their top three scorers, two of which are double-figure scorers. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455946' first='Sara' last='Parkison']</strong> (<em>16.1p, 7.5r</em>) can be a handful inside. She is strong, skilled, and very active. 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486527' first='Carly' last='Davison']</strong> (<em>11.2p, 5.9r, 6.5a, 3.5s</em>) had her Freshman moments, but all in all she was outstanding as a rookie. Look for her to step it up again in her second year. 5-5 Senior wing <strong>Erika Robbins</strong> (<em>7.2p 2.4r</em>) also brings back significant experience, and she adds a perimeter shooting threat. Faith Christian was a problem for most opponents a year ago, and they caused issues behind two Freshmen guards in 5-8 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486509' first='Maya' last='Layton']</strong> (<em>20.4p, 8.9r, 4.8a, 4.8s, 2.6b</em>) and 5-5 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486538' first='Trinity' last='Wilburn']</strong> (<em>20.3p, 6.7r, 3.5a, 6.3s</em>). Layton is a long, smooth, multilevel scorer. Wilburn is a strong, compact, tough-nosed defender. She will unfortunately miss some of the season while she recovers from a knee injury. Two more Sophomores, 5-7 wing <strong>Hannah Bolton</strong> (<em>7.2p, 6.6r, 2.1s</em>) and 5-5 guard <strong>Caya Stillings</strong> (<em>6.0p, 2.0r, 2.3s</em>), also started and picked up major experience for the Eagles. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295798' first='Mattea' last='Maggio']</strong> transferred into Faith Christian after stints at McCutcheon and then being homeschooled. She is an excellent outside shooter and should help right away. Rossville is very intriguing. A year ago, they upset Faith Christian in the Sectional finale, but they graduated three of their top five scorers from that team. They do return leading scorer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='928900' first='Ava' last='Burkle']</strong> (<em>9.3p, 5.7r</em>), a 5-9 Sophomore forward, as well as 5-8 forward <strong>Addi Gorbett</strong> (<em>6.7p, 5.8r</em>), also a Sophomore. From there, the rest of their roster will be rather inexperienced, so it will be curious to see how a pair of Sophomores lead the Hornets into the bigger moments of a season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fountain Central finished just under .500 last year, and they did so without a Senior on their roster. Posting a winning record in 2023-2024 is a real possibility. 5-6 Junior wing <strong>Hannah Prickett</strong> (<em>11.5p, 3.0r, 2.3a, 2.5s</em>) is becoming a star for this Mustang team, and she could step it up another notch this season. 5-8 Senior post <strong>Kacey Kirkpatrick</strong> (<em>5.9p, 4.8r</em>), plus 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218629' first='Brailey' last='Hoagland']</strong> (<em>5.9p, 6.3r, 2.8a, 3.0s</em>) and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Kaylee Spragg</strong> (<em>4.7p, 5.7r</em>), should provide Prickett with a great deal of experienced support this season. North Vermillion saw six graduates leave in the Spring, so it's a little surprising they posted the record they did a year ago. Back is a trio of sisters who will definitely make their mark on this season. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331783' first='Braxtyn' last='Dunham']</strong> (<em>8.1p, 3.0r, 2.0a, 2.3s</em>) is the upperclassmen of the group, and she is a nice, athletic guard with a motor. 5-6 Sophomore twins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486491' first='Cadence' last='Dunham']</strong> (<em>5.1p</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131952' first='Kera' last='Dunham']</strong> (<em>1.6p</em>) follow in their older sibling's footsteps and should be much more productive in their second season at the Varsity level. 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Lauren Ellis</strong> (<em>5.2p, 5.1r</em>) should see a lot more touches this season, and she could approach a double-double most nights. With one of the better nicknames in the state, the Red Ramblers of Attica posted six more wins last season than the previous season. They will experience more roster turnover in 2023-2024, however 6-0 Junior wing <strong>McKenna Massey</strong>, 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Adyson Goodwin</strong>, and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Aleah Cruz</strong> should play key roles this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #55</font></strong><br>Tri-Central (12-14), SAG 195, SOS 237<br>Cowan (10-14), SAG 322, SOS 348<br>Anderson Prep (11-12), SAG 348, SOS 379<br>Daleville (3-19), SAG 353, SOS 350<br>Liberty Christian - <em>did not field a team in 2022-2023</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tri-Central has been in four consecutive Sectional finals, winning two of them, and they are once again somewhat of a favorite for the 2023-2024 crown. They certainly prepare themselves with the schedule they play, however, they must