Sectional Preview: Class 4A South
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The featured image is of Mollie Ernstes Mollie Ernstes 5'11" | SG Jennings County | 2026 State IN (2026) of Jennings County High School. The regular season has concluded, and the state tournament begins soon. While brief, below is a…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Mollie Ernstes Mollie Ernstes 5'11" | SG Jennings County | 2026 State IN (2026) of Jennings County High School.
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.
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Sectional #9 – Pendleton Heights
Favorite: Pendleton Heights
Contenders: Mt. Vernon (Fortville), Greenfield-Central
Sleeper: New Palestine
Longshots: Richmond, Anderson, Muncie Central
Preview: 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 Kaycie Warfel Kaycie Warfel 5'9" | SG Pendleton Heights | 2025 State IN (25.2p, 6.0r, 2.1a, 5.7s) has been outstanding all season. Rookie Adah Hupfer Adah Hupfer 6'3" | C Pendleton Heights | 2027 State IN (10.8p, 11.1r), plus Sophomore Olivia Jones Olivia Jones 5'8" | SF Pendleton Heights | 2026 IN (9.7p, 4.9r, 2.3a, 2.5s), offer great support for Warfel and the Arabians. Senior Ellery Minch Ellery Minch 6'3" | PF Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2024 State IN and Junior Kanyonrae Kenny Kanyonrae Kenny 5'9" | SG Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2025 State IN are plenty to keep the Mt. Vernon Marauders competitive against anyone in this field, while Juniors Madison Sonsini Madison Sonsini 6'0" | SF Greenfield-Central | 2025 State IN (14.2p, 8.8r, 2.0a), Chaney Brown Chaney Brown 5'9" | SF Greenfield-Central | 2025 State IN (13.7p, 6.5r, 2.4a), and Brooklyn McConnell Brooklyn McConnell 5'4" | CG Greenfield-Central | 2025 IN (10.3p, 2.7r, 2.0s) have helped Greenfield-Central to its most wins since the 2016-2017 season. Also, never count out New Palestine, as Seniors Allie Blum Allie Blum 5'6" | SG New Palestine | 2024 IN (17.4p, 5.0r, 2.5a, 3.7s) and Vivian Miller Vivian Miller 5'5" | CG New Palestine | 2024 IN (11.6p, 4.0r, 3.3a, 2.3s) have each stepped up in a big way this season.
Our Pick: Pendleton Heights
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Sectional #10 – Cathedral
Favorite: Lawrence Central
Contender: Lawrence North
Sleepers: Warren Central, North Central (Indianapolis)
Longshots: Cathedral, Arsenal Technical, Crispus Attucks
Preview: 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 Jaylah Lampley Jaylah Lampley 6'2" | SF Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (18.9p, 6.0r, 2.0a, 2.1s), Sophomore Aniyah McKenzie Aniyah McKenzie 6'0" | PF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN (11.9p, 5.7r, 2.0s), Sophomore Lola Lampley Lola Lampley 6'3" | PF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN (10.7p, 6.2r, 2.7a, 2.2s), and Junior Laila Abdurraqib Laila Abdurraqib 5'7" | PG Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (10.7p, 3.9r, 3.8a, 2.1s). 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 Kya Hurt Kya Hurt 5'7" | PG Lawrence North | 2025 State IN (11.5p, 3.5r, 4.2a, 2.4s) and Jamaya Thomas Jamaya Thomas 6'1" | C Lawrence North | 2025 State IN (10.1p, 4.0r) have had nice seasons, as has Senior 3-and-D guard Kamara Mills Kamara Mills 5'8" | SG Lawrence North | 2024 State IN (9.8p, 2.3r). Sisters Denyha Jacobs Denyha Jacobs 5'7" | SF Warren Central | 2024 State IN (20.7p, 6.0r, 2.3a, 4.0s), a Senior, and Denell Jacobs Denell Jacobs 5'6" | CG Warren Central | 2026 State IN (11.7p, 5.8r, 3.3s), 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 Kaitlyn Hoff Kaitlyn Hoff 5'11" | PF North Central (Indianapolis) | 2024 State IN and Kaiden Kreinhagen Kaiden Kreinhagen 5'8" | SF North Central (Indianapolis) | 2024 State IN , plus Junior Gabrielle Burrus Gabrielle Burrus 5'2" | PG North Central (Indianapolis) | 2025 State IN are instrumental for the Panthers.
