2024-25 Season Preview: Class 4A, Sectionals 3 & 4

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='295780' first='Ryiah' last='Wilson'] (2025) of South Bend's Washington High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we enter the second week of official IHSAA practices, I wanted to take the time to preview the season Sectional by Sectional. In the past, I have typically started in Class 1A and moved up, but this season I am starting with Class 4A instead. Additionally, during the Spring, the IHSAA moved to a traditional enrollment-based format, realigning all classes with hard enrollment cutoff lines per class instead of taking nearly 400 schools and simply dividing them into four equal classes. With that said, each class should be more competitive, but the bigger classes will have fewer teams than the smaller classes. This article serves as the 2nd of many, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Sectional #3 and Sectional #4. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis.<br><small>(<em>SAG = Final 2023-2024 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (394 teams); SOS = Final 2023-2024 Strength of Schedule</em>)</small></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #3 at LaPorte</font></strong><br>South Bend Washington (19-5), SAG 21, SOS 127<br>Penn (18-7), SAG 37, SOS 101<br>South Bend Adams (14-11), SAG 191, SOS 218<br>Mishawaka (11-13), SAG 234, SOS 211<br>Michigan City (6-16), SAG 249, SOS 138<br>LaPorte (2-20), SAG 317, SOS 142<br>South Bend Riley (3-18), SAG 337, SOS 246</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Bend Washington remains among the Class 4A schools due to the IHSAA's success factor, and with a talented 2025 class, they have another really good run in them. 6-4 Purdue commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295770' first='Kira' last='Reynolds']</strong> (<em>16.7p, 11.2r, 4.2a, 2.3s, 6.5b</em>) leads a robust Senior class with her ability to play at all three levels effectively. She is tall, long, and athletic, and she is one of the better defensive presences in the state around the paint. 5-11 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295766' first='Monique' last='Mitchell']</strong> (<em>13.1p, 4.6r</em>) joined Reynolds as a 2024 Indiana Junior All-Star. Mitchell recently gave a verbal commitment to Akron, and she is a top-flight athlete who can score it outside or get to the rim and finish acrobatically. 5-8 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295780' first='Ryiah' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>14.6p, 2.5r, 4.3a, 5.2s</em>) is one of the state's best on-ball defenders, and she has shown the ability to score it on or off the ball as well. 5-8 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892441' first='Makyla' last='McNeal']</strong> (<em>6.6p, 4.8r</em>), 5-11 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324081' first='Ayanna' last='Nicholson']</strong> (<em>2.2p, 3.5r</em>), 5-8 wing <strong>Taliah Alexander</strong> (<em>1.6p</em>), and 6-0 front-liner <strong>Jamiyah Parahams</strong> (<em>1.1p</em>) add Senior depth and experience for the Panthers. Look for 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834952' first='Kyra' last='Lowe']</strong> (<em>4.4p, 2.2r, 2.2s</em>), 5-9 Junior wing <strong>Zeya Alexander</strong> (<em>3.6p, 3.0r</em>), and 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751127' first='Zakaela' last='Walker']</strong> to fight for more extensive roles this season. Washington and Penn should ultimately battle it out for Sectional #3 this season. Speaking of the Kingsmen, Penn is a bit young in 2024-25, but they remain talented. Point guards <strong>Lauren Walsh</strong> (<em>12.5p, 4.6r, 2.1a, 3.2s</em>) and <strong>Karleisha Echols</strong> (<em>6.7p, 2.7r, 2.6a, 2.3s</em>) both graduated, along with two other 2024 graduates, so there is a hole in the backcourt. Walsh was a 2024 Indiana All-Star. But Penn returns quite a bit of talent and adds a pair of nice Freshmen as well. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295745' first='Jessa' last='Troy']</strong> (<em>12.4p, 2.8r</em>) is a tough-nosed, hard-working guard who can rip it from outside. 5-11 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834954' first='Anna' last='McCullough']</strong> (<em>8.0p, 5.0r</em>) carved out a niche as a rookie and looks to be more involved offensively in year-2. 6-1 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='670343' first='Anna' last='Sachire']</strong> (<em>3.4p, 2.8r</em>) has some inside-out ability with her touch, height, and length. 