Sectional Preview: Class 4A North

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='295766' first='Monique' last='Mitchell'] (2025) of South Bend's Washington 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 4A 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 #1 - Lake Central</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Lake Central<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Merrillville, Munster<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Hammond Central<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Hammond Morton, East Chicago Central, Gary West Side</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Lake Central (20-4) is the "big dog" of Sectional #1, they made it to the Class 4A "Final Four" a season ago, and they were the only team to take out South Bend Washington last season. They return the same cast of characters, and with all five starters averaging between 8.1 and 9.2 points per game, they share the ball well. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176406' first='Aniyah' last='Bishop']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 5.1r</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201878' first='Riley' last='Milausnic']</strong> (<em>8.7p, 2.0r</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406433' first='Nadia' last='Clayton']</strong> (<em>8.1p, 2.9r, 2.0a</em>) lead the way, with help from Junior starters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295811' first='Ayla' last='Krygier']</strong> (<em>8.6p, 4.2r</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295781' first='Vanessa' last='Wimberly']</strong> (<em>8.5p, 2.5r, 3.9a, 2.7s</em>). The duo of Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366805' first='Kylie' last='Wells']</strong> (<em>14.7p, 3.6r, 2.0s</em>) and Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756240' first='Malika' last='Jenkins']</strong> (<em>12.4p, 3.0r, 4.2a, 2.9s</em>) has helped Merrillville to a strong season and give the Pirates a fighting chance, while Munster has their own impressive duo to stop in Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567130' first='Gracyn' last='Gilliard']</strong> (<em>25.7p, 8.1r, 2.7a, 5.8s</em>) and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553157' first='Nina' last='Garner']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 7.3r, 3.2s</em>). Also keep an eye on Hammond Central. They have an athletic trio of wings in Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572802' first='Aniyah' last='Henry']</strong> (<em>19.0p, 5.0r, 2.3s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177310' first='Kennedy' last='Blakely']</strong> (<em>13.4p, 6.4r, 4.1a, 3.8s</em>), plus Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567131' first='Indiah' last='Hutchinson']</strong> (<em>17.5p, 5.9r, 2.1a, 3.4s</em>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Lake Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #2 - Valparaiso</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Valparaiso<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Crown Point<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> Chesterton, Kankakee Valley<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Portage, Lowell, Hobart</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Super Soph <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419439' first='Lillian' last='Barnes']</strong> (<em>17.6p, 6.4r, 5.6a, 4.7s</em>) has once again led Valparaiso (15-7) to a solid season, including a 4-0 record against Sectional #2 opponents. None of those games were closer than 16 points. Barnes has gotten a full season of help from a healthy <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369832' first='Becca' last='Gerdt']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 6.6r, 2.5a</em>), a Senior forward, plus Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486512' first='Cadynce' last='Clark']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 2.3r, 2.0s</em>) has put in a nice second season for the Vikings. Crown Point looks to avenge a 16-point loss to Valpo back in early December, and they'll need Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298252' first='Ava' last='Ziolkowski']</strong> (<em>28.2p, 10.3r, 3.3s</em>) to play a big part in that. No one else averages more than 4.5 points per game, but the Bulldogs do play as deep as ten players from time to time, so they have options and plenty of ladies who've been a part of their recent successes. Chesterton has a strong Sophomore tandem in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486535' first='Kenedi' last='Bradley']</strong> (<em>15.0p, 3.7r, 3.8a, 4.0s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624858' first='Tenley' last='Davis']</strong> (<em>16.0p, 8.9r, 2.0s</em>), plus Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='718301' first='Ciara' last='Bonner']</strong> (<em>8.2p, 4.6r, 2.4a, 2.0s</em>) and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218580' first='Isabelle' last='Connors']</strong> (<em>7.9p, 5.8r</em>) have stepped up and provided upperclassmen leadership. The Trojans could surprise. Kankakee Valley has had another solid season and is 4-2 against Sectional foes, including an early November win over Crown Point. However, Senior <strong>Lyric Carpenter</strong> (<em>8.3p, 4.4r</em>) moved to Texas midseason, so now it's up to Seniors <strong>Olivia Plummer</strong> (<em>9.2p, 6.4r</em>) and <strong>Brooke Swart</strong> (<em>7.6p, 2.4r</em>) to keep them competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Valparaiso</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #3 - South Bend Washington</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Heavy Favorite:</strong> South Bend Washington<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> South Bend Adams, Plymouth, Mishawaka, Michigan City, LaPorte, South Bend