Sectional Preview: Class 1A South

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='496039' first='Kiley' last='Best'] (2025) of South Decatur 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 Southern 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 #57 - Bloomfield</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorites:</strong> Shakamak, North Central (Farmersburg)<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> White River Valley<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Bloomfield, Clay City, Bloomington Lighthouse, Dugger Union</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Sectional #57 will likely come down to Shakamak (16-6) and North Central (14-10). The Lakers of Shakamak don't have a Senior as part of their rotation, so they have a couple of years of runs in them. They play with great balance and use defense to help them win games. Juniors <strong>Ema Janouskova</strong> (<em>9.1p</em>) and <strong>Elayni Stone</strong> (<em>9.0p, 3.7r, 3.4a, 3.4s</em>) lead the Lakers into action. As for North Central, they aren't shy about trying to outscore opponents. Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366798' first='Jalyn' last='Davidson']</strong> (<em>18.1p, 3.4r, 5.9a, 3.5s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122822' first='Shelby' last='Seay']</strong> (<em>12.2p, 4.3r, 4.5a, 4.0s</em>) team up with Senior <strong>Kimber Ladson</strong> (<em>8.0p, 2.1r</em>) in the Thunderbird backcourt. They put up points in a hurry and take a lot of 3-point shots as well. White River Valley is a darkhorse candidate, but it will take a lot for the Wolverines to overcome either of the aforementioned teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> North Central (Farmersburg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #58 - Metropolitan</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Heavy Favorite:</strong> Bethesda Christian<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Deaf School of Indiana <br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Indiana Math &amp; Science, MTI School of Knowledge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Sectional #58 is all Bethesda's to win or lose...it's that simple. They have great Senior experience, the best player in the group, and they have postseason experience. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177322' first='Kenzie' last='Fulks']</strong> (<em>19.0p, 3.7r, 5.2a, 3.8s</em>) leads the Patriots into action for a final run and looks to complete a strong career with some titles. Fellow Seniors <strong>Sydney Goodin</strong> (<em>12.3p, 6.0r, 2.3a</em>) and <strong>Jayla Ferguson</strong> (<em>8.8p, 7.4r</em>) offer support to Fulks and seek a good end to their careers as well. If anyone has a slight chance to challenge Bethesda it's likely the Indiana Deaf. Senior <strong>Sophia Wascher</strong> (<em>19.7p, 9.9r, 3.7s</em>) is an absolute weapon for the Orioles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Bethesda Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #59 - Eminence</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Eminence<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Indianapolis Lutheran<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Greenwood Christian, Tindley Accelerated, Providence Cristo Rey</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Eminence (16-7) fell to Indianapolis Lutheran (12-9) during the regular season; however, I feel like the Eels have more talent and the potential to make a longer run this postseason. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570384' first='Sophia' last='Saucerman']</strong> (<em>14.5p, 5.9r</em>) is a matchup problem and leads the Eels into action. From there, it's a large Senior class. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825876' first='Natalie' last='Hubbard']</strong> (<em>11.2p, 6.9r, 2.6a, 2.8s</em>), <strong>Bella Dittemore</strong> (<em>8.9p, 2.3r, 2.4s</em>), and <strong>Danica Myers</strong> (<em>8.3p, 5.6r, 4.9a, 2.8s</em>) are all multiyear regulars for Eminence and each stand out in their own way. The Lutheran Saints have a couple of nice Seniors of their own in <strong>Grace King</strong> (<em>17.0p, 10.4r, 2.6a, 3.7s</em>) and <strong>Caitlyn Brooks</strong> (<em>12.3p, 2.9r, 2.2a, 3.1s</em>). Freshman <strong>Maddux Tindall</strong> (<em>6.4p, 3.2r, 2.8s</em>) made some noise this year for the Saints as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Eminence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #60 - Southwestern (Shelbyville)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Jac-Cen-Del<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Oldenburg Academy<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> South Decatur<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Waldron, Morristown, Southwestern (Shelbyville), Edinburgh</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> JCD (18-5) lost a close one to South Decatur back around Thanksgiving, but they have greatly improved since then. The three-headed monster of Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572809' first='Julia' last='Meyer']</strong> (<em>14.4p, 8.4r, 2.1a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625088' first='Reagan' last='Hughes']</strong> (<em>12.7p, 2.9r, 2.1s</em>), plus Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122667' first='Kelsey' last='Borgman']</strong> (<em>9.8p, 3.6r, 2.3a</em>) give the Eagles the hope they can make another deep playoff run in 2024. Oldenburg (17-4) has had a nice season as well, and they are riding a 7-game winning streak into the state tournament. Seniors <strong>Kate Weber</strong> and <strong>Ellie Ryan</strong> are joined by productive Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761188' first='Rachel' last='Suttmann']</strong> and talented Freshman <strong>Ali Nobbe</strong>. As for South Decatur (13-10), the Cougars lean on a pair of nice Juniors in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122850' first='Makayla' last='Somers']</strong> (<em>11.8p, 9.0r</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496039' first='Kiley' last='Best']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 2.7r</em>). If they can get hot, they can sneak out of Sectional #60 with a title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Jac-Cen-Del</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #61 - West Washington</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Lanesville<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Borden<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> West Washington, Rock Creek, South Central (Elizabeth), Christian Academy of Indiana</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Lanesville (22-1) was the 2023 Class 1A State Champion, and though they graduated some key pieces, they were incredibly deep with younger talent as well. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295760' first='Hadley' last='Crosier']</strong> (<em>15.2p, 5.0r, 4.1a, 4.2s</em>), Senior <strong>Ava Kerr</strong> (<em>10.6p, 5.1r, 2.7a, 2.7s</em>), Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='880516' first='Shelby' last='Allen']</strong> (<em>10.4p, 5.9r</em>), and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324067' first='Hylton' last='Brumley']</strong> (<em>9.1p, 3.0r, 2.1a</em>) have been Varsity regulars for the last couple of seasons, so there likely isn't going to be much that will rattle them. With a tremendous 2026 class, Borden is built for the future, but they are good right now, too. They lost to Lanesville by a bucket earlier this year, and they'll look to use their youthful talent to win the Sectional #61 title this year. Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486522' first='Ava' last='Wheeler']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486550' first='Riley' last='Rarick']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486552' first='A.J.' last='Mallad']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='797505' first='Emma' last='Hart']</strong> can all have big games at any time. Wheeler and Rarick are drawing Division-I interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Lanesville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #62 - New Washington</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Trinity Lutheran<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> New Washington, Rising Sun<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Shawe Memorial<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Crothersville, Medora</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Trinity Lutheran (11-11) graduated maybe the best player in program history, yet they come back as the favorite once again with a 4-0 record against the field. Now, attention turns to Junior <strong>Madison Keith</strong> (<em>15.3p, 12.0r, 2.8s</em>), Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751103' first='Marley' last='Warren']</strong> (<em>14.1p, 4.3r, 2.0a</em>), Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326481' first='Liza' last='Froedge']</strong> (<em>11.7p, 4.0r</em>), and Junior <strong>Jordan Brewer</strong> (<em>8.6p, 2.3r</em>). Despite their overall record, that group is capable of advancing well-beyond the Sectional. There are some contenders, however. New Washington has a pair of capable Seniors in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572798' first='Kaidin' last='James']</strong> and <strong>Sami Mattingly</strong>. Rising Sun turns to two Seniors as well in <strong>Alyssa Simpson</strong> (<em>16.9p, 12.1r</em>) and <strong>Jenna Peelman</strong> (<em>9.4p, 5.6r, 2.0a, 3.0s</em>) for their success. Shawe Memorial could be a nice darkhorse themselves, as they boast versatile and skilled Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='690125' first='Ava' last='Turner']</strong>. Sophomore guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761180' first='Hunter' last='Mote']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832676' first='Audrey' last='Barron']</strong> have talent but have struggled off and on with injuries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Trinity Lutheran</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #63 - Barr-Reeve</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorites:</strong> Springs Valley, Orleans<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Vincennes Rivet<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Barr-Reeve<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Loogootee, Shoals, Washington Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Springs Valley (20-4) put together an outstanding record, but they did have close games against Orleans and Rivet. Still, though, they are a favorite here in Sectional #63. Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567139' first='Maddie' last='Carnes']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='481402' first='Maci' last='Eckerty']</strong> are a big part of the Blackhawks' success, and they still have two seasons left after this. Senior <strong>Bella Nottger</strong> contributes quite a bit as well for Springs Valley. Orleans (19-3) is also talented and somewhat young, as Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567991' first='Callie' last='Alston']</strong> (<em>13.3p, 5.0r, 2.0a, 2.8s</em>) paces the Bulldogs. Freshman <strong>Chelsea Ralph</strong> (<em>10.0p, 5.0r</em>) had a promising first season for Orleans. Rivet (12-11) has a history of success in their program, and they typically play a bit stronger schedule than most of the Sectional #63 field. 6-3 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404106' first='Mary' last='Herman']</strong> and 6-0 Sophomore sister <strong>Claudia Herman</strong> cause size and skill issues for opponents. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570382' first='Elexus' last='Frey']</strong> is a talented guard, and Freshman <strong>Alli Stearns</strong> flashes a lot of promise. Barr-Reeve (10-12) is under .500 this season, but they have the potential to beat anyone in Sectional #63. Junior front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366796' first='Hannah' last='Bledsoe']</strong> (<em>10.3p, 8.5r, 2.5b</em>) is a presence in the paint, while Senior <strong>Willow Thompson</strong> (<em>6.2p, 3.1r, 2.4a</em>) provides experience around the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Springs Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #64 - Wood Memorial</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Wood Memorial<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Tecumseh, Northeast Dubois<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Evansville Christian<br><strong>Longshot:</strong> Cannelton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Wood Memorial (12-10) surprised some people and won the Sectional a season ago. I like them again this year. Senior <strong>Josie Page</strong> is joined in the lineup by several talented Sophomores and Freshmen. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923192' first='Katie' last='Sevier']</strong> adds at least one more upperclassman presence to the squad. Tecumseh (14-10) beat Wood Memorial in the regular season by a mere 3 points. They turn to Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369833' first='Jenna' last='Donohoo']</strong> (<em>14.1p</em>) for leadership, while Juniors <strong>Alena Holder</strong> (<em>11.0p</em>) and <strong>Katelyn Marx</strong> (<em>10.2p</em>) are also capable scorers for the Braves. Northeast Dubois could surprise some people, and they'll likely do it with strong defensive performances. Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218635' first='Emmersen' last='Kalb']</strong> (<em>9.8p, 3.3r</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044775' first='Lyllee' last='Schnell']</strong> (<em>9.0p, 9.9r, 2.1b</em>) have significant postseason experience from the past. Senior <strong>Macey Harrison</strong> (<em>8.5p, 3.0r</em>) has had a nice year as well. Evansville Christian is still a young IHSAA program, but they've become competitive the last couple of seasons. A strong Sophomore trio of <strong>Peyton Geer</strong> (<em>8.2p, 3.0a, 3.2s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1256458' first='Bella' last='Hall']</strong> (<em>8.2p, 7.1r, 2.3s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1256469' first='Hannah' last='Higgs']</strong> (<em>8.1p, 2.7r, 2.4a, 2.6s</em>) give the Eagles a lot of hope for the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Wood Memorial</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->