Season Preview: Class 2A, Sectionals 41-44

The featured image is of Maryrose Felling Maryrose Felling 5'8" | SG Triton Central | 2026 State IN (2026) of Triton Central High School.

Monday, October 30, was the first day Indiana high school teams were eligible to begin official games, therefore the beginning of the 2023-2024 high school season is already here. This article serves as the seventh of 16 in total, previewing each Sectional in the state. I will continue by taking a look at the first Class 2A South Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #41 through Sectional #44. 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 #41
Northeastern (16-9), SAG 134, SOS 217
Union County (16-10), SAG 193, SOS 265
Shenandoah (9-14), SAG 282, SOS 281
Hagerstown (8-16), SAG 349, SOS 341
Knightstown (3-20), SAG 355, SOS 337

As an “Eastern border” Sectional, this field includes three schools from counties that border Ohio to the East. Sectional #41 is typically pretty even and competitive, but this year it looks more like a 2-horse race. Northeastern returns with a great deal of talent and several upperclassmen who have played in big game. Leading the frontcourt are 6-3 Senior post Addisen Mastriano Addisen Mastriano 6'3" | C Northeastern | 2024 State IN (12.1p, 9.3r, 2.9a, 3.4b) and 5-9 Senior Juztice Slick Juztice Slick 5'9" | SF Northeastern | 2024 IN (8.2p, 4.4r, 2.1s). Mastriano is a big, strong, physical post with some skill, while Slick is a bouncy and active forward. The backcourt is in good hands as well, as 5-4 Junior point guard Ava Mikesell Ava Mikesell 5'4" | PG Northeastern | 2025 IN (10.3p, 2.3r, 4.4a, 3.8s) does a really nice job of taking care of the ball and finding open teammates. 5-5 Sophomore guard Adysson Kircher Adysson Kircher 5'5" | CG Northeastern | 2026 State IN (13.6p, 2.6r, 2.2a, 3.0s) actually led the Knights in scoring as a Freshman, and she can play on or off the ball. 5-6 Sophomore guard Gracie Green (2.4p, 2.1r) and 5-9 Junior forward Cami Angi (2.4p, 2.8r) are the next two most experienced players. If the Knights can get a little more backcourt support, possibly from 5-7 Freshman Amiyah Davis, then they can become a top team to beat in all of Class 2A. Union County is a hard read, because all they have done the last couple of years is graduate their top scorer, only to return and win double-digit games once again. They are faced with the same situation once again, as Shelby Hill (10.4p, 7.3r), Brooke Fields (6.1p, 2.6r, 3.8a, 2.6s), and Carly McCashland (4.7p, 2.2r) all graduated. That leaves the cupboard a little thin, however, a 2025 class that saw four girls in the rotation a year ago returns. Junior guard Katie McCashland (9.2p, 3.2r, 2.2s) could now step into that leadership role. Juniors Peityn Gillman (4.0p, 3.3r), a guard, Ally Gray (3.5p, 3.7r), a 5-8 wing, plus Hallie Hughes (2.0p, 1.9r), a forward, each have significant experience but also must step into much more critical roles. If they can do that, they should again be on the plus side of .500, but they have their work cut out for them.

Shenandoah turned to a number of younger players a season ago, so hopefully that will pay off the next couple of seasons. Still, though, they did graduate Kayla Muterspaugh (7.0p, 3.1r) and Carly Chandler (3.5p, 4.8r), but leading scorer Gabbi Patrick (8.9p, 3.3r, 2.1s), a 5-6 Sophomore guard, does return. From there, three Juniors look to step up for the Lady Raiders. They are 5-4 guard Aurora McKnight (5.9p), 5-9 post Haley Hughes (5.0p, 6.7r), and 5-6 guard Kimberlee Farmer (2.6p). They will attempt to get back to 10 or more wins and compete for the Sectional #41 title. Hagerstown is another team who played a number of younger players but mixed in a couple of veterans. They look to take last year’s learning experiences and get back to 10+ wins once again. 5-4 Senior guard Kasiti Ferriell and 5-2 Senior guard MaKenzie Harris have multiple years of experience and should bring Senior leadership. 5-2 Junior guard Sydney Martindale has also seen her share of Varsity action. Look for the Sophomore trio of Avery Blunk, Bella Thails, and Sid Nicholson to fill in the gaps and step into more prominent roles this season. The Panthers of Knightstown look to top four wins for the first time since 2014-2015 when they were 14-9. A big reason that is possible this year, and the next four years, is 6-0 Freshman Lilly Drew Lilly Drew 6'0" | SF Knightstown | 2027 IN . She has skill, talent, and she is more of a wing/forward than an interior player. Beyond Drew, they will need to increase their scoring, after averaging just 25.7 points per game. While the Panthers graduated four members of the 2023 class, they also had six Freshmen see action a year ago. Now Sophomores, look for 5-7 forward Anna Roberson (6.3p, 6.5r), 5-6 guard Halleigh Lacey (2.0p, 2.5r), and 5-6 forward Lexi Thomas (1.8, 2.9r) to play much bigger roles over the next few seasons. 5-5 guard Taylor Reagan (7.3p, 3.9r, 2.3s) and 5-11 post Destiny McGlothin (4.2p, 3.8r) are a pair of Seniors with experience as well.

