State Tourney Preview – Sectionals 37-40

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills'] (2026) of Lapel High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the new enrollment cutoff in regard to the IHSAA's 2024-2025 classification restructure, each of the four classes will look a bit different. Class 2A will see growth in the total number of teams, which means more teams in most Sectional fields and a little movement by teams already in Class 2A. Below is a quick look at what to expect out of Sectionals #37 through #40 this week, along with a key player or two for each team. <em>(Disclaimer: this article was written over the weekend and scheduled to post after Sectional games had begun. We wanted to stay true to our picks and not change a few here and there because results were already posted.)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">SECTIONAL #37 - Rensselaer Central</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PGH Sectional Favorite:</strong> Rensselaer Central<br><strong>Top Challenger:</strong> Benton Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Analysis:</strong> Rensselaer Central is 20-2 and has been a dominant force in the Northwest in Class 2A all season. There is no reason to expect them to stumble through the Sectional, though the Benton Central program is well-seasoned and used to this time of year. However, Rensselaer defeated the Bison by 10 back in December and have only improved since. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492323' first='Kamri' last='Rowland']</strong> <em>(15.2p, 7.1r, 2.6a, 3.6s)</em> is the "glue" for the Bombers, as she does a lot of the "little things" to help them win and always seems to produce. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295796' first='Taylor' last='Van Meter']</strong> <em>(12.8p, 5.0r, 3.7a, 2.2s)</em> can hurt you with the 3-point shot, she can attack off the dribble, or she can play in the mid-post and use her height. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756244' first='Courtney' last='Mathew']</strong> <em>(12.2p, 4.5r, 4.0a, 2.9s)</em> has put together a really nice second year, and she can excel as a defender as well, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453224' first='Carly' last='Drone']</strong> <em>(10.1p, 6.0r)</em> offers size plus touch around the perimeter. If Benton Central is to challenge, they'll need the leadership and experience of Senior guards <strong>Avery Hardebeck</strong> and <strong>Chauncey Keller</strong> to come to the forefront.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492323' first='Kamri' last='Rowland']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295796' first='Taylor' last='Van Meter']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756244' first='Courtney' last='Mathew']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453224' first='Carly' last='Drone']</strong>, Rensselaer Central; <strong>Avery Hardebeck</strong> and <strong>Chauncey Keller</strong>, Benton Central; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137356' first='Cadence' last='White']</strong> and <strong>Lorelei Lanie</strong>, Seeger; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828036' first='Piper' last='Ramey']</strong> and <strong>Macee Norman</strong>, North Montgomery; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834948' first='Ally' last='Lewis']</strong> and <strong>Olivia Reagan</strong>, Western Boone; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044766' first='Jenna' last='Roth']</strong> and <strong>Payton Morrow</strong>, Delphi</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">SECTIONAL #38 - Lewis Cass</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PGH Sectional Favorite:</strong> Oak Hill<br><strong>Top Challenger:</strong> Wabash</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Analysis:</strong> Sectional #38 could be a fun one, as four teams have earned 16 or more wins already this season. Oak Hill is 20-2 and 4-0 against the field, but while they have played several opponents close, in theory you could say they have a great deal of experience in tight games. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137326' first='Landri' last='Hardman']</strong> <em>(9.1p, 3.0r, 5.0a, 3.7s)</em> has emerged as a really nice leader from the point guard position, while <strong>Liz Godfrey</strong> <em>(10.2p, 2.0s)</em> is a long, active wing who can make shots and defend multiple positions. The Wabash Apaches could challenge them with their impressive backcourt of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122733' first='Kaitlynn' last='Honeycutt']</strong> <em>(13.0p, 5.7r, 3.4a, 3.3s)</em>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard']</strong> <em>(15.0p, 4.0r, 2.6a, 2.6s)</em>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122695' first='Anna' last='Daughtry']</strong> <em>(10.4p, 4.1r, 2.9a, 4.2s)</em>. They can each make shots, attack the basket, create for others, and defend, making it tough for opponents to pick and choose who they want to focus on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137326' first='Landri' last='Hardman']</strong> and <strong>Liz Godfrey</strong>, Oak Hill; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122733' first='Kaitlynn' last='Honeycutt']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361443' first='Brookelynn' last='Buzzard']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122695' first='Anna' last='Daughtry']</strong>, Wabash; <strong>Aftin Griffin</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218683' first='Mylie' last='Sipe']</strong>, and <strong>Anna Hedrick</strong>, Lewis Cass; <strong>Aubrey Wilson</strong>, <strong>Rylee Clevenger</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828021' first='Ella' last='McCarter']</strong>, Rochester; <strong>Emma Walker</strong> and <strong>Peyton Ream</strong>, Manchester; <strong>Marly Coan</strong>, Eastern (Greentown)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">SECTIONAL #39 - Sheridan</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PGH Sectional Favorite:</strong> Sheridan<br><strong>Top Challenger:</strong> Lapel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Analysis:</strong> Sectional #39 will likely come down to these two teams, and while Lapel has had a nice couple of years in the postseason, Sheridan looks to be a little deeper and more well-rounded as a team. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324072' first='Kenzie' last='Garner']</strong> <em>(20.9p, 9.5r, 4.1a, 3.4s)</em> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482853' first='Cecilia' last='Timme']</strong> <em>(11.p, 4.9r, 4.0a, 3.2s)</em> bring a great deal of skill, experience, and versatility to the floor. Garner is a high-level perimeter shooter as well. <strong>Brielle Garner</strong> <em>(7.3p, 2.0r)</em> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331804' first='Shelby' last='Eaton']</strong> <em>(6.4p, 2.5r)</em> give them a couple more scorers who can each approach 20 points on occasion. Lapel does have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills']</strong> <em>(25.3p, 13.5r)</em>, but even she will need a bit of help to defeat a good Sheridan team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324072' first='Kenzie' last='Garner']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482853' first='Cecilia' last='Timme']</strong>, Sheridan; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721513' first='Sophie' last='Goodwin']</strong>, Lapel; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122757' first='Emma' last='Key']</strong> and <strong>Ann Curtis</strong>, Frankton; <strong>Breelyn Norris</strong> and <strong>Kendra Sallee</strong>, Elwood; <strong>Jallainah Harris</strong>, Taylor; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='875512' first='Mackenzie' last='Farinella']</strong>, Tipton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">SECTIONAL #40 - Alexandria-Monroe</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PGH Sectional Favorite:</strong> Alexandria-Monroe<br><strong>Top Challenger:</strong> Wapahani</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Analysis:</strong> The combination of Alexandria's pressure defense, trapping zones, and strong guard play have put them in a position to make a nice run in the state tournament this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404111' first='Jacklynn' last='Hosier']</strong> <em>(26.2p, 7.0r, 5.8a, 7.5s)</em> has been spectacular at times for much of the season in 2024-2025. She gets help primarily from <strong>Lily Harpe</strong> <em>(9.5p, 3.7r, 2.6a, 4.8s)</em> and <strong>Rylie Kellams</strong> <em>(7.4p, 3.8r)</em>. Harpe brings athleticism, grit, and a defensive mindset, while Kellams protects the paint at 6-1. Wapahani is the only team from this field Alexandria didn't play this season. The Lady Raiders get balanced play from twins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131972' first='Megan' last='Luce']</strong> <em>(12.1p, 4.4r, 3.5a, 2.2s)</em> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131968' first='Emily' last='Luce']</strong> <em>(10.6p, 3.1r, 6.2a, 3.9s)</em>, plus 6-3 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295783' first='Kimber' last='Abshear']</strong> <em>(12.4p, 10.9r, 2.2s, 3.6b)</em>. The Luce sisters are creative playmakers who can distribute or shoot/score, while Abshear transferred in this year from Monroe Central and immediately brought size and mid-post scoring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404111' first='Jacklynn' last='Hosier']</strong> and <strong>Lily Harpe</strong>, Alexandria-Monroe; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131972' first='Megan' last='Luce']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131968' first='Emily' last='Luce']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295783' first='Kimber' last='Abshear']</strong>, Wapahani; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218572' first='Mia' last='Bustos']</strong> and <strong>Makayla Fox</strong>, Eastbrook; <strong>Grace Wood</strong>, Madison-Grant; <strong>Gracie Townsend</strong>, Blackford; <strong>Sydney Jackson</strong>, Burris Laboratory</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->