2024-25 Season Preview: Class 4A, Sectionals 5 & 6

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486518' first='Swynn' last='Jackson'] (2026) of Fort Wayne's Northrop 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 3rd of many, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Sectional #5 and Sectional #6. 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 #5 at Northrop</font></strong><br>Fort Wayne Snider (22-3), SAG 3, SOS 16<br>Fort Wayne Northrop (14-8), SAG 27, SOS 21<br>Fort Wayne Carroll (9-15), SAG 86, SOS 28<br>Fort Wayne North Side (2-21), SAG 252, SOS 71</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following the Spring graduation losses of <strong>Jordyn Poole</strong> (<em>16.9p, 2.7r, 4.4a, 2.5s</em>), <strong>Ciara Sims</strong> (<em>13.8p, 4.6r</em>), <strong>Joh'nea Donahue</strong> (<em>8.9p, 4.6r, 3.7a, 4.7s</em>), and <strong>Tia Phinezy</strong> (<em>6.9p, 6.7r</em>), it seems like too many people are writing off the Snider Panthers, and why not? Poole was an Indiana All-Star and is now at Purdue, Sims is now at Purdue Northwest, Donahue is now at Bowling Green State, and the 6-3 Phinezy is playing volleyball at Missouri. But there is a nice 2025 class to pair with a talented Freshman duo that should have Panther fans excited. 5-8 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828076' first='Zyann' last='Phinezy']</strong> (<em>5.5p</em>), 5-9 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828072' first='Kyra' last='Parker']</strong> (<em>5.4p, 3.4r</em>), 6-0 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496072' first='Saniah' last='Sandlin']</strong> (<em>3.4p, 3.5r</em>), and 5-9 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828079' first='Brie' last='Barnes']</strong> (<em>1.7p</em>) are all seasoned Senior veterans who have helped on Varsity for a couple of years now. Phinezy shot it well this Spring, Parker &amp; Barnes flash versatility on their travel teams, and Sandlin was especially good inside, showcasing nice hands and balance/footwork. Add to them 5-0 Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751112' first='Mylee' last='Hurse']</strong>, and you essentially have a lineup. Hurse is tiny, but she is a quick and disruptive playmaker. But Snider also welcomes 5-10 Freshman forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='879936' first='Janaya' last='Cooper']</strong> and 5-8 Freshman wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999414' first='Mackenzie' last='Carter']</strong> to the fold. Cooper has already drawn a number of Division-I offers because of her physical talent and potential, while Carter is a hard-working, smooth wing who can do a little of everything. Snider will have a lot of competition from Northrop and Carroll, but if you count the Panthers out too soon, they can hurt you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northrop has their own graduation losses to deal with, as <strong>Destini Craig</strong> (<em>14.7p, 4.2r, 2.9a, 2.9s</em>), <strong>Alexis Castator</strong> (<em>12.1p, 6.1r, 4.2a, 2.0s</em>), <strong>Niya Bell</strong> (<em>10.0p, 2.7r</em>), and <strong>Kyndall Thompson</strong> (<em>2.5p, 3.5r</em>) are all gone because of the diploma. Additionally, 6-1 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624885' first='Miley' last='Wareing']</strong> (<em>11.7p, 9.4r, 2.0a</em>) transferred in from Bishop Luers, but she suffered a knee injury over the Summer, so she likely won't return in time for the season. However, the Bruins don't have any Seniors, and they still possess a lot of talent. Most notable among the returnees are 5-10 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492326' first='Khala' last='Williams-Thomas']</strong> (<em>17.6p, 3.9r, 2.3a, 3.4s</em>) and 5-10 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486518' first='Swynn' last='Jackson']</strong> (<em>6.1p, 4.7r, 3.3a, 2.2s, 2.4b</em>). Williams-Thomas is one of the state's best athletes, and she is outstanding in the mid-post, while Jackson is a smooth and fluid wing who can shoot, score, handle, and distribute. Both are Division-I talents. Look for fellow Juniors <strong>Alivia Rice</strong> (<em>3.3p, 5.4r</em>) and <strong>Brilee Day</strong> (<em>3.0p</em>), both guards, to take on expanded roles in 2024-25. Carroll really only had a main rotation of six girls last season, and <strong>Jaidyn Fuller</strong> (<em>7.5p, 3.7r, 5.0a, 3.0s</em>) and <strong>Maddie Gawthrop</strong> (<em>4.3p, 4.1r</em>) both graduated, plus 6-2 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486555' first='Lillian' last='George']</strong> (<em>14.9p, 9.5r</em>) injured her knee in the Spring, so her availability could be delayed a little to begin the season. From the outset, the guard duo of 5-6 Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295801' first='Jersey' last='Paul']</strong> (<em>14.3p, 2.9r, 3.5a, 2.3s</em>) and 5-9 Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486549' first='Ava' last='Myers']</strong> (<em>7.5p, 3.3r</em>) will need to help carry the Chargers. Paul committed to Division II Thomas More, and she is a skillful shooter with range. Myers looked stronger over the Summer, and she could have a breakout year. Senior <strong>Callie Mitchell</strong> (<em>1.5p</em>), along with some youngsters, will be needed to step into key roles immediately for them to find success. That just leaves the North Side Legends. They won just two games a year ago and haven't won more than seven games since the 2003-04 season. With that said, <strong>Aniya Woodson</strong> (<em>8.7p, 3.1r, 2.8s</em>) and <strong>Jaliyah Paige</strong> (<em>7.0p, 7.5r</em>) both graduated, and they were the team's second and third leading producers. Back in the fold, however, is 5-4 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='880018' first='Aubrey' last='Bleeke']</strong> (<em>10.3p, 3.1r, 2.1a, 3.1s</em>). She can play on or off the ball, and she brings a lot of energy to the floor as a creator. 