Sectional Preview: Class 4A South

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486508' first='Mollie' last='Ernstes'] (2026) of Jennings County 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 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 #9 - Pendleton Heights</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Pendleton Heights<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Mt. Vernon (Fortville), Greenfield-Central<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> New Palestine<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Richmond, Anderson, Muncie Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Sectional #9 is kind of a "sleeper" hidden between loaded Sectionals in #8 and #10. There are several quality teams here, and this Sectional always turns out upsets and close results. Pendleton Heights has nice balance throughout their roster, and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295797' first='Kaycie' last='Warfel']</strong> (<em>25.2p, 6.0r, 2.1a, 5.7s</em>) has been outstanding all season. Rookie <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750718' first='Adah' last='Hupfer']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 11.1r</em>), plus Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486495' first='Olivia' last='Jones']</strong> (<em>9.7p, 4.9r, 2.3a, 2.5s</em>), offer great support for Warfel and the Arabians. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177344' first='Ellery' last='Minch']</strong> and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='425632' first='Kanyonrae' last='Kenny']</strong> are plenty to keep the Mt. Vernon Marauders competitive against anyone in this field, while Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570373' first='Madison' last='Sonsini']</strong> (<em>14.2p, 8.8r, 2.0a</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324066' first='Chaney' last='Brown']</strong> (<em>13.7p, 6.5r, 2.4a</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='511387' first='Brooklyn' last='McConnell']</strong> (<em>10.3p, 2.7r, 2.0s</em>) have helped Greenfield-Central to its most wins since the 2016-2017 season. Also, never count out New Palestine, as Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825997' first='Allie' last='Blum']</strong> (<em>17.4p, 5.0r, 2.5a, 3.7s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825990' first='Vivian' last='Miller']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 4.0r, 3.3a, 2.3s</em>) have each stepped up in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Pendleton Heights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #10 - Cathedral</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Lawrence Central<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Lawrence North<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> Warren Central, North Central (Indianapolis)<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Cathedral, Arsenal Technical, Crispus Attucks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Sectional #10 is loaded at the top this season, as there are a handful of teams who can win multiple games with the right shooting night. Lawrence Central is 5-0 against the field to date, including two narrow victories over Lawrence North. The Bears get strong play from Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295763' first='Jaylah' last='Lampley']</strong> (<em>18.9p, 6.0r, 2.0a, 2.1s</em>), Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492322' first='Aniyah' last='McKenzie']</strong> (<em>11.9p, 5.7r, 2.0s</em>), Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492321' first='Lola' last='Lampley']</strong> (<em>10.7p, 6.2r, 2.7a, 2.2s</em>), and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295753' first='Laila' last='Abdurraqib']</strong> (<em>10.7p, 3.9r, 3.8a, 2.1s</em>). As long as those four are dialed in, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a realistic goal for Lawrence Central. Despite losing both games by a total of five points, Larry from the North has to be feeling like they are going to win one of these matchups eventually. The Wildcats have the talent and depth to compete, now it's just a matter of turning that corner and winning against the Bears this season. Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt']</strong> (<em>11.5p, 3.5r, 4.2a, 2.4s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295793' first='Jamaya' last='Thomas']</strong> (<em>10.1p, 4.0r</em>) have had nice seasons, as has Senior 3-and-D guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572824' first='Kamara' last='Mills']</strong> (<em>9.8p, 2.3r</em>). Sisters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331815' first='Denyha' last='Jacobs']</strong> (<em>20.7p, 6.0r, 2.3a, 4.0s</em>), a Senior, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567132' first='Denell' last='Jacobs']</strong> (<em>11.7p, 5.8r, 3.3s</em>), a Sophomore, lead the Warren Central Warriors into action. The Warriors also have a lot of depth and talent and are hoping for some luck along the way. North Central hasn't posted a great record, but they've shown on certain nights that they can compete with most teams. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326493' first='Kaitlyn' last='Hoff']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177337' first='Kaiden' last='Kreinhagen']</strong>, plus Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295787' first='Gabrielle' last='Burrus']</strong> are instrumental for the Panthers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Lawrence Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #11 - Pike</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorites:</strong> Franklin Central, Roncalli<br><strong>Contenders:</strong> Pike, Ben Davis<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Decatur Central<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Perry Meridian, Southport</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Despite records, expect Sectional #11 to be very competitive, with as many as five teams able to walk away with the crown. Franklin Central only plays about six players in their core, with three of them being Freshmen, but it's a talented group all the way around. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295800' first='Lily' last='Graves']</strong> (<em>11.2p, 4.8r</em>) is the leading scorer for the Flashes, while Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751115' first='Payton' last='DuVall']</strong> (<em>9.8p, 8.9r, 3.3b</em>) goes to work inside, and rookies <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692561' first='Ashlee' last='Baker']</strong> (<em>8.3p, 2.8r, 2.6a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756239' first='Riley' last='Huotari']</strong> (<em>5.0p, 3.1r, 4.0a</em>) hold down the perimeter. Roncalli is more experienced, with Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239349' first='Claire' last='Lindsey']</strong> (<em>8.3p, 4.1r, 4.5a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826016' first='Taylor' last='Turk']</strong> (<em>9.6p, 5.2r</em>) providing that leadership. Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716615' first='Elliot' last='Leffler']</strong> (<em>12.6p, 4.7r</em>) actually leads the Royals in scoring, and she is a knockdown perimeter shooter. Pike and Ben Davis will also cause problems with their depth and athleticism. The Red Devils use an intimidating frontline of Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326484' first='Alexis' last='Warren']</strong> and Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='686306' first='Komari' last='Booker']</strong> to ease the play for Freshmen guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751118' first='Saniya' last='Smith']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751088' first='Korinne' last='Nickolson']</strong>. The Giants of Ben Davis lean on Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572797' first='Zoe' last='Wheeler']</strong> (<em>13.1p, 4.1r, 2.2s</em>) for leadership, while a host of talented Sophomores offer support. And the Hawks of Decatur Central could surprise, led by Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453215' first='Soriah' last='Gouard']</strong> and Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492315' first='Kenadi' last='Passley-Banks']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Franklin Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #12 - Avon</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorites:</strong> Plainfield, Brownsburg<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Avon<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> This is a really tight race at the top, but Plainfield has improved their win total by seven games from a season ago, and they look to know how to handle Brownsburg's size. Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751064' first='Hannah' last='Menser']</strong> (<em>15.1p, 3.5r, 2.7a, 2.5s</em>) has made a somewhat expected impact as a rookie, but she's been even better than that. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486496' first='Berkeley' last='Williams']</strong> (<em>14.3p, 4.0r, 2.1a</em>) is one of the more enjoyable/entertaining players to watch, while Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239347' first='Payton' last='Benge']</strong> (<em>13.0p, 6.5r</em>) looks strong as a nice inside-out face-up forward. Brownsburg leans heavily on 6-6 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295789' first='Avery' last='Gordon']</strong> (<em>21.4p, 9.3r, 2.2b</em>), and rightfully so. As long as they are able to get her the ball and she stays out of foul trouble, the Bulldogs can compete with anyone. However, they struggle with small, fast teams, and that's where Avon comes in. The Orioles are a matchup nightmare because they are extremely quick, fast, and explosive, and they are short enough to win the team limbo competition on most nights. All kidding aside, Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366801' first='Aniah' last='Smith']</strong> (<em>21.3p, 4.5r, 4.3a, 5.3s</em>) is an elite point guard prospect and drives this group. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832666' first='Makaylee' last='Butts']</strong> (<em>8.7p, 3.4r</em>) and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496065' first='Mya' last='Thompson']</strong> (<em>8.3p</em>) have had nice years as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Plainfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #13 - Mooresville</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Center Grove<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Mooresville<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> Bloomington South, Bloomington North<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Greenwood Community, Martinsville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Center Grove (22-1) has been a nice surprise this season, and they have buzzed through most competition all year. They and Mooresville have not met, however. Leading the way for Center Grove is a balanced effort of Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264111' first='Audrey' last='Annee']</strong> (<em>14.3p, 2.0a</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201884' first='Rachel' last='Wirts']</strong> (<em>12.7p, 6.8r</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177311' first='Aubrie' last='Booker']</strong> (<em>8.3p, 4.3r, 4.4a</em>), plus Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506025' first='Ava' last='Grant']</strong> (<em>12.1p, 3.1a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295755' first='Lilly' last='Bischoff']</strong> (<em>11.5p, 5.0r, 6.4a</em>). They take care of it, they shoot it extremely well, and they play as good of team defense as just about anyone in the state. An 8-point lead for them is about as good as a 20-point lead for most other squads. Mooresville does have a chance, however, and it starts inside for the Pioneers. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177326' first='Rachel' last='Harshman']</strong> (<em>16.2p, 9.3r</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239348' first='Kalyn' last='Bunch']</strong> (<em>8.1p, 5.4r</em>) finish strong careers for Mooresville, who is also a very disciplined and effortful group. Bloomington South and Bloomington North have continued to improve over the past few seasons, and they look to cause some problems as well in Sectional #13. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201876' first='Abbie' last='Lucas']</strong> (<em>South</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239356' first='Mia' last='Robbennolt']</strong> (<em>North</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239355' first='Ava' last='Reitmeyer']</strong> (<em>North</em>) are worth noting for the Bloomington schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Center Grove</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #14 - Whiteland</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Franklin Community<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Columbus North<br><strong>Sleeper:</strong> Columbus East<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Shelbyville, Whiteland, East Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Franklin Community (20-3) and Shelbyville (15-7) are the only two teams with winning records this season in Sectional #14, but Franklin defeated Shelbyville, 60-32, back in mid-December. I look at the Grizzly Cubs as being a strong favorite behind a nice Senior class that includes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326479' first='Erica' last='Buening']</strong> (<em>12.8p, 4.0r</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455947' first='Brooklyn' last='York']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 3.0r, 2.0a</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177336' first='Scarlett' last='Kimbrell']</strong> (<em>9.0p, 6.1r, 2.4a</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874141' first='Emma' last='Sappenfield']</strong> (<em>7.8p, 2.4r, 2.0a</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176408' first='Lauren' last='Klem']</strong> (<em>7.4p, 5.0p, 4.9a, 2.8s</em>)...Klem is what makes this group go. They are a hot-shooting, quick, feisty bunch who just know how to play together. I feel like Columbus North has maybe the best chance to compete with Franklin, but it will take a perfect night. Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751086' first='Kaylie' last='Harmon']</strong> (<em>14.0p, 3.1r, 2.5a</em>) has been great in her rookie season, while Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567136' first='Miley' last='McClellan']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 5.0r, 2.3s</em>) is a talented athlete just scratching the surface. Shelbyville would need a huge outing from Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750681' first='Ava' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>20.5p, 5.4r, 2.0a, 3.8s</em>) to close the gap with Franklin this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Franklin Community</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #15 - Floyd Central</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorite:</strong> Jennings County<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Bedford North Lawrence<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> Silver Creek, Jeffersonville<br><strong>Longshots:</strong> Floyd Central, Seymour, New Albany</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Jennings County had an impressive, 58-41 victory over Bedford North Lawrence at the beginning of January, and they look like the front-runner in Sectional #15. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177362' first='Juliann' last='Woodard']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 10.5r, 4.1a, 2.4s</em>) continues to impress for the Panthers, but she has gotten great help from Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486508' first='Mollie' last='Ernstes']</strong> (<em>15.1p, 3.2r, 2.3a</em>), plus the return of Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201871' first='Alivia' last='Elmore']</strong> (<em>12.6p, 4.5r, 2.9a</em>). That trio, along with a nice supporting cast, looks to make a deep tournament run, if they can get by Bedford once again this week. Speaking of the Stars, as long as they have Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176409' first='Chloe' last='Spreen']</strong> (<em>21.2p, 7.1r, 3.1a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177308' first='Madisyn' last='Bailey']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 3.9r, 4.5a, 3.2s</em>) on the floor, they have a chance. Spreen is a Miss Basketball candidate, while Bailey is as steady and tough-nosed as they come on the ball. Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='644053' first='Miley' last='Sherrill']</strong> (<em>9.7p, 4.7r</em>) has also provided them with another scoring threat around the perimeter. From there, Silver Creek does have a trio of talented performers in Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486543' first='Brooklynn' last='Renn']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='422604' first='Emma' last='Schoen']</strong>, plus Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366806' first='Lydia' last='Wright']</strong>, while Jeffersonville has a great deal of guard depth, led by Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455932' first='La'Kyra' last='Johnson']</strong> (<em>13.2p, 8.7r, 2.5a</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177339' first='Elle' last='Marble']</strong> (<em>10.0p, 5.3r</em>), plus Sophomore <strong>Keziah Renee</strong>' (<em>11.5p, 3.7r</em>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Jennings County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #16 - Evansville Harrison</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Favorites:</strong> Castle, Evansville F.J. Reitz<br><strong>Contender:</strong> Evansville Central<br><strong>Sleepers:</strong> Evansville North, Jasper<br><strong>Longshot:</strong> Evansville Harrison</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> You might as well flip a coin to determine the Sectional #16 winner. Castle has been on a roller-coaster ride this season, but they've shown the ability to beat the rest of the field in Sectional #16. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239354' first='Aleyna' last='Quinn']</strong>, Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324084' first='Jordan' last='Scott']</strong>, plus Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486494' first='Jayden' last='Scott']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='430958' first='Izabell' last='Grantz']</strong> pace the Knights. Evansville Reitz gets strong play from talented Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264115' first='Norah' last='Miller']</strong> (<em>16.0p, 6.5r, 2.6a, 5.0s</em>) and Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486473' first='Bailey' last='Hape']</strong> (<em>13.6p, 4.6r, 3.1a</em>), plus they have a matchup problem in the paint by way of 6-5 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295791' first='Kaelyse' last='Mitchell']</strong> (<em>8.7p, 6.4, 2.1b</em>). Evansville Central leans heavily on Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492324' first='Madalynn' last='Shirley']</strong> (<em>19.0p, 8.2r, 2.0a, 2.4b</em>), but they have also gotten solid play out of Junior <strong>Mya Skelton</strong> (<em>9.7p, 4.6r, 2.7a, 2.1s</em>) and Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572806' first='Mackenzie' last='White']</strong> (<em>9.3p, 4.0r, 2.9a</em>). The Huskies of Evansville North and the Wildcats of Jasper can potentially upset anyone here, but North will need consistent contributions from a balanced lineup, and Jasper will need Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826023' first='Emma' last='Schipp']</strong> to step up in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Our Pick:</strong> Evansville Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->