2024-25 Season Preview: Class 3A, Sectionals 31 & 32

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486561' first='Nya' last='Dame'] (2026) of Princeton Community High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we are wrapping up 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 16th of 24, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Class 3A, Sectional #31 and Sectional #32. 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 #31 at Jasper</font></strong><br>Washington (22-5), SAG 47, SOS 50<br>Princeton Community (19-5), SAG 72, SOS 80<br>Jasper (17-8), SAG 83, SOS 85<br>Vincennes Lincoln (10-15), SAG 119, SOS 51<br>Southridge (12-11), SAG 138, SOS 99</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Washington Hatchets have a lot going for them right now. Their head coach is in her 17th season at the helm, they've amassed over 250 wins during that time, and their only losing season in that stretch was in 2009-2010. They return nearly all of their core from a year ago, they are talented, they are skilled, they are versatile, and they play incredibly hard. Washington will be one of the best teams in Class 3A this season because of it. <strong>Hayleigh Cummins</strong> (<em>5.2p, 4.3r, 4.5a</em>) and 6-1 <strong>Madelyn Dalton</strong> (<em>3.0p in 6 games</em>) did graduate, but so much more returns. 6-2 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486519' first='Katie' last='Reed']</strong> (<em>13.3p, 6.4r</em>) made a huge jump last season, and she made another this Spring &amp; Summer. She has added a consistent 3-point shot to her arsenal, and she is drawing a great deal of Division I interest because of her inside-out ability. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122709' first='Kenna' last='Garland']</strong> (<em>9.0p</em>) has always flown under the radar with this team, but she is an athletic scorer who can bury shots outside or get to the rim. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486476' first='Shaylyn' last='Hawk']</strong> (<em>8.1p, 3.6r</em>) is another talented guard who people don't get to see on the grassroots circuit. She can handle, shoot, and defend. 5-8 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='767081' first='Aubrey' last='Frank']</strong> (<em>7.6p, 3.0r, 3.0a</em>) is a smooth, fluid lead guard who does a nice job of running offense, while 6-0 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324075' first='Olivia' last='Gilley']</strong> (<em>6.4p, 4.9r</em>) is a strong, physical, high-motor player who makes a lot of hustle plays that affect winning. From there, 5-11 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751098' first='London' last='Gilley']</strong> (<em>2.1p, 2.1r in 14 games</em>), 5-8 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999582' first='Kyra' last='Schuckman']</strong> (<em>1.2p in 11 games</em>), and 5-10 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486523' first='Ella' last='Williams']</strong> (<em>0.8p in 14 games</em>) are a trio of up-and-coming talents just waiting for their turn to start, but all who have some Varsity experience in key situations. Gilley was outstanding this Fall at a couple of showcase events. I wouldn't expect the Hatchets to go much deeper than those eight, but they are also capable of making a deep playoff run with that group. The Princeton Tigers put together a nice 2023-2024 campaign with 19 wins, but they graduated two of their top three scorers in <strong>Lexi Smith</strong> (<em>10.6p, 2.3r</em>) and <strong>Azaryon Wesley</strong> (<em>9.5p, 5.2r, 2.1a</em>), plus <strong>Kiara Banks</strong> (<em>4.2p, 2.5r</em>) also received her diploma. Junior guard <strong>Mallory Watt</strong> (<em>8.2p, 2.2r</em>) is also missing from their online roster. However, they went eight deep, so they still have four players returning who are ready to step up and show they are capable of helping this team to a winning record once again. 5-5 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486492' first='Ailie' last='Taylor']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 4.5r</em>) has really turned a corner in the last year and become quite a playmaker. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Raven Jones</strong> (<em>5.1p, 3.8r, 2.9a</em>) is another athletic player who can score it from all three levels. 5-6 Junior wing <strong>Jemiah Buford</strong> (<em>4.7p, 2.2r in 12 games</em>) returns after a shortened season in which she didn't play after Christmas, plus 5-4 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486561' first='Nya' last='Dame']</strong> (<em>4.7p</em>) transferred in last year and offers them another ball-handler who can defend. The Tigers aren't very tall, so the loss of the 5-10 Banks is significant. 5-11 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756242' first='Alexis' last='Kermode']</strong> (<em>0.8p in 15 games</em>) could see a significant increase in playing time because of her height. Otherwise, look for Princeton to utilize their speed and quickness to force tempo and keep opponents uncomfortable, and/or they could play several newcomers this year, primarily a solid Freshmen class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jasper Wildcats had a fine 2023-2024 season, posting the first winning record since 2018-2019 and the most wins in a season since 2011-2012. Unfortunately, they must say "goodbye" to graduated do-everything forward <strong>Emma Schipp</strong> (<em>8.2p, 6.5r, 2.8a</em>). She could shoot it a little, handle it a little, play in the mid-post, or battle around the block. At the same time, the Wildcats return most of the rest of their production. It all starts with 5-9 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122795' first='Carlee' last='Rogers']</strong> (<em>12.2p, 5.3r, 2.0a, 2.1s</em>). She has 25-point potential any night, and I'd expect her to possibly score in the high teens most evenings. The backcourt should be pretty sound, as 5-8 Junior guard <strong>Emily Kleiser</strong> and 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Ayla Elkins</strong> each return. 