Season Preview: Class 4A, Sectional #15

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486500' first='Elise' last='Coleman'] (2026) of Floyd 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 #15 in Class 4A, which feeds into one of the Southern Regionals. Below is a look at the teams in Sectional #15, 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 #15</font></strong><br>Bedford North Lawrence (27-3), SAG 2, SOS 17<br>Jennings County (16-6), SAG 25, SOS 22<br>Jeffersonville (14-10), SAG 44, SOS 24<br>Silver Creek (14-10), SAG 66, SOS 41<br>Seymour (14-10), SAG 76, SOS 38<br>Floyd Central (10-13), SAG 122, SOS 43<br>New Albany (4-20), SAG 199, SOS 44</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #15 is somewhat tiered, with there being three tiers, and Bedford North Lawrence leading the first one. The Stars won the 2023 Class 4A State Championship. They are well-coached, hard-working, and basketball smart kids. However, they graduated Indiana All-Star <strong>Karsyn Norman</strong> (<em>15.5p, 4.2r, 4.2a, 2.4s</em>), along with <strong>Mallory Pride</strong> (<em>10.8p, 6.8r</em>), <strong>Emma Brown</strong> (<em>4.7p</em>), <strong>Katie Baumgart</strong> (<em>1.4p</em>), and <strong>Emma Crane</strong>. Now, the Lady Stars will lean even more heavily on 5-9 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176409' first='Chloe' last='Spreen']</strong> (<em>19.0p, 5.3r, 3.2a, 2.7s</em>). Spreen was a 2023 Indiana Junior All-Star, plus she is a Miss Basketball candidate because of her skill, talent, and consistency on the court. Fellow 5-8 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177308' first='Madisyn' last='Bailey']</strong> (<em>7.6p, 4.2r, 3.5a, 2.7s</em>) has always been asked to give solid minutes, but now she'll be relied upon to score more as well. From here, experience is thin and size is missing, but look for 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Bella Jackson</strong> (<em>1.1p</em>), 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Tori Nikirk</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>), 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692234' first='Katie' last='Godlevske']</strong> (<em>0.8p</em>), and 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Trinidy Bailey</strong> (<em>0.8p</em>) to step into much bigger roles and potential starting spots. Also, 5-9 Freshman wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='644053' first='Miley' last='Sherrill']</strong> will likely get an early look; she flashed upside at our PGH Freshman Showcase this Fall. If the Stars need size, look for 6-1 Junior post <strong>Harryson Hayes</strong> to offer that in matchup situations. Jennings County is a dangerous, hungry team, with plenty of talent and veteran players on hand. The Panthers graduated four players, but really only <strong>Megan Vogel</strong> (<em>6.5p, 6.6r</em>) and <strong>Manto Vadell</strong> (<em>3.1p, 2.2r, 3.0a</em>) played much at all. Back in the fold is 6-1 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177362' first='Juliann' last='Woodard']</strong> (<em>22.8p, 12.5r, 3.1a, 2.4s, 2.4b</em>), who has gone from being a post to a versatile inside-out threat at both ends of the floor. She was a 2023 Indiana Junior All-Star. 5-10 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486508' first='Mollie' last='Ernstes']</strong> (<em>12.0p, 3.2r, 2.6a</em>) flashed big-time potential last Winter, then put together a strong Spring &amp; Summer grassroots season. She is primed for a nice year. The Panthers also welcome back 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201871' first='Alivia' last='Elmore']</strong> (<em>14.4p, 4.1r, 3.1a, 2.1s in 2021-2022</em>), who missed last season after her second knee injury. She brings a ton of energy, toughness, and versatility to the lineup. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>Madelyn McIntosh</strong> (<em>6.0p, 2.8r</em>) should slide back into the starting lineup again this year, while the fifth spot could be decided based on matchups. Vying for playing time are 5-9 Freshman wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751058' first='Etta' last='Young']</strong>, 6-0 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455936' first='Alexis' last='Carson']</strong> (<em>2.7p, 1.9r</em>), 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Avynn Belding</strong> (<em>1.5p</em>), and Sophomore wing <strong>Riley Byford</strong> (<em>0.6p in 11 games</em>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year I pointed out that Jeffersonville seems to have about as many kids playing grassroots basketball as any other program in the state. That's probably a good thing, considering they graduated eight players in the Spring. Most notable of the missing from that 14-win team are <strong>Brooklyn Carter</strong> (<em>11.3p, 3.8r, 2.1a</em>), <strong>Sophia Reese</strong> (<em>9.7p, 2.0r, 2.5a</em>), <strong>Cadence Singleton</strong> (<em>5.5p, 5.2r</em>), <strong>Myah Johnson</strong> (<em>5.5p, 4.6r</em>), <strong>Maranda Mason</strong> (<em>5.4p</em>), and <strong>Averielle Baker</strong> (<em>2.8p, 3.9r</em>). That accounts for six of their top nine scorers and rebounders from a year ago. The good news is, there are still three experienced, Senior backcourt returnees. 5-7 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455932' first='La'Kyra' last='Johnson']</strong> (<em>9.8p, 4.9r</em>) is an explosive athlete who can get to the basket. 