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Makaya Harmeyer</strong> (<em>5.1p, 5.3r</em>) and 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Kamiah Morris</strong> (<em>4.6p, 2.1s</em>) return with experience, plus 6-1 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='928917' first='Jayonna' last='Flotow']</strong> (<em>4.3p, 7.4r, 2.4b</em>) is intriguing with her height, length, and ability to defend. The Legends will look to approach 10 wins this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #6 at Homestead</font></strong><br>Homestead (23-5), SAG 12, SOS 31<br>Huntington North (11-12), SAG 81, SOS 40<br>Fort Wayne Wayne (8-16), SAG 177, SOS 89<br>Fort Wayne South Side (5-17), SAG 267, SOS 65</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Homestead has a wealth of riches right now, as their Junior and Freshmen classes are loaded with talent. It will be a monumental task for anyone in Sectional #6 to upset them, but nothing is ever out of the question in the state tournament. For Homestead, they are led by 5-10 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492319' first='Myah' last='Epps']</strong> (<em>17.8p, 5.7r, 5.3a, 2.4s</em>). She already has a number of high-major Division-I offers, and she is a smooth, skillful, high IQ guard. 5-11 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414465' first='Gabby' last='Helsom']</strong> (<em>16.5p, 5.7r, 45% 3s</em>) is a tough-nosed, strong, inside-out forward who can really shoot the basketball. She has drawn her share of offers as well, and she continues to develop her game around the perimeter. 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486540' first='Whitney' last='Ankenbruck']</strong> (<em>11.1p, 4.8r, 39% 3s</em>) is another talented perimeter shooter, plus she is a physical wing who plays with a tremendous motor. She recently committed to NAIA power Indiana Wesleyan. 5-9 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761179' first='Carley' last='Moellering']</strong> (<em>7.1p, 3.2r</em>) has improved steadily each year, and she recently picked up her first Division I offer. 5-5 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923097' first='Olivia' last='Fry']</strong> is as tough-nosed and feisty as they come at the position, and she brings a ton of energy to the floor. She is a pass-first kid who also defends at a high level. 5-8 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486546' first='Kendall' last='McLaughlin']</strong>, 5-9 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751059' first='Eva' last='Scarbeary']</strong>, and 5-3 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='879921' first='Selin' last='Oezcan']</strong> all vie for playing time in a loaded backcourt. McLaughlin is the younger sister of 2017 Indiana Miss Basketball <strong>Karissa McLaughlin</strong>. In addition to everyone mentioned already is a tremendous Freshman class who will likely contribute in a big way as well. The three best are 6-1 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888190' first='Suzy' last='Perego']</strong>, 5-9 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902152' first='Delaney' last='Noll']</strong>, and 5-7 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990167' first='Kenna' last='Taylor']</strong>. Perego is a smooth, fluid, and skilled wing who participated some with the Italian National Team over the Summer. Noll is a highly skilled shooter who is developing into a ball-handler as well, while Taylor is more of a point guard who can also knock down open shots. None of the three act like Freshman when you watch them play. Homestead is in good hands and is likely a Top 5 team in the state to begin the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings of Huntington do return some experience, plus they welcome a talented Freshman to the mix, so they should be able to top their 11 wins from a year ago and look to post a winning record this season. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295794' first='Marissa' last='Trout']</strong> (<em>14.3p, 4.4r, 3.0a</em>) leads the way. She is a skillful, strong, physical, athletic player. She can use her size and strength around the basket, plus she has touch outside, can facilitate as well, and she can defend multiple positions. She has committed to nearby Taylor University. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773836' first='Haiden' last='Bailey']</strong> (<em>11.7p, 3.5r, 2.3a</em>) can play on or off the ball, she is a nice athlete, and she can knock down an open jumper or attack the basket and create offense. 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751065' first='Harper' last='Bailey']</strong> has also flashed some upside in the past, and she could be more impactful this time around. Keep an eye on 5-8 Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='896531' first='Luci' last='Reich']</strong>. She is an extremely long, wiry, and possibly still-growing shooter with deep range. She can heat up quickly, but she is also solid creating opportunities for everyone with the ball in her hands. The Wayne Generals are another team who have had talent in recent years, and they look to get back to double digit wins again in 2024-25. However, they must do it without 2024 graduates <strong>Khalise Collins</strong> (<em>12.2p, 9.1r, 2.6a</em>), <strong>Sydney Gorman</strong> (<em>9.2p, 2.0a</em>), and <strong>Carma Bryant</strong> (<em>3.8p, 3.0r</em>). Key returnees for the Generals are 6-3 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692249' first='Layla' last='Williams']</strong> (<em>8.4p, 6.7r, 2.3b</em>), 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834942' first='Davianna' last='Irons']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 4.1r</em>), and 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Tani Hairston</strong> (<em>3.5p, 3.8r, 2.1a</em>). The Generals also received a nice transfer from 5-5 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828087' first='Kamoni' last='Grayson']</strong>, who came in from South Side High School. Look for Wayne to be aggressive and scrappy on most nights. The Fort Wayne South Side Archers will have to replace the aforementioned Grayson, plus athletic forward <strong>Ga'Naysia White</strong> graduated. They suddenly become a post-centric team with almost too much size to play all at once. 6-0 Senior post <strong>Lai'lonie Waller-Thomas</strong> is the most experienced of the bunch, and she is a powerful presence around the block. Fellow Senior <strong>JaMaya Green</strong>, plus Sophomore <strong>Addison Rutledge</strong>, contribute up front as well. Who will play around the perimeter is the biggest question following the Archers this season, as offense could be a struggle against the better teams in their conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->