Riley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> South Bend Washington is the runaway favorite again this year in Sectional #3. The combination of Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295770' first='Kira' last='Reynolds']</strong> (<em>16.4p, 10.7r, 4.5a, 2.3s, 5.8b</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295766' first='Monique' last='Mitchell']</strong> (<em>13.8p, 4.2r</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295780' first='Ryiah' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>15.1p, 2.4r, 4.4a, 5.0s</em>) is enough to carry them deep into the playoffs. I'm not sure anyone will touch them in Sectional #3, but keep an eye on top performers like Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454676' first='Lena' last='Jones']</strong> (<em>10.1p, 5.5r, 4.1a, 2.0s</em>) of Plymouth, Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406434' first='Asiah' last='Shaffer']</strong> of Mishawaka, and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366799' first='Paulecia' last='Isom']</strong> of Michigan City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> South Bend Washington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #4 - Northridge</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Northridge<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Warsaw, Penn<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Elkhart<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Goshen, Concord</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> There are four teams who can legitimately beat up on each other in Sectional #4. In fact, Warsaw was 4-0 against Sectional competition, Northridge was 4-1, and Elkhart was 3-1. Penn was just 2-3, but you always have to factor in the Kingsmen come tournament time. I still think Northridge has too much depth and the ability to make adjustments from a recent loss to a hot-shooting Warsaw. Northridge is led by Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177318' first='Morgan' last='Cross']</strong> (<em>10.0p, 4.8r, 2.8a, 3.0s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572813' first='Sabrina' last='Miller']</strong> (<em>7.2p, 2.1r, 2.4a</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201872' first='Gaby' last='Gates']</strong> (<em>7.1p, 3.3r</em>), along with Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331802' first='Rielyn' last='Goodwin']</strong> (<em>10.3p, 3.4r, 3.5a, 3.4s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324080' first='Ella' last='Mohamed']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 3.7r, 2.5a</em>). Warsaw has tremendous depth as well and is led by Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='403531' first='Brooke' last='Zartman']</strong> (<em>16.8p, 2.0r, 2.4s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567134' first='Joslyn' last='Bricker']</strong> (<em>16.2p, 4.1r, 3.1a, 2.2s</em>), plus Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295782' first='Brooke' last='Winchester']</strong> (<em>15.1p, 9.0r, 2.3a, 2.0s</em>). Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295795' first='Jessa' last='Troy']</strong> (<em>12.8p, 3.0r, 2.0s</em>) and Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369824' first='Lauren' last='Walsh']</strong> (<em>12.8p, 4.7r, 2.2a, 3.2s</em>) lead the aforementioned Penn Kingsmen, while Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486489' first='Jordynn' last='Johnson']</strong> does damage for the Elkhart Lions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Northridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #5 - Carroll (Fort Wayne)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Fort Wayne Snider<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Fort Wayne Northrop, Carroll (Fort Wayne)<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> DeKalb, East Noble<br><strong>Longshot:</strong> Fort Wayne North Side</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> On the surface, Fort Wayne Snider has a bit more talent than the other teams here, but in the end, this could be a competitive sectional just about every game. Snider has Miss Basketball candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177351' first='Jordyn' last='Poole']</strong> (<em>17.2p, 2.8r, 4.6a, 2.6s</em>) at the helm, and she is a real problem for opponents. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572796' first='Ciara' last='Sims']</strong> (<em>14.2p, 5.0r</em>) has put together an outstanding year in support. Northrop has only lost to Snider in this field, and they boast three double-digit scorers in Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492326' first='Khala' last='Williams-Thomas']</strong> (<em>17.7p, 3.9r, 2.3a, 3.4s</em>), Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177314' first='Alexis' last='Castator']</strong> (<em>11.1p, 6.1r, 4.4a, 2.1s</em>), and Senior <strong>Niya Bell</strong> (<em>10.2p, 2.7r</em>). The Carroll Chargers have their moments, and Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486555' first='Lillian' last='George']</strong> (<em>15.4p, 9.6r</em>) is a problem inside, while Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295801' first='Jersey' last='Paul']</strong> (<em>14.5p, 2.9r, 3.6a, 2.5s</em>) does damage outside. DeKalb and East Noble are rather young squads, but either group can pull an upset out of its hat. I think with Snider's strong Senior class, it's going to be tough to put them out this early in the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Fort Wayne Snider</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #6 - Columbia City</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Columbia City<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Homestead<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> Huntington North, Fort Wayne Wayne<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> New Haven, Fort Wayne South Side</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> One year ago, Columbia City saw a victory over Homestead slip through its fingers, but this time around, the Eagles are stronger and much-improved, while Homestead has gone to a younger core. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295754' first='Addison' last='Baxter']</strong> is a real talent in the backcourt for Columbia City, while Senior running 'mate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177354' first='Kyndra' last='Sheets']</strong> can score or set up teammates as well. Add is Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406435' first='Molly' last='Baker']</strong>, and that trio can compete with most around the state. Homestead still has talent, and top Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492319' first='Myah' last='Epps']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414465' first='Gabby' last='Helsom']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486540' first='Whitney' last='Ankenbruck']</strong> have skill and talent and only lack experience. They will challenge Columbia City for sure, and that game could be a battle. Huntington North has already knocked off some good teams this year, and as for a scary opponent, watch out for Wayne. They have talent and size, and if Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298263' first='Sydney' last='Gorman']</strong> can get going, they have plenty of weapons to knock out anyone having an "off" night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Columbia City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #7 - Kokomo</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> McCutcheon<br><strong>Contender:</strong> West Lafayette Harrison<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Kokomo<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Lafayette Jefferson, Logansport, Marion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> McCutcheon is arguably the best team and most talented team in Sectional #7; however, they are significantly young and inexperienced in these moments. How quickly they can "grow up" in the moment will be key. Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751095' first='Lillie' last='Graves']</strong> (<em>22.3p, 5.7r, 4.3a, 4.0s</em>) doesn't allow much to phase her, and she can easily be a standout against any of these opponents. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553262' first='Chloe' last='Finney']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 4.0r, 2.2s</em>) leads a big Sophomore class in support of Graves and the Mavericks. West Lafayette Harrison is always strong at this time of year, and Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369827' first='Riley' last='Whitlock']</strong> (<em>16.6p, 8.6r, 3.6s</em>) is a handful to deal with. Kokomo can also shine this year, if things go the right way for them. Senior front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369835' first='Aijia' last='Elliott']</strong> (<em>14.9p, 7.9r, 2.8b</em>) is the main catalyst for the Wildkats, but Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496053' first='Ma'Kaela' last='Drake']</strong> (<em>8.5p, 2.3r</em>) is also a nice player on the perimeter for Kokomo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> McCutcheon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #8 - Hamilton Southeastern</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorites:</strong> Hamilton Southeastern, Noblesville<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Zionsville, Fishers<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> Westfield, Carmel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Last year, Sectional #8 was insanely deep, and this year they should continue to contend as the toughest sectional in the state. Honestly, anyone can win on any given night, but I'll lean on host Hamilton Southeastern and their 19-3 record to get the job done. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295764' first='Maya' last='Makalusky']</strong> (<em>27.4p, 5.7r</em>) has been fantastic this season, and she should continue to light it up in February. Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham']</strong> (<em>12.1p, 3.7r, 3.0a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 5.5r, 7.4a, 2.5s</em>) have really matured quickly "on the fly", and they can be handfuls as well for the Royals. Noblesville doesn't have the shiny record this season, but the backcourt combination of Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177361' first='Reagan' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>16.5p, 3.4r, 2.6a, 3.0s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264119' first='Ava' last='Shoemaker']</strong> (<em>13.2p, 4.3r, 2.5a, 2.6s</em>), plus Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295776' first='Meredith' last='Tippner']</strong> (<em>16.1p, 10.1r, 3.4a, 3.5s</em>) can handle just about anyone in the state. Throw is Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486478' first='C.C.' last='Quigley']</strong> (<em>10.2p, 5.3r</em>) up front, and they are a real problem. Zionsville gets leadership from Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177325' first='Emma' last='Haan']</strong> (<em>15.7p, 3.1r, 2.0a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177313' first='Allison' last='Caldwell']</strong> (<em>13.3p, 5.4r, 4.8a</em>), while Fishers turns to Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176168' first='Talia' last='Harris']</strong> (<em>14.6p, 5.6r, 4.8a</em>), Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295771' first='Allison' last='Scheu']</strong> (<em>11.9p, 5.0r, 2.1a</em>), and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295761' first='Nevaeh' last='Dickman']</strong> (<em>11.0p, 6.1r</em>) to lead the Tigers into action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Hamilton Southeastern</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->