2024-25 Season Preview: Class 4A, Sectionals 9 & 10

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='368870' first='Amyannah' last='Tucker'] (2025) of Richmond 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 1st of many, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Sectional #9 and Sectional #10. 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 #9 at Mount Vernon (Fortville)</font></strong><br>Pendleton Heights (15-10), SAG 51, SOS 45<br>Mount Vernon (13-14), SAG 78, SOS 61<br>Greenfield-Central (17-7), SAG 98, SOS 109<br>Anderson (9-14), SAG 149, SOS 124<br>Richmond (11-12), SAG 181, SOS 175<br>Muncie Central (2-20), SAG 341, SOS 159</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pendleton Heights was a bit on the inexperienced side a season ago, however they still managed to win 15 games, and they only graduated two, the most notable being <strong>Skylar Baldwin</strong> (<em>2.9p, 3.0r, 2.0s</em>). This year, the Arabians are primed to not only win Sectional #9, but also to compete for a Regional title. 5-9 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295797' first='Kaycie' last='Warfel']</strong> (<em>25.2p, 5.8r, 2.0a, 5.6s</em>) is one of the fastest kids in the state, and she plays with a tremendous motor. The Taylor University commit is difficult to keep from getting to the rim. 6-3 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750718' first='Adah' last='Hupfer']</strong> (<em>10.6p, 11.3r</em>) had a really nice rookie season, posting a double-double average. She has begun to stretch her range and do more things, and I'd expect her to have an even bigger year in 2024-25. 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486495' first='Olivia' last='Jones']</strong> (<em>9.1p, 4.8r, 2.4a, 2.4s</em>) was one of my favorites to watch all Spring &amp; Summer. There might not be another prospect in Indiana who plays as hard and who outworks their opponent as often. 5-6 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486475' first='Mamie' last='Trout']</strong> (<em>3.4p</em>), 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1006203' first='Aubree' last='Warfel']</strong> (<em>2.0p</em>), 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Emma Roberts</strong> (<em>1.8p</em>), and 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Brea Perry</strong> (<em>0.7p</em>) each saw action in 18 or more games last season, and between them, a couple should fill the starting lineup while the others form an experienced bench. If they can maintain team chemistry and utilize Hupfer's presence inside to create open looks outside, the Arabians could win 20 games this year. Mount Vernon is always well-coached and a tough "out" come tournament time, but now they must play without 2024 Indiana All-Star <strong>Ellery Minch</strong> (<em>14.2p, 6.2r, 2.0b</em>) for the first time in four years. Not only that, but four additional 2024s graduated, including <strong>Easton Wampler</strong> (<em>7.4p, 2.9r, 2.5a</em>) and <strong>Kaitlyn Laffey</strong> (<em>5.2p, 3.4r</em>). 5-5 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223008' first='Gabby' last='Thomas']</strong> (<em>8.4p</em>) suddenly steps into a leadership role, and I would expect her to be a double-digit scorer, if not a teens scorer, this season. 5-9 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='425632' first='Kanyonrae' last='Kenny']</strong> (<em>7.4p, 4.4r, 2.2s</em>), 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Addison Bucksot</strong> (<em>2.8p</em>), 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Reagan Britt</strong> (<em>1.1p, 4.0r</em>), and Junior guard <strong>Marissa Miner</strong> (<em>0.6p</em>) are the next most experienced prospects from a season ago. Offense could be a struggle for the Marauders, especially if teams hone in on Thomas. They will need some newcomers to step up this year, but I've learned to never count them out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greenfield-Central is a team that could ascend and cause problems for Pendleton Heights in Sectional #9. The Cougars really only played six girls in their primary rotation, and five of the six return...only Senior guard <strong>Jalyn Smith</strong> (<em>2.1p, 2.2r, 2.2a</em>) is missing. 6-0 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570373' first='Madison' last='Sonsini']</strong> (<em>14.6p, 9.2r, 2.1a, 2.0b</em>) and 5-9 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324066' first='Chaney' last='Brown']</strong> (<em>13.9p, 6.4r, 2.3a, 2.0s</em>) top the list. Both are strong but skillful players who can step outside and shoot, attack North/South off the dribble, or play physically in the mid-post. Sonsini recently committed to Spring Arbor. 