2024-25 Season Preview: Class 2A, Sectionals 37 & 38

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard'] (2025) of Wabash High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we are in the middle of Thanksgiving week, I wanted to take the time to continue previewing the season Sectional by Sectional. In the past, I have typically started in Class 1A and moved up, but this season I started 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 19th of 32, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Class 2A, Sectional #37 and Sectional #38. 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 #37 at Rensselaer Central</font></strong><br>Benton Central (25-4), SAG 28, SOS 75<br>Rensselaer Central (22-2), SAG 29, SOS 120<br>Delphi (15-9), SAG 221, SOS 312<br>Seeger (15-8), SAG 275, SOS 355<br>North Montgomery (9-15), SAG 297, SOS 295<br>Western Boone (9-14), SAG 298, SOS 259</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Teams:</strong> Sectional #37 is likely going to come down to Benton Central and Rensselaer Central. Yes, there are other teams who could put up winning records in the regular season, but against what competition? Benton Central graduated a strong 2024 class, plus they lost a player to transfer, but they will still be solid. 5-8 Senior guard <strong>Avery Hardebeck</strong> is back for her final season. She is a capable scorer from all levels, but she also plays extremely hard and can defend. Beyond her, look for several Freshmen and Sophomores to get playing time on a young, but talented group. Sophomores include 5-9 forward <strong>McKenna Yadon</strong>, 6-2 post <strong>Azlee Reynolds</strong>, plus guards <strong>Madison Minniear</strong>, <strong>Emma Hinds</strong>, and <strong>Violet Hardebeck</strong>. The one thing I've learned about the Bison over the years is, regardless of their record or who is on the roster, by February they will compete and make waves in the Sectional. Rensselaer Central has been gearing up for this season for some time. Not only are they talented and deep, but they also were moved from Class 3A to Class 2A during the Spring realignment. Also, following a 22-2 record last season, they made a first round Sectional exit, and they haven't won a Sectional since the 2012-2013 season, so they are hungry. 5-11 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295796' first='Taylor' last='Van Meter']</strong> (<em>13.9p, 5.9r, 2.8a, 3.1s</em>) is a nice athlete with length and a soft touch from the perimeter. She will be limited to begin the year, but as they work her back in slowly, watch for her (<em>and the team</em>) to take off. 5-8 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492323' first='Kamri' last='Rowland']</strong> (<em>13.4p, 6.4r, 3.3s</em>) is a do-everything type of player. She is strong, physical, and versatile. She has solid skill and athleticism, and she can pretty much play any position except post. 6-0 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453224' first='Carly' last='Drone']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 3.4r</em>) is a nice-sized face-up '4' with touch outside. And 5-10 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756244' first='Courtney' last='Mathew']</strong> (<em>6.0p, 2.5r</em>) began her career solidly, but I look for her to potentially be a breakout candidate in 2024-2025. She is a nice athlete and can really defend. 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Brodie Radtke</strong> (<em>3.3p, 2.3r</em>) and 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Alivia Cain</strong> (<em>0.5p in 10 games</em>) are hustle type kids who look to help in any way they can. The Bombers are going to be tough for most teams in Class 2A to defeat, so look for them to potentially put together a deep run this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Keep an Eye On:</strong> Delphi: 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044766' first='Jenna' last='Roth']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 5.0r, 2.3a, 3.8s</em>); North Montgomery: 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828036' first='Piper' last='Ramey']</strong> (<em>12.6p, 9.5r, 2.2a</em>), Junior wing <strong>Macee Norman</strong> (<em>9.6p, 8.2r</em>); Seeger: 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137356' first='Cadence' last='White']</strong> (<em>7.9p, 3.2r</em>), 5-7 Freshman forward <strong>Lorelei Lanie</strong>; Western Boone: 5-7 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834948' first='Ally' last='Lewis']</strong> (<em>9.8p, 5.9r, 2.5s</em>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #38 at Lewis Cass</font></strong><br>Lewis Cass (22-4), SAG 137, SOS 238<br>Oak Hill (11-11), SAG 160, SOS 150<br>Manchester (14-9), SAG 173, SOS 208<br>Rochester (12-12), SAG 201, SOS 228<br>Wabash (11-12), SAG 225, SOS 222<br>Eastern (Greentown) (7-17), SAG 327, SOS 314</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Teams:</strong> Lewis Cass has become a solid program annually, and while they graduated two of their top three players in the Spring, they return six from a nine-person rotation, including some younger players with experience. 5-1 Junior guard <strong>Aftin Griffin</strong> (<em>11.9p, 2.7s</em>) returns and has been their most consistent player. Despite her size, she is a scorer first, and they look to set her up each possession. 5-5 Junior <strong>Anna Hedrick</strong> (<em>6.1p, 2.7r, 2.3a, 2.0s</em>) is the point guard. She does a nice job of taking care of the ball and finding open teammates. 5-11 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218683' first='Mylie' last='Sipe']</strong> (<em>3.8p, 2.4r</em>) has improved from year to year, and she does a nice job of combining strength and physicality with a high basketball IQ and touch from 3-point range. 5-6 Junior wing <strong>Ava Hubner</strong> (<em>2.2p, 2.6r</em>) adds depth and has seen quality action in the past for the Kings. 