Season Preview: Class 4A, Sectional #10

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='295753' first='Laila' last='Abdurraqib'] (2025) of Lawrence Central High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we wind down our Sectional preview articles, we will individualize the final few as one Sectional per article. This article focuses on Sectional #10 in Class 4A, which feeds into one of the Southern Regionals. Below is a look at the teams in Sectional #10, 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 #10</font></strong><br>Lawrence North (19-10), SAG 11, SOS 8<br>Warren Central (17-7), SAG 18, SOS 13<br>Lawrence Central (16-8), SAG 21, SOS 14<br>North Central (8-15), SAG 35, SOS 6<br>Cathedral (11-13), SAG 39, SOS 18<br>Crispus Attucks (14-12), SAG 299, SOS 373<br>Arsenal Technical (8-15), SAG 313, SOS 344</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawrence North was the 2023 Sectional #10 Champion, and they made it as far as the Semi-State, finishing just one game away from the State Finals. Now, they must play without graduates <strong>Monica Williams</strong> (<em>14.1p, 4.0r, 2.5a, 2.8s</em>), <strong>Laniya Early</strong> (<em>9.0p, 4.9r</em>), and <strong>Maykayla Washington-Cobb</strong> (<em>2.1p</em>). Still, though, the Wildcats are incredibly deep and one of the top teams in the state, plus they welcome in a couple of talented transfers as well. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572824' first='Kamara' last='Mills']</strong> (<em>8.2p, 2.7r</em>) and 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt']</strong> (<em>7.3p, 4.3r, 2.4r, 2.0a</em>) return to the backcourt and bring talent and skill, while 6-1 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295793' first='Jamaya' last='Thomas']</strong> (<em>7.7p, 4.7r</em>) is a monster in the paint. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773769' first='Ellysa' last='Morris']</strong> (<em>3.0p</em>) and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Victoria Guyse</strong> (<em>2.9p</em>) played a lot off the bench, as did 6-1 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326485' first='Natalia' last='Franklin']</strong> (<em>2.5p, 2.0r in 4 games</em>), once she was eligible following her transfer. 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston']</strong> (<em>9.0p, 7.5r, 3.7a, 3.4s</em>) comes in from Decatur Central this season, while 5-11 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453218' first='Ashiyah' last='Teague']</strong> (<em>6.1p, 6.9r</em>) is a Pike transfer. Both should bring skill and versatility to the frontcourt. Keep an eye on Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='Keadriah' last='Butler']</strong>, a 5-8 guard, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761183' first='Ka'Nyriah' last='Ridley']</strong>, a 5-4 guard, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486474' first='Nylah' last='Peoples']</strong>, a 5-11 forward, who could see growing opportunities throughout the season. Butler had a big Spring &amp; Summer. Additionally, 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455933' first='Emani' last='Washington']</strong> adds another skilled, talented guard they can look to as well. Lawrence Central is the top competitor for Lawrence North this season, and the Bears have a talented cast of their own. Additionally, they return nearly all of their production from last season's 16-win team. It all starts with the Lampley sisters...6-2 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295763' first='Jaylah' last='Lampley']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 5.6r, 2.2a</em>) and 6-3 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492321' first='Lola' last='Lampley']</strong> (<em>12.0p, 5.5r, 3.7a, 2.7s</em>). They are top prospects nationally who can each take over a game inside or out. At the same time, 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295753' first='Laila' last='Abdurraqib']</strong> (<em>13.1p, 5.5r, 3.1a, 3.0s</em>) returns healthy, and she has also proven the ability to lead this group. 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492322' first='Aniyah' last='McKenzie']</strong> (<em>8.3p, 4.5r</em>) is another talented youngster who showed flashes last season. She could turn into a double-double machine. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331770' first='Daneijah' last='Wynn']</strong> (<em>2.9p in 13 games</em>) contributed last season after transferring in from Lawrence North, while 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Melaya Hughes</strong> (<em>2.7p, 2.9r</em>), 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Janiyah Russell</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>), and Senior guard <strong>Katie Castro</strong> each saw a little time a year ago. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='468535' first='Mariah' last='Kenter-Garrett']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 3.8r, 2.3a, 4.1s</em>) could wind up in the rotation as well after transferring in from Sectional rival Crispus Attucks. Look for the Bears to challenge any team in the state for a title these next couple of seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren Central is another program deep on talent. At the same time, they did graduate significant pieces in <strong>Asiah Baxter</strong> (<em>15.1p, 11.0r</em>) and <strong>Sanaa Thomas</strong> (<em>8.4p, 3.6r, 5.9a</em>). <strong>Makayla Tucker</strong> (<em>4.3p</em>), <strong>Imani Benson</strong> (<em>3.7p, 5.0r</em>), and <strong>Leah Petty</strong> also earned their diplomas, and Senior <strong>Paige Highbaugh</strong> (<em>3.0p</em>) did not return. The Warriors are another team leaning on a pair of sisters for leadership this season. 5-7 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331815' first='Denyha' last='Jacobs']</strong> (<em>15.6p, 6.3r, 2.5a, 3.7s</em>) and 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567132' first='Denell' last='Jacobs']</strong> (<em>8.5p, 3.1r, 2.3s</em>) found themselves in the starting lineup a year ago, and they should be the top two scorers this time around. The older Jacobs is a strong, physical playmaker, while the younger one is a nice combo guard who can really defend. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Teleah Davidson</strong> (<em>2.2p, 3.9r</em>), 5-10 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331797' first='Candyce' last='Hollins']</strong> (<em>1.2p</em>), and 5-5 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455948' first='Veronica' last='Lugo']</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>) offer additional experience in their final seasons. Look for 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832691' first='Maliyah' last='Williams']</strong>, 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Keyera Harlan</strong>, 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326480' first='Isyss' last='Donelson']</strong>, and 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692559' first='Laila' last='Mathis']</strong> to potentially find some minutes in the rotation. Also keep an eye out for 6-3 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828080' first='Ariel' last='Watford']</strong>. As she continues to develop and improve, she could make an impact later in the year. The Panthers of Indianapolis North Central have seen major graduation losses year after year, and this season they could debut several new players. Last Spring it was <strong>Nakiya Harris</strong> (<em>11.8p, 9.1r</em>), <strong>Ava Couch</strong> (<em>11.1p, 2.9r, 2.4s</em>), and <strong>Trinity Archey</strong> (<em>7.7p, 3.9r, 2.1a</em>) who left via the diploma. Additionally, promising 6-2 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567135' first='D'Aaliyah' last='Kemp']</strong> has moved over to Park Tudor, Junior guard <strong>Tiana Guy</strong> is now at Sectional rival Cathedral, and Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='718314' first='D.J.' last='Pannell']</strong> will miss the season due to injury. All three would have competed for major minutes, if not starting spots, this season. Back in the fold are a pair of promising Seniors. 5-11 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326493' first='Kaitlyn' last='Hoff']</strong> (<em>6.0p, 4.0r</em>) is a strong athlete with inside-out skill, while 5-8 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177337' first='Kaiden' last='Kreinhagen']</strong> (<em>3.5p, 2.0r</em>) is a tough-nosed, versatile wing. 5-8 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324069' first='Kristian' last='Dinkins']</strong> showed a lot of promise over the Summer and could be a breakout candidate, while 5-2 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295787' first='Gabrielle' last='Burrus']</strong> has touch outside and a craftiness with the ball. 5-8 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756243' first='Macy' last='Loy']</strong>, 5-6 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751040' first='Arianna' last='Harrington']</strong>, and 5-3 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751090' first='Laila' last='Scott-Knox']</strong> are a trio of talented Freshmen who could provide needed depth early in their careers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cathedral must overcome the loss of 2023 Indiana All-Star <strong>Layla Gold</strong> (<em>21.9p, 9.0r, 2.5a</em>), as the 6-0 forward could play inside or out, providing both offense and defense for the Irish. They graduated a handful of others as well, most notably <strong>Nya Huff</strong> (<em>3.0p, 2.9r</em>). However, the other four rotation players are back for the Irish, plus they add a key transfer, so they will look to get to 10 wins or more once again. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496026' first='Jaeda' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>7.7p, 3.1r</em>) is the top returnee on the perimeter, and she should hit her stride this year, after transferring in from Heritage Christian last season. 5-8 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506017' first='Abby' last='Beasley']</strong> (<em>4.0p, 2.4r, 4.0a</em>) is another nice athlete on the perimeter who can do a little of everything. This year, they add 5-7 North Central transfer <strong>Tiana Guy</strong> to the mix, and she should play a lot immediately. Up front, the Fighting Irish turn to 6-2 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326477' first='Taylor' last='Lewis']</strong> (<em>10.1p, 7.6r</em>) and 5-11 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298253' first='Catherine' last='Cline']</strong> (<em>4.7p, 5.0r, 2.2a</em>), both Seniors. Each has committed to Division-I schools in other sports, so they definitely have athletic talent. From there it gets a little murky, but look for 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Tatum Triggs</strong> and 5-8 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122716' first='Reaghan' last='Gilmore']</strong> to get their opportunities. Crispus Attucks looks to post a winning once again, but it could prove to be a lot more challenging this year, following the graduation losses of <strong>Daisha Bullock</strong> (<em>13.2p, 2.8r, 2.4s</em>) and <strong>Raylyn Yates</strong> (<em>6.9p, 5.1r</em>), plus the transfer of Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='468535' first='Mariah' last='Kenter-Garrett']</strong> to Lawrence Central. They were three of their top four scorers a year ago. 6-2 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826004' first='Lariah' last='Wooden']</strong> (<em>7.1p, 8.4r</em>) does return, and she is a nice building block in the middle. Also, 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Shyaira Woods</strong> returns after missing last season due to injuries sustained in an October 2022 auto accident. From there, any number of newcomers could find their time to produce in the lineup. One thing is for sure...the Tigers will be scrappy and hard-working. The best thing going for Arsenal Technical right now is the return of 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572822' first='Kayla' last='Lacombe']</strong> (<em>21.4p, 9.2r, 2.7a, 2.3s</em>). She is a dynamic offensive player who can put up points in bunches from all over. Additionally, the Titans did not roster a Senior last season, however, Senior <strong>Jasmine Chambers</strong> (<em>12.2p, 7.5r, 2.7a, 3.1s</em>), Junior <strong>Natanya Edwards</strong> (<em>4.0p, 9.7r</em>), Junior <strong>Myana Willis</strong> (<em>2.3p, 3.2r</em>), and Junior <strong>Jasmine Johnson</strong> (<em>2.1p</em>) were rotation players who did not return this year. But the Titans did get a nice transfer from Tindley in the way of 5-7 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826008' first='Alilyona' last='McKeller']</strong> (<em>12.9p, 7.4r, 2.9s</em>). She should give a nice boost to the lineup immediately. Senior guard <strong>Kira Overton</strong> (<em>2.5p, 3.2r</em>), Junior post <strong>Adrianna Thompkins</strong> (<em>1.6p, 5.0r</em>), Senior guard <strong>Emely Marin</strong> (<em>1.3p</em>), and Junior forward <strong>Khalis Brown</strong> (<em>2.5r</em>) did see action last season and bring back experience. Add to that Sophomore <strong>Ja'Niyah Tate</strong> and Freshman <strong>Janiya Sanders</strong>, both newcomers, and the Titans should have a chance at approaching 10 wins once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->