Regional Preview: Class 4A

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='201878' first='Riley' last='Milausnic'] (2024) of Lake Central 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 4A 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">LaPorte Regional (<em>2 games</em>)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game #1:</strong> South Bend Washington (19-4) vs. Lake Central (23-4), 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Last postseason, these two teams met in the first round of the Semi-State. Lake Central jumped out to a huge lead, then had to hold on late to knock off the previously undefeated Panthers of South Bend Washington. They then met again back on November 4th, and in a tightly contest game throughout, South Bend Washington left Saint John, Indiana, with a 50-47 victory. Now, for the third time in a year, here they are. If Lake Central can take care of the basketball and work for easy shots, it gives them the best chance to win. Washington loves their pressure defense and being able to get out in transition. If they find easy, quick baskets, it allows them the better shot at victory. For Lake Central, Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176406' first='Aniyah' last='Bishop']</strong> (<em>9.4p, 5.0r, 1.9a, 1.9s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201878' first='Riley' last='Milausnic']</strong> (<em>8.4p, 2.1r, 1.4a, 1.7s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406433' first='Nadia' last='Clayton']</strong> (<em>8.0p, 2.8r, 1.9a, 2.0s</em>) lead the way, with help from Junior starters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295811' first='Ayla' last='Krygier']</strong> (<em>8.4p, 4.2r, 1.5a, 1.0s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295781' first='Vanessa' last='Wimberly']</strong> (<em>9.0p, 2.7r, 3.8a, 2.8s</em>). South Bend Washington has a strong trio of Juniors in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295770' first='Kira' last='Reynolds']</strong> (<em>16.7p, 11.0r, 4.4a, 2.3s, 6.5b</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295766' first='Monique' last='Mitchell']</strong> (<em>13.3p, 4.7r, 1.6a, 1.6s, 1.6b</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295780' first='Ryiah' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>14.9p, 2.4r, 4.3a, 5.3s</em>). They have size and athleticism, and they cause a lot of problems defensively. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Lake Central, 46-44.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game #2:</strong> Northridge (24-3) vs. Valparaiso (18-7), 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Northridge is one of those teams who plays great within their system. It is important to them to dictate tempo, but they also have nice balance, highly skilled and intelligent kids, and they can make shots from just about every position. Northridge is led by Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177318' first='Morgan' last='Cross']</strong> (<em>10.4p, 4.7r, 2.6a, 2.9s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572813' first='Sabrina' last='Miller']</strong> (<em>6.8p, 2.6r, 2.5a, 1.7s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201872' first='Gaby' last='Gates']</strong> (<em>7.1p, 3.1r, 1.5a, 1.6s</em>), along with Junior guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331802' first='Rielyn' last='Goodwin']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 3.5r, 3.4a, 3.2s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324080' first='Ella' last='Mohamed']</strong> (<em>8.7p, 3.5r, 2.3a, 1.6s</em>). Valparaiso bases a lot of what they do around their extended 1-3-1 trapping defense. If they are able to turn teams over and get out in transition, it absolutely benefits them. If they have to play in the half-court, it's a little more of a grind. But they have good size this season plus one of the state's best 2026s. Super Soph <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419439' first='Lillian' last='Barnes']</strong> (<em>17.5p, 6.5r, 5.5a, 4.6s</em>) once again leads Valparaiso into action, and she gets help from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369832' first='Becca' last='Gerdt']</strong> (<em>15.1p, 6.4r, 2.5a, 2.1s</em>), a Senior forward, plus Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486512' first='Cadynce' last='Clark']</strong> (<em>8.9p, 2.4r, 1.2a, 1.8s</em>). <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Northridge, 56-46.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Marion Regional (<em>2 games</em>)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game #1:</strong> McCutcheon (21-4) vs. Homestead (22-4), 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> While these two programs matched up 13 seasons ago, these rosters haven't played against each other. Both teams are rather young, playing several Sophomores, so it will likely come down to Homestead's pedigree/postseason history stepping up against the Mavericks' youthful energy. McCutcheon is actually led by do-everything Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751095' first='Lillie' last='Graves']</strong> (<em>21.8p, 5.7r, 4.4a, 3.8s</em>). She already has some big-game experience, but she will need help. Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553262' first='Chloe' last='Finney']</strong> (<em>8.9p, 3.9r, 2.1s</em>) and <strong>Aubrey Miller</strong> (<em>6.4p, 5.2r, 1.7a, 1.6s</em>) lead a big Sophomore class in support of Graves. Homestead has talent as well, 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 continually gained big-game experience this season against a strong schedule. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Homestead, 61-43.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game #2:</strong> Noblesville (16-8) vs. Fort Wayne Snider (22-2), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> These two programs met in the Regional final two seasons ago, with Noblesville finishing on top, 78-63. They did have UConn Freshman <strong>Ashlynn Shade</strong> in the fold, though. Earlier this season, they met on December 28th, with the Millers again winning that matchup, 57-51. Both teams possess elite guards, so it will come down to which team can dictate tempo and play "their way". Noblesville has shown some different zone packages this season, trying to frustrate opponents. I'd anticipate them doing that again this weekend. The combination of Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177361' first='Reagan' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>16.6p, 3.3r, 2.6a, 3.0s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264119' first='Ava' last='Shoemaker']</strong> (<em>12.7p, 4.6r, 2.4a, 2.6s</em>), plus Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295776' first='Meredith' last='Tippner']</strong> (<em>16.1p, 10.0r, 3.3a, 3.5s</em>) can handle just about anyone in the state. Throw in Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486478' first='C.C.' last='Quigley']</strong> (<em>10.0p, 5.3r, 1.0a, 1.0b</em>) up front, and they match up well with most opponents. Snider likes to play fast and feisty, but they have a little size as well they can turn to. Miss Basketball candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177351' first='Jordyn' last='Poole']</strong> (<em>17.1p, 2.8r, 4.4a, 2.5s</em>) is at the point, and she is a real problem for opponents. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572796' first='Ciara' last='Sims']</strong> (<em>14.1p, 4.7r, 1.7a, 1.8s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177321' first='Joh'nea' last='Donahue']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 4.4r, 3.8a, 4.9s</em>) offer great backcourt support and versatility. 6-3 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298261' first='Tia' last='Phinezy']</strong> (<em>9.4p, 6.6r, 1.9b</em>) gives them a defensive presence inside. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Fort Wayne Snider, 48-45.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Decatur Central Regional (<em>2 games</em>)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game #1:</strong> Mount Vernon-Fortville (13-13) vs. Lawrence Central (26-1), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> These two programs have not met since 2018, so the current cast of characters have not played each other. Mt. Vernon tends to make nice Sectional runs, but they haven't made it past the Regional round since 2013. The Marauders lean heavily on Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177344' first='Ellery' last='Minch']</strong> (<em>13.1p, 6.7r, 2.7a, 1.7s, 2.6b</em>) and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='425632' first='Kanyonrae' last='Kenny']</strong> (<em>9.4p, 5.0r, 1.6a, 3.3s</em>) to keep them competitive, but I'm not sure it's going to be enough against the Bears. Lawrence Central might have the most talented starting unit in the state. They use size, skill, and talent to overwhelm opponents early in games, and they have the playmakers to finish down the stretch. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295763' first='Jaylah' last='Lampley']</strong> (<em>18.3p, 5.8r, 1.9a, 2.1s</em>), Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492322' first='Aniyah' last='McKenzie']</strong> (<em>11.8p, 6.0r, 1.4a, 1.9s</em>), Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492321' first='Lola' last='Lampley']</strong> (<em>10.6p, 6.2r, 2.8a, 2.2s</em>), and Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295753' first='Laila' last='Abdurraqib']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 4.0r, 3.6a, 2.2s</em>) stand out, plus Junior transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='468535' first='Mariah' last='Kenter-Garrett']</strong> has been a big defensive addition to the backcourt. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Lawrence Central, 55-37.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game #2:</strong> Pike (12-14) vs. Plainfield (17-7), 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Pike and Plainfield haven't met anytime recently, and both teams are blending talented youngsters with some experienced veterans. The Red Devils of Pike play fast and athletic, and if they are able to get out in transition, it certainly helps their chances. 