Our Pick: Lawrence Central
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Sectional #11 – Pike
Favorites: Franklin Central, Roncalli
Contenders: Pike, Ben Davis
Sleeper: Decatur Central
Longshots: Perry Meridian, Southport
Preview: 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 Lily Graves Lily Graves 5'11" | SG Franklin Central | 2025 State IN (11.2p, 4.8r) is the leading scorer for the Flashes, while Freshman Payton DuVall Payton DuVall 6'2" | C Franklin Central | 2027 State IN (9.8p, 8.9r, 3.3b) goes to work inside, and rookies Ashlee Baker Ashlee Baker 5'9" | SG Franklin Central | 2027 State IN (8.3p, 2.8r, 2.6a) and Riley Huotari Riley Huotari 5'6" | PG Franklin Central | 2027 State IN (5.0p, 3.1r, 4.0a) hold down the perimeter. Roncalli is more experienced, with Seniors Claire Lindsey Claire Lindsey 5'7" | CG Roncalli | 2024 State IN (8.3p, 4.1r, 4.5a) and Taylor Turk Taylor Turk 5'8" | SF Roncalli | 2024 IN (9.6p, 5.2r) providing that leadership. Freshman Elliot Leffler Elliot Leffler 5'9" | SG Roncalli | 2027 State IN (12.6p, 4.7r) 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 Alexis Warren Alexis Warren 6'1" | C Pike | 2024 State IN and Sophomore Komari Booker Komari Booker 5'11" | PF Pike | 2026 State IN to ease the play for Freshmen guards Saniya Smith Saniya Smith 5'5" | CG Pike | 2027 State IN and Korinne Nickolson Korinne Nickolson 5'4" | PG Pike | 2027 IN . The Giants of Ben Davis lean on Senior Zoe Wheeler Zoe Wheeler 5'9" | SF Ben Davis | 2024 State IN (13.1p, 4.1r, 2.2s) for leadership, while a host of talented Sophomores offer support. And the Hawks of Decatur Central could surprise, led by Junior Soriah Gouard Soriah Gouard 5'9" | SG Decatur Central | 2025 State IN and Sophomore Kenadi Banks Kenadi Banks 5'7" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2026 State IN .
Our Pick: Franklin Central
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Sectional #12 – Avon
Favorites: Plainfield, Brownsburg
Contender: Avon
Longshots: Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South
Preview: 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 Hannah Menser Hannah Menser 5'8" | CG Plainfield | 2027 State IN (15.1p, 3.5r, 2.7a, 2.5s) has made a somewhat expected impact as a rookie, but she’s been even better than that. Sophomore Berkeley Williams Berkeley Williams 5'6" | PG Plainfield | 2026 State IN (14.3p, 4.0r, 2.1a) is one of the more enjoyable/entertaining players to watch, while Senior Payton Benge Payton Benge 6'1" | PF Plainfield | 2024 State IN (13.0p, 6.5r) looks strong as a nice inside-out face-up forward. Brownsburg leans heavily on 6-6 Junior post Avery Gordon Avery Gordon 6'6" | C Brownsburg | 2025 State IN (21.4p, 9.3r, 2.2b), 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 Aniah Smith Aniah Smith 5'3" | PG Avon | 2025 State IN (21.3p, 4.5r, 4.3a, 5.3s) is an elite point guard prospect and drives this group. Sophomore Makaylee Butts Makaylee Butts 5'3" | PG Avon | 2026 IN (8.7p, 3.4r) and Junior Mya Thompson Mya Thompson 5'5" | PG Avon | 2025 State IN (8.3p) have had nice years as well.
Our Pick: Plainfield
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Sectional #13 – Mooresville
Favorite: Center Grove
Contender: Mooresville
Sleepers: Bloomington South, Bloomington North
Longshots: Greenwood Community, Martinsville
Preview: 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 Audrey Annee Audrey Annee 5'9" | SF Center Grove | 2024 State IN (14.3p, 2.0a), Rachel Wirts Rachel Wirts 6'3" | C Center Grove | 2024 State IN (12.7p, 6.8r), and Aubrie Booker Aubrie Booker 5'8" | CG Center Grove | 2024 State IN (8.3p, 4.3r, 4.4a), plus Juniors Ava Grant Ava Grant 5'9" | CG Center Grove | 2025 State IN (12.1p, 3.1a) and Lilly Bischoff Lilly Bischoff 5'8" | PG Center Grove | 2025 State IN (11.5p, 5.0r, 6.4a). 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 Rachel Harshman Rachel Harshman 6'0" | PF Mooresville | 2024 State IN (16.2p, 9.3r) and Kalyn Bunch Kalyn Bunch 5'11" | PF Mooresville | 2024 State IN (8.1p, 5.4r) 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 Abbie Lucas Abbie Lucas 6'0" | PF Bloomington South | 2024 State IN (South), Mia Robbennolt Mia Robbennolt 6'0" | PF Bloomington North | 2024 State IN (North), and Ava Reitmeyer Ava Reitmeyer 5'10" | SG Bloomington North | 2024 State IN (North) are worth noting for the Bloomington schools.
