Season Preview: Class 3A, Sectionals 29-32

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='177332' first='Sophie' last='Johnson'] (2024) of Evansville's Reitz Memorial High School.   As the 2023-2024 season continues on, there have already been some noticeable performances by teams and players. This article serves as the twelfth of 16 in total, previewing each Sectional in the state. I will continue by taking a look at the second Class 3A South Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #29 through Sectional #32. 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)   .   Sectional #29 Greensburg (13-10), SAG 78, SOS 85 Franklin County (16-7), SAG 141, SOS 186 Rushville Consolidated (14-14), SAG 144, SOS 83 Lawrenceburg (12-13), SAG 168, SOS 158 Batesville (12-11), SAG 209, SOS 177 Connersville (9-15), SAG 247, SOS 182 South Dearborn (5-19), SAG 290, SOS 279   Sectional #29 has seen its share of great games, and this year should be no different. With anyone able to win on any given night, it will once again be a fun watch in February. From the outset, Greensburg is one of the most talented teams in Class 3A, let alone this Sectional. Sarah Stapp (1.5p) was their only 2023 graduate, plus they add a couple of players to their returning roster. 6-1 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='295778' first='Leah' last='West'] (19.3p, 8.0r, 2.4a) has been an imposing presence since her Freshman year, and she looks to again be dominant in 2023-2024. 5-9 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='479613' first='Alyson' last='Powers'] (13.1p, 5.0r, 2.4a, 2.1s) and 5-6 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='486506' first='Mary' last='Harmon'] (8.3p, 3.4r, 3.3a) formed a very young but capable backcourt last season, and they should only be better in their second season together. 6-0 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='825958' first='Carlee' last='Adams'] (7.9p, 5.0r) was a nice surprise a year ago, and her presence allows West to venture away from the paint some. 5-2 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='571840' first='Emma' last='McQueen'] (3.5p, 2.8r, 2.2a, 2.4s) also has seen her time in the Pirate backcourt. Two big boosts for Greensburg are 5-7 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='295779' first='Mylie' last='Wilkison'] (15.5p, 3.2r, 2.4a, 2.0s in 2021-2022) and 5-10 Freshman wing [player_tooltip player_id='751051' first='Claire' last='Larrison']. Wilkison is talented and was highly productive as a Freshman but missed last season due to injury. She is an immediate difference maker, as is Larrison. She is a long, fluidly athletic, and skillful wing. She could find a starting role immediately. Look for Greensburg to be a tough "out" for most Class 3A teams. Franklin County posted 16 wins a season ago, but now they must deal with the graduation losses of five players, including four of their top six. Most missed will be Kassidy Schell (14.3p, 4.5r, 3.1a), Josie Rolfes (7.0p, 4.3r), and Kierstin Schell (6.8p, 2.7r, 2.7a). Returning to the fold, however, is 5-10 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='631648' first='Nicole' last='Mears'] (12.1p, 10.1r). She is a nice inside-out forward who can take over at the end of games. The Wildcats also hope to get a full season out of Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1044744' first='Tiffany' last='Billman'] (7.7p, 3.4r, 2.7a, 2.7s in 9 games), who was limited to just a handful of games last season. They will need any of 5-8 Junior forward Bailey Kaiser (1.9p, 3.9r), 6-0 Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id='1038868' first='Ruby' last='Singer'] (2.0p, 3.2r in 6 games), and 5-6 Sophomore guard Kendall Cox to step up into much bigger roles. The Wildcats do have good size and balance, so it's just a matter of experience before they are consistently competitive this season. Rushville won Sectional #29 last season, but for the second consecutive year, they have suffered some significant graduation losses. Point guard and leading scorer Briley Munchel (13.5p, 3.5r, 3.6a, 2.6s), along with wing Belle Gossett (10.6p, 6.5r), have received their diplomas. Fortunately, 5-8 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='570387' first='Leonie' last='Boyer'] (12.8p, 7.2r) is a double-digit scorer who does return and looks to lead the Lions in 2023-2024. 