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Sectional #42
Eastern Hancock (23-4), SAG 64, SOS 241
Triton Central (18-5), SAG 98, SOS 274
Scecina Memorial (12-12), SAG 297, SOS 351
Irvington Prep (1-11), SAG 391, SOS 392
Riverside (2-16), SAG 394, SOS 387

Eastern Hancock had a fantastic 2022-2023 season, finally dispatching of Sectional #42 rival Triton Central and advancing all the way to the Semi-State round. 4-year point guard Grace Stapleton (15.0, 3.7r, 5.1a, 3.3s) and Emma Bolding (7.8p, 3.5r) did graduate, but there is excitement in Charlottesville, as 5-8 Freshman point guard McKenzie Koch McKenzie Koch 5'8" | PG Eastern Hancock | 2027 IN has finally arrived. After a great deal of fanfare throughout her middle school career, the rookie should flash talent and skill the next four years for the Royals. While they will absolutely miss Stapleton and her ability to shoot the ball, Koch brings a different dynamic as a crafty facilitator who can also shoot/score. Additionally, the Royals return 5-4 guard Sammie Bolding (12.1p, 2.0r, 2.2a, 2.3s), 6-1 post Ruby White Ruby White 6'1" | C Eastern Hancock | 2024 IN (8.4p, 6.3r), and 5-7 wing Makenzie O’Neal (6.7p, 4.0r, 2.0a, 2.0s), all Seniors. Sydney Springman (3.3p) and Brooklyn Willis (2.5p, 3.6r) are two more Seniors with limited experience, while Juniors Ellie Meyer (3.0p, 3.0r), a 5-9 wing, and Camryn Andrus Camryn Andrus 5'7" | SG Eastern Hancock | 2025 IN (2.8p), a 5-7 guard, also look to contribute in greater capacities this season. As for Triton Central, they continue to pile up winning season after winning season. This year, however, they will be without the graduated Lizzie Graham (12.8p, 3.7r), Hallie Schweitzer (10.5p, 5.2r, 5.0a), and Riley Ross. However, 5-7 Sophomore guard Maryrose Felling Maryrose Felling 5'8" | SG Triton Central | 2026 State IN (12.8p, 5.0r, 2.1a) had an outstanding rookie year, plus 5-11 post Brooklyn Bailey Brooklyn Bailey 5'11" | C Triton Central | 2024 IN (10.0p, 7.9r) and 5-8 forward Hailey Harris (3.0p, 2.1r), both Seniors, return with plenty of experience to lead this year’s Tiger group. Also look for an 11-member Freshman class to possibly loan a player or two to the effort.

Scecina Memorial had its best season since 2015-2016, but it could be a bit tougher this time around. Gone from that team are 10 graduates, including their top three scorers, Abby Moore (16.6p, 3.3r, 2.7a, 2.6s), Anna Welborn (9.3p, 6.8r), and Abby McCoy (6.5p, 8.3r). There are three returnees who did play in the rotation, so look for 5-7 Junior wing Molly Welborn (3.9p, 2.5r), 5-1 Sophomore guard Reggi’nae Potts (3.6p, 2.0r), and 5-6 Junior guard Mariangela Gascon (1.9p) to be relied upon in much bigger roles, otherwise it’s going to be a very inexperienced roster. Irvington managed to play their opening two games last season, then had to wait until January to continue their season. This year, they look to play a more consistent schedule and win multiple games. Hopefully 5-3 Senior guard Kierstin Scholl and 5-3 Junior guard Shaleah Truitt are back with their experience to better help the Ravens. The Argonauts of Riverside are another team looking to find more consistency and win more games this year. Graduates Janiaya Thomas and Stacey Karrick are gone, but 5-2 Sophomore wing Aunna Smith and 5-6 Senior forward Arianna Perez look to offer some experience to the rest of the roster.