replace their top five scorers, and six graduates in total. Missed most will be <strong>Megan Conner</strong> (<em>7.9p, 3.8r, 2.2s</em>), <strong>Karley Leininger</strong> (<em>7.5p, 4.1r, 2.5a, 2.6s</em>), and <strong>Gracie Grimes</strong> (<em>5.7p, 4.8r, 3.4a, 2.6s</em>), though it was a balanced group a season ago that saw nine players in their regular rotation. Junior <strong>Layla Keith</strong> (<em>3.8p</em>), Senior <strong>Natalie Newcom</strong> (<em>2.9p, 3.5r</em>), and Senior <strong>Autumn Hurt</strong> (<em>2.5p, 2.6r</em>) finally see their opportunity to step into leadership roles for the Trojans this year. If they can get any help from an otherwise inexperienced roster, they could be hoisting the trophy once again. Cowan is always a competitive outfit, and despite graduating one of their better players in recent memory in 2022, they were able to increase their win total during the 2022-2023 season. This time around, they turn to a trio of Seniors to lead them. The standout of that group is guard <strong>Davelynn Lindsay</strong>. She has been a double-figure scorer in consecutive years now and is their go-to option. Senior forwards <strong>Cheyenne Carter</strong> and <strong>Brooklyn Hall</strong> look to operate inside of the arc for the Blackhawks. Cowan will have to play without graduated guard <strong>Josie Byrd</strong>, a multiyear starter for them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After being a youthful group the last couple of years, Anderson Prep could see the plus side of .500 this time around. 5-11 Junior front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570379' first='Alivia' last='Peoples']</strong> (<em>12.6p, 9.1r, 2.7s, 2.4b</em>) will have a lot to say about that. She is a nice, strong, athletic player who can post a double-double each time out. Junior forward <strong>Kaylynn Orr</strong> (<em>8.5p, 5.4r</em>) gives the Jets another player who can patrol inside the arc. Sophomore <strong>Arianna Flowers</strong> (<em>8.0p, 5.3r, 2.9s</em>) is a third member of APA's lineup who can score in double-figures at any time. Look for her to take the next step this season. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Julia Smith</strong> (<em>2.9p, 4.1r</em>) and Sophomore guard <strong>Tameah Eldridge</strong> (<em>2.9p, 2.1a</em>) also saw regular rotation minutes last year for the Jets but could start this season. The Broncos of Daleville High School should be improved this year, as they return a pair of double-figure scorers and welcome a talented newcomer. 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1256446' first='Addisyn' last='Gothrup']</strong> (<em>15.3p, 2.4r, 2.4s</em>) and 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122743' first='Trishell' last='Johnson']</strong> (<em>10.3p, 8.2r, 3.6s, 2.4b</em>) give the Broncos a nice inside-outside tandem for opponents to deal with each night. Gothrup had some nice flashes that should be even more consistent in year-two. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>McKenna Corbin</strong> (<em>2.8p, 2.9r</em>) is a third returnee with solid experience who can help. 5-2 Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751114' first='Olivia' last='Pratcher']</strong> was impressive at our PGH Freshman showcase in August, and she could step into a major role at the point. Her athleticism and motor can really help this team. 5-9 Freshman forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751106' first='Modlene' last='Campbell']</strong> and 5-5 Freshman guard <strong>Nichole Brown</strong> might also be able to help early on in some capacity. Liberty Christian had to unexpectedly cancel their season in 2022-2023, but it looks like they are trying to schedule games this year, so hopefully they will once again be able to field a girls' basketball team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #56</font></strong><br>Tri (26-2), SAG 74, SOS 323<br>Blue River Valley (16-9), SAG 198, SOS 303<br>Randolph Southern (14-8), SAG 226, SOS 346<br>Union City (9-15), SAG 266, SOS 269<br>Union (Modoc) (8-12), SAG 351, SOS 366<br>Cambridge City Lincoln (5-16), SAG 361, SOS 349<br>Seton Catholic - <em>have not fielded a team since 2018-2019</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tri High was outstanding last season, finishing with a 26-2 overall record, and making it all the way to the Class 1A North Semi-State Finals, where they fell to Bethany Christian, 58-54. This year, however, they must figure out a way to play without post presence <strong>Bailey Parham</strong> (<em>20.8p, 10.8r, 3.9a, 4.3s, 3.6b</em>) for the first time in four years. Also gone due to graduation are <strong>Abi Clarke</strong> (<em>8.0p, 5.2r</em>) and <strong>Amber Rich</strong> (<em>7.5p</em>). The Titans do return a pair of starters; however, they will need a strong showing by some youngsters in much bigger roles to approach their recent win totals. 