2024-25 Season Preview: Class 3A, Sectionals 29 & 30

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='295802' first='Ellie' last='Richardson'] (2025) of Scottsburg High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we are in the middle of the third week of official IHSAA games, 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 13th of 24, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Class 3A, Sectional #29 and Sectional #30. 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 #29 at Lawrenceburg</font></strong><br>Jennings County (23-4), SAG 4, SOS 20<br>Greensburg (21-5), SAG 25, SOS 57<br>Batesville (16-10), SAG 110, SOS 113<br>Franklin County (14-8), SAG 128, SOS 144<br>Lawrenceburg (14-11), SAG 168, SOS 163<br>South Dearborn (3-20), SAG 280, SOS 183</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jennings County was as loaded as they've been, they rattled off 23 wins last season, yet their nemesis, Bedford North Lawrence, knocked them off in the Sectional. This year, they have dropped down to Class 3A and must now contend with an outstanding Greensburg squad to have a shot at the Sectional #29 title. All-everything and 2024 Indiana All-Star <strong>Juliann Woodard</strong> (<em>17.3p, 10.7r, 4.0a, 2.2s</em>) has graduated, along with <strong>Alivia Elmore</strong> (<em>13.4p, 4.4r, 3.0a</em>) and three other 2024s. Leadership now falls in the lap of 5-11 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486508' first='Mollie' last='Ernstes']</strong> (<em>13.9p, 3.1r, 3.0a</em>), a long, wiry, highly skilled shooter who can also use her athleticism to create for herself or others off the dribble. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Madelyn McIntosh</strong> (<em>5.3p</em>) and 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Avynn Belding</strong> (<em>3.7p, 2.3r</em>) have played key minutes in big games, while 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751058' first='Etta' last='Young']</strong> (<em>2.8p, 2.5r</em>) and Junior wing <strong>Riley Byford</strong> (<em>1.4p, 2.0r</em>) are a couple of younger players who have seen the floor quite a bit, but who are now responsible for filling bigger shoes in 2024-2025. One experienced newcomer who could eventually help the Panthers is 5-9 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773835' first='Grace' last='McBride']</strong>. She grew up in Pekin, Indiana, watching her dad coach the Eastern Musketeers to six Sectional titles and a State title, then attended New Albany the last two years. She brings skill and a high basketball IQ, plus she can make shots from outside. Once she acclimates herself to the new system, she can help. I don't know that Jennings County will win 23 games again, but look for them to post something in the high teens and still be a strong challenger in Sectional #29. The Greensburg Pirates are coming off a strong year of their own and look to be one of the top teams in Class 3A, if not the team to beat, for 2024-2025. <strong>Carlee Adams</strong> (<em>6.5p, 3.0r</em>) did graduate, but they return their entire core/rotation, and it is a very talented group. 2024 Indiana Junior All-Star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295778' first='Leah' last='West']</strong> (<em>16.4p, 6.5r</em>), a 6-1 forward and Belmont University commit, is back for one more title run. She is strong and physical, but skilled and mobile, so she can play around the block or the perimeter comfortably. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295779' first='Mylie' last='Wilkison']</strong> (<em>14.8p, 4.4r, 2.4s</em>) is a fast, athletic, energetic playmaker who can score the ball in bunches and defend at a high level. 5-10 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479613' first='Alyson' last='Powers']</strong> (<em>11.8p, 4.0r, 3.6a</em>) is an extremely long, wiry, fast, and somewhat bouncy playmaker herself. 5-10 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751051' first='Claire' last='Larrison']</strong> (<em>9.2p, 6.8r, 2.9a, 2.2s</em>) could potentially be their best college prospect when it's all said and done. She stepped in as a Freshman and was nearly a double-figure scorer on this loaded team. She can play any of three positions. 5-7 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486506' first='Mary' last='Harmon']</strong> (<em>5.3p, 4.2r, 2.9a</em>) could be the star on many other teams. With the Pirates, she brings additional stability and poise to the backcourt, plus she can score it when necessary. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='571840' first='Emma' last='McQueen']</strong> (<em>1.3p</em>) is another seasoned guard who has played big-time minutes in key games. In a pinch, she can play a lot, and they won't miss a beat. There are three others who saw spot minutes last year, but if anyone were to step into big roles, I'd look at 5-9 Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999393' first='Kahlen' last='Adams']</strong> or 6-2 Freshman post <strong>Maisyn Meehan</strong> to get the nod. As you can see, Greensburg has a great combination of balance, size, and strong guard play. They will be tough to beat come February.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Batesville has been steadily improving the last couple of years, and they have the potential for an even better 2024-2025 season. The Bulldogs are another team who lost just one player to graduation, <strong>Claire Saner</strong> (<em>3.4p</em>), but they will likely need to wait a little while for the return of 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570377' first='Alyson' last='Peters']</strong> (<em>10.0p, 5.7r, 2.1a</em>). Peters injured her knee during June play, so she was expected out much/all of this Winter. I last heard she was attempting to be back early in the season. She is a physical, high-energy, mid-post forward who can really produce in big games. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='727108' first='Sophie' last='Gesell']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 4.8r, 3.3a, 2.5s</em>) is another really nice athlete who can flex between the mid-post and the perimeter. She had a nice Spring &amp; Summer playing on the grassroots circuit. 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Marlee Obermeyer</strong> (<em>7.0p</em>) is a long, wiry, somewhat bouncy athlete who can knock down an outside jumper. 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743641' first='Kaylin' last='Kathmann']</strong> (<em>7.0p, 2.5r, 2.2s</em>) and 6-0 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692237' first='Lydia' last='Haskamp']</strong> (<em>6.5p, 3.9r</em>) have also started a lot of games in the past, and while Kathman brings another long, athletic scorer and defender, Haskamp is a skillful post with good hands and a nice mid-range game. A trio of Sophomores, forwards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751122' first='Sydney' last='Campbell']</strong> (<em>3.4p, 2.7r</em>) and <strong>Maddie Haskamp</strong> (<em>3.3p, 3.4r</em>), plus guard <strong>Nora Weideman</strong> (<em>1.0p</em>), were the primary subs last year as rookies. That experience should help them create a stronger rotation this year. Also look for 5-10 Freshman forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999402' first='Molly' last='Gesell']</strong> to get an early look. She flashed really nice potential when I was able to see her during a July stretch. Batesville certainly has the size and talent to beat anyone in Sectional #29 on any given night. Like Greensburg and Batesville, Franklin County also graduated just one player. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, that player was leading scorer <strong>Nicole Mears</strong> (<em>17.9p, 7.8r</em>). Replacing the versatile 5-11 forward is going to be a tough task for Franklin County, but the good news is that 6-0 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038868' first='Ruby' last='Singer']</strong> (<em>12.2p, 8.9r</em>) is back following a nice Sophomore season. Singer is big, strong, and physical inside. She can create space, and she could be a double-double every night this year. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Madesyn Sunderhaus</strong> (<em>6.1p, 3.0s</em>) is a talented soccer player and outstanding athlete who gives the Wildcats the ability to extend their defense. 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Baily Kaiser</strong> (<em>4.6p, 5.3r, 2.8a</em>) is a strong, physical player around the basket, but she also has good vision and a nice feel for the game. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Kendall Cox</strong> (<em>4.3p</em>) has starting experience, while 5-8 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044744' first='Tiffany' last='Billman']</strong> (<em>2.8p, 2.8r, 2.4a in 16 games</em>) missed about a month of the season last year but looks to be healthy and could be much more productive this time around. 5-9 Junior <strong>Mackenzie Broshear</strong> (<em>1.6p, 2.5r</em>) doesn't appear to be returning though. Franklin County will need players to step up and build depth if they are to continue their winning ways. Look for 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>Kaylee Hanna</strong> and 5-10 Junior post <strong>Jaelyn Grimmeissen</strong> to potentially be those players early this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawrenceburg is another team who didn't graduate anyone and looks to get off to a great start in 2024-2025. 