5-4 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='511387' first='Brooklyn' last='McConnell']</strong> (<em>9.9p, 2.6r, 2.0s</em>) and 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736459' first='Izzy' last='Silcox']</strong> (<em>8.1p, 2.7r</em>) are key in the backcourt for the Cougars. McConnell is a feisty little water-bug who can defend, create, and knock down shots. She recently committed to IU-Columbus. Silcox had a solid rookie season and looks to expand upon it in year-2. She is a very good perimeter shooter. 5-4 Senior wing <strong>Addi Herrin</strong> (<em>1.3p</em>) should see a little more opportunity this season. Additional support could come from a couple more Seniors, a solid Sophomore class, or look out for 5-8 Freshman wing <strong>Paislee Brown</strong>. The Anderson Indians have typically been an athletic, aggressive team who can cause opponents issues with their defense. However, this year they must overcome the loss of four of their top six players. Gone are <strong>Jacelyn Starks</strong> (<em>15.7p, 3.3r, 2.3s</em>), <strong>Gabby Douglass</strong> (<em>11.7p, 3.8r, 6.0a, 3.6s</em>), <strong>Talaysha Simonds</strong> (<em>2.5p</em>), and <strong>Jaryeah Harrison</strong> (<em>2.3p, 3.0r</em>). They do return a couple of talented ladies in 5-5 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1005020' first='Kennedy' last='Brown']</strong> (<em>11.1p</em>) and 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751300' first='Ariah' last='Scott']</strong> (<em>7.7p, 6.7r</em>). Brown is an explosive athlete who can create offense and defend the ball well. Scott is a long, athletic, defensive-minded rebounder inside. While those two are "knowns", the rest of the rotation will be built on a bit of inexperience. 5-8 Sophomore forward <strong>Cambre'Anna Austin</strong> (<em>2.0p, 3.0r</em>) flashed some potential in 20 games last season, while 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Jamyia Foster</strong> (<em>1.8p, 2.6r</em>) is another hard-working interior player who can defend and rebound. I wouldn't be surprised if a Freshman or two from a solid 2028 class got to the Varsity level early for the Indians.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Richmond Red Devils strive to achieve a winning record in 2024-25, and with several experienced Seniors in the fold, that looks more likely than not. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='368870' first='Amyannah' last='Tucker']</strong> (<em>13.0p, 3.6r, 3.8a</em>) moved in last year from Ohio, and she immediately brought a poised backcourt presence. She is strong, physical at the point of attack, and she plays with a nice motor. 6-1 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='689532' first='Maren' last='Bolser']</strong> (<em>11.7p, 5.0r</em>) is very intriguing because she is extremely long and wiry, plus she is a very capable perimeter shooter who can be a mismatch for opponents outside. The Senior trio of 5-7 wing <strong>Cami Turpin</strong> (<em>5.5p, 5.2r, 2.5s</em>), 5-6 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331786' first='Kiarra' last='Handley']</strong> (<em>5.3p</em>), and 5-8 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='430240' first='Amari' last='Jackson']</strong> (<em>3.7p, 4.0r</em>) are all hard-working athletes who do whatever they can to help their team win. 5-11 Sophomore front-liner <strong>Sophie Reising</strong> (<em>5.2p, 3.3r</em>) got her feet wet a year ago, but she looks to make a much bigger impact this season. Look for Richmond to approach 15 to 17 wins this season, and they could be a dark horse to upset some of the better teams in Sectional #9. The final team in Sectional #9 are the Bearcats of Muncie Central. In addition to a tough season last year, the Bearcats also graduated three key players in <strong>Taj Isom</strong>, <strong>Katie White</strong>, and <strong>Alaija Douglass</strong>. Look for Senior <strong>Shayla Goodwin</strong>, Juniors <strong>Laniya Thomas</strong> and <strong>Kadence Smith</strong>, plus Sophomores <strong>Kayla Roberson</strong>, <strong>Jazlyn Harvey</strong>, and <strong>Amaya Zolman</strong> to get first crack at playing time, though I'd expect things are wide open for anyone to step up as they attempt to improve from 2023-24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #10 at Lawrence North</font></strong><br>Lawrence Central (30-1), SAG 1, SOS 13<br>Lawrence North (18-6), SAG 6, SOS 2<br>Warren Central (14-10), SAG 33, SOS 11<br>North Central (7-17), SAG 55, SOS 3<br>Arsenal Technical (7-15), SAG 323, SOS 346</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite Sectional #8 being the strongest on an annual basis, Sectional #10 might very well be the strongest this season. To begin with, it's home to the Lawrence Central Bears. They are the defending Class 4A State Champions, and they return their core six players. Leading the way for the silver and maroon is 6-2 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295763' first='Jaylah' last='Lampley']</strong> (<em>18.0p, 5.9r, 2.1s</em>). She entered high school as a high-level talent, and she has only gotten better each year. She can play inside or out, and she plays with a great motor. Jaylah recently gave a commitment to Mississippi State. 