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Ella Erny</strong> and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Ella Clark</strong> are also on hand to provide experienced depth. 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Brooke Kleiser</strong> offers as much height/size as anyone, but the Wildcats are limited in that department. If Jasper can limit second chance opportunities to opponents, then they'll have a chance most nights, but size and rebounding will be an issue. Vincennes Lincoln is a team going through a little transition, as they must deal with the losses of 5-11 forwards <strong>Arianna Gerkin</strong> (<em>15.7p, 6.3r, 4.1a, 2.3s, 4.9b</em>) and <strong>Macy Sexton</strong> (<em>9.3p, 5.3r</em>). Gerkin provided toughness, physicality, and scoring, while Sexton brought length and athleticism to the frontline. Contributors <strong>Gracie Phillips</strong> and <strong>Mattye Meadows</strong> also graduated, leaving the Alices to build from their younger prospects. 5-5 guard <strong>Kahre McCrary</strong> and 5-10 forward <strong>Tiah Riggs</strong> are a pair of Seniors who look to step into upperclassmen leadership roles. They have Varsity experience and play year-round basketball. 5-10 Junior wing <strong>Kiaya Farrar</strong> and 5-9 Junior post <strong>Grace Archer</strong> bring additional experience, as does 6-2 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137351' first='Marlo' last='Thorne']</strong>. Vincennes Lincoln will be somewhat "new look", but they do have several returnees who have at least seen some Varsity action.Southridge didn't have a ton of experience to begin last year, but they adjusted quickly and got off to an 8-3 start. Now, they must play without graduates <strong>Maddux Marshall</strong> (<em>12.3p, 6.0r</em>) and <strong>Emma Blessinger</strong>. At the same time, 5-9 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295767' first='Avah' last='Montgomery']</strong> (<em>16.3p, 4.8r, 2.1a, 2.6s</em>) returns for her fourth and final year in a very nice career. She is an athletic guard who can score it from most spots on the floor, plus she can create offense for others. 5-10 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Saydee' last='Arnold']</strong> and 5-9 Senior post <strong>Molly Schwartz</strong> are the top two interior players, while 5-0 Junior guard <strong>Yuliana Leon</strong> helps handle the ball. The trio of Sophomore guards <strong>Maddie Wright</strong>, <strong>Riley Blessinger</strong>, and <strong>Mya Blackgrove</strong> look to provide more help than they did as rookies. I feel like I'm repeating myself, but they are another team who will not field much size and will need to limit opponent possessions to one shot or less.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #32 at Evansville Central</font></strong><br>Evansville Memorial (20-4), SAG 23, SOS 43<br>Evansville Central (20-6), SAG 48, SOS 69<br>Heritage Hills (17-6), SAG 109, SOS 100<br>Boonville (4-20), SAG 223, SOS 76<br>Mt. Vernon (Posey) (3-21), SAG 321, SOS 117<br>Evansville Bosse (2-19), SAG 340, SOS 136</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evansville's Reitz Memorial has had their hands full with Gibson Southern over the years, and now that the Titans are in Class 4A, the Bears of Evansville Central fall in their lap. Those two teams are probably pretty strong favorites to win Sectional #32 in 2024-2025. Memorial lost their top two scorers, point guard <strong>Avery<font color="FFFFFF">.</font>Kelley</strong> (<em>14.6p, 6.2r, 3.8a, 2.2s</em>) and forward <strong>Sophie Johnson</strong> (<em>13.3p, 4.8r, 2.4a</em>), in addition to <strong>Laurel Kain</strong> (<em>2.3p</em>), to graduation. While the cupboard is young, it isn't completely empty for the Tigers. Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295756' first='Myla' last='Browning']</strong> (<em>9.1p, 3.2r, 3.9a</em>) will be a 4-year Varsity performer this season, and she has experience playing every position except for post. 6-1 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='610126' first='Rylee' last='Canaan']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 5.2r</em>) is a talented inside-out player who has already verbally committed to Butler University. She could come close to doubling her production from a season ago. 5-9 Sophomore wing <strong>Brynna Alpers</strong> (<em>3.8p, 2.0r</em>) and 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Jenna Herr</strong> (<em>2.0p, 2.0r</em>) return the most experience of those remaining. They could/should fill starting roles this year. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>SeaBrooklyn McGuire</strong> and 5-2 Junior guard <strong>Lucy Greder</strong> played spot minutes in nearly a dozen games, while 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>Mallory Ott</strong> and 5-3 Sophomore guard <strong>Makayla Ford</strong> were primarily JV players a season ago but could play big minutes this year. I'm not sure Memorial will achieve 20 wins again, but they are always competitive, and I fully expect them to compete for a Sectional #32 title. Evansville Central is down from Class 4A after the Spring realignment. After a string of four consecutive losing seasons, they have now amassed 35 wins over the past two years. Graduation took <strong>Mimi White</strong> (<em>9.0p, 4.2r, 2.8a</em>), <strong>Lindsey Laine</strong> (<em>4.3p, 4.5r, 2.6a, 2.0s</em>), <strong>Bryanna Dockery</strong> (<em>2.6p</em>), and <strong>Lilliyan Bevels</strong> (<em>1.7p</em>) from them, but they return quite a bit of production. 