5-4 Senior guard Kylee Herbert (5.0p) and 5-5 Junior guard Gracie Buzzard (3.6p) also return with starting experience but look to be more involved this year. Seniors Olivia Smith (1.7p, 3.7r), a 5-7 wing, and Kiley Parsley, a 5-8 wing, along with 5-3 Junior guard Trisha Morgan and 5-4 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='884434' first='Carly' last='Senour'] (2.1p in 12 games), are now counted on to provide depth and rotation minutes each night.   Lawrenceburg played a rotation of six players in critical games last year, and two of those ladies...Lizzie Redar (14.6p, 10.3r) and Nicole Houze (4.3p, 2.8r)...are now gone via graduation. While the rest of the roster was young, there is quite a bit of talent to work with. 5-4 Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='624878' first='Aubree' last='LaBazzo'] (9.2p, 3.4r, 4.1a, 2.8s) did a nice job of facilitating as a rookie. 5-9 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1122761' first='Natalie' last='Knigga'] (9.1p, 5.8r) and 5-7 Junior wing Kamryn Ferreira (7.4p, 4.0r) give the Tigers size and skill around the perimeter. 5-4 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='761161' first='Brooklyn' last='Craig'] (6.2p, 2.2r) has flashed breakout potential and could step into a leadership role as early as this year. Batesville has a Junior class and a Freshman class they have been excited about while watching them grow up. Now, they are finally together. Yes, they graduated a couple of players, most notably Emma Weiler (6.2p, 2.3r, 2.1a), but they return their top three from last year. 5-10 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='570377' first='Alyson' last='Peters'] (12.4p, 6.8r) leads the way for Batesville. 5-10 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='727108' first='Sophie' last='Gesell'] (6.8p, 4.6r, 2.5a), 6-0 Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='692237' first='Lydia' last='Haskamp'] (6.5p, 5.8r), 5-7 Junior wing Marlee Obermeyer (4.0), and 5-7 Senior forward Claire Saner (3.5p, 2.1r) round out the upperclassmen getting an opportunity for the Bulldogs. Gesell stands out as a nice athlete and versatile wing, while Haskamp has nice strength and skill around the rim. After that group, they will likely give a look at four Freshmen...forward [player_tooltip player_id='751122' first='Sydney' last='Campbell'], wing Maddie Haskamp, and guards [player_tooltip player_id='743641' first='Kaylin' last='Kathmann'] and Nora Wiedeman. There might be a bump or two in the road for the Bulldogs, but give them a little time to gel, and Batesville could finish this year strong. Last year, Connersville won its most games since 2018-2019, and this season could be even better. There were three graduates, most notably Sara Ruble (5.6p, 3.5r, 2.8a), but just about everyone else returns. 5-11 Senior post Hailey Sembach (9.6p, 6.6r) was the leading scorer and rebounder a year ago. She is joined in the Spartan frontcourt by 5-10 Junior forward Jacey Willhelm (4.8p, 3.3r) and 5-10 Senior forward McKenna Lucas (2.4p, 3.5r). The backcourt saw a pair of rookies play significant minutes last season. 5-3 Sophomore Addison Jones (8.0p, 2.9r, 2.0s) will likely assume full-time point guard duties from Ruble, while 5-7 Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='567128' first='Ahniyah' last='Bennett'] (4.7p, 2.8r) is a talented athlete who can really defend. Fellow Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1256502' first='Serenity' last='Pennington'], plus Freshman Myleigh Perry, both 5-4 guards, look for their first Varsity opportunities in 2023-2024 as well. Not only did South Dearborn manage just five wins a season ago, but they also must say "goodbye" to mainstays Natalie Rupp and Kiersten Dixon, both graduates. 5-5 Senior guard Bernadette Wismann and 5-6 Junior wing Gracie Messmore have multiple years of experience in the Lady Knights' rotation. They should get help this year from 5-6 Senior guard Natalie Cantrell, 5-10 Junior post Isabella Pearson, 5-5 Junior guard Lakota Vincent, plus Sophomore forward Maddie Messmore.   .   