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Sectional #43
University (20-5), SAG 48, SOS 142
Sheridan (13-9), SAG 183, SOS 239
Park Tudor (15-7), SAG 250, SOS 361
Covenant Christian (7-16), SAG 286, SOS 223

Whether they have been in Class 1A or Class 2A, University has won five of its last six Sectionals and remains a team to beat in Sectional #43. However, they must do so with a new coach for the first time since 2015-2016. Also gone are four graduates, including their three leading scorers from a year ago. Payton Seay (20.0p, 8.0r, 2.8a, 2.7s), Kelsey DuBois (15.3p, 11.2r, 2.6a, 3.7b), Jordan Patterson (8.4p, 3.0r, 2.8a), and Kamryn Washington (3.2p, 2.7r, 3.0a) have all moved on. Now, athletic 5-8 Junior wing Taylor Seay Taylor Seay 5'8" | SF University | 2025 State IN (7.6p, 3.3r) should be ready for a much bigger role. Senior Keira Bright (5.6p, 2.0r) also possesses a great deal of experience. From there, the Trailblazers have some talented youngsters who could/should step into more prominent roles. Once they adjust to being full-time Varsity players, they should see consistent success. Sheridan has been consistently successful over the past few years, but now they are doing so with nice young talent. They still have to say “goodbye” to Chaney Smith (8.8p, 3.0r, 2.1s), Lilly Chesney (4.2p, 3.4r), and Jacquellyne Bates (3.7p, 2.3r, 2.0s), but the return of 6-0 Junior forward Kenzie Garner Kenzie Garner 6'0" | SF Sheridan | 2025 State IN (18.8p, 9.5r, 2.9a, 4.3s) definitely has Blackhawk fans excited. She is highly skilled, fluidly athletic, and versatile. Fellow Juniors Ashley Webel (6.3p), a 5-6 guard, Nova Cross (2.9p, 2.0r), a 5-5 guard, and Shelby Eaton Shelby Eaton 5'9" | SF Sheridan | 2025 IN (2.7p, 2.6r), a 5-8 forward, should be the nucleus for the Blackhawks the next two seasons. Another boost to the lineup should be the return of Junior wing Cecilia Timme Cecilia Timme 5'6" | CG Sheridan | 2025 IN (9.2p, 6.1r, 2.6s in 2021-2022), who missed last season due to injury after a strong Freshman year. If they can get a little more offense from the supporting cast, Garner and Timme should be able to make the big plays for Sheridan.

Park Tudor managed 15 wins a year ago, but they also graduated Gretchen Farley (16.6p, 4.8r, 2.7a, 3.7s), Desha VanVeldhuizen (7.0p, 6.6r, 2.7s), and Victoria Sullivan (3.3p, 2.5r). The Panthers also lost Senior guards Dominae Butler (7.7p, 4.6r, 2.9s) and Dejanae Butler (2.2p, 2.1r, 2.1a, 2.3s), who opted not to play this season. However, 5-11 Senior post Lilly Harris (6.1p, 8.5r) is well-versed in a Panther uniform, plus Park Tudor will welcome the transfer of 6-2 Sophomore forward D’Aaliyah Kemp D’Aaliyah Kemp 6'2" | PF Park Tudor | 2026 State IN , who comes over from North Central H.S. Kemp is extremely long, fluidly athletic, and she has nice mid-post skill. If they can mask their losses with young talent, they can once again approach 15 wins this season. It wasn’t too long ago that Covenant Christian was winning 15+ games every year, and they look to get back to that success very soon. The loss of graduate Gabriella Cane (12.7p, 10.2r, 2.1s) could make that all the more difficult. Mia Gamble (4.0p, 3.3r) and Madeline Freeth (2.7p) join Cane on the way out. 5-2 Junior guard Avery Reichart (8.2p, 2.5r) and 5-6 Junior wing Julia Hoffman (4.8p, 2.0r) do return, however, and they should secure the perimeter, but the Warriors will need immediate help on the interior. 5-7 Sophomore forward Emi Flatt (2.9p, 2.6r) could be an option. Also look for Zionsville transfer Vivian Haffner, a Junior wing, to potentially join the lineup as well.

