Sectional Preview: Class 1A North

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='326478' first='Peyton' last='Honchar'] (2024) of Morgan Township High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The regular season has concluded, and the state tournament begins soon. While brief, below is a look at the eight Sectionals in Class 1A in the Northern half of the state. All statistics provided here have been pulled from each school's MaxPreps page, so if your stats are not represented here, your team's MaxPreps page has not been updated by your coach/school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #49 - Morgan Township</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Tri-Township<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Morgan Township<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Washington Township<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Demotte Christian, Kouts</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Tri-Township (21-1) has been outstanding this year, with their only loss coming in early January to Washington Township...a loss they avenged later in the Porter County Conference tournament. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923191' first='Jayde' last='Pryor']</strong>, plus Seniors <strong>Addie Gorski</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572826' first='Miranda' last='Wozniak']</strong> are a very nice trio at the Class 1A level. Morgan Township (14-7) is another program who is typically on the winning side of .500. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326478' first='Peyton' last='Honchar']</strong> (<em>12.8p, 6.9r, 2.2s</em>), plus Junior twins <strong>Madi Lemmons</strong> (<em>9.9p, 6.2r, 2.8a</em>) and <strong>Josie Lemmons</strong> (<em>9.7p, 2.3r</em>), help the Cherokees compete with schools of all classifications. Honchar has the size to play inside and the skill to play out. Washington Township (11-11) has a tremendous Junior backcourt as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324077' first='Gracie' last='Little']</strong> (<em>13.7p, 3.0r, 2.9a, 3.3s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331817' first='Clair' last='Klinger']</strong> (<em>11.5p, 5.5r, 4.0a, 3.0s</em>), and <strong>Jaycee Jackson</strong> (<em>9.0p, 3.1r</em>) can all make shots, run the offense, and control tempo...fast or slow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Tri-Township</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #50 - Culver Community</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Heavy Favorite:</strong> Marquette Catholic<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> Triton, Argos<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Westville, Oregon-Davis, Culver Community, South Bend Trinity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Marquette Catholic and Triton are undefeated against Sectional #50 competition, but they haven't played each other. Argos has only lost once to a Sectional opponent...Triton. This one will likely come down to those three teams in the end. Marquette is loaded with talent and size, and the Blazers don't have a Senior in the rotation. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis']</strong> (<em>18.7p, 5.6r, 2.9a, 3.0s</em>) is a strong and talented scorer who can get to the rim in a hurry. Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751101' first='Marissa' last='Pleasant']</strong> (<em>10.7p, 2.8r</em>) is all motor and toughness, and she gets better each week. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324083' first='Natalie' last='Robinson']</strong> (<em>7.2p, 6.0r, 2.5s</em>), <strong>Livia Balling</strong> (<em>6.7p, 5.9r, 2.1s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331799' first='Jiselle' last='Chabes']</strong> (<em>4.5p, 2.5r, 2.7a</em>) are all Juniors who round out the starting lineup for Marquette. Triton has a solid starting lineup and good size upfront. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369830' first='Addyson' last='Viers']</strong> (<em>17.4p, 8.9r, 2.9b</em>) leads the Trojans for a final run at a Sectional title. Fellow Senior <strong>Jocelynn Faulkner</strong> (<em>6.7p, 4.4r, 2.6s</em>) brings experience and a defensive presence to the backcourt. Triton will also utilize good defense to slow most opponents. Argos isn't very deep, but they do have the state's leading scorer, and if she can get going early, she'll help keep them in most games. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825863' first='Samantha' last='Redinger']</strong> (<em>30.4p, 5.4r, 2.5a, 3.8s</em>) has scored 55 points, 50 points, 47 points, 42 points, and in the 30s eight times!