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>. Smith can get hot quickly and fill it up. Plainfield can play in transition, but they also do some good things in the half-court. They have beaten athletic teams this year, and they've done a nice job defending size inside. Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751064' first='Hannah' last='Menser']</strong> (<em>15.6p, 3.7r, 2.7a, 2.5s, 1.1b</em>) has made an impact as a rookie, but she's been even better than advertised. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486496' first='Berkeley' last='Williams']</strong> (<em>14.8p, 4.2r, 2.3a, 2.0s</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>12.7p, 6.4r, 1.3a, 1.6b</em>) looks strong as a nice inside-out face-up forward. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Plainfield, 55-48.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Bedford North Lawrence Regional (<em>2 games</em>)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game #1:</strong> Center Grove (25-1) vs. Bedford North Lawrence (20-4), 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Center Grove has put together a fantastic season, with their only loss to Franklin Community back on November 28th. Since then, they have rattled off 18 wins in a row. Bedford is the defending Class 4A State Champs, and they have spent the year dealing with some key 2023 graduation losses. Still, though, they've managed to win 20 games again. They are also playing the Regional in their home gym, so that's quite an advantage for them. Center Grove is one of the best teams defensively, plus they control tempo well offensively. Leading the way for Center Grove is a balanced effort of Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='264111' first='Audrey' last='Annee']</strong> (<em>14.1p, 1.7r, 1.9a, 1.7s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201884' first='Rachel' last='Wirts']</strong> (<em>12.5p, 7.0r</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177311' first='Aubrie' last='Booker']</strong> (<em>8.3p, 4.2r, 4.5a, 1.8s</em>), plus Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506025' first='Ava' last='Grant']</strong> (<em>11.7p, 1.2r, 3.1a. 1.4s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295755' first='Lilly' last='Bischoff']</strong> (<em>10.9p, 5.0r, 6.0a, 1.9s</em>). Bedford had an impressive Sectional victory avenging a regular season loss to Jennings County. They also still have Miss Basketball candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176409' first='Chloe' last='Spreen']</strong> (<em>20.9p, 7.1r, 3.0a, 1.4s</em>), plus fellow Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177308' first='Madisyn' last='Bailey']</strong> (<em>11.7p, 3.8r, 4.3a, 3.3s</em>). Bailey was a standout for the Stars in the Sectional. Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='644053' first='Miley' last='Sherrill']</strong> (<em>9.3p, 4.8r, 1.0a</em>) has also provided them with another scoring threat around the perimeter. <strong>Our Pick:</strong> Center Grove, 48-39.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game #2:</strong> Franklin Community (23-3) vs. Evansville North (16-10), 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Once again, these two teams have not faced each other, so there is no familiarity between the two. The 2024 class for Franklin has been strong for years, and most of them were major contributors as Freshmen, then participants on their State Runner-Up team two seasons ago. Not only do I expect them to get through the Regional, but they could cause major matchup problems for a number of teams they could run into. The shoot it well from all positions, and they have playmakers all over the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326479' first='Erica' last='Buening']</strong> (<em>12.3p, 3.8r, 1.7s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455947' first='Brooklyn' last='York']</strong> (<em>11.7p, 2.9r, 1.9a, 1.4s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177336' first='Scarlett' last='Kimbrell']</strong> (<em>8.4p, 5.6r, 2.4a, 1.4s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874141' first='Emma' last='Sappenfield']</strong> (<em>7.7p, 2.3r, 2.1a, 1.1s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176408' first='Lauren' last='Klem']</strong> (<em>7.4p, 4.8p, 4.9a, 3.1s</em>) lead the Grizzly Cubs into battle, and any of them can explode offensively on any given night. Evansville North entered the Sectional on a 7-game losing streak, but they put together a nice week of play to win the crown. In order to win Saturday, they will need to play a clean, near-perfect game, and they'll need to make shots at a high level. Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570376' first='Libby' last='Blythe']</strong> and Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828084' first='Maddy' last='Knies']</strong> offer good size up front, while Senior guards <strong>Aliah Epps</strong> and <strong>Vanessa Nankwenya</strong> bring experience and stability to the backcourt. Also keep an eye on Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756251' first='Brooke' last='Silva']</strong>. <strong>Our Pick</strong>: Franklin Community, 62-37.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->