5-4 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624880' first='Macy' last='Little']</strong> (<em>3.3p, 2.4r</em>), 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828069' first='Ava' last='Stebbins']</strong> (<em>2.4p</em>), and 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='911978' first='Alivia' last='Dawson']</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>) will need to step it up in the backcourt this season to help replace Walsh and Echols. Dawson showed a lot of potential throughout July and could be much more impactful this year. Also, keep an eye on 6-0 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='898485' first='Alexis' last='Werner']</strong> and 6-0 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999403' first='Addison' last='Hummel']</strong>, both Freshmen. Werner is a skillful and talented forward who could start, while Hummel is a physical front-liner willing to battle inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Bend Adams is looking to post double-digit wins for the fourth year in a row, and they might just do that with ease. They were the beneficiary of the closure of South Bend Clay, as 6-0 senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828026' first='Maliya' last='Freeman']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 11.1r, 2.8b</em>) has transferred in. She is a hard-working, physical, walking double-double who should help solidify the interior for the Eagles. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>Zariyah Wiley</strong> and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Samara Rouser</strong> return and help Freeman up front, while 6-0 Freshman wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225059' first='Destiny' last='Perry']</strong> and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Nyomi Dortch</strong> are newcomers with size looking for an opportunity. Dortch is a transfer from Mishawaka. And we still haven't mentioned 5-4 Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='633002' first='Maddison' last='Lawson']</strong>, who had an outstanding Freshman year in 2023-24 and looks to only improve her handling of the position this time around. 5-4 Sophomore <strong>Amya Henry</strong> and 5-5 Sophomore <strong>Lundon Schindler</strong> are two more young guards looking to make their mark on the program. 5-8 guards <strong>Alaynah Young</strong> and <strong>Samaria Morris</strong> are a pair of Seniors who should help bring a veteran presence to the backcourt. Don't be surprised if Adams wins a few games they "shouldn't" this year. The Cavemen of Mishawaka must replace a lot of production as the graduated duo of guard <strong>Asiah Shaffer</strong> (<em>16.5p, 4.0r, 2.7a, 2.5s</em>) and forward <strong>Kasha Davidovic</strong> aren't returning to the lineup. Nearly everyone else is eligible to return, but none of them averaged more than four points per game. Junior forward <strong>Grace Matherly</strong> and 5-3 Sophomore guard <strong>Millie Mammolenti</strong> are the two most experienced of the group. Also look for 5-3 Junior point guard <strong>Reese Brugh</strong> to help with backcourt responsibilities as well. While I don't know that Mishawaka will contend for a Sectional #3 title, I do think they'll see several of their younger players step up and build a foundation for the future, as they likely won't play many impactful Seniors this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolves of Michigan City are typically a frustrating team to match up with. Up 30 points or down 30 points, they always compete and use their speed &amp; athleticism to their advantage. Gone, however, are guards <strong>Ramirra Anderson</strong> and <strong>T'Mya Moore</strong>, both 2024 graduates. Back in the fold, though, is 5-3 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366799' first='Paulecia' last='Isom']</strong>. She is little, but she is explosive, and she has proven over the years she can get 40 points on any given night. She's in her fourth season as a starter and double-digit scorer. 5-7 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496008' first='Divine' last='Woods']</strong> is another nice athlete, and she is an excellent defender with multiple years of experience. 5-9 Sophomore wing <strong>Iyanhi Grinston</strong> showed some promise as a Freshman last year and could help in a bigger role this season. The LaPorte Slicers are another team trying to figure things out. They've had a couple of lean years lately, but playing several younger players should pay off sooner rather than later. 