Season Preview: Class 4A, Sectional #8

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman'] (2026) of Hamilton Southeastern 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 #8 in Class 4A, which feeds into one of the Northern Regionals. Below is a look at the teams in Sectional #8, 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 #8</font></strong><br>Hamilton Southeastern (21-3), SAG 3, SOS 4<br>Fishers (26-3), SAG 4, SOS 3<br>Noblesville (21-4), SAG 5, SOS 1<br>Zionsville Community (20-3), SAG 6, SOS 5<br>Westfield (12-11), SAG 30, SOS 9<br>Carmel (4-19), SAG 61, SOS 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #8 always seems to be loaded with talent and strong teams, and this year should be no different. Any team can beat any other team on any given night, and they foreseeably could all make tournament runs. The Fishers Tigers were the Class 4A State Runner-Up in 2023, falling to Bedford North Lawrence. While the Tigers suffered some significant graduation losses, they do still welcome back quite a bit of talent. Gone via the diploma are <strong>Hailey Smith</strong> (<em>11.9p, 7.0r, 2.7a</em>), <strong>Olivia Smith</strong> (<em>10.4p, 3.7r, 2.4a</em>), <strong>Alycia Triplett</strong> (<em>7.1p, 5.3r</em>), and <strong>Karina Scott</strong> (<em>2.6p</em>). Additionally, Junior wing <strong>Ava<font color="FFFFFF">.</font>Carter</strong> (<em>2.9p</em>) opted not to return to basketball this season. Indiana Junior All-Star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176168' first='Talia' last='Harris']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 4.3r, 2.1a, 2.2s</em>), a 5-8 Senior point guard, plus 5-4 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177355' first='Joirdyn' last='Smith']</strong> (<em>7.2p</em>), are returning starters for Fishers. 6-1 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177358' first='Kate' last='Thomas']</strong> (<em>4.0p, 3.3r</em>) and 5-10 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295771' first='Allison' last='Scheu']</strong> (<em>2.8p</em>) were key substitutes in their playoff run a season ago. 6-0 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295761' first='Nevaeh' last='Dickman']</strong> (<em>1.5p in 17 games</em>) and 6-0 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264118' first='Morgan' last='Roberts']</strong> (<em>1.3p in 16 games</em>) saw limited action but will be counted on for much greater production this year. Also look for 5-9 Freshman forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751034' first='Alanna' last='Anthony']</strong> and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923151' first='Olivia' last='Brookshire']</strong> to work their way into the rotation at some point this season. The Royals of Hamilton Southeastern were about as deep with talent as any team in Sectional #8, so despite suffering some major graduation losses of their own, they just replace talent with younger talent this season. Gone from the 2022-2023 roster are Indiana All-Star <strong>Riley Makalusky</strong> (<em>19.9p, 3.9r</em>), Indiana All-Star <strong>Olivia Brown</strong> (<em>6.9p, 5.0r, 7.5a, 3.7s</em>), <strong>Teegan Acres</strong> (<em>5.1p, 5.8r, 2.3a</em>), <strong>Lauren Stewart</strong> (<em>4.1p</em>), <strong>Olivia White</strong>, and <strong>Charity Beal</strong>. Unfortunately, high-motor Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506028' first='Maine' last='Hooks']</strong> (<em>0.9p</em>) will miss the season after suffering a knee injury, and Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486485' first='Blair' last='Satterfield']</strong> (<em>0.7p in 9 games</em>) is no longer playing. Still, though, there is a nice nucleus that can beat anyone in the state if shots are falling. 6-3 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295764' first='Maya' last='Makalusky']</strong> (<em>15.4p, 3.9r</em>) now takes the leadership reins from her older sister. The younger Makalusky can score it from all over. 5-8 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman']</strong> (<em>6.1p, 4.0r, 2.8a</em>) now handles full-time point guard duties with the graduation of Brown, while 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham']</strong> (<em>2.8p</em>) should slide into the starting lineup and be a big-time scorer moving forward. 