Season Preview: Class 2A, Sectionals 37-40
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The featured image is of Brookelynn Buzzard Brookelynn Buzzard 5'7" | CG Manchester | 2025 State IN (2025) of Manchester High School. Today, October 30, is the first day Indiana high school teams are eligible to begin official games, therefore…
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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.
(SAG = Final 2022-2023 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (395 teams); SOS = Final 2022-2023 Strength of Schedule)
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Sectional #37
Bishop Luers (11-14), SAG 89, SOS 63
South Adams (13-11), SAG 186, SOS 133
Adams Central (7-16), SAG 228, SOS 181
Bluffton (11-11), SAG 229, SOS 264
Whitko (9-14), SAG 268, SOS 256
Manchester (6-17), SAG 272, SOS 226
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 & 4A teams, the Knights might be a lock for 20 wins this time around. 6-0 Senior post Addie Shank Addie Shank 6'0" | PF Bishop Luers | 2024 State IN (13.7p, 9.7r) leads the way with her bruising interior presence. 5-8 Senior Annika Davis Annika Davis 5'8" | PG Bishop Luers | 2024 State IN (10.8p, 2.8r, 2.2a) handles the ball and keeps the offense steady and churning. 6-1 Sophomore post Miley Wareing Miley Wareing 6'1" | C Bishop Luers | 2026 IN (7.1p, 6.4r) made quite the impact as a rookie, while 5-9 Junior forward Reese Rhodehamel Reese Rhodehamel 5'9" | PF Bishop Luers | 2025 IN (5.4p, 3.4r) 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 Maggie Parent (5.3p, 4.7r, 2.0a) and 5-8 Senior wing Kendal Tyree (4.7p, 2.3r) 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 Peyton Pries (9.6p, 4.6r, 3.2a, 3.2s). Back in the fold, however, is 5-8 Senior wing Macy Pries Macy Pries 5'8" | SF South Adams | 2024 IN (15.2p, 2.9a, 4.1s). She should be enough offensively some nights; however, she’ll need help from an otherwise young and/or inexperienced group. 5-7 Senior wing Liz Gerber (3.5p, 3.0r), 5-4 Senior guard Lexie McKibben (3.2p), and 5-9 Sophomore forward Laney Trausch (2.6p, 2.0r) 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 Gracie Garwood (11.2p, 4.5r, 2.0a, 2.3s). The Jets can turn to depth and experience, led by 5-4 Senior guard Athena Schwartz (7.6p, 2.3r, 2.9a, 3.7s) and 5-9 Junior forward Addie Baker (6.8p, 4.5r). 5-10 Senior forward Grace Fisher (4.7p, 5.7r) and 5-9 Junior wing Alexa Brotherton (3.5p, 2.8r) add a couple more veterans to the mix. The Sophomore pair of 5-4 guard Ava Stafford (4.3p) and 5-8 wing Hailey Heller (4.0p, 3.2r) saw a lot of action as Freshmen and should add to the lineup.
Bluffton played seven girls in their rotation a year ago, and only Lily King (2.8p, 2.3r) is gone via graduation. 5-3 Senior point guard Haley Gibson (11.8p, 3.3r) returns to lead the Tigers into action. She will primarily get help from 5-7 Junior forward Maryn Schreiber (8.5p, 7.6r), 5-6 Junior guard Isabella Stout (5.4p, 3.9r), plus Sophomore Konley Ault (5.1p, 4.1r). 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 Brookelynn Coburn (4.4p, 5.3r) found herself among their top five scorers. 5-8 Senior wing Kloe Krieg (10.3p, 3.3r, 2.3s) looks to finish up a solid career and help the Wildcats to a Sectional #37 title. 5-7 Junior wing Braisha Harrison (9.9p, 2.3r) brings athleticism to the lineup, while 5-8 Junior forward Adriyanna Phillips (8.5p, 2.2r) is a knockdown perimeter shooter. 6-0 Junior post Gwen Howard (4.0p, 6.6r, 2.1b) brings a sizeable presence to the paint, plus the Wildcats welcome 5-6 Sophomore guard Reese Stonebraker (12.4p, 7.2r, 3.2a, 3.1s), 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 Brookelynn Buzzard Brookelynn Buzzard 5'7" | CG Manchester | 2025 State IN (16.0p, 3.7r, 2.2a, 2.0s). She is a dynamic player who can shoot, score, or facilitate. 5-8 Senior forward Gracie Lauer (7.5p, 7.2r) and 6-2 Senior post Kimberly Schroll (4.3p, 4.0r) create a formidable duo up front. Look for 5-4 Sophomore guard Hadley West (4.3p, 3.8r, 2.3a), 5-7 Junior wing Molly Schannep (4.1p, 4.0r), and 5-3 Sophomore guard Peyton Ream (2.8p, 2.4r) to help bring depth to an improving lineup.