5-9 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177339' first='Elle' last='Marble']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 2.6r</em>) is a long, smooth, and versatile player who can shoot/score. And 5-4 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177323' first='LaQaya' last='Gold']</strong> (<em>3.5p</em>) is a strong, compact point guard who can score or distribute. The Red Devils also picked up a nice transfer prospect in the way of 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='376790' first='Keziah' last='Renee']</strong>, who comes in from Louisville Mercy. She is a nice athletic playmaker as well. Needing to step up this year will likely be 5-6 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496055' first='Makenzie' last='Mason']</strong>, 5-3 Junior guard <strong>Amiya Calloway</strong>, and 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>Kiya Boatwright</strong>. The Red Devils aren't very tall, but they will play fast and feisty. If they need to, they also have 6-1 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201883' first='Skylar' last='Thompson']</strong> on hand for specific matchups. Silver Creek continues their run in Class 4A due to their past success, and last year they managed 14 wins despite playing several underclassmen in critical roles. The best of the bunch for the Dragons is 6-3 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486543' first='Brooklynn' last='Renn']</strong> (<em>12.0p, 11.3r, 3.3b</em>). She is a top 2026 prospect in the state and has a tremendous combination of skill and talent at her size. The guard duo of 5-7 Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366806' first='Lydia' last='Wright']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 3.0r, 2.0s</em>) and 5-7 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='422604' first='Emma' last='Schoen']</strong> (<em>9.2p</em>) were highly effective around the perimeter. Both can make shots outside or facilitate. 5-3 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506022' first='Katy' last='Rooney']</strong> and 5-1 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826021' first='Kiera' last='Gant']</strong> add to the strong Silver Creek backcourt, as both are capable starters who can also make shots with range. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Jazmyn Robey</strong>, 5-9 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298260' first='Ellie' last='Falkenstein']</strong>, 5-8 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='334074' first='Hannah' last='Senn']</strong>, and 5-11 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1266853' first='Joslyn' last='Chesser']</strong> look to add depth and help the Dragons approach 20 wins this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Floyd Central seeks its first winning record since the 2016-2017 season. They have nice young talent, so the potential is certainly there. The Highlanders start with 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324079' first='Samara' last='Miller']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 2.8r, 2.5a</em>), already a 2-year Varsity performer at the point. She has touch outside as well. Floyd Central also has nice size in the way of 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486500' first='Elise' last='Coleman']</strong> (<em>11.1p, 3.9r, 2.0s</em>), 6-1 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324073' first='Nora' last='Gibson']</strong>, and 6-1 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298254' first='Megan' last='Czarnecki']</strong>. Coleman was a great addition last year, as she has ball skill and the ability to knock down shots consistently at all levels. Gibson has inside-out versatility as well, while Czarnecki is best in the paint. If the Highlanders can get consistent play around the perimeter, they should have a nice season. The Seymour Owls are an interesting group this season, as they have a nice mixture of size, skill, experience, and youth. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177357' first='Kendall' last='Sterling']</strong> (<em>14.3p, 4.8r, 4.6a</em>) is the best of the bunch. She can play a point forward role or score it consistently from the mid-post to the arc. 6-1 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298257' first='Journee' last='Brown']</strong> offers a nice interior presence, as she has both an offensive and defensive game in her repertoire. The Owls did graduate guards <strong>Brooke Trinkle</strong> and <strong>Lainey Jackson</strong>, so they will need to find backcourt production. Luckily, 5-8 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='638374' first='Sophie' last='Skidmore']</strong> was a welcomed addition as a rookie, and she had a great Spring &amp; Summer grassroots season. 6-0 Senior forward <strong>Claire Marshall</strong> could round out the starting lineup. New Albany is a program who has been a bit down over the past few years, and Sectional #15 can be a monster at the top. Now, they must play without graduates <strong>Journey Howard</strong> (<em>14.0p, 7.5r, 2.0b</em>) and <strong>Alaina Walker</strong> (<em>7.0p, 6.5r</em>). One youngster who offers some promise is 5-8 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832668' first='Maizy' last='Smith']</strong> (<em>8.5p, 3.8r</em>). She will need help, and the combination of 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773835' first='Grace' last='McBride']</strong>, plus 5-5 Freshman point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751057' first='Emily' last='Robison']</strong> could be just the answer. McBride is a high IQ, skilled perimeter player, while Robison is a dynamic creator who can find teammates and also make shots. It might take the Bulldogs some time to put it all together, but that trio is a nice building block to work with moving forward. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Sophia Corley</strong> has also seen action each of the last two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->