Sectional #30 Corydon Central (27-3), SAG 24, SOS 48 Scottsburg (19-6), SAG 49, SOS 74 Charlestown (17-7), SAG 80, SOS 89 Madison Consolidated (10-12), SAG 121, SOS 70 North Harrison (5-17), SAG 151, SOS 64 Salem (5-19), SAG 244, SOS 98   Sectional #30 will remain very competitive at the top, and 2022-2023 saw the Panthers of Corydon Central finish as the Class 3A State Runner-Up. The Panthers see three players walk out the door via graduation, but they also welcome back a Senior and welcome in a pair of Junior transfers. Star forward Ava Weber (22.1p, 6.4r, 2.4a, 2.9s), Bailey Orme (6.6p, 2.7r, 6.0a, 3.4s), and Bre Edwards (2.0p) all exit with diplomas. Still, though, the Panthers have firepower. 5-5 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='324096' first='Josie' last='Vaughn'] (11.7p, 3.3r, 3.1a, 2.7s) will now likely be the full-time point guard after splitting duties with Orme in the past. Vaughn is quick and shifty, plus she can shoot/score it. 5-10 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='825961' first='Jaiden' last='Cantrell'] (6.6p, 5.3r in 2021-2022) returns to the lineup after not playing as a Junior. That will help their interior scoring and defense immediately. 6-0 Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='404110' first='Alyssa' last='Groover'] (5.8p, 5.6r) has skill and ability, plus 5-7 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='496070' first='Reese' last='Withers'] (1.8p, 2.4r) saw action in each game as a Freshman. And if that wasn't enough, 5-5 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='295768' first='Alyssa' last='Murphy'] and 5-11 forward [player_tooltip player_id='767083' first='Gracie' last='Wate'], both Juniors, return to Southern Indiana after spending time in Louisville. Murphy is a Top-20 talent in Indiana's 2025 class, she spent both years of high school at Louisville's Mercy Academy, but she will miss most/all of this season with a knee injury. If she gives them any time at the end of the season, they will instantly be a better team. Wate was with Corydon as a Freshman, went to the same Mercy Academy last season, but she is back and brings versatility. Sophomores Paisley Teeter (1.7p), a guard, and Meghan Logan, a forward, plus Freshman wing Kyra Lathan, could get some early season opportunities as well. Scottsburg is a really tough matchup for most teams, because they shoot the ball and have ball skill at most positions on the floor. Getting back in transition and locating personnel are key when defending the Warriors. 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='295802' first='Ellie' last='Richardson'] (13.6p, 4.2r, 5.5a, 45 made 3s) is the main catalyst on the perimeter and can play on or off the ball. 5-11 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='626930' first='Katrina' last='Cooper'] (10.1p, 5.2r) returned last year after missing her Freshman year injured. She has length, athleticism, and a nice motor inside. 5-7 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='298262' first='Carrie' last='Hiler'] is a knockdown perimeter shooter, while 5-5 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='496047' first='Lola' last='Fouts'] is another guard who can play a traditional point guard role or bury 3-pointer after 3-pointer from the outside. They will seek additional depth this season, and the availability of 5-9 Senior forward Taneisha Griffin could be key. She has been a nice defender and rebounder in the past. The Madison Cubs played about seven players in their regular rotation a season ago, and five of them have graduated, in addition to a sixth graduate. Most notable of the missing are Cameran Cahall (9.9p, 5.5r, 2.3a) and Casey Dyer (8.3p, 5.3r). That leaves a mostly young and inexperienced roster, but the Cubs do have talent. Last season's leading scorer was just a Freshman, so now-Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='624877' first='Juliana' last='Davis'] (11.2p, 4.5r, 3.2s) is back as the go-to player at Madison. Joining her in the lineup is fellow Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='832703' first='Mylee' last='McQueary'] (1.1p, 1.4r), a 6-0 post, who will now get her turn to be a key producer. From this point, it could be any number of players, but anticipate 5-7 Senior forward Caitlyn Dailey (1.3p in 6 games) and 5-5 Senior guard Bailey Owens to step into starting spots in 2023-2024.   