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Sectional #38
Lafayette Central Catholic (20-7), SAG 37, SOS 45
Carroll (Flora) (22-4), SAG 65, SOS 196
Clinton Prairie (16-8), SAG 94, SOS 176
Seeger (20-4), SAG 165, SOS 328
Delphi (10-14), SAG 216, SOS 230
Covington (8-15), SAG 323, SOS 356
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 Tori Thompson (13.4p, 3.5r), Kendal Rider (8.6p, 3.5r, 3.7a, 2.9s), and Ella Fabian (1.5p, 1.9r), but the Knights should still have enough to make a strong postseason push and win around 20 games once again. 5-9 Junior wing Carley Barrett Carley Barrett 5'9" | SG Lafayette Central Catholic | 2025 State IN (15.8p, 7.3r, 4.1a, 3.1s) leads the returning cast and brings versatility and athleticism to the lineup. 5-7 Senior guard Kaitlin Riley (7.9p, 2.1r) is a nice perimeter shooting threat, while 5-9 Senior forward Lizzie Cochran (4.6p, 3.4r) and 5-5 Junior guard Grace Bordenet Grace Bordenet 5'6" | CG Lafayette Central Catholic | 2025 IN (4.0p, 2.8r) bring back experience to the lineup. 5-8 Junior guard Maddy Bruce Maddy Bruce 5'7" | CG Lafayette Central Catholic | 2025 State IN (1.1p, 1.3r) 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 Alli Harness Alli Harness 5'8" | CG Carroll (Flora) | 2024 State IN (23.6p, 5.0r, 4.2a, 3.3s). Harness is an explosive scorer with range well beyond the arc. 5-9 Senior wing Madison Wagner Madison Wagner 5'9" | SF Carroll (Flora) | 2024 State IN (16.0p, 7.3r, 3.7a, 3.1s) has been a consistent double-digit scorer throughout her career as well, and she’s the perfect complement to Harness. 5-9 Senior wing Laney Johnson (8.3p, 3.3r, 2.0s) and 5-10 Senior forward Jamilah Tillman (5.8p, 7.6r) 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 Sydney Swan (12.8p, 5.3r, 2.1s), Kaitlyn Beck (11.3p, 3.5r), Claire Ecenbarger (8.8p, 3.2r, 5.3a, 4.0s), and Grace Good. Back to lead the way this time is 5-8 Junior forward Abbey Swan (10.0p, 6.0r, 2.1s). She is a solid to strong athlete with a nice motor, plus she plays with versatility. 5-2 Senior guard Haven Wilson (2.9p, 2.0r, 2.0s) and 5-5 Junior guard Hyleigh Wilson (2.7p, 2.7r) 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.
Seeger is another team who will likely transition from a trio of strong graduates to a mostly underclass roster. The Patriots graduated sharp-shooter Aubry Cole (19.1p, 4.0r, 2.6a, 3.8s), along with Paige Laffoon (9.1p, 5.3r, 2.5s), Anna Moore (7.0p, 2.1r, 2.0s), and Emma Brenner. 5-10 Junior forward Rylea Wetz Rylea Wetz 5'10" | PF Seeger | 2025 IN (10.1p, 8.7r, 2.8s) does return, giving the Patriots a nice inside-out scoring threat. 5-8 Senior guard Addie Shrader (4.8p, 2.8r, 2.7a) 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 Evann Royal (5.7p, 2.5r) graduating, that is an achievable goal for the Oracles this year. 5-6 Junior guard Jenna Roth (14.2p, 5.4r, 2.0a, 2.8s) leads the way for Delphi, while support comes from 5-2 Senior guard Lacey Pickering (7.5p, 3.4r, 3.1a, 3.0s), 5-6 Senior forward Lexi Miller (7.5p, 4.8r, 2.3s), and 5-11 Junior forward Maddy Brown (4.2p, 7.0r). 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 Sydni Crain (9.5p, 3.3r) turned into their go-to player last year, and she could score in the mid-teens this time around. 5-11 Senior post Kali Pettit (8.0p, 8.3r, 2.7b) was huge on the interior, and she could average a double-double this season. 5-5 Junior guard Peyton Brown (5.4p, 2.3r), 5-4 Senior guard Emma Holycross (4.3p, 2.4r), and 5-8 Senior wing Lilly Hacquet (4.1p, 4.8r) add to a now-experienced lineup looking to win 10 or more games and finish with a winning record.
