Regional Preview: Class 2A

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='295810' first='Lindsay' last='Arcella'] (2025) of Andrean High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional week has concluded, and now it's on to the Regional round. This is the second consecutive year where there is a single Regional game for each team, with next week's Semi-State requiring two wins in a day to make it to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. While brief, below is a look at the eight Regional games in Class 2A throughout 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">Winamac Regional</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup:</strong> Andrean (12-14) vs. LaVille (12-11), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Missing some key graduates, Andrean was just 6-13 during the 2023 portion of this season. They are 6-1 now on this side of New Year's Day. The Junior duo of 6-0 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='626935' first='Maddie' last='Walton']</strong> (<em>11.4p, 6.7r, 1.0s</em>) and 5-9 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295810' first='Lindsay' last='Arcella']</strong> (<em>10.9p, 4.6r, 1.9a, 2.3s</em>) have both been on Varsity since their Freshman year, with Arcella always being in the starting lineup. Senior <strong>Liv Delevic</strong> (<em>2.9p, 2.8r, 1.5s</em>) is also a multiyear starter for the 59ers. But I would say it's Andrean's half-court team defense that stands out, as they are always one of the best in the state. This year they are allowing just 38.9 points per game against one of the best schedules in all of Class 2A, but just 30.4 points per game in that 6-1 stretch of 2024, which included three Class 4A opponents. LaVille took advantage of their draw and the fact South Central (Union Mills) was upset on the other side of the bracket. They, too, play at a slower tempo and use defense (<em>36.9 ppg allowed</em>) as their key to success. They have just one double-digit scorer, and that is 5-8 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218593' first='Brooke' last='Edison']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 7.9r, 1.9a, 4.7s</em>) for the Lancers. The return of Junior <strong>Jasmine Foster</strong> (<em>6.8p, 4.8r, 1.4s</em>) certainly helps, plus they have seven players averaging 3.1 points per game or more. This could be a grind to watch, but it should be close and competitive throughout. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Andrean, 36-27.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Bellmont Regional</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup:</strong> Lewis Cass (21-3) vs. Fremont (16-8), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Lewis Cass uses a combination of size, depth, and great team defense to suffocate opponents. They have flown under the radar much of the year, with their three losses coming to Class 3A Rochester, plus highly ranked small schools in Class 2A Carroll (Flora) and Class 1A Caston. The Kings have a pair of Sophomores in <strong>Aftin Griffin</strong> (<em>12.3p, 1.6r, 1.0a, 2.9s</em>) and <strong>Anna Hedrick</strong> (<em>6.5p, 2.7r, 2.3a, 2.0s</em>), who pair with Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874125' first='Kinsey' last='Mennen']</strong> (<em>8.6p, 7.7r, 2.3a, 1.5s, 1.7b</em>) and <strong>Heta Kosunen</strong> (<em>6.7p, 6.9r, 1.8a, 2.6s</em>) to form the core group of their 9-player rotation. Fremont plays with a youthful exuberance, as they have a number of Freshmen and Sophomores spread throughout their roster. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218657' first='Addy' last='Parr']</strong> was the standout in 2022-2023, but this season it's more of a balanced effort, as she teams up with talented Freshmen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751063' first='Grace' last='Scharlach']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751110' first='Mya' last='Turner']</strong> in the Eagle backcourt. The Eagles have plenty of talent to beat most teams in Class 2A, but will they have the experience and patience necessary to play in the biggest of moments? <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Lewis Cass, 39-35.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Wes-Del Regional</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup:</strong> Lafayette Central Catholic (15-11) vs. Bishop Luers (16-6), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> These two foes play the top two schedules in all of Class 2A...and they are better schedules than half of the Class 4A teams play. Lafayette Central Catholic truly is the "don't judge a book by its cover" entry each year. They often enter tourney play around the .500 mark and win game after game. This season, they have won 10 of their last 12 games after starting out 5-9. Luers has won 9 of their last 11, including a victory over Class 4A #2 Columbia City. With both of these teams riding hot streaks and feeling great about where they are sitting, this should be a big-time Catholic School battle. The trio of Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295785' first='Carley' last='Barrett']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692232' first='Maddy' last='Bruce']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='452729' first='Grace' last='Bordenet']</strong>, plus Senior <strong>Caitlin Riley</strong>, form a skillful backcourt with speed, quickness, and length, plus defensive pressuring ability. Size is really their only downfall, but if they can get Luers playing fast, it won't matter. The Knights of Luers are a bit more conventional with 6-0 Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298259' first='Addie' last='Shank']</strong> (<em>13.8p, 7.6r, 1.7a, 1.7s</em>) and 6-1 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624885' first='Miley' last='Wareing']</strong> (<em>11.0p, 9.5r, 2.0a, 1.7s, 1.9b</em>) creating quite the presence inside. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201869' first='Annika' last='Davis']</strong> (<em>10.0p, 2.4r, 2.3a, 2.4s</em>) is the point guard, while Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506023' first='Reese' last='Rhodehamel']</strong> (<em>7.2p, 3.7r, 1.4s</em>) has helped the Knights quite a bit as well this season. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Bishop Luers, 50-47 in overtime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Lapel Regional</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup:</strong> Eastbrook (23-2) vs. Lapel (22-4), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Lapel was the Class 2A State Runner-Up a season ago, but five of their seven state tournament games came down to a possession or two. Such was the case, as they narrowly defeated Eastbrook, 39-37. The Panthers of Eastbrook are out for revenge, and they just might have the ingredients to make that happen. They have a strong Senior class, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239351' first='Sophia' last='Morrison']</strong> (<em>19.5p, 1.5r, 3.4a, 3.4s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='718309' first='Olivia' last='Howell']</strong> (<em>13.4p, 5.1r, 2.6a, 3.5s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825904' first='Audri' last='Prater']</strong> (<em>8.6p, 3.7r, 2.0a, 3.1s</em>), and <strong>Kortney Goff</strong> (<em>7.4p, 1.2r, 2.1a, 1.5s</em>). Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218572' first='Mia' last='Bustos']</strong> (<em>7.9p, 6.1r, 1.1s</em>) gives them a nice presence inside as well. As for the Bulldogs, they still return a good portion of their lineup from last season, led by Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills']</strong> (<em>19.0p, 12.8r, 1.8a, 2.3s</em>). She is as dominant around the basket as any player in the state. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331773' first='Madelyn' last='Poynter']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 3.0r, 3.2a, 1.4s</em>) and <strong>Annalee Stow</strong> (<em>6.7p, 4.6r, 2.1a, 1.6s</em>) add nice experience. I'm taking Eastbrook...barely. When it comes to postseason play, I like to lean toward the better guards, and the Panthers' perimeter play stands out this year. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Eastbrook, 41-39.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Southmont Regional</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup:</strong> Eastern Hancock (23-1) vs. Parke Heritage (23-3), 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Eastern Hancock made it to the Semi-State a season ago, and they returned everyone this year except their point guard. In walked Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750766' first='McKenzie' last='Koch']</strong> (<em>19.0p, 4.3r, 2.9a, 3.0s</em>), and not only did they not miss a beat, but they have gotten even better. Koch is the playmaker/creator that brings everyone together, but she can also shoot/score it herself at a high level. A strong Senior group that includes <strong>Sammie Bolding</strong> (<em>13.7p, 2.6r, 2.0a, 2.3s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455934' first='Ruby' last='White']</strong> (<em>10.9p, 5.7r, 1.5a, 1.0s, 1.9b</em>), <strong>Brooklyn Willis</strong> (<em>5.8p, 4.7r, 3.0a, 1.7s</em>), <strong>Makenzie O'Neal</strong> (<em>4.8p, 5.0r, 2.5a, 1.6s</em>), and <strong>Sydney Springman</strong> (<em>3.9p, 2.0r, 1.5a, 1.5s</em>) should allow the Royals to make a deep run this year once again. Parke Heritage is no slouch, though, and Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506018' first='Emma' last='Simpson']</strong> (<em>19.8p, 10.9r, 4.9a, 4.5s, 1.1b</em>) gives them a great chance against any opponent. Fellow Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881701' first='Addilee' last='Jenkins']</strong> (<em>7.9p, 3.9r, 2.5a, 2.3s</em>), <strong>Catherine O'Brien</strong> (<em>6.9p, 2.7r, 1.7a, 2.1s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889466' first='Addison' last='Jenkins']</strong> (<em>5.9p, 3.6r, 1.3a, 1.8s</em>) give the Wolves a strong support system around Simpson, though Junior <strong>Raegan Ramsay</strong> (<em>9.8p, 4.7r, 1.5a, 3.0s in 13 games</em>) has missed the second half of the season injured. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Eastern Hancock, 52-43.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Southwestern Regional</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup:</strong> Sheridan (19-5) vs. Northeastern (19-6), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> This is quite an intriguing matchup. Sheridan has a really nice collection of wings and forwards, while Northeastern thrives on excellent guard play and a strong post presence. Both teams will have a difficult time matching up with the other, so it will come down to who can play their own style the best. Sheridan gets major contributions from Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324072' first='Kenzie' last='Garner']</strong> (<em>20.2p, 10.0r, 5.1a, 4.1s 2.0b</em>), who is the unquestioned leader. But fellow Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482853' first='Cecilia' last='Timme']</strong> (<em>9.8p, 4.8r, 3.8a, 3.4s</em>), <strong>Nova Cross</strong> (<em>6.5p, 2.4r, 2.0a, 1.3s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331804' first='Shelby' last='Eaton']</strong> (<em>6.1p, 2.9r, 1.5s</em>) are all capable playmakers who offer both offense and defense for the Blackhawks. The focus of Northeastern starts inside with 6-3 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177342' first='Addisen' last='Mastriano']</strong> (<em>13.0p, 8.5r, 3.0a, 1.7s, 2.5b</em>) controlling the paint for the Knights. But make no mistake about it, Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486539' first='Adysson' last='Kircher']</strong> (<em>15.9p, 3.6r, 2.0a, 3.8s</em>) and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404112' first='Ava' last='Mikesell']</strong> (<em>10.7p, 2.7r, 4.5a, 4.2s</em>) are dynamic around the perimeter. Having Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773771' first='Juztice' last='Slick']</strong> (<em>2.9p, 2.9r, 1.4s</em>) return for the second half of the year offered at least an emotional boost to the Knights as well. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Northeastern, 44-41.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Charlestown Regional</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup:</strong> South Spencer (14-11) vs. Brownstown Central (17-9), 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> After South Spencer began their season 2-5, I'm not sure they thought they'd find themselves in this position. But I guess that's why you play all the games. They have a strong backcourt that is both experienced and youthful, with Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455943' first='Molly' last='Schulte']</strong> (<em>16.4p, 4.3r, 5.9a, 3.0s</em>) playing the role of scorer and facilitator, while Freshman <strong>Alexis Harris</strong> (<em>10.6p, 2.4r, 3.0a, 1.3s</em>) has impressively done the same as a rookie. Junior <strong>Kendalyn Shourds</strong> (<em>8.3p, 6.3r, 1.3a</em>) and Senior <strong>Sally Shelton</strong> (<em>7.5p, 6.3r, 1.8a, 1.0s</em>) provide rebounding an interior defense. As for Brownstown Central, they aren't too unfamiliar with deep runs in the state tournament, but they'll do this with a balanced effort. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923178' first='Jenna' last='Klosterman']</strong> is likely their go-to player, if they even have one, because the Braves can play deep into their bench with a lot of contributions. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Brownstown Central, 43-38.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">West Washington Regional</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup:</strong> Linton-Stockton (19-6) vs. North Decatur (18-6), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Linton-Stockton has already defeated one giant in Class 2A #1 North Knox. Now, they have their sights set on making a deep playoff push. Senior guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326486' first='Bradie' last='Chambers']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='718311' first='Sydney' last='Jerrells']</strong> bring a great deal of experience to the floor, plus they are tough-nosed, hard-working, skilled, and intelligent ballplayers. The Miners have some size and athleticism as well, and they will be a tough "out", especially with their switching defenses. North Decatur looks first to Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366794' first='Madi' last='Allen']</strong> (<em>14.0p, 7.1r, 2.4a, 2.1s</em>), who can play multiple positions, score, distribute, and defend. Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572816' first='Ella' last='Kunz']</strong> (<em>14.0p, 7.7r, 1.1a, 2.0s</em>) is just as effective and versatile on the interior. Juniors <strong>Sydney Rohls</strong> (<em>5.0p, 4.2r</em>) and <strong>Clare Kinker</strong> (<em>4.8p, 4.3r, 1.7a, 1.9s</em>) give the Chargers two more players who can score it around the paint and defend all areas of the floor. <strong>Our Pick</strong>: Linton-Stockton, 45-44.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->