Season Preview: Class 2A, 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>Today, 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 already here. This article serves as the sixth of 16 in total, previewing each Sectional in the state. I will continue by taking a look at the second Class 2A North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #37 through Sectional #40. 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 #37</font></strong><br>Bishop Luers (11-14), SAG 89, SOS 63<br>South Adams (13-11), SAG 186, SOS 133<br>Adams Central (7-16), SAG 228, SOS 181<br>Bluffton (11-11), SAG 229, SOS 264<br>Whitko (9-14), SAG 268, SOS 256<br>Manchester (6-17), SAG 272, SOS 226</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defending Sectional #37 champ Bishop Luers might be better in 2023-2024, as they return all of their production from a season ago. If not for their tough SAC schedule against Fort Wayne's best 3A &amp; 4A teams, the Knights might be a lock for 20 wins this time around. 6-0 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298259' first='Addie' last='Shank']</strong> (<em>13.7p, 9.7r</em>) leads the way with her bruising interior presence. 5-8 Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201869' first='Annika' last='Davis']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 2.8r, 2.2a</em>) handles the ball and keeps the offense steady and churning. 6-1 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624885' first='Miley' last='Wareing']</strong> (<em>7.1p, 6.4r</em>) made quite the impact as a rookie, while 5-9 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506023' first='Reese' last='Rhodehamel']</strong> (<em>5.4p, 3.4r</em>) brings versatility to the frontline. Look for Rhodehamel to make an even bigger impact this season after a strong Summer and Fall. 5-10 Junior wing <strong>Maggie Parent</strong> (<em>5.3p, 4.7r, 2.0a</em>) and 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Kendal Tyree</strong> (<em>4.7p, 2.3r</em>) help solidify a nice rotation that can compete with any/many 2A teams on a given night. South Adams posted their second winning season in a row last year, however they graduated their second, third, and fourth most productive players. Missed most of that bunch is guard <strong>Peyton Pries</strong> (<em>9.6p, 4.6r, 3.2a, 3.2s</em>). Back in the fold, however, is 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572804' first='Macy' last='Pries']</strong> (<em>15.2p, 2.9a, 4.1s</em>). She should be enough offensively some nights; however, she'll need help from an otherwise young and/or inexperienced group. 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Liz Gerber</strong> (<em>3.5p, 3.0r</em>), 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Lexie McKibben</strong> (<em>3.2p</em>), and 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Laney Trausch</strong> (<em>2.6p, 2.0r</em>) are the most likely candidates to get a crack at the starting lineup. Just down the road from the Starfires is rival Adams Central, and the Flying Jets return all but one player. Unfortunately for Adams Central, that player was leading scorer <strong>Gracie Garwood</strong> (<em>11.2p, 4.5r, 2.0a, 2.3s</em>). The Jets can turn to depth and experience, led by 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Athena Schwartz</strong> (<em>7.6p, 2.3r, 2.9a, 3.7s</em>) and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Addie Baker</strong> (<em>6.8p, 4.5r</em>). 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Grace Fisher</strong> (<em>4.7p, 5.7r</em>) and 5-9 Junior wing <strong>Alexa Brotherton</strong> (<em>3.5p, 2.8r</em>) add a couple more veterans to the mix. The Sophomore pair of 5-4 guard <strong>Ava Stafford</strong> (<em>4.3p</em>) and 5-8 wing <strong>Hailey Heller</strong> (<em>4.0p, 3.2r</em>) saw a lot of action as Freshmen and should add to the lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bluffton played seven girls in their rotation a year ago, and only <strong>Lily King</strong> (<em>2.8p, 2.3r</em>) is gone via graduation. 