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Sectional #39
Eastbrook (19-6), SAG 63, SOS 224
Blackford (20-4), SAG 71, SOS 219
Tipton (16-10), SAG 110, SOS 139
Madison-Grant (10-13), SAG 276, SOS 245
Eastern (Greentown) (2-22), SAG 334, SOS 136
Elwood (2-21), SAG 371, SOS 260
Taylor (0-22), SAG 377, SOS 154
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 Karmen Swindall (4.9p, 3.9r), but they return a five-player Senior class ready to make a deep tournament run. Leading the way is 5-6 Senior guard Sophia Morrison Sophia Morrison 5'6" | CG Eastbrook | 2024 State IN (14.7p, 2.6r, 2.7a, 3.4s). She can play on or off the ball, plus she’s an excellent perimeter shooter. 5-7 Senior forward Olivia Howell Olivia Howell 5'7" | SF Eastbrook | 2024 IN (11.9p, 5.8r, 2.4a) is a hard-working, productive kid who just gets things done inside and out. 5-5 Senior guards Kortney Goff (7.4p) and Audri Prater Audri Prater 5'5" | CG Eastbrook | 2024 IN (7.2p, 3.4r) bring experience, skill, and toughness to a rather short lineup. 5-5 wing Estah McKim (3.0p, 3.0r) is the fifth Senior, plus she’s a nice all-around athlete. 5-10 Junior forward Mia Bustos (4.2p, 5.9r) 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 Olivia Leas (16.0p, 4.2r, 2.5s), Olivia Waters (11.1p, 3.4r, 4.8a, 3.8s), and Brianna Stroble (7.6p, 3.6r), 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 Sydnee Morris Sydnee Morris 5'11" | PF Blackford | 2024 IN (8.6p, 8.0r, 2.3s), a 6-0 inside-out forward, and Savanna Morris (5.5p, 6.0r), a 5-10 interior player. It will be a very Senior-laden team in total, so other key Senior returnees include 5-2 guard Chloe Wicker (7.0p, 2.5r), 5-10 forward Brooklyn McClain (2.0p, 3.5r), 5-6 guard Bralee VanSkyock (1.7p), and 5-6 forward Faith Gephart (1.0p). 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 Ashlee Schram (14.2p, 10.8r, 2.2b). Abigail Phillips (4.1p) and Lacie Logan (2.1p) also graduated. 5-8 Senior guard Hallie Wolfe Hallie Wolfe 5'7" | SG Tipton | 2024 IN (10.8p, 2.4r, 2.2a) and 5-8 Senior wing Kaiya Money (10.3p, 2.3r) 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 Alli Powell (3.9p, 2.5r) and 5-9 Junior forward Cora Rodibaugh (1.2p, 2.5r) 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.