5-10 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828094' first='Addison' last='Van Hoesen']</strong> (<em>0.2p in 10 games</em>) and 5-4 Junior guard <strong>Kayla Brinley</strong> (<em>0.8p in 10 games</em>) could be next up for starting consideration after playing sparingly last season. 5-5 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486488' first='Antonette' last='Green']</strong>, 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Kenley Johnson</strong>, and 5-10 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825984' first='Zoe' last='Lawless']</strong> also compete to be a part of the Royal rotation in 2023-2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Noblesville unfortunately drew Fishers in their first Sectional game last season, providing a double overtime thriller, before losing 67-64. This year, the Millers should still be a strong opponent for most teams, but they must deal with the graduation losses of <strong>Kaitlyn Shoemaker</strong> (<em>7.7p, 2.8r, 2.5a, 2.4s</em>), <strong>Dani Mendez</strong> (<em>5.8p, 4.8r</em>), <strong>Brooklyn Ely</strong> (<em>3.0p</em>), <strong>Brooklyn Smitherman</strong>, and <strong>Carly Motz</strong>. Shoemaker, Mendez, and Ely were staples in the lineup over the years. The Millers do welcome back one of the state's best backcourts in 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177361' first='Reagan' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>16.9p, 3.2r, 4.0a, 3.4s</em>) and 5-10 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295776' first='Meredith' last='Tippner']</strong> (<em>17.6p, 9.2r, 3.0a, 2.6s</em>). Both are skillful, tough-nosed, high-motor players who can take over games. Wilson was an Indiana Junior All-Star after last season. 5-9 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264119' first='Ava' last='Shoemaker']</strong> (<em>8.7p, 2.9r, 2.0s</em>) has really improved her skill and could break out this season. 6-2 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486478' first='C.C.' last='Quigley']</strong> (<em>1.6p, 2.4r</em>) saw more opportunity late last season, and she could start and also break out this time around. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218677' first='Kate' last='Rollins']</strong> (<em>1.7p</em>), 5-9 Sophomore guard <strong>Ally Hutchinson</strong>, and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Brookelyn Grayson</strong> will likely be called upon next to fill depth roles. The Zionsville Eagles had a great season in 2022-2023, which included seeing <strong>Laila Hull</strong> (<em>22.4p, 8.3r, 2.1a, 2.4s</em>) earn the coveted 2023 Indiana Miss Basketball distinction. Now, they must play without the 6-1 Hull, 6-0 <strong>Jordyn Coleman</strong> (<em>6.5p, 5.3r</em>), and 6-0 <strong>Mallory Heerdt</strong> (<em>4.4p, 4.0r, 2.3a</em>)...all graduates. But the Eagles played a tight knit group of six last season, and the Senior trio of 5-8 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177325' first='Emma' last='Haan']</strong> (<em>10.4p, 2.8r, 2.1a</em>), 5-11 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177313' first='Allison' last='Caldwell']</strong> (<em>9.6p, 3.0r, 3.1a</em>), and 5-4 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177338' first='Faith' last='Leedy']</strong> (<em>5.3p, 4.6r, 2.2a, 2.0s</em>) return to the backcourt for the fourth year of Varsity action. Haan plays with as high of a motor as anyone in the state, Caldwell is a smooth and versatile wing, while Leedy brings a nice toughness to the point. Those three are more than capable of leading this team to several victories this season. 5-8 Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='579969' first='McKenzie' last='Chapman']</strong> brings that same type of motor and toughness and should be able to slide right into that group rather seamlessly. Up front is where there are questions, but there isn't a lack of size. 6-3 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326489' first='Brooke' last='Karesh']</strong> looks for her opportunity to step up, as does 6-1 Junior forward/post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692240' first='Caroline' last='Sampson']</strong>. Between the two of them, they should be able to control the boards. Junior guards <strong>Macey Ring</strong> and <strong>Lydia Smith</strong>, plus 6-0 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='890889' first='Emily' last='Zack']</strong>, 5-9 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932696' first='Emma' last='Tinder']</strong>, and 5-7 guard <strong>Sammie Kulwicki</strong>, all Freshmen, look to make their mark at some point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Westfield Shamrocks were on the "right" side of .500 once again in 2022-2023, but this time around they look to compete for a Sectional #8 title. While the Spring graduation took away three players, most notably <strong>Emmrey Collinsworth</strong> (<em>5.7p, 2.0r</em>), the 'Rocks return nearly all of their production. 