The Charlestown Pirates have posted winning records in nine of the last 10 seasons, however, they haven't won a Sectional title in that span, and they look to win their first Sectional game since 2019-2020. The loss of guards Tatum McFarland (13.1p, 2.7r, 2.9a) and Laney Hawkins (9.6p, 5.5r, 2.5a, 2.1s) to graduation will certainly affect the offensive output, especially their perimeter shooting, but there are still some nice pieces on the roster. One of those returnees, 6-0 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='177316' first='Kennedy' last='Coleman'] (15.8p, 9.8r, 3.3a, 3.4s), their top scorer and rebounder a year ago, is likely out for the season following a late-Summer knee injury. Now the focus turns to 5-5 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='177348' first='Maddie' last='Nipper'] (10.1p, 4.8r, 3.9a). She is the one playmaker remaining and can heat up quickly outside. Beyond that, 5-6 Senior wing Lienna Blackstone (4.5p, 3.8r), 5-8 Sophomore wing Natalie Gagnon (0.9p, 1.2r), and 5-5 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='331790' first='Kendall' last='Shives'] have the most returning experience. They can still finish with a winning record, but it's going to require a number of inexperienced newcomers stepping it up big-time in 2023-2024. A number of strong Freshmen can definitely help immediately. North Harrison went through a transition period last season, following the graduation of a strong 2022 class. The good news is, while they saw three members of the 2023 class leave via the diploma as well, none averaged more than 2.7 points or 3.9 rebounds per game. Now, several of those younger players are experienced and ready to help the Lady Cats get back to their winning ways. 5-8 Senior guard Sydney Smith (11.2p, 4.6r, 2.2s) was the leading scorer a season ago. 5-11 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='665452' first='Grace' last='Goldman'] (10.4p, 5.0r) was the leading rebounder, but she plays with a lot of skill and versatility around the perimeter. 5-8 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='885381' first='Lydia' last='Wilkins'] (6.2p, 3.7r) and 5-6 Senior guard Meg Marinc (5.9p, 2.8r, 2.0a) also both saw starting roles during the 2022-2023 season. If they can get Seniors Gracie Fouts (1.4p), a 5-7 forward, and Madi Clunie (1.3p), a 5-5 wing, to step it up and complete the starting five, this team can cause some problems once they gel later this year. The Salem Lions had a tough year in 2022-2023, but they look to bounce back immediately, though it will require the continuation of younger players stepping up into key roles. Sidney Brown (11.6p, 4.5r) and Lily Campbell have both graduated, and Brown was at least someone they could rely on to make a shot when needed. One place for them to start this year is 5-10 Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='1131931' first='Sidney' last='Burton'] (9.8p, 6.7r). She stepped in and looked like a veteran right away, and she could easily turn into a walking double-double performer moving forward. 5-6 Senior guard Kendall Hickey probably has the most overall experience of the returnees, and she'll give them a steady veteran presence. 5-5 Kirstin Sexton and 5-9 Lanie Roberts, both Senior wings, bring additional experience to the squad. Also keep an eye on 5-5 Sophomore guard Kenadie Garloch.   .   Sectional #31 Southridge (18-8), SAG 100, SOS 102 Washington (14-9), SAG 108, SOS 96 Vincennes Lincoln (11-12), SAG 109, SOS 72 Princeton (16-11), SAG 139, SOS 144 Heritage Hills (14-9), SAG 157, SOS 143 Pike Central (4-19), SAG 287, SOS 132   While Princeton was your champion and Southridge won the most games in 2022-2023, there are typically four to five teams in Sectional #31 who can claim the title from year to year. Princeton might have been a little bit of a surprise winner last year; however, they return their top six players and nearly all of their production. They also had three Freshman in the core rotation, and five Freshmen in their top eight a year ago as well, so beware of the Tigers. 