6-0 Senior post <strong>Elizabeth Wallace</strong> and 5-10 Junior post <strong>Keilaeyah Roundtree</strong> bring some size up front, while Sophomore guard <strong>Lexi Surowiec</strong> helps in the backcourt. Also keep an eye on Freshmen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992372' first='Siona' last='Ohime']</strong>, a guard, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746256' first='Dallas' last='Richey']</strong>, a wing, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='988293' first='Hayley' last='Poulos']</strong>, a forward. Any/all of the three could see an opportunity early this year. I'd expect them to surpass two wins this season. That just leaves South Bend Riley, and they haven't won more than three games since the 2019-20 season. But without playing a Senior last year, they are eligible to return the entirety of their production. Most of it lies in the 2025 class. Forward <strong>Tory Harmon</strong> (<em>4.7p, 4.5r</em>), 5-6 guard <strong>Lucy Franko</strong> (<em>4.5p, 4.4r</em>), 5-8 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122699' first='Serenity' last='Farmer']</strong> (<em>3.7p, 3.2r</em>), guard <strong>Serinity Pinkney</strong> (<em>3.5p, 3.7r</em>), 5-8 forward <strong>Kaelynn Howell</strong> (<em>2.9p, 2.7r</em>), and guard <strong>Keyeira Burton</strong> (<em>2.2p, 2.1r, 2.3s</em>) are all Seniors looking to lean on their experience to lead the Wildcats to more wins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #4 at Warsaw</font></strong><br>Northridge (24-4), SAG 16, SOS 42<br>Warsaw (14-8), SAG 20, SOS 26<br>Elkhart (13-10), SAG 82, SOS 79<br>Goshen (11-12), SAG 179, SOS 116<br>Concord (9-13), SAG 182, SOS 165</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #4 is always entertaining, and 2024-25 should be no different. Northridge and Warsaw are elite programs who tend to approach 20 wins most years, but Elkhart, Goshen, and Concord are also usually pretty competitive. Northridge must overcome the graduation losses of guards <strong>Morgan Cross</strong> (<em>10.3p, 4.5r, 2.6a, 2.8s</em>) and <strong>Sabrina Miller</strong> (<em>6.5p, 2.6r, 2.5a</em>), along with forward <strong>Gaby Gates</strong> (<em>7.1p, 3.2r</em>)...three of their top six players from a year ago. However, the Lady Raiders return quite a bit of talent and should remain a top team in Class 4A. 5-5 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331802' first='Rielyn' last='Goodwin']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 3.5r, 3.4a, 3.1s</em>) is strong, quick, skilled, and intelligent. She has already committed to a good Spring Arbor program. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324080' first='Ella' last='Mohamed']</strong> (<em>8.8p, 3.6r, 2.3a</em>), a recent Trine commit, is a strong shooter who has become much better on the ball. 5-11 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624876' first='Camryn' last='Conley']</strong> (<em>6.5p</em>) and 5-10 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834963' first='Lily' last='Scholl']</strong> (<em>5.5p, 3.4r</em>) have played early and often in their careers. Conley is a long, fluid athlete, while Scholl is a rugged inside-out performer with a great motor. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>Taylor Baugh</strong> (<em>1.3p</em>) and 5-11 Sophomore forward/post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1006209' first='Zoe' last='Yeater']</strong> (<em>0.4p</em>) are a pair of physical interior players who should add rebounding and defense inside. 5-2 Junior guard <strong>Macey Riegsecker</strong> (<em>0.7p</em>), 5-11 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747044' first='Reagan' last='Huss']</strong>, and 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228391' first='Allison' last='Ambers']</strong> look for expanded roles around the perimeter this season. After consecutive Sectional titles, the Lady Raiders will look to make a deeper playoff run in 2024-25. The Warsaw Tigers will be the biggest obstacle for Northridge in Sectional #4, and they should be another top team in Class 4A this season. They return nearly all of their production, including the "big 3" of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295782' first='Brooke' last='Winchester']</strong> (<em>15.4p, 9.5r, 2.3a, 2.0s</em>), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567134' first='Joslyn' last='Bricker']</strong> (<em>16.2p, 4.1r, 3.3a, 2.1s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='403531' first='Brooke' last='Zartman']</strong> (<em>16.3p, 2.0r, 2.4s</em>). Winchester, a 6-0 Senior forward committed to Ball State, was a 2024 Indiana Junior All-Star. She can play tough and physical inside or hurt teams outside with her shooting