2024-25 Season Preview: Class 3A, Sectionals 25 & 26

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='884487' first='Aniyah' last='Anthony'] (2026) of Tri-West High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we enter the third week of official IHSAA games, 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 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 13th of 24, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Class 3A, Sectional #25 and Sectional #26. 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 #25 at Lebanon</font></strong><br>Danville Community (24-4), SAG 44, SOS 134<br>Brebeuf Jesuit (17-7), SAG 108, SOS 179<br>Tri-West (13-11), SAG 124, SOS 115<br>Guerin Catholic (9-14), SAG 195, SOS 112<br>Lebanon (11-15), SAG 217, SOS 217<br>Frankfort (2-22), SAG 346, SOS 252<br>Crawfordsville (0-23), SAG 367, SOS 300</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In Sectional #25, Danville and Tri-West have been great in the postseason with their deep runs, while Brebeuf is improving and could cause problems this year. The Danville Warriors have won 18 or more games in 9 of the last 10 seasons, and 2024-2025 shouldn't be any different. Despite graduating <strong>Kooper Stone</strong> (<em>8.0p, 3.8r, 2.5a in 8 games</em>), <strong>Lucy Riggs</strong> (<em>5.0p, 2.1s</em>), <strong>Alexis Lynch</strong> (<em>4.5p, 3.8r</em>), plus three additional 2024s, the Warriors return their top three leading scorers from a year ago, and they add some talented youngsters to the mix. 5-6 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295784' first='Emma' last='Ancelet']</strong> (<em>15.2p, 6.0r, 6.5a, 3.2s</em>), a Taylor University commit, is a tremendous leader. She plays hard, can shoot/score or distribute, plus she adds vocal leadership to the mix. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='626931' first='Addison' last='Davis']</strong> (<em>13.0p, 7.0r, 2.5s</em>) is as tough as they come, she plays extremely hard, and she has really nice mid-post skill. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486529' first='Maddy' last='Wethington']</strong> (<em>9.7p</em>) stepped up and had a really nice Sophomore season a year ago. She can play either backcourt spot reasonably well. 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Ava Walls</strong> (<em>4.3p, 3.7r</em>) and 5-8 Junior wing <strong>Allie Gunter</strong> (<em>1.1p in 15 games</em>) add hard work and "hustle" plays to the mix as well. But the additions of 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1006201' first='Casey' last='Hummel']</strong>, 5-4 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990169' first='Amelia' last='Wethington']</strong>, 5-6 guard <strong>Abbie Creviston</strong>, and 5-10 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992354' first='Jillian' last='Conrad']</strong> bring athleticism, versatility, skill, and effort to the table...the latter three are all Freshmen. As the younger players acclimate themselves to Varsity life, this Danville team should only get better and better throughout the year. After 15 consecutive losing seasons, the Brebeuf Braves have now posted two winning seasons in a row, and they are looking for a spot at the "big kids' table". While only <strong>Nathalie Anderson</strong> (<em>6.3p, 6.8r</em>) and <strong>Jackie McNair</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>) graduated, the Braves unfortunately lost the services of talented 5-10 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751073' first='Jailen' last='Bowling']</strong> (<em>10.0p, 5.1r</em>), who injured her knee late in the Summer and will miss most/all of the 2024-2025 season. She has picked up quite a bit of Division I interest over the last few months and can shoot/score it from all over. All is not lost, however, as 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131983' first='Robyn' last='Pate']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 3.1r</em>) and 5-6 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761173' first='Audra' last='Kendall']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 3.7r, 2.3a</em>) clock in to do work in the Brebeuf backcourt. 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Ella Miller</strong> (<em>5.8p, 2.6r, 2.4s</em>) and 5-9 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453221' first='Savannah' last='Schafer']</strong> (<em>4.3p, 5.4r, 2.0a</em>) add experience as well. Schafer has flashed double-double potential and is a talented point forward type of creator. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Molly Dolan</strong> (<em>1.3p</em>), 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Elise O'Neill</strong> (<em>1.2p</em>), and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Kenzie Singleton</strong> add to the Braves' depth in 2024-2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tri-West is one of those programs who tends to be competitive year after year, and when they graduate good players, they plug and play whoever is next. With the graduations of <strong>Atta Garnett</strong> (<em>8.0p, 5.4r, 2.2a</em>), <strong>Regan Canada</strong> (<em>6.0p, 2.8r</em>), <strong>McKinzie Wilhoite</strong> (<em>4.3p, 3.5r</em>), plus two others, the Bruins will need to rebuild the back end of their rotation and their depth early this season. However, 5-3 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884487' first='Aniyah' last='Anthony']</strong> (<em>8.6p, 3.5r, 2.5a, 2.5s</em>) and leading scorer, 5-8 Senior sharp-shooter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496043' first='Lauren' last='Bear']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 2.1r, 3.3s</em>), both return. Anthony was outstanding in July and throughout the Fall, so I'd expect a big year from her. Bear was also really good during the grassroots season and is one of the state's most dangerous perimeter shooters. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496082' first='Zoie' last='Bruner']</strong> (<em>4.0p, 4.3r</em>) is a nice addition to the starting lineup, because she brings strength, toughness, and a nice motor, plus she can knock down shots or play inside. From this point is where experience runs a little thin. 5-9 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884681' first='Camryn' last='Faires']</strong> (<em>1.5p in 16 games</em>) is probably next in line, plus Junior front-liner <strong>Megan Lane</strong> (<em>0.9p in 17 games</em>) has a little experience as well. I would anticipate any combination of Junior wing <strong>Chloe Zeunik</strong>, Sophomore wing <strong>Anna Thompson</strong>, or Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1005024' first='Leah' last='Mulligan']</strong>, plus possibly Freshman forward <strong>Tinuade Adebowale</strong> to pick up minutes this season. The Bruins look to win their first Sectional since 2021-2022, and with Anthony and Bear leading the way, it is very possible for them to contend. Guerin Catholic is still looking to win their first Sectional title in program history. The Golden Eagles graduated <strong>Kori Dues</strong> (<em>5.9p, 3.4r</em>), <strong>Lucy Collins</strong> (<em>2.7p in 12 games</em>), plus a couple of others, but they also lost 6-3 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751060' first='Gianna' last='Morelli']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 7.3r, 2.8b in 13 games</em>) to a transfer to Bishop Chatard, plus 6-1 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751056' first='Emery' last='Cardinal']</strong> (<em>3.9p, 3.2r</em>) is not playing this season. That means a lot of players will be needed to step into new roles during the 2024-2025 season. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506019' first='Ava' last='Bills']</strong> (<em>9.9p, 5.8r, 3.0a, 2.9s</em>) does return and brings versatility, skill, and some athleticism. Also back is 5-1 Senior point guard <strong>Annie Murphy</strong> (<em>6.6p</em>). Sophomore forward <strong>Caroline Ford</strong> (<em>3.5p, 2.9r, 2.1s</em>), 5-9 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506026' first='Reagan' last='Haines']</strong> (<em>3.2p, 3.0r</em>), and 5-4 Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751093' first='Lillian' last='Behrle']</strong> (<em>2.6p, 2.3r</em>) do return at least some experience. Sophomore post <strong>Chika Ohale</strong> could see immediate playing time and benefit from the lack of size, while 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773832' first='Dana' last='Dues']</strong> (<em>0.4p in 16 games</em>) looks to expand her role as well. The Golden Eagles aren't down and out to begin the year, but they'll have a lot of building to do in order to knock off the better teams in Sectional #25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lebanon Tigers return enough production to improve from last year, but they must play without graduates <strong>Emily Sperry</strong> (<em>6.6p, 5.5r</em>), <strong>Ciarra Hiatt</strong> (<em>3.4p, 3.3r</em>), and <strong>Ava Lehmkuhler</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>). Additionally, 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923198' first='Riley' last='Vanaman']</strong> (<em>7.4p, 4.8r</em>) suffered an injury that will likely keep her sidelined all Winter. That leaves 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1123932' first='Claire' last='Boling']</strong> (<em>9.1p, 4.8r, 2.7s</em>), a threat as a wing shooter and a fluid athlete, as the primary catalyst for the Tigers. 