Season Preview: Class 4A, Sectional #10
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The featured image is of Laila Abdurraqib Laila Abdurraqib 5'7" | PG Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (2025) of Lawrence Central High School. As we wind down our Sectional preview articles, we will individualize the final few as one…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Laila Abdurraqib Laila Abdurraqib 5'7" | PG Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (2025) of Lawrence Central High School.
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.
(SAG = Final 2022-2023 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (395 teams); SOS = Final 2022-2023 Strength of Schedule)
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Sectional #10
Lawrence North (19-10), SAG 11, SOS 8
Warren Central (17-7), SAG 18, SOS 13
Lawrence Central (16-8), SAG 21, SOS 14
North Central (8-15), SAG 35, SOS 6
Cathedral (11-13), SAG 39, SOS 18
Crispus Attucks (14-12), SAG 299, SOS 373
Arsenal Technical (8-15), SAG 313, SOS 344
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 Monica Williams (14.1p, 4.0r, 2.5a, 2.8s), Laniya Early (9.0p, 4.9r), and Maykayla Washington-Cobb (2.1p). 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 Kamara Mills Kamara Mills 5'8" | SG Lawrence North | 2024 State IN (8.2p, 2.7r) and 5-7 Junior guard Kya Hurt Kya Hurt 5'7" | PG Lawrence North | 2025 State IN (7.3p, 4.3r, 2.4r, 2.0a) return to the backcourt and bring talent and skill, while 6-1 Junior post Jamaya Thomas Jamaya Thomas 6'1" | C Lawrence North | 2025 State IN (7.7p, 4.7r) is a monster in the paint. 5-5 Senior guard Ellysa Morris Ellysa Morris 5'5" | PG Lawrence North | 2024 State IN (3.0p) and 5-5 Junior guard Victoria Guyse (2.9p) played a lot off the bench, as did 6-1 Senior post Natalia Franklin Natalia Franklin 6'1" | C Lawrence North | 2024 State IN (2.5p, 2.0r in 4 games), once she was eligible following her transfer. 5-10 Sophomore forward Naja Winston Naja Winston 5'11" | PF Lawrence North | 2026 State IN (9.0p, 7.5r, 3.7a, 3.4s) comes in from Decatur Central this season, while 5-11 Junior forward Ashiyah Teague Ashiyah Teague 6'0" | PF Lawrence North | 2025 State IN (6.1p, 6.9r) is a Pike transfer. Both should bring skill and versatility to the frontcourt. Keep an eye on Sophomores Keadriah Butler Keadriah Butler 5'9" | SG Lawrence North | 2026 State IN , a 5-8 guard, Ka’Nyriah Ridley Ka’Nyriah Ridley 5'4" | CG Lawrence North | 2026 IN , a 5-4 guard, and Nylah Peoples Nylah Peoples 5'11" | PF Lawrence North | 2026 IN , a 5-11 forward, who could see growing opportunities throughout the season. Butler had a big Spring & Summer. Additionally, 5-7 Senior guard Emani Washington Emani Washington 5'7" | CG Lawrence North | 2024 IN 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 Jaylah Lampley Jaylah Lampley 6'2" | SF Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (15.8p, 5.6r, 2.2a) and 6-3 Sophomore forward Lola Lampley Lola Lampley 6'3" | PF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN (12.0p, 5.5r, 3.7a, 2.7s). They are top prospects nationally who can each take over a game inside or out. At the same time, 5-7 Junior guard Laila Abdurraqib Laila Abdurraqib 5'7" | PG Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (13.1p, 5.5r, 3.1a, 3.0s) returns healthy, and she has also proven the ability to lead this group. 6-0 Sophomore forward Aniyah McKenzie Aniyah McKenzie 6'0" | PF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN (8.3p, 4.5r) is another talented youngster who showed flashes last season. She could turn into a double-double machine. 5-11 Senior forward Daneijah Wynn Daneijah Wynn 5'11" | PF Lawrence Central | 2024 IN (2.9p in 13 games) contributed last season after transferring in from Lawrence North, while 5-7 Junior wing Melaya Hughes (2.7p, 2.9r), 5-10 Junior forward Janiyah Russell (1.0p), and Senior guard Katie Castro each saw a little time a year ago. 5-6 Junior guard Mariah Kenter-Garrett Mariah Kenter-Garrett 5'6" | PG Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (10.5p, 3.8r, 2.3a, 4.1s) 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.