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570375' first='Kenley' last='Cornelius']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 4.2r, 2.4a, 3.6s</em>) has already logged significant experience, but this could be her time to shine for the Titans. She has length and skill, and she plays with versatility. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Rylee Boyd</strong> (<em>8.2p, 2.6r, 2.5a</em>) is another veteran who teammates can lean on to produce. 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131939' first='Jillian' last='Chew']</strong> (<em>2.9p</em>) and 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Kennadi Knepley</strong> (<em>2.6p, 2.8r</em>) saw quality minutes a year ago, but now they'll likely be thrust into key starting spots and asked to produce a lot more. Tri will remain competitive, but it will be interesting to see how quickly this year's roster adapts to different roles. Blue River Valley has been blessed with two of the best players in program history recently, but this year the Vikings will need to rely on the masses, as <strong>Maci Chamberlin</strong> (<em>21.8p, 2.2r, 2.8a, 3.2s, 82 3s at 37%</em>) left via the diploma following an outstanding career. She takes four more 2023 graduates with her. 5-8 Junior wing <strong>Charlee Gibson</strong> (<em>10.7p, 3.6r, 2.0a, 2.4s</em>) is a versatile player and the top candidate to step into any type of focal point role. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Maciah Driskill</strong> (<em>7.0p, 7.8r, 3.1a</em>) is another experienced Varsity performer who could approach double-double averages this time around. Beyond that, Junior <strong>Ella Schmidt</strong> (<em>2.1p, 1.6r</em>) is the next most prepared, but then it's likely an open tryout to fill any of the other key rotation spots this season. Look for the Vikings to remain competitive, but there might be an adjustment period early on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Randolph Southern had a bit of a resurgence, putting together their first winning record since the 2017-2018 season. While point guard and leading scorer <strong>Kaibre Stephan</strong> (<em>15.2p, 3.0r, 5.2a</em>) graduated, everyone else returns for their new coach. 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761158' first='Haileigh' last='Allen']</strong> (<em>11.2p, 5.7r</em>) was impressive at times during her rookie campaign, and it will be fun to see if she can take that next step in her development. From there, five Seniors are also back for the Rebels, most notably 5-9 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763653' first='Brianna' last='Smith']</strong> (<em>14.7p, 4.9r, 3.6a</em>) and 5-11 post <strong>Courtney Clear</strong> (<em>4.6p, 7.1r</em>). With their frontcourt size, they could dominate the paint at times, as long as they can find some stability in the backcourt. The Lady Indians of Union City are often quite competitive, and they should be staring at double digit wins once again come season's end. They have a strong and experienced guard in 5-5 Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570378' first='Oaklee' last='Reichard']</strong> (<em>16.1p, 6.0r, 2.3a, 2.2s</em>) leading the way, and that's always a plus. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Camryn Fischer</strong> (<em>6.3p, 7.2r</em>) and 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Audrey Black</strong> (<em>5.4p, 4.1r</em>) handle interior duties, while 5-2 Junior guard <strong>Gabby Ordonez</strong> (<em>4.7p, 2.5r</em>) offers support to Reichard around the perimeter. Union (Modoc) has approached 10 wins each of the last three seasons, falling just short each time. If the Rockets are to do so this season, they must fill the void of graduated 6-footer <strong>Honour Ellis</strong> (<em>13.6p, 9.8r, 2.8b</em>). 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Zoe Ogden</strong> (<em>10.0p, 5.2r, 2.1a</em>) is back, however, and she looks to lead the Rockets this time around. 5-10 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218605' first='Glory' last='Ellis']</strong> (<em>9.0p, 6.9r</em>) is also intriguing and can likely step up her game as well. Look for 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Kaitlynn Holderman</strong> (<em>3.6p, 2.3r, 2.1a</em>) to handle the ball quite a bit and initiate the offense. Cambridge City Lincoln returns nearly everyone, so improvement is on the horizon for the Golden Eagles. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Elliott Jones</strong> (<em>7.2p</em>) stepped up last year and led them in scoring. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Alivia Anderson</strong> (<em>6.9p, 4.9r, 2.6a</em>) also plays a key role for Lincoln this year. The Junior pair of 5-5 guards <strong>Addyson Pitcock</strong> (<em>5.2p, 3.3r, 2.5s</em>) and <strong>Lexi McPheeters</strong> (<em>3.9p, 3.3r</em>) also have starting experience for the Golden Eagles. Seton Catholic has not fielded a team since the 2018-2019 season, however they are assembling a schedule, so let's hope they will be present once again in Sectional #56 come the end of January.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->