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Marina Barr</strong> (<em>4.8p, 2.9r, 2.3a</em>), 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Leila Richards</strong> (<em>4.5p, 2.9r</em>), 5-8 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751121' first='Sophie' last='Kyker']</strong> (<em>2.1p</em>), and 5-11 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883672' first='Jade' last='Mount']</strong> (<em>1.6p</em>) offer some support to Boling at a variety of positions. But don't be surprised if several newcomers step to the forefront. That could include Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751054' first='Ellie' last='Cooper']</strong>, Sophomore <strong>Ali Bir</strong>, plus Freshman <strong>Averee Maciel</strong>. The Frankfort Hot Dogs haven't won more than three games in a season since 2018-2019, and offense seems to be the biggest of problems for them to find. <strong>Vannessa Guardado</strong> (<em>7.8p, 5.9r, 2.0a</em>), their leading scorer, plus <strong>Saira Flores</strong> (<em>5.5p, 6.7r</em>) and <strong>Evelyn Vasquez</strong> (<em>1.6p, 3.3r</em>) have all graduated. Top returnees for the Hot Dogs include 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Ella McAtee</strong> (<em>6.5p, 2.0r, 2.4s</em>) and Senior guard <strong>Daizy Valdez</strong> (<em>3.1p</em>). Also look for Freshmen <strong>Ava Jarman</strong> and <strong>Kynlee Myers</strong> to make an immediate impact for Frankfort this season. Crawfordsville is another team who struggled for wins and points a season ago, but the Athenians could be improved this time around. <strong>Taylor Abston</strong> (<em>4.4p, 2.4r</em>), <strong>Madison Hedrick</strong> (<em>3.5p, 3.3r</em>), and <strong>Addie Hodges</strong> (<em>2.0p, 3.1r</em>) all graduated and must be replaced. But Crawfordsville also played eight underclassmen in 11 or more games last year. That could pay off in the end. 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Litzy Huesca</strong> (<em>4.0p, 2.8r</em>) is now the most experienced Athenian on the roster. She gets help from Junior guard <strong>Molly Pierce</strong> (<em>3.6p, 3.4r</em>), Junior guard <strong>Yuli Torres</strong> (<em>2.5p, 2.7r</em>), and Senior forward <strong>Celeste Moore</strong> (<em>2.5p, 3.3r in 11 games</em>), who could help form the nucleus of their lineup in 2024-2025. If Crawfordsville can find offense from somewhere, they could squeeze out a handful of victories 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 #26 at Cathedral</font></strong><br>Bishop Chatard (19-9), SAG 65, SOS 62<br>Cathedral (12-12), SAG 73, SOS 23<br>Shortridge (14-9), SAG 296, SOS 368<br>Crispus Attucks (10-11), SAG 326, SOS 376<br>Purdue Polytechnic (10-11), SAG 345, SOS 284<br>Herron (15-9), SAG 354, SOS 385</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #26 has a pair of strong programs at the top with another program on the rise. Bishop Chatard has been very good the last few seasons, and I wouldn't expect them to take a back seat to anyone this year. 5-11 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832685' first='Olivia' last='Berzai']</strong> (<em>12.0p, 6.3r, 2.6a, 2.4s</em>) is one of the state's better players no one knows about. She is long, athletic, and a skilled playmaker. 6-0 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692233' first='Anna' last='Caskey']</strong> (<em>11.9p, 11.2r</em>) is a powerful bruiser inside who loves physicality and enforces her will. She is committed to Belmont University for softball. 6-1 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486530' first='Alyx' last='Kendall']</strong> (<em>6.7p, 4.0r</em>) can be a matchup problem because she has the size &amp; strength to be effective inside, plus she has some touch outside and a solid handle. 5-8 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486534' first='Betsy' last='Tragesser']</strong> (<em>5.5p, 3.3r, 3.9a</em>) handles the ball a lot for the Trojans, and she is another athlete with solid skill. 