6-3 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492321' first='Lola' last='Lampley']</strong> (<em>10.4p, 6.0r, 2.7a, 2.2s</em>), Jaylah's younger sister, is another highly recruited prospect who does everything well. Lola has a strong, athletic frame, she can score it inside, in the mid-post, or from the perimeter, and this Summer she showed the ability to handle it in transition and create for others. Lola is also a member of USA Basketball. 6-0 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492322' first='Aniyah' last='McKenzie']</strong> (<em>11.4p, 6.1r</em>) is as hard-working as they come. She is strong, tough, and athletic, and she combines skill with the willingness to make hustle plays. 5-7 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295753' first='Laila' last='Abdurraqib']</strong> (<em>11.2p, 4.1r, 3.7a, 2.3s</em>), a University of New Mexico commit, is one of the best passers in the state. She's also a top-flight defender, and she can bury shots with range. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='468535' first='Mariah' last='Kenter-Garrett']</strong> (<em>3.5p, 2.1r</em>) has elite speed and is another excellent defender. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Janiyah Russell</strong> (<em>1.6p</em>) adds a little size and strength on the interior, as does Varsity newcomer <strong>Jessica Heavener</strong>, a 6-0 post. Two more Bears to keep an eye out for are 5-5 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990043' first='LeAnah' last='Hyatt']</strong> and 5-6 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990166' first='Aaliyah' last='Wilson']</strong>, two of the state's best Freshmen prospects. Lawrence Central is in prime position to repeat. They have the talent, the skill, and now, the experience for a back-to-back run. But the Lawrence North Wildcats might have something to say about that. They are another one of the deeper and more talented teams in the state as well. The Wildcats did graduate some significant pieces in <strong>Kamara Mills</strong> (<em>10.3p, 2.5r</em>), <strong>Natalia Franklin</strong> (<em>4.5p, 2.4r</em>), <strong>Ellysa Morris</strong> (<em>3.1p</em>), and <strong>Emani Washington</strong> (<em>1.5p</em>). But they also return quite a bit. 5-7 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt']</strong> (<em>11.3p, 3.5r, 4.1a, 2.3s</em>), an Illinois State commit, is a strong, long, and athletic point guard prospect who can create offense for herself or others. On the perimeter, she is aided by 5-9 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='Keadriah' last='Butler']</strong> (<em>6.4p, 2.5r</em>), 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Victoria Guyse</strong> (<em>3.6p</em>), 5-4 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761183' first='Ka'Nyriah' last='Ridley']</strong> (<em>3.5p</em>), and 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038866' first='Kalea' last='Bentley']</strong>. Butler had an outstanding Spring &amp; Summer and looks to step into a more elaborate role this Winter. Ridley also played well at times during the grassroots season and could stand out as a shooter. Up front, Lawrence North has good size and versatility. 6-1 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295793' first='Jamaya' last='Thomas']</strong> (<em>10.0p, 3.7r</em>), a Northern Kentucky commit, is strong and physical, and she can move people with ease. 6-1 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453218' first='Ashiyah' last='Teague']</strong> (<em>2.7p, 2.0r</em>) is extremely long, active, and athletic, while 5-11 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston']</strong> (<em>6.8p, 5.1r, 2.3s</em>) plays with tremendous versatility. She has been working on her perimeter game, plus she's a talented athlete who can use her athleticism to her advantage inside. The Wildcats obvious obstacle is Lawrence Central, so they will have battles for sure this coming Winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warren Central Warriors are a curious entry this season. They have returning talent, a nice transfer, plus a talented Freshman group that could help immediately. First, however, they had to say "goodbye" to <strong>Denyha Jacobs</strong> (<em>20.7p, 6.0r, 2.5a, 4.1s</em>), <strong>Teleah Davidson</strong> (<em>6.3p, 6.6r</em>), <strong>Keyera Harlan</strong> (<em>5.2p, 3.2r</em>), plus three others due to graduation. Key among the returnees include 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567132' first='Denell' last='Jacobs']</strong> (<em>11.8p, 5.7r, 3.4s</em>). She is a highly skilled, crafty scorer who can shoot, create, distribute, and defend. Look for her to make a major jump statistically this year. 5-4 Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751072' first='Jada' last='Frieson']</strong> saw action in a handful of games last season, but she is likely ready to step into a much bigger role this year. She is a tough-nosed, compact, traditional point guard who can find open teammates. 