5-3 Senior point guard <strong>Haley Gibson</strong> (<em>11.8p, 3.3r</em>) returns to lead the Tigers into action. She will primarily get help from 5-7 Junior forward <strong>Maryn Schreiber</strong> (<em>8.5p, 7.6r</em>), 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122868' first='Isabella' last='Stout']</strong> (<em>5.4p, 3.9r</em>), plus Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131919' first='Konley' last='Ault']</strong> (<em>5.1p, 4.1r</em>). The Tigers are typically very skilled and discipline, and they should continue to frustrate opponents as they attempt to top .500 and compete for a Sectional #37 crown. Whitko is a team who could be on the rise this year, and they very well could approach 15 wins. While they graduated five players, only <strong>Brookelynn Coburn</strong> (<em>4.4p, 5.3r</em>) found herself among their top five scorers. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Kloe Krieg</strong> (<em>10.3p, 3.3r, 2.3s</em>) looks to finish up a solid career and help the Wildcats to a Sectional #37 title. 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Braisha Harrison</strong> (<em>9.9p, 2.3r</em>) brings athleticism to the lineup, while 5-8 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122773' first='Adriyanna' last='Phillips']</strong> (<em>8.5p, 2.2r</em>) is a knockdown perimeter shooter. 6-0 Junior post <strong>Gwen Howard</strong> (<em>4.0p, 6.6r, 2.1b</em>) brings a sizeable presence to the paint, plus the Wildcats welcome 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221113' first='Reese' last='Stonebraker']</strong> (<em>12.4p, 7.2r, 3.2a, 3.1s</em>), who transferred in after a strong rookie season at Lakeland Christian. Whitko also has a big Freshman class looking to make an immediate impact. Manchester looks to potentially double their wins, and they very well could with the return of nearly all of their 2022-2023 production. Topping the list is 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard']</strong> (<em>16.0p, 3.7r, 2.2a, 2.0s</em>). She is a dynamic player who can shoot, score, or facilitate. 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Gracie Lauer</strong> (<em>7.5p, 7.2r</em>) and 6-2 Senior post <strong>Kimberly Schroll</strong> (<em>4.3p, 4.0r</em>) create a formidable duo up front. Look for 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>Hadley West</strong> (<em>4.3p, 3.8r, 2.3a</em>), 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Molly Schannep</strong> (<em>4.1p, 4.0r</em>), and 5-3 Sophomore guard <strong>Peyton Ream</strong> (<em>2.8p, 2.4r</em>) to help bring depth to an improving lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #38</font></strong><br>Lafayette Central Catholic (20-7), SAG 37, SOS 45<br>Carroll (Flora) (22-4), SAG 65, SOS 196<br>Clinton Prairie (16-8), SAG 94, SOS 176<br>Seeger (20-4), SAG 165, SOS 328<br>Delphi (10-14), SAG 216, SOS 230<br>Covington (8-15), SAG 323, SOS 356</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafayette Central Catholic has been a dominant girls' basketball program for years now, and they made it to the Class 2A Final Four a season ago. They must say "goodbye" to <strong>Tori Thompson</strong> (<em>13.4p, 3.5r</em>), <strong>Kendal Rider</strong> (<em>8.6p, 3.5r, 3.7a, 2.9s</em>), and <strong>Ella Fabian</strong> (<em>1.5p, 1.9r</em>), but the Knights should still have enough to make a strong postseason push and win around 20 games once again. 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295785' first='Carley' last='Barrett']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 7.3r, 4.1a, 3.1s</em>) leads the returning cast and brings versatility and athleticism to the lineup. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Kaitlin Riley</strong> (<em>7.9p, 2.1r</em>) is a nice perimeter shooting threat, while 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Lizzie Cochran</strong> (<em>4.6p, 3.4r</em>) and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='452729' first='Grace' last='Bordenet']</strong> (<em>4.0p, 2.8r</em>) bring back experience to the lineup. 5-8 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692232' first='Maddy' last='Bruce']</strong> (<em>1.1p, 1.3r</em>) put together a strong grassroots season and looks to make a much bigger impact this time around. The Knights are always a tough "out", and this year should be no different with Barrett leading the way. The Carroll Cougars have been stung by Central Catholic plenty of times before, but Carroll is now one of the best teams in the state in Class 2A, as they return their top four scorers, all Seniors this year, including Indiana Junior All-Star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201873' first='Alli' last='Harness']</strong> (<em>23.6p, 5.0r, 4.2a, 3.3s</em>). Harness is an explosive scorer with range well beyond the arc. 5-9 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239358' first='Madison' last='Wagner']</strong> (<em>16.0p, 7.3r, 3.7a, 3.1s</em>) has been a consistent double-digit scorer throughout her career as well, and she's the perfect complement to Harness. 