5-11 Senior post <strong>Annie McAllister</strong> (<em>1.4p, 2.6r</em>) is the next most experienced Trojan, but look for 5-10 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992543' first='Lilly' last='Braun']</strong> to find some opportunities as well after appearing in 11 games last season. At some point, probably later in the season, Chatard hopes for the arrival of 6-3 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751060' first='Gianna' last='Morelli']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 7.3r, 2.8b in 13 games</em>), who transferred in from Guerin Catholic but who is currently injured and unavailable. The Trojans have experience, size, and the potential to be Sectional #26 champs, without question. Crosstown rival Cathedral could have something to say about that, but the Irish will need to combine veterans with newbies to make that happen. Post <strong>Taylor Lewis</strong> (<em>12.0p, 10.4r</em>) and forward <strong>Catherine Cline</strong> (<em>3.8p, 4.1r</em>) took a lot of size with them when they received their diplomas. However, the Irish backcourt is mostly intact. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496026' first='Jaeda' last='Wilson']</strong> (<em>12.7p, 3.0r</em>), a recent University of Missouri-St. Louis commit, led the team in scoring last year, and she does return. She spent the grassroots season doing a nice job of becoming more of a facilitator, so she is a dual threat now. 5-8 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='776078' first='Tianna' last='Guy']</strong> (<em>7.0p, 2.8r, 2.3a</em>) is as tough and hard-working as they come, and she can impact the game at both ends of the floor. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506017' first='Abby' last='Beasley']</strong> (<em>4.4p, 2.6r, 3.2a, 2.4s</em>) is another nice athlete who plays multiple sports, but when she's on the basketball court, she can make plays as well. Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122716' first='Reaghan' last='Gilmore']</strong> (<em>2.7p, 2.0r</em>) and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Tatum Triggs</strong> (<em>3.3p, 2.7r</em>) add depth and experience to the Fighting Irish lineup. 5-11 Freshman forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='926326' first='Caroline' last='Wiggins']</strong> will definitely help because she is strong for her age, hard-working, and she can flash skill outside or dominate the mid-post at times inside. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131916' first='Precious' last='Anuka']</strong> missed some time last year with an injury but returns and should help add depth to the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crispus Attucks has added a number of newcomers this season, and while they are certainly talented enough to compete with Chatard and Cathedral for Sectional #26, it might take them a little time to mesh well together. Recently, the Tigers were built around 6-2 post <strong>Lariah Wooden</strong> plus guard <strong>Shyaira Woods</strong>, but they have both graduated and taken a couple others with them. But the new additions could outweigh the losses in a big way. Back in the Hoosier state is 5-9 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331774' first='Kamrah' last='Banks']</strong> (<em>17.1p, 3.3r, 2.0s in 2022-2023 at Decatur Central</em>) after spending last season at a prep school in Florida. She is a playmaker who can fill it up, facilitate, plus she has earned several Division I offers over the years. Sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492315' first='Kenadi' last='Banks']</strong> (<em>11.3p, 2.2r, 2.5a</em>), a 5-7 Junior guard, and 5-9 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453215' first='Soriah' last='Gouard']</strong> (<em>12.1p, 8.6r</em>), both transferred in this year from Decatur Central and should immediately boost the offense. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1005025' first='Sevan' last='Walls']</strong> played sparingly at Warren Central last season, but she's another one with talent who should play immediately and impact the Tigers this year. Junior guards <strong>Naomi Moses</strong> and <strong>Justyce Griffin</strong> both return and offer some depth and experience to the lineup. Keep an eye out for 5-10 Freshman forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999410' first='Nola' last='Moore']</strong> and 6-1 Freshman post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999406' first='Zyah' last='Jones']</strong>, who could both make a big impact inside for the Tigers before season's end. Again, the quicker they can come together as a group, the better they can be come playoff time in February. The Shortridge Blue Devils were an extremely young team last season, playing primarily Sophomores and Freshmen in their rotation. That group managed a winning record and learned a lot of lessons along the way. This time around, they can now lean on those same players for potentially better outcomes and a shot at a Sectional #26 title. 