2024-25 Season Preview: Class 1A, Sectionals 59 & 60

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='496015' first='Emma' last='Nelson'] (2025) of Morristown High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we enter December, I wanted to take the time to finish 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 30th of 32, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Class 1A, Sectional #59 and Sectional #60. 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 #59 at Southwestern (Shelbyville)</font></strong><br>North Decatur (18-7), SAG 131, SOS 224<br>Tri (22-4), SAG 135, SOS 318<br>South Decatur (14-11), SAG 214, SOS 267<br>Morristown (11-14), SAG 266, SOS 304<br>Waldron (8-14), SAG 272, SOS 237<br>Knightstown (9-14), SAG 313, SOS 320<br>Southwestern (Shelbyville) (3-20), SAG 347, SOS 286<br>Edinburgh (3-21), SAG 357, SOS 323</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Teams:</strong> Sectional #59 is pretty strong at the top, and I anticipate a nice battle once these teams get to February, where records will likely be thrown out the window. North Decatur might be the strongest of the group. They return a great deal of production, plus they play a tougher schedule than most to better prepare for postseason play. 5-9 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366794' first='Madi' last='Allen']</strong> (<em>14.0p, 6.9r, 2.3a, 2.1s</em>) is back for her fourth and final season. The Taylor University commit is a talented athlete who can play with positional versatility at both ends of the floor. Classmates <strong>Kelsey Haley</strong> (<em>6.7p, 3.2r, 3.2a</em>), a 5-7 guard, and <strong>Clare Kinker</strong> (<em>4.8p, 4.4r</em>), a 5-2 guard, help round out an experienced and skilled backcourt. 5-8 Junior guard <strong>Jo Whitaker</strong> (<em>3.4p, 2.6r</em>) and 5-1 Junior guard <strong>Carmen Thackery</strong> (<em>2.5p</em>) offer them support around the perimeter. 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Ally Whitaker</strong> (<em>1.4p in 17 games</em>) was used in spots last season but looks to contribute a lot more this Winter. The Chargers will need others to step up, so look for 5-8 Sophomore forward <strong>Jewel Verseman</strong> (<em>did not score in 5 games</em>) to get first crack at joining the rotation. If the Chargers can mask their lack of size, they have plenty of firepower around the arc to make a nice tournament run. The Tri Titans have had a history of success in girls' basketball, with 18 winning seasons over the past 20 years, including six Sectional titles. This Winter, they look to repeat both feats, as they return two double-digit scorers and most of their production from last season. 5-9 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570375' first='Kenley' last='Cornelius']</strong> (<em>12.8p, 5.7r, 2.2a, 2.6s</em>) is a do-everything perimeter player. She can handle the ball and run offense, slice to the basket for scores, knock down the occasional outside jumper, and defend multiple positions. 5-7 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131939' first='Jillian' last='Chew']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 3.5r, 2.6a, 3.5s</em>) is a playmaker at both ends of the floor. She can create offense for others, and she can score it in bunches when necessary. 6-0 Junior forward <strong>Nakaya Cridge</strong> (<em>7.0p, 8.0r, 2.7b</em>) is a viable defensive presence in the paint. If she can give them added offense each night, they'll be that much more difficult to defend as a unit. 6-0 Junior forward <strong>Olivia Parham</strong> (<em>5.9p, 3.4r</em>), 5-10 Senior post <strong>Saraya Cridge</strong> (<em>3.1p, 2.0r</em>), and 6-0 Junior post <strong>Emma Mondrush</strong> (<em>2.5p in 15 games</em>) add even more size to this Class 1A program. 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Jayda Cornes</strong> (<em>0.5p</em>), 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Ava Houchins</strong> (<em>0.3p in 12 games</em>), and 5-7 Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992364' first='Lia' last='Bohn']</strong> all have an opportunity to fill perimeter roles this season. The Titans have size, skill, and athleticism, so as long as they can get a consistent third scorer, they could beat almost anyone in Class 1A any night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Decatur's second leading scorer transferred to Sectional rival Waldron, but they still return a great deal of experience, and they should maintain their level of competition. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122850' first='Makayla' last='Somers']</strong> (<em>11.8p, 9.0r</em>) can be a problem inside at times. She has double-double potential each night, plus she is a very good free throw shooter for a "big". 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Paige McQueen</strong> (<em>7.3p, 2.5r, 2.2a</em>) brings multiple years of Varsity action to the table as well, and she can play with versatility. 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Makayla Puckett</strong> (<em>4.4p, 3.0r</em>) has been more of a scorer in the past, but she can handle point guard duties as well when necessary. 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>Taylor Somers</strong> (<em>2.5p, 3.8r</em>) saw some action as a rookie, and she could step into more of a go-to role this season. Those four form a solid nucleus, so it will be about who can mesh with them and provide depth. 5-7 twin forwards <strong>Raegan Benge</strong> and <strong>Riley Benge</strong>, plus 5-6 guard <strong>Dalilah Martin</strong>, all Freshmen, could be the answer and round out the rotation. Whatever they do, look for the Cougars to utilize an inside-out approach with the elder Somers as a key focal point each night. Morristown is another team who I think could surprise some people by February. The Yellow Jackets welcome back size and experience, plus the return of a guard who hasn't played in two years. 6-2 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122802' first='Danika' last='Rutledge']</strong> (<em>10.0p, 8.0r, 2.1s</em>) is a versatile, mobile, skilled front-liner with length and fluidity. She could be a game changer at the Class 1A level. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496015' first='Emma' last='Nelson']</strong> (<em>8.6p, 3.9r</em>) is another skillful but strong, athletic, hard-working player. The Marian Ancilla commit can score it in the mid-post or knock down open 3-pointers. 5-6 Sophomore point guard <strong>Jayla Keithley</strong> (<em>7.9p, 4.3r, 2.6a, 2.6s</em>) had the opportunity to adapt to Varsity last season as a rookie, so look for her to be even more consistent and effective in year-2. And 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Nevaeh Cox</strong> (<em>6.4p, 2.1r</em>) saw her share of starts last year and adds more veteran experience to the lineup. The Yellow Jackets also welcome back 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827997' first='Nevaeh' last='Sanders']</strong> (<em>19.8p, 3.2r, 3.2s in 6 games in 2022-2023</em>), who hasn't played since early during her Sophomore year. She is a long, explosive athlete who can score it in bunches. 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Olivia Rude</strong> (<em>2.7p, 3.9r, 2.1s</em>), plus any of four Freshmen, will likely be relied upon to provide depth. The last time Sanders played, Nelson and Keithley weren't at the school yet, so if she can find her niche with this new group, then they should all be really good together. They certainly have the talent to succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Keep an Eye On:</strong> Edinburgh: 5-4 Junior guard <strong>Kenna Streeval</strong> (<em>8.3p, 4.2r, 2.2a, 2.7s</em>), Sophomore forward <strong>Kinzie Purvis</strong> (<em>3.2p, 3.7r</em>); Knightstown: 6-1 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756232' first='Lilly' last='Drew']</strong> (<em>8.7p, 6.4r</em>), 5-8 Junior wing <strong>Anna Roberson</strong> (<em>8.0p, 5.9r</em>); Southwestern (Shelbyville): 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Tanna Tatlock</strong>; Waldron: 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496039' first='Kiley' last='Best']</strong> (<em>10.7p, 2.8r</em>), 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Emerson Lindsey</strong> (<em>8.4p, 2.8r, 2.7a, 2.0s</em>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #60 at Hauser</font></strong><br>Jac-Cen-Del (21-6), SAG 125, SOS 232<br>Oldenburg Academy (19-5), SAG 159, SOS 310<br>Trinity Lutheran (14-12), SAG 174, SOS 198<br>Rising Sun (9-14), SAG 258, SOS 274<br>Shawe Memorial (9-13), SAG 262, SOS 290<br>Milan (4-19), SAG 308, SOS 254<br>Hauser (6-18), SAG 331, SOS 330<br>Crothersville (4-18), SAG 379, SOS 311</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Teams:</strong> I feel like Sectional #60 has three standout teams in 2024-2025 who should be favored against everyone, except maybe each other. The Twisters of Oldenburg Academy graduated a couple of key upperclassmen; however, they return a nice, young, talented core and it starts with 6-0 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761188' first='Rachel' last='Suttmann']</strong> (<em>13.0p, 6.1r, 2.0a</em>). She is a strong, physical, hard-working player who can post up smaller defenders, play in the mid-post, or roam the perimeter at times. She gets a lot of interior help from 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>Ali Nobbe</strong>, 5-9 Junior post <strong>Norah Haverkos</strong>, 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Gaby Cullen</strong>, 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Addisyn Lambert</strong>, and 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Hailey Hoffman</strong>. Nobbe has a lot of upside and could be an impact player soon enough. 