5-9 Senior wing <strong>Laney Johnson</strong> (<em>8.3p, 3.3r, 2.0s</em>) and 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Jamilah Tillman</strong> (<em>5.8p, 7.6r</em>) round out a great Senior core for the Cougars. If they can get additional contributions and some stability from the remainder of their roster, this could be a Final Four caliber team this season. Clinton Prairie has been strong for the last several years, however they must face the graduation loss of three of their top four players, and four total graduates. Gone are <strong>Sydney Swan</strong> (<em>12.8p, 5.3r, 2.1s</em>), <strong>Kaitlyn Beck</strong> (<em>11.3p, 3.5r</em>), <strong>Claire Ecenbarger</strong> (<em>8.8p, 3.2r, 5.3a, 4.0s</em>), and <strong>Grace Good</strong>. Back to lead the way this time is 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Abbey Swan</strong> (<em>10.0p, 6.0r, 2.1s</em>). She is a solid to strong athlete with a nice motor, plus she plays with versatility. 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Haven Wilson</strong> (<em>2.9p, 2.0r, 2.0s</em>) and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Hyleigh Wilson</strong> (<em>2.7p, 2.7r</em>) bring at least somewhat of a veteran presence to the lineup. There will definitely be an adjustment period for the Gophers, but don't expect them to fall too far from the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seeger is another team who will likely transition from a trio of strong graduates to a mostly underclass roster. The Patriots graduated sharp-shooter <strong>Aubry Cole</strong> (<em>19.1p, 4.0r, 2.6a, 3.8s</em>), along with <strong>Paige Laffoon</strong> (<em>9.1p, 5.3r, 2.5s</em>), <strong>Anna Moore</strong> (<em>7.0p, 2.1r, 2.0s</em>), and <strong>Emma Brenner</strong>. 5-10 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570386' first='Rylea' last='Wetz']</strong> (<em>10.1p, 8.7r, 2.8s</em>) does return, giving the Patriots a nice inside-out scoring threat. 5-8 Senior guard <strong>Addie Shrader</strong> (<em>4.8p, 2.8r, 2.7a</em>) also saw key minutes last season, and she should provide some stability outside. After those two, there are a number of players who saw limited minutes a year ago, plus Seeger has a big Freshman class champing at the bit. They may struggle early this season but expect them to find a rhythm shortly after Thanksgiving and continue to improve from there. Delphi looks to be on the plus side of .500 this season, and with only <strong>Evann Royal</strong> (<em>5.7p, 2.5r</em>) graduating, that is an achievable goal for the Oracles this year. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044766' first='Jenna' last='Roth']</strong> (<em>14.2p, 5.4r, 2.0a, 2.8s</em>) leads the way for Delphi, while support comes from 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Lacey Pickering</strong> (<em>7.5p, 3.4r, 3.1a, 3.0s</em>), 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Lexi Miller</strong> (<em>7.5p, 4.8r, 2.3s</em>), and 5-11 Junior forward <strong>Maddy Brown</strong> (<em>4.2p, 7.0r</em>). The Oracles could really sneak up on some people and pull a handful of upsets, if they can click early and often. Covington battled through the 2022-2023 season without much experience in the lineup. Still, they were able to win eight games, and they should only be better this time around. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Sydni Crain</strong> (<em>9.5p, 3.3r</em>) turned into their go-to player last year, and she could score in the mid-teens this time around. 5-11 Senior post <strong>Kali Pettit</strong> (<em>8.0p, 8.3r, 2.7b</em>) was huge on the interior, and she could average a double-double this season. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Peyton Brown</strong> (<em>5.4p, 2.3r</em>), 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Emma Holycross</strong> (<em>4.3p, 2.4r</em>), and 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Lilly Hacquet</strong> (<em>4.1p, 4.8r</em>) add to a now-experienced lineup looking to win 10 or more games and finish with a winning record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #39</font></strong><br>Eastbrook (19-6), SAG 63, SOS 224<br>Blackford (20-4), SAG 71, SOS 219<br>Tipton (16-10), SAG 110, SOS 139<br>Madison-Grant (10-13), SAG 276, SOS 245<br>Eastern (Greentown) (2-22), SAG 334, SOS 136<br>Elwood (2-21), SAG 371, SOS 260<br>Taylor (0-22), SAG 377, SOS 154</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #39 has been rather top-heavy in the past, but with several key graduation losses, Eastbrook could be a heavy favorite this season. The Panthers graduated only <strong>Karmen Swindall</strong> (<em>4.9p, 3.9r</em>), but they return a five-player Senior class ready to make a deep tournament run. Leading the way is 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239351' first='Sophia' last='Morrison']</strong> (<em>14.7p, 2.6r, 2.7a, 3.4s</em>). She can play on or off the ball, plus she's an excellent perimeter shooter. 5-7 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='718309' first='Olivia' last='Howell']</strong> (<em>11.9p, 5.8r, 2.4a</em>) is a hard-working, productive kid who just gets things done inside and out. 5-5 Senior guards <strong>Kortney Goff</strong> (<em>7.4p</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825904' first='Audri' last='Prater']</strong> (<em>7.2p, 3.4r</em>) bring experience, skill, and toughness to a rather short lineup. 5-5 wing <strong>Estah McKim</strong> (<em>3.0p, 3.0r</em>) is the fifth Senior, plus she's a nice all-around athlete. 5-10 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218572' first='Mia' last='Bustos']</strong> (<em>4.2p, 5.9r</em>) at least provides a little size for the Panthers. Blackford rattled off 16 wins in a row to begin the 2022-2023 season, but they were just 4-4 down the stretch and fell to Tipton by two points in the Sectional Semi-Final. Now they must play without <strong>Olivia Leas</strong> (<em>16.0p, 4.2r, 2.5s</em>), <strong>Olivia Waters</strong> (<em>11.1p, 3.4r, 4.8a, 3.8s</em>), and <strong>Brianna Stroble</strong> (<em>7.6p, 3.6r</em>), all 2023 graduates. Leas and Waters were the Bruins top two scorers all four years they were in high school, so that in itself is going to be tough to replicate. Back for a new head coach are Senior twins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874133' first='Sydnee' last='Morris']</strong> (<em>8.6p, 8.0r, 2.3s</em>), a 6-0 inside-out forward, and <strong>Savanna Morris</strong> (<em>5.5p, 6.0r</em>), a 5-10 interior player. It will be a very Senior-laden team in total, so other key Senior returnees include 5-2 guard <strong>Chloe Wicker</strong> (<em>7.0p, 2.5r</em>), 5-10 forward <strong>Brooklyn McClain</strong> (<em>2.0p, 3.5r</em>), 5-6 guard <strong>Bralee VanSkyock</strong> (<em>1.7p</em>), and 5-6 forward <strong>Faith Gephart</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>). If they can get a balanced team effort, they have the upperclassmen to continue their winning ways. Tipton has been a Top-10 team often over the past few years, but this year the Blue Devils will have to do so minus graduated 6-3 post <strong>Ashlee Schram</strong> (<em>14.2p, 10.8r, 2.2b</em>). <strong>Abigail Phillips</strong> (<em>4.1p</em>) and <strong>Lacie Logan</strong> (<em>2.1p</em>) also graduated. 5-8 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264121' first='Hallie' last='Wolfe']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 2.4r, 2.2a</em>) and 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Kaiya Money</strong> (<em>10.3p, 2.3r</em>) are set to return, and both are double-digit scorers. Wolfe can handle and shoot, while Money is a versatile player who can score it at all three levels. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Alli Powell</strong> (<em>3.9p, 2.5r</em>) and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Cora Rodibaugh</strong> (<em>1.2p, 2.5r</em>) have experience in big games, but the rest of the roster will be very young and/or inexperienced...there are a number of Freshmen listed on their online roster. Staying above .500 would be a good season for such a young team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Argylls of Madison-Grant saw double-digit wins for the second season in a row, and this time, they look to be above .500. They must do so without dynamic point guard <strong>Daya Greene</strong> (<em>8.4p, 4.8r, 4.4a, 4.6s</em>), who is now in college. 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Maddy Moore</strong> (<em>10.7p, 3.9r, 2.4a, 3.5s</em>) is back, however, and she is an athletic little guard who can make plays for herself or others. 