5-4 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761161' first='Brooklyn' last='Craig']</strong> (<em>13.6p, 3.0r, 2.1s</em>) and 5-8 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122761' first='Natalie' last='Knigga']</strong> (<em>11.9p, 6.7r</em>) are both returning double-figure scorers. Craig can play point or fill it up from the perimeter, while Knigga is an aggressive mid-post forward who can also step outside. 5-4 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624878' first='Aubree' last='LaBazzo']</strong> (<em>9.3p, 3.8r, 2.8a, 3.6s</em>) and 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Kamryn Ferreira</strong> (<em>9.0p, 4.0r</em>) both flirted with double figures as well and give the Tigers a well-rounded group in the starting lineup. Junior guard <strong>Elliana Fox</strong> (<em>2.6p, 3.6r</em>) saw several starts for the Tigers, while Junior guard <strong>Riley O'Brien</strong> (<em>1.1p</em>) looks to be a key sub this year. Look for 5-5 Freshman guard <strong>Karlee Abbott</strong> to play early as a rookie, while 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Jordan Mock</strong> (<em>0.7p</em>) can provide at least a little size inside. The Tigers obviously have a nice group of four to build around but building that depth within the rotation will be critical to whether they win 10 games, 15 games, or more. South Dearborn is the lone team entering the 2024-2025 season following a losing season, and they have to deal with the graduation of <strong>Bernadette Wismann</strong> (<em>8.8p, 6.5r, 2.3s</em>), <strong>Natalie Cantrell</strong> (<em>8.6p, 3.8r, 3.6s</em>), and <strong>Riley Lagaly</strong> (<em>0.7p</em>). The first two were their top two scorers and their leading rebounder from 2023-2024. The Lady Knights played as many as 8 or 9 players per game, so they do return some experience. Senior wing <strong>Gracie Messmore</strong> (<em>7.8p, 3.2r</em>) has as much experience as anyone and could be the standout this year. Senior wing <strong>Zoey Heizer</strong> (<em>6.0p, 4.4r</em>) and Senior guard <strong>Lakota Vincent</strong> (<em>4.7p, 3.6r, 2.6s</em>) have also played in big spots and look to be major contributors in their final season together. Look for Senior front-liner <strong>Isabel Pearson</strong> (<em>0.9p</em>), Junior wing <strong>Talbi Cornett</strong>, and Sophomore forward <strong>Claire Elliott</strong> to be a main part of the rotation in 2024-2025, as the Knights attempt to improve upon their win total.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #30 at Scottsburg</font></strong><br>Scottsburg (22-5), SAG 34, SOS 47<br>Silver Creek (18-5), SAG 36, SOS 33<br>Charlestown (17-8), SAG 76, SOS 60<br>Corydon Central (14-10), SAG 79, SOS 52<br>Madison Consolidated (12-13), SAG 122, SOS 83<br>North Harrison (6-17), SAG 154, SOS 54</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scottsburg had a nice postseason run in 2023-2024, making it to the Semi-State before falling to eventual Class 3A State Champion Gibson Southern. Now, they must play without graduated guard <strong>Carrie Hiler</strong> (<em>14.3p, 2.0r, 2.0a</em>) and strong front-liner <strong>Taneisha Griffin</strong>. Additionally, 6-0 Senior front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='626930' first='Katrina' last='Cooper']</strong> is no longer listed on their online roster. Where the Warriors can turn is to the talented backcourt duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295802' first='Ellie' last='Richardson']</strong> (<em>16.2p, 4.9r, 6.0a, 2.0s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496047' first='Lola' last='Fouts']</strong> (<em>9.3p, 2.6r, 2.8a</em>). The two combined to make 96 3-pointers last season. Richardson, a 5-8 point guard, is a nice athlete who can create or facilitate offense. She is committed to Western Carolina University. Fouts, a 5-5 guard, is smooth and fluid, and she can fill it up with range. Those two can carry them a lot of nights, but depth could be an issue this season. There are a handful of returnees who saw spot minutes last year, but also look for a Freshman contingent of as many as five 2028s who could see action at some point for the Warriors. Silver Creek is likely very happy to return to Class 3A, following a 2-year stint in Class 4A due to their postseason successes. They have a nice mixture of talent and spread it across multiple positions. 6-3 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486543' first='Brooklynn' last='Renn']</strong> (<em>15.3p, 10.1r, 1.0s, 4.3b</em>) is a long, fast, and athletic talent. She can play in the mid-post or around the perimeter, and she has drawn the attention of a variety of mid to high-major Division I schools. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='422604' first='Emma' last='Schoen']</strong> (<em>11.0p, 4.4r, 3.2a</em>) is a long, wiry shooter with a quick release, plus she can handle it and run the offense. Add to them 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366806' first='Lydia' last='Wright']</strong> (<em>8.0p, 3.5r</em>) and 5-3 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506022' first='Katy' last='Rooney']</strong>, and the Dragons can be difficult to defend because of their ability to score it from the perimeter at four positions. 6-0 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1266853' first='Joslyn' last='Chesser']</strong> has steadily improved each year, and she can offer them a physical, interior presence, while 5-5 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751057' first='Emily' last='Robison']</strong> transferred in from New Albany over the Summer and adds a traditional point guard who can play with poise and toughness. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Amira Estephan</strong> and 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='334074' first='Hannah' last='Senn']</strong> look to add even more depth, along with some veteran experience. The Dragons aren't "back", as they haven't been missing, but they are back in Class 3A and look to bring home a Sectional #30 title in 2024-2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Charlestown Pirates put together an admirable 2023-2024 season. In July of 2023, they lost 6-0 forward <strong>Kennedy Coleman</strong> to a knee injury, so she missed her entire Senior season. Then, they played nearly every game with just six players, four of them being Freshmen, and one being a Sophomore. They look to spend this year bettering what they did a season ago, but now they must do it without Coleman, as well as graduated point guard <strong>Maddie Nipper</strong> (<em>16.0p, 5.6r, 3.2a, 2.2s</em>). But because of their youth movement a year ago, the Pirates still have five players with tremendous experience. 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751050' first='Chesney' last='Jackson']</strong> (<em>8.9p, 9.7r</em>) is a star-in-the-making. She is strong, tough-nosed, and skilled at multiple levels, plus she outworks her matchup most nights. 5-6 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751100' first='Madalynn' last='Warnock']</strong> (<em>6.3p, 2.6a</em>) could be the full-time point guard moving forward, with the graduation of Nipper. Warnock has length, athleticism, and nice ball skill. 5-4 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751035' first='Alexis' last='Finchum']</strong> (<em>5.6p, 3.5r, 3.7a, 2.0s</em>) can play on the ball as well. She is a tough-nosed, gritty little guard who is highly skilled. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>Natalie Gagnon</strong> (<em>6.0p, 4.0r</em>) brings some touch outside, plus nice length, quickness, and ability defensively. 5-11 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1001446' first='Kendra' last='Higdon']</strong> (<em>3.7p, 4.6r</em>) adds more interior support, and she's a solid defender and rebounder. That is a talented and improving group of five, but even the best teams need at least a little depth to make tournament runs. If the Pirates can find that depth, watch out, because the above-mentioned ladies can rattle off a lot of wins quickly this year. Corydon Central fell in the Class 3A State Finals in 2023, and they might just have a team to get back there this season. They have veteran experience, strong guard play, plus a little size to go with it. <strong>Jaiden Cantrell</strong> (<em>9.9p, 5.0r</em>) was a big graduation loss, but the only one. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='767083' first='Gracie' last='Wate']</strong> (<em>6.1p, 2.1r in 7 games</em>) has opted not to play either. However, 5-5 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324096' first='Josie' last='Vaughn']</strong> (<em>14.8p, 3.4r, 3.5a, 3.0s</em>) is back, she is highly skilled, quick, fast, and feisty. She is one of the true lead guards in the state. Joining her for the first time in high school will be 5-5 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295768' first='Alyssa' last='Murphy']</strong>. Murphy has been a dynamic and talented playmaker in the past, but she began her career at a Louisville high school, she has dealt with her share of injury issues, and she hasn't taken the floor in a high school game since the 2022-2023 season. She could very well lead the team in any statistical category, or she could be a really nice complimentary piece to Vaughn. Her presence should worry opposing coaches, though. 