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 Daya Greene (8.4p, 4.8r, 4.4a, 4.6s), who is now in college. 5-3 Senior guard Maddy Moore (10.7p, 3.9r, 2.4a, 3.5s) is back, however, and she is an athletic little guard who can make plays for herself or others. 5-9 wing Caydence Campbell (6.2p, 3.1r) had a nice rookie season and should add to it this year. 5-10 front-liner Katie Stowers (4.6p, 3.1r) gives them a presence inside, while 5-1 Junior guard Jasmyn Rainey (4.2p) 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 Jenna Odle (8.2p, 2.7r), plus five of their top six players in total. Senior Kenzie DeGraaff (4.5p, 4.2r) 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 Raeghan Wisehart and 5-7 Senior forward Hayleigh Christian bring back the most experience of the group, but they’ll need to help lead several younger players as well, especially since they lost Yzabelle Ramey 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. Katie Hogan (6.0p, 2.4r in 9 games) was only available sporadically, which obviously affected the Titans, because she was a seasoned veteran. She has since graduated. 5-8 Sophomore forward JaNeal Capers (3.1p, 3.1r), 5-6 Junior wing Ma’Leigha Smith (2.4p, 2.1r), and 5-6 Junior wing Amelia Collins (2.2p, 1.9r) will need to really increase their scoring this year, but they have their sights set on winning a handful of games in 2023-2024.
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Sectional #40
Lapel (22-8), SAG 51, SOS 51
Winchester (19-7), SAG 69, SOS 171
Alexandria-Monroe (17-6), SAG 81, SOS 277
Wapahani (19-5), SAG 112, SOS 255
Monroe Central (12-10), SAG 200, SOS 202
Wes-Del (4-19), SAG 366, SOS 353
Burris Laboratory (0-16), SAG 385, SOS 371
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 Laniah Wills Laniah Wills 6'0" | SF Lapel | 2026 State IN (15.8p, 12.4r) 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 Madelyn Poynter Madelyn Poynter 5'10" | SF Lapel | 2024 State IN (11.5p, 4.1r) has developed into a really effective player, and she adds a nice outside presence with good size. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs lost Deannaya Haseman (8.6, 2.6r, 2.3a), Jaylee Hubble (6.5p, 2.1r), and Kerith Renihan (4.2p, 3.9a) to graduation. At the same time, 5-10 Senior forward Annalee Stow (3.5p, 2.6r), 5-8 Senior wing Jocelyn Love Jocelyn Love 5'8" | SG Lapel | 2024 IN (1.8p), and 5-5 Senior guard Rosemary Likens (1.6p) 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 Caitlyn Campbell (23.1p, 5.7r, 3.1a, 3.0s), an all-time great Golden Falcon, as well as Morgan Lawrence (11.0p, 7.0r, 3.7a, 2.5s), Reagan Riggin (7.1p, 5.5r), and Zoey Craw (4.6p, 3.1r). That quartet will be incredibly tough to replace. Junior Alivia McCoy (5.2p, 3.6r) and Senior Avery Mote (2.7p) 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 Cali Crum (8.0p, 5.1r), a 2023 graduate. Leading the Tigers into action is one of the state’s better 2025 guards in 5-8 Junior Jacklynn Hosier Jacklynn Hosier 5'8" | SG Alexandria-Monroe | 2025 State IN (24.0p, 4.2r, 3.5a, 4.2s). 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 Lily Harpe (7.2p, 5.9r, 3.1a, 2.7s), 5-4 Senior guard Payton Pulley (4.2p, 2.1s), and 5-5 Senior guard Morgan Baker (3.3p, 2.1r) 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.
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 Camryn Wise (16.5p, 6.8r, 2.7a, 2.3s), Reese Baker (14.4p, 2.7r), Lauren Luce (8.9p, 6.5r), and Kendyl Thrasher (7.0p, 2.0r). Wise was a 1300-point scorer and will be missed for her all-around contributions. Seniors Zoey Swallow (2.8p), Maddie Jefferson (2.1p, 4.0r), and Emilee Thompson (1.4p) 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 Kimber Abshear Kimber Abshear 6'3" | PF Monroe Central | 2025 State IN (13.3p, 10.3r, 3.1b) 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 Sydney Patterson Sydney Patterson 5'7" | CG Monroe Central | 2025 IN (9.7p, 3.4r, 3.0a) 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 Maleigh Ervin (4.1p, 2.5r) and 5-7 Junior wing Addy Puckett (3.4p, 4.0r) 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 Rayven Luzzadder (8.6p, 11.9r). 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 Kenzie Anderson (2.5p, 2.2r) and 5-6 Senior guard Jenna Love (2.4p, 2.6r, 3.2s). That leaves the Owls of Burris Laboratory in Sectional #40. 5-7 Sophomore guard Sydney Jackson and 5-9 Senior forward Allie Bucur 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.