6-1 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492324' first='Madalynn' last='Shirley']</strong> (<em>19.0p, 9.0r, 2.3b</em>) is one of the most fundamentally sound face-up '4s' in the state. She is highly skilled and has already given a verbal commitment to the University of Southern Indiana. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874335' first='Mya' last='Skelton']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 4.3r, 2.6a</em>) had a fantastic grassroots season and looks to be a double-digit scorer this year. 5-4 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='556017' first='Avery' last='Kelley']</strong> (<em>4.8p, 2.0r, 2.7a</em>) and 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Aubrie Durham</strong> (<em>2.9p</em>) can help Skelton with backcourt duties. One wildcard could be the steady development of 5-11 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874339' first='Olivya' last='Hile']</strong> (<em>4.1p, 2.5r</em>). She is a long, fluid, and skilled athlete who can play in the mid-post or around the perimeter. I'd expect her to significantly increase her production this season. After those five, it will be several underclassmen battling for opportunity, and as many as four Freshmen could see the floor early this season. The Bears will be a tough "out", and possibly the favorite in Sectional #32, by season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heritage Hills is kind of a wildcard in Sectional #32. They won 17 games a season ago, and they return nearly all of their production from 2023-2024. The only graduates are <strong>Rylie Schipp</strong> (<em>9.4p, 2.6r</em>) and <strong>Kadence Probus</strong> (<em>0.8p</em>), and no one else seems to have walked away from the team. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295813' first='Carlie' last='Still']</strong> (<em>11.1p, 3.8r, 2.0a, 2.0s</em>), 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Hadley Leibering</strong> (<em>9.9p, 6.9r</em>), and 5-5 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218643' first='Mayci' last='Litherland']</strong> (<em>8.9p, 3.6r, 2.8a</em>) are the unquestioned leaders of the Patriots this year. 5-10 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137294' first='Mia' last='Becher']</strong> (<em>8.0p, 3.6r</em>) was really good at times as a rookie, and she could step into a more prominent scoring role moving forward. From there, production falls off a bit, but there is still experience around. 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Liz Gogel</strong> (<em>1.8p, 2.4r</em>), 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Kenley Bell</strong> (<em>1.5p in 13 games</em>), and 5-5 Junior wing <strong>Addie Asbury</strong> (<em>1.3p in 16 games</em>) could be the next players up in the rotation. Sophomore forward <strong>Emma Guthrie</strong>, 5-10 Junior post <strong>Haylee Coleman</strong>, and 6-0 Freshman forward <strong>Claire Sisley</strong> are all potential newcomers to the frontline who can help with size when necessary. Sisley is the younger sister of recent Indiana University Men's Basketball signee <strong>Trent Sisley</strong>. Again, Heritage Hills could be that "problem child" in Sectional #32 who no one wants to face when February rolls around. Last season, Boonville won just four games but seemed to have what likely should have been a pretty experienced group returning from their 9-win 2022-2023 team. For whatever reason, they just couldn't figure it out. Now, they'll again return quite a bit of experience and look to approach 10 wins. 5-10 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486484' first='Emily' last='Parker']</strong> (<em>16.3p, 7.4r, 2.1s</em>) is their primary weapon. She is highly skilled, versatile, and intelligent with the basketball in her hands. 5-8 Senior <strong>Alison Ward</strong> is a nicely skilled point guard in her own right. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Briauna Fuquay</strong> and 5-5 Junior wing <strong>Abigail Wongler</strong> should bring experience to the backcourt to aid Parker and Ward. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Baylee Mare</strong> and 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Kristy Mockobee</strong> are the "size" on the interior. Look for the Pioneers to lean heavily into their guard play for success in 2024-2025. Both Mt. Vernon (Posey) and Evansville's Benjamin Bosse aim to do better following a year in which the two teams combined for five total wins. Mt. Vernon saw <strong>Arlissa Sharber</strong> (<em>9.5p, 8.1r</em>) and <strong>Cora Bell</strong> (<em>2.4p, 2.6r</em>) leave via graduation, but everyone else was eligible to return. Now, I'd anticipate 5-3 Junior guard <strong>Hannah McNeece</strong> (<em>4.0p</em>) and 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Addison Chilton</strong> (<em>3.8p</em>) to lead the Wildcats into action each night. As for the Bosse Bulldogs, 5-5 guard <strong>Jazmyn Morse</strong> graduated, but they should return most everything else, and they are a fairly young roster. 5-11 Junior forward <strong>Benycee Allen</strong> and 5-3 Junior guard <strong>Ron'Jonae Carthan</strong> will attempt to help the Bulldogs double their wins from last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->