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Marquette Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #51 - Lakewood Park Christian</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Blackhawk Christian<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Bethany Christian, Lakewood Park Christian<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Elkhart Christian, Hamilton Community</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> The top three teams in Sectional #51 are all competitive, and I wouldn't be surprised if any of the three make it as far as the Semi-State this season. Blackhawk Christian boasts size in 6-2 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572795' first='Allie' last='Boyer']</strong>, and she can take over games at times. She gets help on the perimeter from Senior <strong>Emma Kline</strong> and Junior <strong>Avery Elsworth</strong>. Bethany Christian was a State Finalist in 2023, and they look to return. With the duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338899' first='Zoe' last='Willems']</strong> (<em>20.0p, 9.4r, 4.4a, 4.8s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326492' first='Mariah' last='Stoltzfus']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 4.0r, 4.3a, 4.0s in 11 game</em>), both Seniors, they can beat anyone. However, Stoltzfus hasn't played since December 30th, so it makes the likelihood of that much tougher. Lakewood Park also has a talented duo who play with skill and versatility. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828004' first='Ava' last='McGrade']</strong> (<em>20.3p, 3.8r, 2.6a, 2.7s</em>) has shot the ball extremely well this season, while Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874116' first='Jade' last='Carnahan']</strong> (<em>12.2p, 8.9r, 5.3a, 2.8s</em>) can handle the ball and run offense but also has the size to defend multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Blackhawk Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #52 - South Newton</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Tri-County<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Caston<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> West Central<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> North White, Frontier, South Newton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Tri-County (15-6) knocked off Caston (18-3) earlier in January, and the Cavaliers look to take home the Sectional #52 crown. Tri-County is set up for a couple of seasons, and Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828013' first='Sara' last='Zarse']</strong> (<em>11.5p, 6.5r, 3.4a, 3.2s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923137' first='Hannah' last='Arvin']</strong> (<em>9.9p, 7.2r, 2.0a, 3.3s</em>) lead the way for the Cavaliers. Senior <strong>Allista Taulman</strong> (<em>7.4p, 2.6a</em>) and Sophomore <strong>Grace Luck</strong> (<em>7.0p</em>) add a couple more scoring threats. Caston is Senior-laden, deep, and none is more important than <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239357' first='Isabel' last='Scales']</strong> (<em>16.3p, 8.7r, 3.7a, 4.3s</em>). Classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874149' first='Addison' last='Zimpleman']</strong> (<em>13.8p, 5.6r, 2.9s</em>) has really stepped it up this season as well, and Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='890801' first='Madisyn' last='Douglass']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 2.3r, 2.8a, 4.0s</em>) has been a nice addition to the lineup and given them another ball-handler who can score it. They should eventually have a battle ahead of them with Tri-County. If anyone else can compete in Sectional #52, West Central (13-8) might be that team. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='989366' first='Annika' last='Smith']</strong> (<em>14.7p, 8.3r, 2.7s</em>) and Junior <strong>Kailee Bishop</strong> (<em>8.6p, 5.0r, 2.4s</em>) give the Trojans a fighting chance most nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Caston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #53 - Northfield</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Northfield<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Southwood<br><strong>Longshot:</strong> Southern Wells, Lakeland Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> In this four-team Sectional, Northfield (10-12) is the only one with double-digit wins, plus they are 4-0 against the field, with two wins over Southwood. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572800' first='Hannah' last='Holmes']</strong> (<em>13.9p, 11.0r</em>) and <strong>Eden Hoover</strong> (<em>8.1p, 4.6r</em>), plus Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122656' first='Elli' last='Baker']</strong> (<em>12.7p, 5.6r</em>) form a nice trio of athletic wings/forwards with a little size as well. They shouldn't have any issues with Sectional #53 opponents, but later rounds will take some great efforts. Southwood has some potential, but they are just young right now. Freshman <strong>Lola Winer</strong> (<em>6.8p, 2.9r</em>) leads the way for the youthful Knights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Northfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #54 - Attica</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Heavy Favorite:</strong> Clinton Central<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Fountain Central, Faith Christian<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Rossville, North Vermillion, Attica</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Clinton Central (21-1) looks to finish the season with a deep state tournament run. They have a nice trio of players who can help with that. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455946' first='Sara' last='Parkison']</strong> (<em>18.0p, 6.3r, 2.1a, 2.1s</em>) is a physical presence around the basket and plays with an outstanding motor. Fellow Senior <strong>Erika Robbins</strong> (<em>11.4p, 2.6r, 2.1a</em>) is another hard-working player who does a little of everything skillfully around the perimeter. But it's Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486527' first='Carly' last='Davison']</strong> (<em>13.1p, 5.1r, 8.5a, 2.8s</em>) who makes this thing go. She is crafty, tough-nosed, and very skilled/aware. They are a heavy favorite, but Fountain Central (18-4) and Faith Christian (12-11) might each be able to muster up some sort of counteroffensive. Fountain Central Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751069' first='Henley' last='Good']</strong> (<em>11.0p, 2.7r, 2.1s</em>) and Junior <strong>Hannah Prickett</strong> (<em>9.5p, 3.0r, 2.0s</em>) give the Mustangs a chance, but they are young and might be a year away. Faith Christian is another young group, but Division-I Sophomore prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486509' first='Maya' last='Layton']</strong> (<em>24.8p, 5.3r, 3.2a, 4.5s</em>) is explosive enough to take over a game and carry the Eagles. The next couple of years should be huge for them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Clinton Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #55 - Anderson Prep</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Tri-Central<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Daleville<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Anderson Prep, Cowan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Tri-Central (8-13) plays a tougher schedule but doesn't play any of the other three teams, so it's hard to tell who the true favorite is. However, over the years they have been the strongest group from year to year. Senior <strong>Autumn Hart</strong> (<em>12.3p, 6.7r, 2.5a, 2.3s</em>) and Junior <strong>Layla Keith</strong> (<em>8.6p, 3.0r</em>) should help the Trojans to a Sectional title. Daleville (7-13) looks to have the best chance to get in their way, but they are a somewhat young crew who might need another year of experience. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1256446' first='Addisyn' last='Gothrup']</strong> (<em>13.2p, 2.2r</em>) and Senior <strong>Isabelle Williams</strong> (<em>12.6p, 6.0r, 2.2s</em>) give them a pair of double-figure scorers, though most of the rest of the roster are Freshmen and Sophomores...good ones, just young.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Tri-Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #56 - Union City</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Tri<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Union City, Randolph Southern<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Blue River Valley<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Union (Modoc), Cambridge City Lincoln</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Tri (20-3) has been quite the power in Class 1A for a little while, and this year is no different. They tend to have more size, talent, and depth than most of their opponents. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570375' first='Kenley' last='Cornelius']</strong> (<em>13.2p, 6.0r, 2.1a, 2.6s</em>), Senior <strong>Rylee Boyd</strong> (<em>11.3p, 3.5r, 3.1a, 2.9s</em>), and Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131939' first='Jillian' last='Chew']</strong> (<em>11.0p, 3.5r, 2.8a, 3.6s</em>) are an outstanding trio around the perimeter and have a little size to them as well. Senior <strong>Nakaya Cridge</strong> (<em>7.5p, 8.2r, 3.0b</em>) gives them a presence in the paint. Union City had a gem fall in their lap by way of foreign exchange student <strong>Luane Schoonbroodt</strong> (<em>17.0p, 10.1r, 3.1a, 4.7s</em>). The 5-10 Senior does a little of everything for the Indians. Senior <strong>Camryn Fischer</strong> (<em>10.0p, 5.5r</em>) and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570378' first='Oaklee' last='Reichard']</strong> (<em>8.5p, 4.2r, 2.0a in 6 games</em>) give them added weapons to match up with Tri. Reichard recently returned from injury. Randolph Southern has double-digit scorers in Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761158' first='Haileigh' last='Allen']</strong> (<em>15.6p, 6.8r</em>) and Senior <strong>Bree Smith</strong> (<em>11.9p, 3.3r, 2.5a, 2.4s</em>), while Blue River turns to Junior <strong>Charlee Gibson</strong> (<em>14.2p, 5.6r, 2.4s</em>) and Senior <strong>Maciah Driskill</strong> (<em>9.3p, 10.2r, 2.1s</em>) for experience and production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Tri</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->