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Sectional #44
Greencastle (23-5), SAG 118, SOS 310
Parke Heritage (20-6), SAG 160, SOS 345
Southmont (11-11), SAG 248, SOS 314
South Putnam (8-16), SAG 275, SOS 280
North Putnam (10-13), SAG 304, SOS 304
Riverton Parke (10-11), SAG 314, SOS 363
Cloverdale (2-22), SAG 345, SOS 293

Greencastle had Gloria Brewer (25.5p, 10.4r, 3.4a, 4.7s) for just one season, but what a great season it was for the Tiger Cubs. Not only has Brewer graduated, but also gone are Emma Hunter (15.1p, 5.1r, 3.1s) and Stephanie Morales (1.6p, 4.3r). 23 wins this year would be a lofty goal, but they can still stay above .500 with several nice returnees. 5-4 Senior guard Evelyn Briones (9.8p, 2.6r) is an excellent perimeter shooter who can fill it up. 6-0 Senior post Madi Plew (3.5p, 3.7r) and 5-5 Junior guard Ali Dobbs (2.6p, 3.0r) also saw regular rotation minutes a year ago. Point guard Jacey Call and post Sarah Simmerman are a pair of Freshmen who could see immediate action for the Tiger Cubs. The Wolves of Parke Heritage are in perfect position to take the reins of Sectional #44 the next two seasons, and maybe longer. They graduated no one, and they are led by a strong 2025 class. Best of the bunch is 5-7 point guard Emma Simpson Emma Simpson 5'7" | PG Parke Heritage | 2025 State IN (20.0p, 9.1r, 3.6a, 3.2s). She is a long, athletic, dynamic playmaker who can score it from anywhere or create offense for others. 5-8 Junior forward Raegan Ramsay (14.3p, 7.3r) is an energy kid who does a nice job in the mid-post. 5-5 guard Andrea Perkins (6.0p, 2.9r, 2.6a, 2.0s), 5-7 guard Catherine O’Brien (4.7p, 2.7r, 2.2a), 5-7 wing Addison Jenkins (3.1p, 3.8r), and 5-8 wing Addilee Jenkins round out the competitive Junior class. 6-0 Senior post Reaghan Benjamin Reaghan Benjamin 6'0" | C Parke Heritage | 2024 IN (4.5p, 5.3r) gives the Wolves a strong presence in the paint and rounds out a balanced roster. Southmont brings back one of the better guards in Sectional #44 in 5-4 Senior Delorean Mason (13.7p, 6.2s). She is long and wiry, and she’s very active defensively. 5-7 guard Cheyenne Shaw (5.0p, 2.4r) and 5-4 guard Olivia Gray (3.5p, 2.1s) round out a solid Senior backcourt. From there, the Mounties look to a strong and deep Freshman class. 5-11 Freshman front-liner Layla Gomez should get the first crack at the lineup because of her size.

South Putnam looks to reach double digit wins this season, and with nearly all of their production returning, there is a good possibility of that happening. Unfortunately, guard Kelsey Custis (8.4p, 3.2r) did graduate. A strong Junior class that includes 5-4 guard Chlara Pistelli (10.2p, 4.6r, 2.0a), 5-4 guard Danae Cline (7.2p, 4.5r, 2.9a), 5-6 guard Lilly Emmerich (3.9p, 2.9r), and 5-9 forward Madison Gardner (3.5p, 3.0r), all saw rotation minutes last season. Add to that 5-7 Senior wing Joscelyn Pilcher (5.6p, 5.4r, 2.0a), and five of the top six players are back in action for the Eagles. North Putnam looks to reach 10 wins again, and with several returnees, they have a shot to achieve that. 5-5 Senior guard Samie Hoops has the perfect last name to lead the Cougars. 5-6 Senior forward Lexi Daigle also returns with experience. 5-4 Senior wing Addi Osburn, 5-2 Junior guard Jacy Huffman and 5-8 Junior forward Rose Haste also return with big-game experience. The Cougars rely on a balanced effort, and with the number of returnees they have, they could once again be very competitive. Riverton Parke was another 10-win team a season ago, but it could be a bit tougher in 2023-2024 with the graduation losses of Bailey Duke (12.0p, 14.0r, 3.4a, 3.0s), Macey Barnes (6.7p, 2.1s), plus three other 2023s. Still, there are five returnees with significant experience. 5-3 Junior guard Haylee Mathas (9.2p, 3.1r, 3.0s) tops the list. 5-6 Sophomore wing Emily Adams (4.2p, 3.9r) also started games. 5-3 Sophomore guard Jaylynn Nelson (1.9p), and 5-5 Senior guard Kayleigh Nowicki (1.7p) also saw the court quite a bit. Cloverdale is the one team in Sectional #44 who looks to double their win total this season. 5-7 Senior wing Emily Mann returns for a final season with multiple years of experience under her belt. She will look for help from 5-9 senior forward Taylor Bernard. There is also a big class of 2026 graduates who could/should step into key roles this season.