5-5 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='899127' first='Gina' last='Grote']</strong>, 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Claire Niese</strong>, plus Freshman guard <strong>Aubrey Baker</strong> help to form a young, but skillful backcourt. While Oldenburg possesses good size inside, if they can get consistent perimeter play from their youngsters, they could top Sectional #60 at season's end. Shawe Memorial out of Madison has several players in their lineup with multiple years of experience. That could bode well for them when February hits. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122604' first='Allison' last='Knoebel']</strong> (<em>18.3p, 7.0r, 3.0a, 2.6s</em>) and 6-0 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='690125' first='Ava' last='Turner']</strong> (<em>9.8p, 5.8r</em>) led a team last season hit hard by the injury bug. Knoebel took on ball-handling responsibilities for much of the year, in addition to being their top scorer, while Turner is a nice athlete with inside-out skill and ability. The Hilltoppers would love to get full seasons from 5-6 Junior point guard <strong>Hunter Mote</strong> (<em>9.8p, 5.8r, 6.3a, 3.3s in 12 games</em>) and 5-7 Junior shooter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832676' first='Audrey' last='Barron']</strong> (<em>15.8p, 5.8r, 2.0a in 2022-2023</em>). Both have been sidelined at different times over the past couple of years. Mote is a crafty and highly skilled lead guard who has flown a little under the radar, while Barron is a weapon on the wing and led them in scoring as a Freshman two seasons ago. With those four in the lineup together, the Hilltoppers could be a Top 10 team in Class 1A. 5-6 Junior forward <strong>Jamison Williams</strong> also has experience, and look for Freshman <strong>Arleen Perez</strong> to fill a perimeter role as well. Trinity Lutheran is another Southern Indiana program who has seen consistent success since they became an IHSAA member school roughly 20 years ago. This year, 5-5 Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751103' first='Marley' last='Warren']</strong> (<em>14.3p, 4.5r, 2.0a</em>) and 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Madison Keith</strong> (<em>16.2p, 11.7r, 2.8s</em>) lead them into action. Warren is a feisty, tough-nosed, but highly skilled lead guard who can fill it up outside, while Keith is a physical, skilled, inside-out player who can execute in the mid-post and around the perimeter. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Jordan Brewer</strong> (<em>8.5p, 2.6r</em>), 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Laura Roeder</strong> (<em>4.8p, 2.6r, 2.2s</em>), 6-1 Junior post <strong>Bailey Bonde</strong> (<em>5.1p, 3.9r</em>), and 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>Zoey Dulaney</strong> (<em>2.0p</em>) have each seen quite a bit of Varsity action and now look to contribute at a higher level. A newcomer who could have a "big" impact is 6-2 Freshman post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1144623' first='Rachel' last='Bonde']</strong>. She will actually battle her older sister for minutes along the frontline. The Cougars have all the pieces to be highly successful this year, so keep an eye on them when February rolls around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Keep an Eye On:</strong> Crothersville: 5-11 Sophomore forward <strong>Kendra Kelshaw</strong> (<em>5.0p, 5.1r</em>); Hauser: 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Norah Berkenstock</strong> (<em>10.2p, 2.4r, 3.1a, 2.6s</em>), 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>June Berkenstock</strong> (<em>1.7p, 2.8r in 11 games</em>); Jac-Cen-Del: 5-9 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122667' first='Kelsey' last='Borgman']</strong> (<em>9.9p, 3.6r, 2.3a</em>); Milan: Senior forward <strong>Anna Herzog</strong> (<em>3.1p, 2.8r</em>); Rising Sun: Junior guard <strong>Jaylen Peelman</strong> (<em>6.1p, 2.5r</em>), Junior wing <strong>Carrigan Friend</strong> (<em>4.7p, 2.5r</em>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->