5-4 guard [player_tooltip player_id='825965' first='Lexi' last='Smith'] (11.2p, 2.1r, 2.3s), 5-5 guard Azaryon Wesley (6.1p, 4.1r, 2.3a), and 5-8 wing Kiara Banks (4.2p, 3.9r), all Seniors, make up their experienced, leadership group within the lineup. Smith has been a top scorer year after year, while the other two provide athleticism, toughness, and rebounding. That brings us to their deep 2026 class. 5-6 guard [player_tooltip player_id='486492' first='Ailie' last='Taylor'] (10.3p, 4.8r) is strong and physical, and she can get downhill to score or create for others. Guard Mallory Watt (6.6p, 2.4a) and wing Raven Jones (4.6p, 3.8r) also started every game or were the first player off the bench. Adding to the Tiger depth will be 5-4 Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='486561' first='Nya' last='Dame'] (8.0p, 2.1s), who transferred in from Vincennes Rivet...she was a Princeton kid growing up. 5-11 Freshman forward [player_tooltip player_id='756242' first='Alexis' last='Kermode'] is another player who could affect the lineup, if for no other reason, because she has some height and length and can help defensively in that regard. Princeton will be a matchup problem for a lot of teams, but they will need to prove they can rebound and defend the interior. Southridge had a fantastic year in 2022-2023, and a lot of that had to do with getting a full season out of 5-9 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='295767' first='Avah' last='Montgomery'] (11.3p, 3.8r). She competes, brings toughness and scoring, and she can defend as well. Really, last year, she formed a two-headed monster with Bailey Keusch (11.8p, 7.8r), but unfortunately, Keusch is the most notable of several 2023 graduates who will certainly impact future success for the Lady Raiders. 5-10 Senior forward Maddux Marshall and 5-5 Senior guard Emma Blessinger are the top candidates to help her in the lineup. Also look for 5-6 Senior guard Kenley Hayes, 5-6 Junior guard Maggie Rasche, and 5-10 Junior post Molly Schwartz to bring additional experience and provide depth to what looks like a still-experienced roster. Washington graduated a strong 2022 class, yet they came right back and posted 14 wins behind a mostly young nucleus, with several Freshmen and Sophomores playing critical roles. Now more experienced, the Hatchets look to take that next step and move closer to 20 wins and a Sectional #31 title. The Hatchets start with an impressive pair of front-liners in 6-1 Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='486519' first='Katie' last='Reed'] (7.7p, 5.6r) and 6-0 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='324075' first='Olivia' last='Gilley'] (7.7p, 6.2r). Reed had a strong Spring & Summer, but by the Fall she was flashing playmaking ability at all levels. Gilley is a strong, physical, high-motor kid who does a lot of the "blue-collared" work inside. 5-7 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='767081' first='Aubrey' last='Frank'] (8.0p, 2.5r, 2.0a) stepped up last year and showed she can run offense and find teammates or knock down open shots. 5-7 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='486476' first='Shaylyn' last='Hawk'] (7.9p, 4.1r) is another nice, young scorer, while 5-10 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='486523' first='Ella' last='Williams'] (4.3p) has flashed big-play potential and can play any of three backcourt positions. 5-8 Senior wing Hayleigh Cummins (3.2p, 2.1r) brings leadership and toughness, and 6-1 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='201868' first='Madelyn' last='Dalton'] (3.2p) adds more size. Also keep an eye on 5-8 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1122709' first='Kenna' last='Garland'] (3.1p), who has improved, and 5-10 Freshman wing [player_tooltip player_id='751098' first='London' last='Gilley'], who could get her shot at some point in this deep and talented lineup.   One of the great Indiana nicknames, the Alices of Vincennes Lincoln are always competitive, and this year should be no different. They will, however, have to play without graduated point guard Gracie Kramer (9.1p, 2.2r, 4.1a, 2.3s), who brought stability and a calming presence to the court. Guard Faith Fleetwood also graduated and moved on. Starring for the Alices once again will be 5-11 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='510511' first='Arianna' last='Gerkin'] (17.0p, 6.3r). She is strong, athletic, competitive, and she can score it effectively at all three levels. She had an outstanding grassroots season. 