5-9 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177334' first='Elizabeth' last='Kelleher']</strong> (<em>11.5p, 4.7r, 3.2a</em>) is an athletic and dynamic scoring threat who can take care of the ball. 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366803' first='Lindsey' last='Van Dyke']</strong> (<em>6.6p, 3.0r</em>), 5-9 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295759' first='Aubrey' last='Crockett']</strong> (<em>6.4p, 5.1r, 2.3a</em>), and 5-6 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825986' first='Reagan' last='Lorenzen']</strong> (<em>3.9p, 2.4r</em>) also return to the backcourt. Van Dyke brings toughness and skill, Crockett is smooth and fluid, while Lorenzen is a capable perimeter shooter. 6-1 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239350' first='Kiarra' last='Loveless']</strong> (<em>3.5p, 3.6r</em>) also returns to the frontcourt with multiple years of Varsity experience. She brings a nice inside-out versatility. From there, look for 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486531' first='MaKayla' last='Hatcher']</strong>, 5-4 Junior guard <strong>Meg Hamilton</strong>, and 6-2 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506024' first='Sam' last='Price']</strong> to find ways to contribute this season as well. Juniors <strong>Madeline Linville</strong> and <strong>Mia Crask</strong>, plus Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486541' first='Katherine' last='Roh']</strong>, all look to work their way into some minutes at some point this year. Last but not least are the Carmel Greyhounds. They have a new coach at the helm, and if they can stay reasonably healthy, they have the talent and skill to compete with anyone in this Sectional #8 field. While the Greyhounds said "goodbye" to graduated wing <strong>Hannah Lach</strong> (<em>8.1p, 4.5r</em>), they welcome back a great deal more. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295812' first='Isabelle' last='Shepherd']</strong> (<em>11.0p, in 14 games</em>) got off to a hot start last season before injuring her knee and missing significant time. She is back and should be close to 100% almost immediately. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324070' first='Taryn' last='Fisher']</strong> (<em>5.1p, 3.7r in 16 games</em>), 5-10 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369825' first='Ava' last='Carter']</strong> (<em>4.8p in 5 games</em>), and 6-2 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295769' first='Lauren' last='Perry']</strong> (<em>4.8p, 2.1r in 14 games</em>) also each dealt with their own nagging injuries throughout the 2022-2023 season, and each hopes to maintain their health this year. Fisher is an athletic guard, while Carter and Perry can make shots outside. That allowed 5-9 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324065' first='Mallory' last='Bourquein']</strong> (<em>6.9p, 2.0r</em>) and 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506016' first='Mackenzie' last='Woods']</strong> (<em>6.8p, 4.0r, 2.6a</em>) to step up as Sophomores, though Bourquein is injured and will miss this season, unfortunately. 5-8 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331791' first='Jamie' last='Elliott']</strong> (<em>4.5p, 2.0r</em>), 5-10 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453220' first='Rilee' last='McBride']</strong> (<em>3.5p in 13 games</em>), 5-8 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298258' first='Keaton' last='Gatlin']</strong> (<em>2.3p</em>), and 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='718316' first='Brooke' last='Thoren']</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>) also return to the roster with at least some Varsity experience. 5-10 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761159' first='Sydney' last='Bonds']</strong> is a Sophomore who could see some action this year as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->