5-6 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832688' first='KaMariona' last='Garrett']</strong> (<em>13.9p, 3.8r, 2.5s</em>) can be an explosive scorer at times and does a nice job of getting through the defense. 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='824300' first='Jocelyn' last='Eskew']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 4.0r</em>) and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='911611' first='Keara' last='Stewart']</strong> (<em>8.8p, 2.0r</em>) were near double-digit scorers last season, and both look to improve their production this time around. Eskew is especially important because while she offers size, she also has skill around the perimeter and facing the basket in the mid-post. Sophomore guard <strong>McKenzi Cooper</strong> (<em>5.0p</em>), Junior guard <strong>Raylee Smith</strong> (<em>3.6p, 2.1r</em>), and Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='910401' first='Zamya' last='Outlar']</strong> (<em>3.4p, 3.8r</em>) all played quality minutes as well last season. Also look for Freshman guard <strong>Octavia Buchanan</strong> and Freshman forward <strong>Rose Stelus</strong> to offer additional depth. With their core six players back, look for Shortridge to continue their upward trajectory in 2024-2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purdue Poly has become a very feisty, competitive squad each year, and this year should be no different. Despite graduating a talented shooter/scorer in <strong>Madison Jobe</strong> (<em>16.2p, 3.3r, 70 made 3-pointers</em>), plus <strong>Lanyia Smith</strong>, they still have some nice, young, skillful kids back who can make this a Sectional year. 5-6 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044749' first='Tayler' last='Denton']</strong> is a strong, tough-nosed, high-scoring kid who can also facilitate off the bounce. Fellow Senior <strong>Camille Starks</strong>, a 5-8 forward, helps inside and out. A trio of Sophomores got their feet wet in 2023-2024 and look to be even more involved/productive in their second year. They include 5-5 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751079' first='Ja'Nyiah' last='Rogers']</strong>, 6-0 forward <strong>Te'Asia Briscoe</strong>, and 5-6 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='915527' first='Amelia' last='Story']</strong>. I have seen Rogers a couple of times at showcases and in grassroots ball, and she is a talented playmaker. Also keep an eye on 5-7 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773839' first='Marrina' last='Simmons']</strong>, who could contribute defensively and on the boards. If the Techies can create a little havoc defensively and play bigger than they are, they could turn people over consistently and manufacture a lot of easy points from transition baskets. The Herron Achaeans are in a tough spot. They graduated six 2024s in total, including five of their top six scorers. Most notably missing are <strong>Trinity Foerster</strong> (<em>14.0p, 6.3r, 2.7a, 2.5s</em>), <strong>Jaycianna Clark</strong> (<em>10.5p, 10.4r</em>), and <strong>Jada Wright</strong> (<em>7.9p, 5.4r, 4.9a, 5.1s</em>). Bringing back the most experience are 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Jasmine Johnson</strong> (<em>5.1p, 2.7r, 2.3s</em>), 5-9 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883794' first='Kallyn' last='Vincent']</strong> (<em>2.3p, 5.0r</em>), and 6-0 Junior post <strong>Sydney Deemer</strong> (<em>1.1p, 2.9r</em>). Added to that group this year is high-scoring 5-3 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122688' first='Taylor' last='Cotham']</strong> (<em>20.5p, 8.1r, 2.7a, 4.0s</em>) who comes to the Achaeans from Tindley Accelerated. She should bring an immediately boost offensively to this unit and help keep them adding to the win column frequently. 5-5 Junior wing <strong>Lilly Rutherford</strong> plus 5-2 Freshman guard <strong>Xavia Bell</strong> will try to make their mark on the program early this season. If the Achaeans can find open shots for Cotham and get additional production from the key returnees, they could be a tough "out" come tournament time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->