Our Pick: Center Grove
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Sectional #14 – Whiteland
Favorite: Franklin Community
Contender: Columbus North
Sleeper: Columbus East
Longshots: Shelbyville, Whiteland, East Central
Preview: 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 Erica Buening Erica Buening 5'9" | PF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (12.8p, 4.0r), Brooklyn York Brooklyn York 5'11" | PF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (11.6p, 3.0r, 2.0a), Scarlett Kimbrell Scarlett Kimbrell 5'11" | SF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (9.0p, 6.1r, 2.4a), Emma Sappenfield Emma Sappenfield 5'8" | SG Franklin Community | 2024 IN (7.8p, 2.4r, 2.0a), and Lauren Klem Lauren Klem 5'1" | PG Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (7.4p, 5.0p, 4.9a, 2.8s)…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 Kaylie Harmon Kaylie Harmon 5'7" | CG Columbus North | 2027 State IN (14.0p, 3.1r, 2.5a) has been great in her rookie season, while Sophomore Miley McClellan Miley McClellan 6'0" | SF Columbus North | 2026 State IN (10.8p, 5.0r, 2.3s) is a talented athlete just scratching the surface. Shelbyville would need a huge outing from Senior Ava Wilson Ava Wilson 5'6" | CG Columbus North | 2027 IN (20.5p, 5.4r, 2.0a, 3.8s) to close the gap with Franklin this week.
Our Pick: Franklin Community
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Sectional #15 – Floyd Central
Favorite: Jennings County
Contender: Bedford North Lawrence
Sleepers: Silver Creek, Jeffersonville
Longshots: Floyd Central, Seymour, New Albany
Preview: 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 Juliann Woodard Juliann Woodard 6'1" | PF Jennings County | 2024 State IN (15.8p, 10.5r, 4.1a, 2.4s) continues to impress for the Panthers, but she has gotten great help from Sophomore Mollie Ernstes Mollie Ernstes 5'11" | SG Jennings County | 2026 State IN (15.1p, 3.2r, 2.3a), plus the return of Senior Alivia Elmore Alivia Elmore 5'8" | SF Jennings County | 2024 State IN (12.6p, 4.5r, 2.9a). 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 Chloe Spreen Chloe Spreen 5'10" | SG Bedford North Lawrence | 2024 State IN (21.2p, 7.1r, 3.1a) and Madisyn Bailey Madisyn Bailey 5'9" | PG Bedford North Lawrence | 2024 State IN (10.8p, 3.9r, 4.5a, 3.2s) 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 Miley Sherrill Miley Sherrill 5'9" | SF Bedford North Lawrence | 2027 State IN (9.7p, 4.7r) has also provided them with another scoring threat around the perimeter. From there, Silver Creek does have a trio of talented performers in Sophomores Brooklynn Renn Brooklynn Renn 6'3" | PF Silver Creek | 2026 State IN and Emma Schoen Emma Schoen 5'7" | PG Silver Creek | 2026 State IN , plus Junior Lydia Wright Lydia Wright 5'7" | SG Silver Creek | 2025 IN , while Jeffersonville has a great deal of guard depth, led by Seniors La’Kyra Johnson La’Kyra Johnson 5'7" | SG Jeffersonville | 2024 IN (13.2p, 8.7r, 2.5a) and Elle Marble Elle Marble 5'9" | CG Jeffersonville | 2024 State IN (10.0p, 5.3r), plus Sophomore Keziah Renee‘ (11.5p, 3.7r).
Our Pick: Jennings County
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Sectional #16 – Evansville Harrison
Favorites: Castle, Evansville F.J. Reitz
Contender: Evansville Central
Sleepers: Evansville North, Jasper
Longshot: Evansville Harrison
Preview: 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 Aleyna Quinn Aleyna Quinn 5'9" | SF Castle | 2024 IN , Junior Jordan Scott Jordan Scott 5'6" | PG Castle | 2025 State IN , plus Sophomores Jayden Scott Jayden Scott 5'11" | SF Castle | 2026 State IN and Izabell Grantz Izabell Grantz 5'7" | SG Castle | 2026 IN pace the Knights. Evansville Reitz gets strong play from talented Senior Norah Miller Norah Miller 5'7" | CG Evansville F.J. Reitz | 2024 State IN (16.0p, 6.5r, 2.6a, 5.0s) and Sophomore Bailey Hape Bailey Hape 5'10" | SF Evansville F.J. Reitz | 2026 State IN (13.6p, 4.6r, 3.1a), plus they have a matchup problem in the paint by way of 6-5 Junior post Kaelyse Mitchell Kaelyse Mitchell 6'5" | C Evansville F.J. Reitz | 2025 State IN (8.7p, 6.4, 2.1b). Evansville Central leans heavily on Sophomore Madalynn Shirley Madalynn Shirley 6'1" | PF Evansville Central | 2026 State IN (19.0p, 8.2r, 2.0a, 2.4b), but they have also gotten solid play out of Junior Mya Skelton (9.7p, 4.6r, 2.7a, 2.1s) and Senior Mackenzie White Mackenzie White 5'10" | SF Evansville Central | 2024 IN (9.3p, 4.0r, 2.9a). 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 Emma Schipp Emma Schipp 5'10" | SF Jasper | 2024 IN to step up in a big way.
Our Pick: Evansville Central