5-5 Sophomore guard <strong>Laney Davis</strong> (<em>1.1p</em>) and 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Kylie Logan</strong> (<em>0.8p</em>) are also Varsity contributors who now look to step into core rotation roles this season. Beyond those six, look for Freshmen <strong>Hope Rush</strong>, a 5-5 guard, and <strong>Presley Johnson</strong>, a 5-10 forward, to get a look early this season. It might take the Kings a minute to catch their stride, but they have solid perimeter play and a nice interior presence, so I'd expect by Sectional time, they'll be ready. Nipping at their heels will be the Golden Eagles of Oak Hill. After four years of rebuilding, they have a group of players that has grown together, and they are ready to make that leap towards winning 15-20 games each year again moving forward. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Liz Godfrey</strong> (<em>9.8p</em>) leads the way. The Earlham commit is a long, wiry athlete who can bury shots from the perimeter. Sophomore guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137326' first='Landri' last='Hardman']</strong> (<em>6.9p, 3.5r, 2.5a, 2.5s</em>) and <strong>Erika Newhouse</strong> (<em>4.0p, 4.6r, 2.5a</em>) learned "on the fly" a year ago, and now they are ready to take that next step. Both are nice athletes who will rebound and defend as well. 5-11 Junior post <strong>Lydia Trexler</strong> (<em>6.1p, 4.4r</em>) provides size, length, and athleticism in the paint, while 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>Morgan Cates</strong> (<em>2.3p, 3.7r</em>) saw plenty of action as a rookie and is ready to help her full-time upfront. Senior <strong>Alexa Myers</strong> (<em>1.8p, 2.9r</em>) is an experienced perimeter player who can add a veteran presence off the bench. Freshman front-liner <strong>Brianna Dailey</strong> and Sophomore guard <strong>Lilly Edwards</strong> look to make their mark as Golden Eagles as well. The backcourt combination of Godfrey, Hardman, and Newhouse should make Oak Hill a problem, and if they get solid rebounding and interior defense as well, look for them to approach 18 wins this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The good news is, Rochester consistently played seven in their rotation a year ago, the top six have returned, and they've added a pair of Freshmen to the mix as well. 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Rylee Clevenger</strong> (<em>10.0p, 2.0r, 2.3a</em>) plays much bigger than she is. She is quick, fast, and feisty, but she is also a good perimeter shooter who can keep defenses honest. 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>Aubrey Wilson</strong> (<em>7.8p</em>) saw plenty of action as a Freshman, and now she looks to step up and be a go-to player moving forward. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828021' first='Ella' last='McCarter']</strong> (<em>7.5p, 5.5r, 3.4a</em>) has always been a really nice, bouncy athlete, and she has improved skillfully year after year. She could approach double-double numbers each night. 5-11 Sophomore post <strong>Jadyn Field</strong> (<em>5.2p, 5.9r</em>) was a nice surprise as a rookie, and once she's back, she will add a defensive/rebounding presence in the paint. 5-11 Senior post <strong>Audrey Bolinger</strong> (<em>2.8p, 4.0r</em>) and 5-8 Sophomore wing <strong>Brailyn Hunter</strong> (<em>2.0p</em>) add a little more size and build depth for the Zebras. 5-9 forward <strong>Jayla<font color="FFFFFF">.</font>Miller</strong> and 5-4 forward <strong>Constance Velez</strong>, both Freshmen, look to step in and play right away when given an opportunity. Rochester has been a solid program for some time, and they are typically a tough-nosed, hard-working team who doesn't back down from anyone. With the right combination of players, like this season, they can go on a run and win a Sectional title. The Wabash Apaches have a lot of things trending in the right direction this season. They return three of their top four players from a team that won 11 games, plus they added a pair of transfers who should help take them to another level. First, for the returnees, 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122733' first='Kaitlynn' last='Honeycutt']</strong> (<em>13.3p, 3.7r, 3.0a, 4.0s</em>) is a versatile playmaker who can create for herself or others, and she's a capable perimeter shooter. 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Bryleigh Boggs</strong> (<em>9.3p, 6.6r</em>) plays a bit bigger than she is. She'll get inside and defend/rebound when necessary, plus she can find points in a variety of ways. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Janika Stumbo</strong> (<em>4.6p, 3.5r, 2.0s</em>) adds another experienced perimeter threat who can do a little of everything for the Apaches. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Sammie Walter</strong> (<em>1.4p, 3.0r</em>) and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Logan Wright</strong> (<em>0.3p</em>) will be able to help provide an interior presence, though not very tall. However, the additions of 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard']</strong> (<em>14.8p, 4.4r, 3.8a</em>) from county rival Manchester, and 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122695' first='Anna' last='Daughtry']</strong> (<em>7.3p, 3.9r, 3.7a, 5.0s</em>) from Affton High School in Missouri, should offset any of that. Both are talented playmakers who can create havoc for opponents at both ends of the floor. The trio of Honeycutt, Buzzard, and Daughtry will be a tough matchup any night, so if the Apaches can get some sort of interior play and at least limit second chance points, they could ascend in Class 2A pretty quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Keep an Eye On:</strong> Eastern (Greentown): 6-0 Senior post <strong>Marly Coan</strong> (<em>5.5p, 5.6r</em>), 5-7 Freshman wing <strong>Lainey Newlin</strong>; Manchester: 5-6 Sophomore forward <strong>Emma Walker</strong> (<em>10.5p, 6.8r</em>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->