5-10 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='177353' first='Macy' last='Sexton'] (7.2p, 8.4r) joins Gerkin up front. Sexton is another nice athlete with length, and she does a lot of the "little things" for her team to help them win. While those two bring a lot of stability, it will now be up to 5-5 Junior guard Kahre McCracy and 5-8 Senior guard Mattye Meadows to solidify the backcourt. 5-4 Senior guard McKenna Henderson and 5-9 Senior forward Gracie Phillips also look to contribute. Heritage Hills had a strong year, posting 14 wins, and they look to be even better in 2023-2024. They will need to overcome the loss of three graduates, including Olivia Susnjara (10.9p, 3.4r), Jenna McDowell (6.5p, 2.2r), and Chelsey Tempel. Leading the list of returnees are 5-8 Senior wing Rylie Schipp (9.7p, 5.9r, 2.1s) and 5-4 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='295813' first='Carlie' last='Still'] (7.1p, 2.5r). They look for help from 5-5 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1218643' first='Mayci' last='Litherland'] (6.9p, 4.5r, 2.7a), 5-6 forward Hadley Leibering (4.0p, 4.5r in 2 games), and 5-7 wing Liz Gogel (2.5p), all Juniors. Leibering made it through the first two games before missing the rest of the 2022-2023 season, so they're happy to have her back. Also look for the Patriots to give Freshman wing [player_tooltip player_id='1137294' first='Mia' last='Becher'] an opportunity early this season. Pike Central seeks to get to the 10-win plateau for the first time since 2017-2018, but that could prove difficult, as they graduated eight members of the 2023 class. Missed most will be Liberty Taylor (4.7p, 5.9r), Keena Young (3.2p, 3.2r), and Kahle Young (3.2p). Fortunately, however, their top two scorers from last year do return. 5-6 guard Brailey Mills (8.7p, 3.1r), 5-1 guard Anna Whitehead (4.9p), and 5-7 guard Shelby Meadows (2.2p, 4.5r), all Seniors, do return, so at least there is some experience in the lineup. The difficulty is the lack of depth on the roster. The Sophomore trio of guard Taryn Fiscus, forward Gracie Hill, and post Patience Apollos did see a little time at the end of games last year. They could be up next, but there is also a solid Freshman group, led by point guard [player_tooltip player_id='890882' first='Alyssa' last='McCutchan'].   .   Sectional #32 Gibson Southern (21-5), SAG 45, SOS 75 Evansville Memorial (25-2), SAG 62, SOS 69 Evansville Mater Dei (12-13), SAG 111, SOS 82 Boonville (9-14), SAG 218, SOS 104 Mt. Vernon (Posey) (1-20), SAG 319, SOS 111 Evansville Bosse (0-21), SAG 350, SOS 120   It seems like in most recent years, Gibson Southern and Evansville Memorial have had their battles. Last year, Gibson Southern lost in the regular season matchup but avenged it in the state tournament, advancing all the way to the Semi-State round. The Titans should again be a strong team in Class 3A, led by 5-9 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='177324' first='Chloey' last='Graham'] (16.4p, 5.1r, 2.9s) and 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='295774' first='Gabby' last='Spink'] (14.9p, 2.9r, 4.6a). Graham is a knockdown shooter who brings energy, while Spink is a creator who can find teammates or shoot/score it herself. Alexis Tucker (13.2p, 7.4r) and Ava Weisheit (7.8p, 5.8r, 2.0a) did graduate, but a strong 2025 class should provide support. 5-8 wing [player_tooltip player_id='506027' first='Nola' last='Ravellette'] (4.9p, 2.8r), 5-5 guard Lydia Maurer (4.5p), and 5-9 forward Lauryn Adamson (3.6p, 2.8r), all Juniors, create nice, experienced depth for the Titans, as does 5-5 Senior guard Ally Malone (3.1p, 3.2r, 2.2a). 6-1 Freshman post [player_tooltip player_id='756247' first='Paige' last='Schnaus'] is a strong, physical, but skillful front-liner poised for a big career. Fellow Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='751126' first='Taylor' last='Weyer'], a 5-9 wing, can also help add length and skill. Evansville Memorial is once again the top challenger for Gibson Southern in Sectional #32. The Tigers have experience plus youthful talent, though they did say "goodbye" to two 4-year letter-winners in Emily Mattingly (14.9p, 5.4r, 3.1a, 2.8s) and Lydia Bordfeld (6.2p, 4.2r, 2.4a). Back at the helm for her fourth year, however, is 5-6 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='556017' first='Avery' last='Kelley'] (15.4p, 5.6r, 3.8a, 2.3s). She is tough-nosed, hard-working, skilled, and vocal. 