touch. Bricker, a 5-8 point guard with multiple Division-I offers, is so smooth and savvy, and she can fill it up outside or create and find teammates. Zartman, a 5-8 guard committed to Miami (OH), is a pure shooter, an athlete, and a nice defensive player as well. All three are different and can complement each other well. The Tigers aren't terribly deep, but 5-7 guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='686307' first='Alexis' last='Neely']</strong> (<em>7.4p, 3.2r, 3.2a</em>), a Junior, and <strong>Braylie Chastain</strong> (<em>1.5p, 2.0r</em>), a Senior, are incredibly hard workers who just help them win games. Neely can also play some point guard and is a selfless passer. Look for 6-0 front-liners <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='908500' first='Cayleigh' last='Goheen']</strong>, a Sophomore, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999399' first='Madison' last='Branum']</strong>, a Freshman, to get a look inside as backups and/or sidekicks to Winchester. Warsaw will cause a lot of people problems because of their ability to shoot the ball at five positions. Circle their game at Homestead on January 21st as a potential shootout with several top prospects involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't discredit the Elkhart Lions, as they could very well surprise in Sectional #4 this year. They have a great deal of athletic talent, so it's just a matter of putting together good chemistry and efficiency that can get them to the top here. They will have to play without talented graduated guards <strong>Samiyah Stout</strong> and <strong>Jaya Johnson</strong>, but a lot of production does return. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='875459' first='Danica' last='Barnes']</strong> is one of the most athletic guards in Northern Indiana, and people are just figuring out who she is. Pair her with 5-4 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486489' first='Jordynn' last='Johnson']</strong> and 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567138' first='Aaniyah' last='Bonner']</strong>, and they have a formidable backcourt that can defend and create a lot of offense off the dribble. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044755' first='Shaniyah' last='Hughes']</strong> is a pogo stick with double-double potential each time she takes the floor, while 5-8 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624884' first='Shaniyah' last='Stout']</strong> is a strong, physical, hard-working inside-out forward who can attack opponents in different ways. The Lions can hurt opponents in many different ways, but athletically and defensively, they can really cause problems. The Goshen Redhawks should be an interesting entry this year, as they must replace three of their top five scorers from last season. Gone are <strong>Kyra Hill</strong> (<em>13.0p, 6.4r</em>), <strong>Joelle Hochstetler</strong> (<em>5.7p, 2.0s</em>), and <strong>Rosie Herrera</strong> (<em>3.7p, 2.4r</em>). Now the focus shifts to 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Kaelyn Marcum</strong> (<em>6.4p, 6.0r</em>) and 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Ava Yordy</strong> (<em>4.0p, 3.6r</em>). Offense could be a struggle, at least early on for Goshen, but look for 6-2 Senior <strong>Brenna Yoder</strong> (<em>1.5p</em>) and 6-0 Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761166' first='Taryn' last='Hill']</strong> (<em>0.5p</em>) to find bigger roles inside, while Senior guards <strong>Yesenia Medina</strong> (<em>1.1p</em>), <strong>Dakota Powers</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>), and <strong>Kennedy Yordy</strong> (<em>0.9p</em>) look to be more involved in the backcourt. That leaves the Concord Minutemen, and they have to make up for their own losses as 6-0 forward <strong>Dominique Stilley</strong> (<em>9.8p, 6.0r, 2.6b</em>) and forward <strong>Kambrya Zilm</strong> (<em>5.7p</em>) both left via the diploma. 5-5 Junior point guard <strong>Shelby Emerick</strong> (<em>8.4p, 2.3r, 3.0a</em>) returns, however, and she should be a steady force in the lineup. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>Hayden Casey</strong> (<em>2.8p, 3.6r</em>) offers at least some stability on the boards and defensively. 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Vivian Casey</strong> (<em>1.9p in 9 games</em>) and 5-10 Senior wing <strong>Halle Ganger</strong> (<em>1.8p</em>) will look to battle for minutes alongside Emerick in the backcourt. Striving for double-digit wins would be a solid goal for Concord during the 2024-25 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->