5-3 Junior guard <strong>Paisley Teeter</strong> (<em>7.3p</em>), along with 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>Kyra Lathan</strong> (<em>2.2p, 2.3r</em>), saw plenty of action last season and provide nice depth this year. 5-8 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496070' first='Reese' last='Withers']</strong> (<em>1.8p, 2.4r in 2022-2023</em>) is another nice prize, as she missed the entire 2023-2024 season with her own injury issues. She saw a little action with the State Finals group and now looks to carve out her own legacy. She is versatile, active, and competes. From there, the Panthers look to 6-0 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404110' first='Alyssa' last='Groover']</strong> (<em>8.8p, 6.5, 2.1a</em>) inside. She is a nice athlete who can play facing the basket and even play a little around the perimeter. 5-5 Junior forward <strong>Meghan Logan</strong> (<em>1.5p, 3.9r</em>) has seen her share of action as well, plus keep an eye out for 5-8 Freshman guard <strong>Sophia Bulleit</strong> who could play early and often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Madison Cubs just missed a winning record in 2023-2024, and they graduated <strong>Caity Dailey</strong> (<em>6.3p, 6.2r</em>), <strong>Bailey Owens</strong> (<em>4.8p, 2.0r, 2.7a</em>), <strong>Iyana Phelps</strong> (<em>2.7p</em>), and <strong>Hannah Dart</strong> (<em>2.6p, 3.4r</em>). There is plenty of excitement in the river city, though, as 5-7 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624877' first='Juliana' last='Davis']</strong> (<em>19.5p, 5.1r, 2.4a, 4.2s</em>) and 6-0 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832703' first='Mylee' last='McQueary']</strong> (<em>8.7p, 4.7r</em>), both Juniors, return and offer a tremendous inside-out combination for Class 3A. Davis can play a traditional point guard role, and she will be their primary ball-hander, but she is also a talented scorer who can make shots at all levels. McQueary had a nice Spring &amp; Summer, and she showed the ability to play physically in the mid-post or step outside and knock down the occasional jump-shot. Beyond those two, building depth will be critical for the Cubs to be successful. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1256512' first='Addison' last='Roark']</strong> (<em>2.5p</em>) has been a key sub in the past but will be asked to step into a starting role this year. 6-1 Senior post <strong>Keragan Spry</strong> and Junior wing <strong>Kylie Montgomery</strong> have seen spot minutes in the past, but they will also be asked to play bigger roles moving forward. 5-5 Sophomore guard <strong>Kenzie Smith</strong>, plus Freshman guard <strong>Natty Montgomery</strong>, are a pair of talented youngsters who should see opportunity early this season. While Madison graduated four 2024s, they have two standouts and some nice young pieces that could help them seek 15+ wins this year. North Harrison is looking for their first winning season since 2020-2021. While the Lady Cats did graduate <strong>Sydney Smith</strong> (<em>8.0p, 4.3r, 2.2a, 2.3s</em>), <strong>Meg Marinc</strong> (<em>5.6p, 2.0a</em>), <strong>Gracie Fouts</strong> (<em>2.8p, 3.0r</em>), and <strong>Madi Clunie</strong> (<em>0.6p</em>), they do return their top two players. 5-11 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='665452' first='Grace' last='Goldman']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 6.6r, 2.0a</em>) has proven herself at the grassroots level and the high school level, and she is a versatile, strong, but skillful inside-out forward who can play all over. 5-8 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885381' first='Lydia' last='Wilkins']</strong> (<em>9.0p, 3.5r</em>) is a skilled perimeter shooter who shot it well each time I was able to see her this Spring. 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Olivia Brown</strong> (<em>4.7p</em>) played quite a bit as a rookie, but she looks to slide into the starting lineup this year and offers another capable perimeter shooter. 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Kyla Wilson</strong> (<em>1.4p</em>) and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Lillian Burks</strong> (<em>0.2p in 17 games</em>) will likely compete for major rotation minutes with 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Ava Cox</strong> and 5-10 Junior post <strong>Carlee Chatman</strong>. If the Lady Cats can get a third and even fourth player to make shots each night, it will help alleviate the pressure Goldman and Wilkins will see, and it can help them get back to 10 or more wins this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->