6-3 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828080' first='Ariel' last='Watford']</strong> (<em>0.1p</em>) played sparingly last year, but she is a developing post prospect who flashes great potential. The rest of the group will be new to the Warriors' Varsity roster. 6-3 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624875' first='Laila' last='Brown']</strong> (<em>3.9p, 4.1r</em>) comes to Warren Central after lettering the last two seasons at Ben Davis, and she has drawn a little Division I attention as well. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='917005' first='Shantel' last='Shockley']</strong> and 5-10 Sophomore front-liner <strong>Acelynn Durham</strong> simply get their first taste of Varsity action. Then, a quintet of Freshmen could play immediately, topped by 5-7 guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990952' first='Denaijah' last='Jacobs']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992789' first='La'Starr' last='Williams']</strong>. 5-9 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225056' first='McKenzie' last='Lisenby']</strong>, 5-9 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225062' first='Charisma' last='Taylor']</strong>, and 6-0 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225048' first='Meelena' last='Fowlkes']</strong> are the others. Be leery of the Warriors come tournament time. Indianapolis North Central is another program who always seems to assemble a great deal of athletic talent. The Panthers graduated two of their top three players, as <strong>Kaiden Kreinhagen</strong> (<em>13.0p, 3.2r</em>) is now a preferred walk-on at Evansville, and <strong>Kaitlyn Hoff</strong> (<em>8.9p, 4.9r, 2.0s</em>) is now playing at Spring Arbor. 5-2 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295787' first='Gabrielle' last='Burrus']</strong> (<em>10.9p, 2.7r, 2.9a</em>) is the leading returnee. She is skilled with the ball in her hands, plus she can shoot it with range. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324069' first='Kristian' last='Dinkins']</strong> (<em>5.8p, 2.8r</em>) has flashed loads of potential at times, and she could have a breakout year in 2024-2025. 5-8 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992527' first='Arianna' last='Harrington']</strong> (<em>3.7p, 2.3r</em>), 5-11 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='917007' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland']</strong> (<em>3.0p, 2.0r</em>), and 5-9 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756243' first='Macy' last='Loy']</strong> (<em>2.8p, 3.6r</em>) are a trio of Sophomores who saw many meaningful minutes as rookies, and all three fight for starting spots in year-2. 6-2 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='917008' first='Raven' last='Walls']</strong> (<em>0.7p, 2.6r</em>) continues to develop her game, and she has the height, length, and athleticism to be a problem inside sooner rather than later. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751090' first='Laila' last='Scott-Knox']</strong> (<em>0.7p</em>), a 5-2 Sophomore point guard, also saw limited minutes and could find a role in the rotation as a second-year Varsity player. If the Panthers can put it all together, they can be highly competitive this season and once again approach 15+ wins. The Arsenal Tech Titans are always an athletic bunch, but they could have a tough go of it in Sectional #10 this season. <strong>Kayla Lacombe</strong> (<em>26.8p, 8.5r, 2.5a</em>), <strong>Alilyona McKeller</strong> (<em>9.6p, 8.1r</em>), and <strong>Kira Overton</strong> (<em>3.6p, 2.1r</em>) all left via the diploma. They do return several ladies with at least some experience, so they could still manage to match last season's record if things fall into place. 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Khalis Brown</strong> (<em>3.2p, 4.1r</em>) is the top returning scorer and rebounder. Sophomore wing <strong>Ja'Niyah Tate</strong> (<em>1.5p</em>) had moments where she flashed nice potential. Senior front-liner <strong>Adrianna Thompkins</strong> (<em>1.0p, 4.0r</em>), Sophomore forward <strong>Janiya Sanders</strong> (<em>0.8p, 2.6r</em>), 5-2 Senior point guard <strong>Rose Cirosil</strong> (<em>0.7p</em>), and Sophomore forward <strong>Tay'Yanna Hardy</strong> (<em>0.6p</em>) saw key minutes a year ago and look to step up this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->