Warren Central is another program deep on talent. At the same time, they did graduate significant pieces in Asiah Baxter (15.1p, 11.0r) and Sanaa Thomas (8.4p, 3.6r, 5.9a). Makayla Tucker (4.3p), Imani Benson (3.7p, 5.0r), and Leah Petty also earned their diplomas, and Senior Paige Highbaugh (3.0p) did not return. The Warriors are another team leaning on a pair of sisters for leadership this season. 5-7 Senior wing Denyha Jacobs Denyha Jacobs 5'7" | SF Warren Central | 2024 State IN (15.6p, 6.3r, 2.5a, 3.7s) and 5-6 Sophomore guard Denell Jacobs Denell Jacobs 5'6" | CG Warren Central | 2026 State IN (8.5p, 3.1r, 2.3s) 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 Teleah Davidson (2.2p, 3.9r), 5-10 Senior wing Candyce Hollins Candyce Hollins 5'10" | SF Warren Central | 2024 IN (1.2p), and 5-5 Senior guard Veronica Lugo Veronica Lugo 5'4" | CG Warren Central | 2024 IN (1.0p) offer additional experience in their final seasons. Look for 5-8 Sophomore guard Maliyah Williams Maliyah Williams 5'8" | SG Warren Central | 2026 IN , 5-7 Senior guard Keyera Harlan, 5-8 Senior wing Isyss Donelson Isyss Donelson 5'8" | SF Warren Central | 2024 IN , and 5-7 Junior guard Laila Mathis Laila Mathis 5'6" | PG Warren Central | 2025 IN to potentially find some minutes in the rotation. Also keep an eye out for 6-3 Junior post Ariel Watford Ariel Watford 6'3" | C Warren Central | 2025 IN . 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 Nakiya Harris (11.8p, 9.1r), Ava Couch (11.1p, 2.9r, 2.4s), and Trinity Archey (7.7p, 3.9r, 2.1a) who left via the diploma. Additionally, promising 6-2 Sophomore D’Aaliyah Kemp D’Aaliyah Kemp 6'2" | PF Park Tudor | 2026 State IN has moved over to Park Tudor, Junior guard Tiana Guy is now at Sectional rival Cathedral, and Senior guard D.J. Pannell D.J. Pannell 5'5" | CG North Central (Indianapolis) | 2024 IN 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 Kaitlyn Hoff Kaitlyn Hoff 5'11" | PF North Central (Indianapolis) | 2024 State IN (6.0p, 4.0r) is a strong athlete with inside-out skill, while 5-8 wing Kaiden Kreinhagen Kaiden Kreinhagen 5'8" | SF North Central (Indianapolis) | 2024 State IN (3.5p, 2.0r) is a tough-nosed, versatile wing. 5-8 Junior wing Kristian Dinkins Kristian Dinkins 5'8" | SF North Central (Indianapolis) | 2025 State IN showed a lot of promise over the Summer and could be a breakout candidate, while 5-2 Junior guard Gabrielle Burrus Gabrielle Burrus 5'2" | PG North Central (Indianapolis) | 2025 State IN has touch outside and a craftiness with the ball. 5-8 wing Macy Loy Macy Loy 5'9" | SF North Central (Indianapolis) | 2027 State IN , 5-6 guard Arianna Harrington Arianna Harrington 5'7" | SG North Central (Indianapolis) | 2027 State IN , and 5-3 guard Laila Scott-Knox Laila Scott-Knox 5'4" | PG North Central (Indianapolis) | 2027 IN are a trio of talented Freshmen who could provide needed depth early in their careers.
Cathedral must overcome the loss of 2023 Indiana All-Star Layla Gold (21.9p, 9.0r, 2.5a), 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 Nya Huff (3.0p, 2.9r). 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 Jaeda Wilson Jaeda Wilson 5'7" | CG Cathedral | 2025 State IN (7.7p, 3.1r) 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 Abby Beasley Abby Beasley 5'8" | SF Cathedral | 2025 IN (4.0p, 2.4r, 4.0a) is another nice athlete on the perimeter who can do a little of everything. This year, they add 5-7 North Central transfer Tiana Guy to the mix, and she should play a lot immediately. Up front, the Fighting Irish turn to 6-2 post Taylor Lewis Taylor Lewis 6'2" | C Cathedral | 2024 State IN (10.1p, 7.6r) and 5-11 forward Catherine Cline Catherine Cline 6'0" | SF Cathedral | 2024 IN (4.7p, 5.0r, 2.2a), 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 Tatum Triggs and 5-8 Junior guard Reaghan Gilmore 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 Daisha Bullock (13.2p, 2.8r, 2.4s) and Raylyn Yates (6.9p, 5.1r), plus the transfer of Junior guard Mariah Kenter-Garrett Mariah Kenter-Garrett 5'6" | PG Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN to Lawrence Central. They were three of their top four scorers a year ago. 6-2 Senior post Lariah Wooden Lariah Wooden 6'2" | C Crispus Attucks | 2024 IN (7.1p, 8.4r) does return, and she is a nice building block in the middle. Also, 5-4 Senior guard Shyaira Woods 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 Kayla Lacombe Kayla Lacombe 5'8" | SF Arsenal Technical | 2024 State IN (21.4p, 9.2r, 2.7a, 2.3s). 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 Jasmine Chambers (12.2p, 7.5r, 2.7a, 3.1s), Junior Natanya Edwards (4.0p, 9.7r), Junior Myana Willis (2.3p, 3.2r), and Junior Jasmine Johnson (2.1p) 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 Alilyona McKeller Alilyona McKeller 5'7" | SF Arsenal Technical | 2024 IN (12.9p, 7.4r, 2.9s). She should give a nice boost to the lineup immediately. Senior guard Kira Overton (2.5p, 3.2r), Junior post Adrianna Thompkins (1.6p, 5.0r), Senior guard Emely Marin (1.3p), and Junior forward Khalis Brown (2.5r) did see action last season and bring back experience. Add to that Sophomore Ja’Niyah Tate and Freshman Janiya Sanders, both newcomers, and the Titans should have a chance at approaching 10 wins once again.