6-0 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='177332' first='Sophie' last='Johnson'] (12.5p, 6.5r, 2.1s in 15 games) was injured last season, but she looks to be back and healthy, plus she is an athletic, versatile, inside-out weapon. 5-10 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='295756' first='Myla' last='Browning'] (9.7p, 3.3r, 2.1a) is a third returning starter with nice versatility around the perimeter. Tiger fans will likely be excited by the addition of 6-0 Freshman forward [player_tooltip player_id='610126' first='Rylee' last='Canaan']. She has skill in the mid-post and around the perimeter, plus she adds more size to their lineup. 5-6 Senior guard Laurel Kain (1.4p, 1.6r) played in 25 games last year, while 5-10 Sophomore forward Jenna Herr (2.7p) saw action in 17 contests. They can help with depth, as can Freshmen Brynna Alpers, a 5-9 wing, and Jaci Meece, a 5-6 guard. Evansville Mater Dei looks to get back on the winning side of .500, but to do so they must overcome the graduation losses of Kate Wenger (12.4p, 10.5r), Molly Schmitt (7.8p, 3.7r, 2.1a), and Kayla Gerth (2.0p). The Wildcats do have four experienced Seniors in 5-7 wing Chelsea Turner (7.4p, 5.9r), 5-10 forward [player_tooltip player_id='177320' first='Brylee' last='Delano'] (7.3p, 2.9r), 5-6 guard Alese Baumann (3.2p), and 5-4 guard Kylie Frey (3.2p). Turner and Delano could be double-figure scorers this time around. Additionally, Sophomore guard Addi Boots (3.2p) was a core rotation player as a rookie, and she looks for an expanded role this year. Beyond that, they have a new coach and several younger players, so there are a number of different directions they can go with their lineups.   Boonville leaned on a mostly young roster in 2022-2023, so hopefully they learned from their growing pains. However, Jiya Einerwold, Ashtyn Mayes, and Jillian Miller have graduated. 5-10 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='486484' first='Emily' last='Parker'] (16.8p, 7.3r, 2.0a, 2.2s) was an instant star for the Pioneers, and she only looks to contribute more each year. 5-8 Junior wing Alison Ward is another nice, younger player with multiple years of starting experience. Those two will be a nice tandem these next two seasons. 5-6 Senior guard Cadence Payne, plus 5-9 Sophomore forward Kristy Mockobee, look to be key performers as well in 2023-2024. The Mount Vernon (Posey) Wildcats won just one game a season ago, so they're aiming for nowhere but up at this point. That could be tougher than it sounds, as they averaged just 25.9 points per game as a team last year, and three of their top four scorers graduated (four players in total). Missed most will be Lera Wilson (6.7p, 5.3r) and Mallory Nurrenbern (5.0p, 4.6r). The good news is that 5-9 Senior forward Arlissa Sharber (9.6p, 5.2r) returns for one more year. Her presence inside should at least give the Wildcats a chance to win a couple of games here and there. 5-6 Senior forward Cora Bell (1.6p, 2.1r) and 5-2 Sophomore guard Hannah McNeece (1.1p) also return after each playing in 17 or more games. 5-6 Freshman guard Alyssa Fendel could also make an immediate splash on a team lacking depth. The Benjamin Bosse Bulldogs are in a similar position to Mount Vernon, in that they are just aiming for improvement a little bit at a time. At the start of this season, they hadn't won a game since January 21st, 2021 (we're happy to report they did win on November 16th, 2023). The Bulldogs averaged just 19.5 points per game last year, and they graduated six Seniors, all of which were among their top seven scorers. 5-8 Senior wing Jazmyne Morse (2.3p, 2.6r), 5-0 Senior guard CynCere McRae, plus Sophomore BeNycee Allen (1.1p, 2.5r), and Sophomore Ron'Jonae Carthan all saw action a season ago. Freshman guard Toniya Wright and Freshman post K'niyah Wilson could provide a young energy to the lineup as well.

The featured image is of Sophie Johnson Sophie Johnson 6'0" | PF Evansville Memorial | 2024 State IN (2024) of Evansville's Reitz Memorial High School.