Tourney Time; Intriguing 1st Rd. Matchups – Class 4A

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='834925' first='Kylah' last='Patterson'] (2027) from Hammond's Oliver P. Morton High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Believe it or not, we are just hours away from the beginning of the 51st IHSAA Girls' Basketball State Tournament. The Regular season has come to an end, conference titles have been decided, and coaches are busy game-planning and trying to figure out who can help them win a Sectional, Regional, Semi-State, and even State title. This is when it counts, so I wanted to point out a handful of intriguing opening round matchups in Class 4A these next couple of days.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #1 at Munster</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Hammond Morton (17-1) vs. Crown Point (19-4)</font></strong><br>This should be a fun game to start Sectional play. These two teams matched up in mid-December, with Morton winning, 58-45. However, that was Crown Point's third consecutive loss. Since then, they've grown up quite a bit, winning 10 of their final 11 games. The Bulldogs get strong play and leadership from talented Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999415' first='Ava' last='Richie']</strong> (<em>16.7p, 4.5r, 2.6a, 3.5s</em>). Despite her age, she plays with a veteran's savvy, she has tremendous ball skill, and she's an accurate perimeter shooter. 6-4 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756234' first='Ivy' last='Henderson']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 5.5r</em>) offers Crown Point a mismatch inside on most occasions. She has good size, strength, and the ability to play physically or keep the ball out of reach of the defenders. Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137332' first='Ava' last='Punak']</strong> (<em>7.5p, 4.8r, 3.0s</em>) has really improved over the past year. She is a strong, solid athlete, and she plays with a competitive motor. She has some skill around the perimeter, plus she'll battle some inside. Sophomore wings <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229433' first='Sidney' last='Hale']</strong> (<em>6.2p, 4.2r, 2.2a, 2.1s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229331' first='Addison' last='Seibert']</strong> (<em>3.0p, 1.6a</em>) contribute as well, though they could both be asked to produce a little more with postseason play being more intense. As for Morton, they go as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834925' first='Kylah' last='Patterson']</strong> (<em>27.2p, 15.5r, 5.8a, 5.0s, 1.5b</em>) goes. The 6-0 Junior forward is a strong/powerful, athletic, high-motor prospect who can play in transition, she can break defenders off the dribble, and she can post some inside. She has even improved her perimeter shot over the past year. Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1144661' first='De'Zyrra' last='Willingham']</strong> (<em>10.8p, 6.2r, 1.8s</em>) brings a lot of energy and athleticism to the floor as well, and she's a really nice slashing style of athlete. The support cast is an interesting mixture of veterans and youth. Freshman guard <strong>Kendrea Lee-Bonner</strong> (<em>7.8p, 2.1r</em>) has had a nice first season, while Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249966' first='Dalanie' last=''] Jones</strong> (<em>7.0p, 6.1r, 2.1s</em>), Junior wing <strong>Kymora Baker</strong> (<em>6.6p, 5.1r, 2.0s</em>), and Sophomore guard <strong>Branyla Goshey</strong> (<em>5.1p, 3.0r</em>) are the primary rotation players who help Patterson. If she can get going early and often, Morton will be looking for their second win this season against an up-and-coming Bulldog squad. If Crown Point can figure out a way to at least limit Patterson and force others to step up, that is their best chance to succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #7 at McCutcheon</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Lafayette Jefferson (19-4) vs. McCutcheon (19-5)</font></strong><br>These two teams are terribly familiar with each other. At the beginning of the season, they matched up in the annual Lafayette area tournament, with McCutcheon escaping a closely contested game, 66-63. In mid-December, they saw each other again, but this time it was a decisive 65-33 outcome. But make no mistake about it, this will be a battle. Lafayette Jeff is hungry and will give it everything they have to upend the Mavericks. Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486509' first='Maya' last='Layton']</strong> (<em>20.0p, 8.5r, 5.6a, 3.9s</em>) it the standout for the Bronchos. She is a smooth, athletic point guard who can fill it up, find open teammates, and really defend 84-feet. Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='886667' first='Shaylee' last='Barrett']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 4.1r, 1.7a</em>), along with Junior guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992522' first='Aaliyah' last='Coney']</strong> (<em>6.0p, 1.7r</em>) and <strong>Cambria Marcus</strong> (<em>5.3p, 3.0r</em>), give the Bronchos additional athletic weapons who can score the ball in a variety of ways. Barrett has been especially good at times, and if she can get going and support Layton with her own 15-20 points, it could really help against McCutcheon. Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131959' first='Da'Niyah' last='Johnson']</strong> (<em>10.7p, 5.4r, 1.5s</em>) is another wildcard who can help. She is a strong athlete, she plays with an outstanding motor, and she can defend the perimeter or battle for boards inside. As for McCutcheon, they have a strong Senior class and a trio of strong Juniors, including the #1 Junior in the state. 6-1 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751095' first='Lillie' last='Graves']</strong> (<em>17.6p, 6.5r, 5.5a, 3.5s</em>) is a problem for most opponents. She has the height and length of a forward, but she's good with the ball in her hands, she has improved as a passer this season, and she can score it in bunches from all three levels. Don't be surprised if she goes for 30 points or racks up a dozen assists instead. Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='890800' first='Keara' last='Lipscomb-Allen']</strong> (<em>14.6p, 4.2r, 3.1a, 2.9s</em>) has had a fantastic year for the Mavericks, as she is long, fast &amp; explosive, and crafty with the basketball. Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751038' first='Ameria' last='Gibson']</strong> (<em>10.3p, 6.2r, 1.8s</em>) has stepped up in a big way as well. She is an athletic slashing style of scorer, plus she defends with effort. As for that Senior class, it goes 10 deep! Most notable of that group are point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486538' first='Trinity' last='Wilburn']</strong> (<em>7.3p, 3.3r, 2.9a, 3.1s</em>), wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553262' first='Chloe' last='Finney']</strong> (<em>6.2p, 4.0r</em>), forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='626869' first='Braelyn' last='Williams']</strong> (<em>3.3p, 3.3r</em>), and forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486526' first='Marley' last='Dale']</strong> (<em>1.9p, 2.8r</em>). That group collectively makes a number of hustle plays and does a nice job with team defense. I feel like this game will come down to Lafayette Jefferson's approach. McCutcheon will be McCutcheon, but if Jeff comes out aggressive and disciplined, they can give themselves a chance to win at the end. If they force shots or get sloppy with the ball, I think McCutcheon controls the game from beginning to end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #8 at Carmel</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Westfield (17-7) vs. Hamilton Southeastern (17-4)</font></strong><br>Sectional #8 is always one of the toughest to predict, because of their six teams, typically four, five, or all six are highly competitive on a state level. These two teams met in mid-January in a low-scoring affair, with HSE pulling out the 43-28 victory. But this matchup is likely much closer than 15 points. The Shamrocks of Westfield have leaned on two talented Freshmen guards to pace them this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267070' first='Lillian' last='Clark']</strong> (<em>14.6p, 2.8r</em>) is a long range bomber who can get hot quickly. On the season, she has made 67 triples at an impressive 41% rate. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263930' first='Gabby' last='Bassett']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 4.5r, 2.2a</em>) has also proven herself as a quality Varsity starter early in her career. She has really nice length, she is a fluid &amp; smooth athlete, and she can play on the ball, find teammates, or knock down open shots herself. From there, the 'Rocks turn to Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486531' first='MaKayla' last='Hatcher']</strong> (<em>8.8p, 4.4r, 2.7a</em>), Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751053' first='Ellie' last='Wheeler']</strong> (<em>7.5p, 4.9r, 2.3a</em>) and 6-1 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486493' first='Audra' last='Parker']</strong> (<em>7.4p, 3.7r</em>). Hatcher could be the wildcard here, as she could possibly be tasked with defending <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham']</strong> (<em>below</em>). Hamilton Southeastern plays a heavyweight schedule, and they have taken care of top teams like Homestead, Valparaiso, and Evansville Central throughout the season. Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman']</strong> (<em>18.0p, 7.0r, 2.9a, 2.6s</em>) has been outstanding this year, being forced to score a little more, but she has answered the call. She is long, fast, and feisty, plus she is an elite on-ball defender. Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham']</strong> (<em>15.2p, 6.7r, 1.7a</em>) has also been much more aggressive off the dribble and used her size well, attempting 112 free throw attempts on the year. She's also still their most dangerous perimeter weapon (<em>37-111, 33% from '3'</em>). The Royals don't exactly have another big offensive threat, but they can score by the sum of their parts. Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905531' first='Piper' last='Brinley']</strong> (<em>5.3p, 4.3r</em>), Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751032' first='Abigail' last='Orme']</strong> (<em>5.0p, 2.9r, 2.0a</em>), Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486488' first='Antonette' last='Green']</strong> (<em>4.0p, 1.6r, 1.8s</em>), Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992352' first='Haylee' last='Mezera']</strong> (<em>3.1p, 1.5r</em>), and Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225065' first='Eevey' last='Tolliver']</strong> (<em>2.1p, 1.9r</em>) are all skillful perimeter players who can make shots and help the Royals control tempo, if necessary. I think this rematch will come down to whether or not the "moment" of postseason play is too big for the young Westfield backcourt, because Holman and Stidham, at least, thrive in these situations. If Clark and Bassett can handle it, and they can get others to step up too, look for them to pull an upset here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #16 at Castle</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Evansville F.J. Reitz (18-2) vs. Gibson Southern (17-6)</font></strong><br>The Reitz Panthers are one of the best teams in the state no one is talking about. They have a collection of Seniors and Sophomores who just gel really well together. Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486473' first='Bailey' last='Hape']</strong> (<em>10.3p, 4.5r, 3.1a, 3.2s</em>) is the leader of the group, and the most important thing she has done this year for them to be successful is allow her younger teammates to share the spotlight. Hape is strong, athletic, and skilled, whether she's initiating the offense, creating offense, or burying shots outside. 5-10 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992369' first='Rhyan' last='Wagner']</strong> (<em>13.5p, 2.1r, 2.3a, 1.8s</em>) transferred in this season, and she has been a true weapon. She can handle it and create, plus she has knocked down 64 3-pointers already this season. 6-0 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999407' first='Kierstyn' last='Kaiser']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 5.7r, 2.5a, 2.8s</em>) came up as a wing and still possesses perimeter skill, but she also grew rapidly and is now a versatile inside-out threat for the Panthers. Also keep an eye on Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999409' first='Keilah' last='Mitchell']</strong> (<em>9.6p, 2.0r, 3.5a, 3.1s</em>). She is a talented athlete, and she can explode for 20 points on occasion. 6-0 front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761169' first='Kendall' last='Kaiser']</strong> (<em>5.3p, 5.4r, 1.6s</em>) and 5-9 forward <strong>Summer Johnson</strong> (<em>2.8p, 3.1r</em>) are a pair of experienced Senior veterans who help with rebounding and interior defense, which will be necessary against what Gibson Southern brings to the table. Speaking of the Titans, it essentially begins and ends with the play of 6-2 Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756247' first='Paige' last='Schnaus']</strong> (<em>21.0p, 9.0r, 1.6b</em>). She is a strong, physical, impressive forward who can dominate inside. Additionally, she is a more than capable perimeter threat, having shot 42-98 (<em>43%</em>) from 3-point range for the regular season. My only issue with that is she can sometimes linger outside when she can almost always have her way at the basket. Regardless, Reitz will have their hands full. 5-10 Freshman forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1690475' first='Avery' last='Paridaen']</strong> (<em>9.4p, 5.6r</em>) has been a nice complement to Schnaus, offering additional rebounding and interior defense so Schnaus can play with that versatility. In the backcourt, Senior guard <strong>Molly Spindler</strong> (<em>9.2p, 3.3r, 2.6a</em>), Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751126' first='Taylor' last='Weyer']</strong> (<em>7.0p, 4.8r, 2.8a, 2.2s</em>), and Sophomore wing <strong>Morgan Bezy</strong> (<em>3.6p, 2.1r, 2.6a</em>) add ball-handling and perimeter defense to the mix, plus Spindler is an accurate shooting threat, while Weyer has improved her handle and creativity from the wing. Reitz controlled the first meeting on December 22nd, 67-33, but I think this could be one of the most competitive games of the evening. I anticipate stars will be stars, so it will come down to how younger role players perform.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->