5-9 wing <strong>Caydence Campbell</strong> (<em>6.2p, 3.1r</em>) had a nice rookie season and should add to it this year. 5-10 front-liner <strong>Katie Stowers</strong> (<em>4.6p, 3.1r</em>) gives them a presence inside, while 5-1 Junior guard <strong>Jasmyn Rainey</strong> (<em>4.2p</em>) should see an uptick in minutes with the loss of Greene. The Argylls will play everyone tough, and they could pull an upset this season in Sectional #39. The Eastern Comets return leading scorer <strong>Jenna Odle</strong> (<em>8.2p, 2.7r</em>), plus five of their top six players in total. Senior <strong>Kenzie DeGraaff</strong> (<em>4.5p, 4.2r</em>) gives them a sense of a presence in the paint. The Comets will, however, need a number of players to step up their offensive production in order to increase their win total from last season's two. They have several nice younger players, including a slew of Freshmen, who could make an imprint on the program this season. After a winless 2021-2022 season, the Panthers of Elwood picked up a pair of wins last season. They look to build on that again this time around. To do so, they will need a collective effort from a number of players. 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Raeghan Wisehart</strong> and 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Hayleigh Christian</strong> bring back the most experience of the group, but they'll need to help lead several younger players as well, especially since they lost <strong>Yzabelle Ramey</strong> via graduation. Last season was a tough one for the Taylor Titans, but they played a lot of Freshmen and Sophomores who should continue to improve with more reps. <strong>Katie Hogan</strong> (<em>6.0p, 2.4r in 9 games</em>) was only available sporadically, which obviously affected the Titans, because she was a seasoned veteran. She has since graduated. 5-8 Sophomore forward <strong>JaNeal Capers</strong> (<em>3.1p, 3.1r</em>), 5-6 Junior wing <strong>Ma'Leigha Smith</strong> (<em>2.4p, 2.1r</em>), and 5-6 Junior wing <strong>Amelia Collins</strong> (<em>2.2p, 1.9r</em>) will need to really increase their scoring this year, but they have their sights set on winning a handful of games in 2023-2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #40</font></strong><br>Lapel (22-8), SAG 51, SOS 51<br>Winchester (19-7), SAG 69, SOS 171<br>Alexandria-Monroe (17-6), SAG 81, SOS 277<br>Wapahani (19-5), SAG 112, SOS 255<br>Monroe Central (12-10), SAG 200, SOS 202<br>Wes-Del (4-19), SAG 366, SOS 353<br>Burris Laboratory (0-16), SAG 385, SOS 371</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #40 hosts seven teams, and usually it is incredibly competitive, especially at the top. Lapel made a run to the Class 2A State Finals last season, so they will be the "hunted" this year. They also return nearly everyone from that roster. 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 12.4r</em>) was an unstoppable force at times last season, and she only looks to step it up in year-2. She is not only a top 2026 in Class 2A, but also in the state. 5-10 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331773' first='Madelyn' last='Poynter']</strong> (<em>11.5p, 4.1r</em>) has developed into a really effective player, and she adds a nice outside presence with good size. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs lost <strong>Deannaya Haseman</strong> (<em>8.6, 2.6r, 2.3a</em>), <strong>Jaylee Hubble</strong> (<em>6.5p, 2.1r</em>), and <strong>Kerith Renihan</strong> (<em>4.2p, 3.9a</em>) to graduation. At the same time, 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Annalee Stow</strong> (<em>3.5p, 2.6r</em>), 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455942' first='Jocelyn' last='Love']</strong> (<em>1.8p</em>), and 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Rosemary Likens</strong> (<em>1.6p</em>) are capable ballplayers ready to step into their turn. Wills and Poynter are enough for Lapel to win 15+ games this season, but a total team effort could help the Bulldogs make another deep playoff run. Winchester has been a real force in girls' basketball over the past several years, but this season they are going to have to regroup. Gone from last year's squad are <strong>Caitlyn Campbell</strong> (<em>23.1p, 5.7r, 3.1a, 3.0s</em>), an all-time great Golden Falcon, as well as <strong>Morgan Lawrence</strong> (<em>11.0p, 7.0r, 3.7a, 2.5s</em>), <strong>Reagan Riggin</strong> (<em>7.1p, 5.5r</em>), and <strong>Zoey Craw</strong> (<em>4.6p, 3.1r</em>). That quartet will be incredibly tough to replace. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122768' first='Alivia' last='McCoy']</strong> (<em>5.2p, 3.6r</em>) and Senior <strong>Avery Mote</strong> (<em>2.7p</em>) are the most experienced players returning. If they can step it up and get some help from some lesser experienced players, look for the Golden Falcons to again win several games in 2023-2024. Alexandria-Monroe could be the team that steps it up this season, as they return all but <strong>Cali Crum</strong> (<em>8.0p, 5.1r</em>), a 2023 graduate. Leading the Tigers into action is one of the state's better 2025 guards in 5-8 Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404111' first='Jacklynn' last='Hosier']</strong> (<em>24.0p, 4.2r, 3.5a, 4.2s</em>). She has nice length, quickness, and a great understanding of the game. As teams hone in on her defensively, they'll need others to step up offensively. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Lily Harpe</strong> (<em>7.2p, 5.9r, 3.1a, 2.7s</em>), 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Payton Pulley</strong> (<em>4.2p, 2.1s</em>), and 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Morgan Baker</strong> (<em>3.3p, 2.1r</em>) give them the best chance at that. All have Varsity experience and have played in big games in the past. The Tigers do a nice job of using trapping defenses to cause problems for opponents. Look for Alexandria-Monroe to be a top team in Class 2A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Wapahani wants to keep their streak of 14 consecutive seasons with a winning record intact, they must do so without their top four players from a year ago. Graduating were <strong>Camryn Wise</strong> (<em>16.5p, 6.8r, 2.7a, 2.3s</em>), <strong>Reese Baker</strong> (<em>14.4p, 2.7r</em>), <strong>Lauren Luce</strong> (<em>8.9p, 6.5r</em>), and <strong>Kendyl Thrasher</strong> (<em>7.0p, 2.0r</em>). Wise was a 1300-point scorer and will be missed for her all-around contributions. Seniors <strong>Zoey Swallow</strong> (<em>2.8p</em>), <strong>Maddie Jefferson</strong> (<em>2.1p, 4.0r</em>), and <strong>Emilee Thompson</strong> (<em>1.4p</em>) are the most experienced of the returnees and have played in some big-time games, but they will need to produce a lot more this season, and they'll have to lean on lesser experienced teammates to fill roles as well. Posting a winning record once again isn't impossible, but it will take a lot of work for the Lady Raiders. Monroe Central looks to approach 20 wins this season, and a strong 2025 class will have a lot to say about that. 6-3 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295783' first='Kimber' last='Abshear']</strong> (<em>13.3p, 10.3r, 3.1b</em>) will be at the forefront and have a lot to say about this season. She has good height and length, but she's also very active and skilled. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366800' first='Sydney' last='Patterson']</strong> (<em>9.7p, 3.4r, 3.0a</em>) has seemingly been along Abshear's side every step of the way, and the lead guard is important in taking care of the ball for the Golden Bears. 5-11 Junior post <strong>Maleigh Ervin</strong> (<em>4.1p, 2.5r</em>) and 5-7 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218670' first='Addy' last='Puckett']</strong> (<em>3.4p, 4.0r</em>) got their feet wet over the past two seasons, and now they look to add even bigger contributions in 2023-2024. If the Golden Bears can get a couple of youngsters to step up and help this Junior class, they can compete for the Sectional #40 crown. Wes-Del won nine games in 2021-2022, and it looked like they were turning a corner. However, last year was a rough one for the Warriors, and now they must say "goodbye" to three of their top four scorers. Most missed will be 6-0 post <strong>Rayven Luzzadder</strong> (<em>8.6p, 11.9r</em>). Looking to step into key roles first and help the Warriors build upon their four wins from a year ago are 5-8 Junior wing <strong>Kenzie Anderson</strong> (<em>2.5p, 2.2r</em>) and 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Jenna Love</strong> (<em>2.4p, 2.6r, 3.2s</em>). That leaves the Owls of Burris Laboratory in Sectional #40. 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Sydney Jackson</strong> and 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Allie Bucur</strong> look to lead Burris back into the win column. They haven't won more than five games since the 2018-2019 season but could this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->