2024-25 Season Preview: Class 3A, Sectionals 21 & 22

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='404107' first='Ashley' last='Cox'] (2025) of DeKalb High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we finish the second week of official IHSAA games, I wanted to take the time to preview 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 12th of 24, previewing each Sectional in the state. In this specific article, I will take a look at Class 3A, Sectional #21 and Sectional #22. 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 #21 at Concordia Lutheran</font></strong><br>DeKalb (14-8), SAG 101, SOS 87<br>East Noble (13-9), SAG 116, SOS 106<br>Concordia Lutheran (10-14), SAG 140, SOS 56<br>Angola (14-10), SAG 141, SOS 118<br>Bishop Dwenger (10-15), SAG 151, SOS 64<br>Leo (12-9), SAG 165, SOS 146<br>Garrett (8-16), SAG 254, SOS 209</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional #21 is in the Northeast corner of the state, with schools from four different counties. After totaling just 17 wins over a 4-year span, the DeKalb Barons posted a 12-12 record in 2022-2023, then last year had their first winning record since the 2013-2014 season. A lot of that can be credited to Senior star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404107' first='Ashley' last='Cox']</strong> (<em>19.9p, 8.3r, 2.5a, 3.2s</em>). The 5-8 guard, who is committed to the University of St. Francis (IN), is a capable shooter/scorer, but she has improved her ball-handling, playmaking, and defense over the years. She is ready to top it all off with the program's first Sectional title since the 2005-2006 season. 5-5 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='890813' first='Abbie' last='Harris']</strong> (<em>9.0p, 2.0r, 2.0s</em>) put together a nice rookie season, and paired with Cox, she should provide even more scoring opportunities in her second year. Senior forward <strong>Breann Fordyce</strong> and Junior guard <strong>Mia Houser</strong> saw action last year as Varsity contributors, otherwise everyone else was a Freshman who gained valuable experience to help the Barons be even stronger in 2024-2025. Guard <strong>Reese Schmidt</strong>, forward <strong>Grace Pfister</strong>, guard <strong>Ella Nixon</strong>, and wing <strong>Mara Keyes</strong> make up the core of that 2027 class for DeKalb. Also keep an eye on 2028 Freshmen to have an impact from the outset this year. If the Barons can get a mostly young nucleus to help Cox and Harris get good looks each night, this team could be as strong as any in Sectional #21 this season. East Noble is another program who, last year, had its first winning season in a while (<em>2016-2017</em>). Despite the graduation losses of <strong>Payton Quake</strong> (<em>8.6p, 5.7r</em>) and <strong>Bailea Bortner</strong> (<em>6.0p</em>), the Lady Knights played a mostly younger cast as well in 2023-2024. Leading the way are 5-6 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834926' first='Averi' last='Amstutz']</strong> (<em>9.5p, 2.4r, 2.0s</em>), 5-9 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1006197' first='Rian' last='David']</strong> (<em>8.4p, 3.1r</em>), and 5-11 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1006206' first='Ellisyn' last='Will']</strong> (<em>7.3p, 6.4r</em>). Amstutz is a tough-nosed, aggressive scorer/playmaker. David is a long, wiry, fluid athlete who can knock down shots. Will is another long, wiry, but bouncy interior player with a nice motor. Those three should be the core for the next couple of seasons as well. 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Addison Deming</strong> (<em>6.5p, 2.5r, 2.6a</em>) and 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Kate David</strong> (<em>3.0p</em>) also were part of the core rotation a year ago. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Makenna Strohm</strong> played sparingly last time but looks for a bigger role, while 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>Shaye Ritchie</strong> could make a Varsity impact for the first time this season. Also intriguing is 6-1 Freshman post <strong>Carys Shire</strong>, who could play early in spots, but who might be more impactful after Christmas once she gets comfortable at the Varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Wayne's Concordia Lutheran is attempting to post its first winning season since 2020-2021. With their top three scorers and rebounders returning, that is a great possibility. 6-1 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462366' first='Alivia' last='Bolinger']</strong> (<em>13.4p, 7.0r, 2.1s</em>) is a matchup problem. She has the height and length to affect the interior, but she also has touch outside, and she can put it on the floor and get somewhere productively. 5-9 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122750' first='Cella' last='Kaiser']</strong> (<em>8.8p, 4.4r</em>) is as hard-working as they come. She too can play inside, in the mid-post, or a little around the perimeter. She makes a lot of "hustle" plays for Concordia. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692235' first='Lauren' last='Goodman']</strong> (<em>6.4p, 4.2r, 4.0a, 2.2s</em>) is a steady, poised, cerebral point guard who can run offense or find open teammates consistently. From there, the Cadets have several nice, younger, role players who bring experience, but who will need to step into much more prominent roles this year. 6-1 Junior post <strong>Jennifer Dressler</strong> (<em>3.0p, 2.6r</em>) offers a more traditional post presence so Bolinger and Kaiser can utilize their versatility. Sophomore front-liner <strong>Sydney Blackwell</strong> (<em>2.5p, 4.1r</em>) and Senior forward <strong>Nysia Walker</strong> (<em>2.4p, 3.0r</em>) are additional interior defenders/rebounders who help with depth inside. The Cadets will miss <strong>Kaelyn Ortiz-Vaudt</strong> (<em>4.9p</em>) and <strong>Cailyn Bolinger</strong> (<em>3.9p, 3.4r</em>), both 2024 graduates. If Concordia can find adequate backcourt depth and handle full-court pressure, they could win 15 games this season. The Angola Hornets are always a feisty group, but they graduated a nice inside-out duo in <strong>Kylie Caswell</strong> (<em>11.6p, 2.7r, 2.2s</em>) and <strong>Macy Oberlin</strong> (<em>6.8p, 4.6r</em>). Forward <strong>Isabelle Rinard</strong> (<em>2.6p, 2.7r</em>) was also lost to the diploma, but the Hornets return several talented prospects who can step up this year. 5-11 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122727' first='Bailey' last='Holman']</strong> (<em>8.1p, 7.6r, 2.2b</em>) holds it down inside. She is physical, tough-nosed, and hard-working. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295792' first='Alexis' last='Stillman']</strong> (<em>7.0p, 4.9r, 3.3a</em>) displays a great deal of versatility. She has length, athleticism, and she shoots a nice ball from the perimeter, but she can also play in the mid-post and get things done from there at a high rate. Senior wing <strong>Ava Rinard</strong> (<em>5.8p, 2.8r, 2.5s</em>) is another active and athletic player who should see her scoring increase this season. From there, a handful of Seniors and Juniors also return with a little experience each, but a roster filled with all Seniors and Juniors should benefit Angola on most nights. As long as they can find someone to help replace some of Caswell's production in the backcourt, they should be fine, but she brought a lot of energy, toughness, and playmaking ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Dwenger hasn't had a winning season since 2018-2019. They are under new leadership, and a coach who has won 400+ games could give them an advantage most nights. Additional good news is that 6-1 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743355' first='Isabelle' last='Eke']</strong> (<em>10.2p, 3.2r</em>) is back for just her second year. She is long, athletic, but also skilled at all three levels. She gets support from three Seniors in 5-7 forward <strong>Mary O'Brien</strong> (<em>4.3p, 2.8r</em>), 5-4 guard <strong>Gillian Reidy</strong> (<em>4.2p, 2.8r</em>), and 5-3 guard <strong>Josie Wharton</strong> (<em>3.6p</em>). 5-3 Junior guard <strong>Grace Barfield</strong> (<em>2.0p</em>) looks for an expanded role in 2024-2025. 5-4 Sophomore wing <strong>Matilyn Johanssen</strong> and 5-10 Freshman post <strong>Anne O'Brien</strong> are a couple of newcomers who could make an immediate impact this season, while 5-4 Junior wing <strong>Lydia Garrett</strong> and 5-10 Sophomore post <strong>Kaite Keefer</strong> offer the Saints depth. Dwenger has enough talent to win games, as long as their younger players can mesh together quickly and learn as they go. After posting a winning record last season, its first since 2016-2017, the Leo Lions look like they are back on track towards their winning ways. This year's team must deal with the graduation of four rotation players, but they do return two starters, including their leading scorer from last season. Most notably missing are <strong>Kayla Adams</strong> (<em>9.0p, 8.8r</em>), <strong>Abby Bovie</strong> (<em>5.8p, 2.6r</em>), <strong>Isabelle Collins</strong> (<em>4.7p</em>), and <strong>Emily Cogdell</strong> (<em>3.2p</em>). 6-0 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624881' first='Leah' last='Shappell']</strong> (<em>11.0p, 8.9r, 2.3b</em>) does return and stand out. She is a nice, long, fluidly athletic matchup problem. She's willing to battle inside or step outside and knock down open jumpers. 5-1 Senior <strong>Malina Lape</strong> (<em>6.4p, 4.0r, 2.6a</em>) isn't very tall, but she understands how to affect the game in a big way at both ends of the floor. 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751099' first='Mackenzie' last='Collins']</strong> (<em>2.2p</em>) was a key sub off the bench last season, but after a terrific Spring &amp; Summer, she could be the team's leading scorer this year. Senior post <strong>Grace Busch</strong> (<em>1.7p, 3.0r</em>) also saw a little action last time. Freshman forward <strong>Stella Schelm</strong> and Sophomore wing <strong>Taylor Davis</strong> are a pair of newcomers who could contribute immediately. In a Sectional that is wide open, Leo has as good of a shot as anyone to win it all. That just leaves Garrett, and they had a rare losing season for their program last year. Now, they must deal with the losses of <strong>Kelsey Bergman</strong>, <strong>Brooklyn Jacobs</strong>, and <strong>Emma LaPato</strong>, all 2024 graduates. Back to lead the Railroaders this year is 5-7 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229791' first='Sarah' last='DePew']</strong> (<em>12.0p, 6.3r, 2.0a</em>). She can play on or off the ball, she competes, and she can score it from all three levels fairly well. She'll get help primarily from 5-11 Senior post <strong>Delaeni Hixson</strong>, who is an experienced defender and rebounder. Senior forward <strong>Madison Freeze</strong> and Sophomore wing <strong>Rilyn Flotow</strong> saw some minutes a year ago and look to step into much more critical roles during the 2024-2025 season. Also look for 5-2 Freshman point guard <strong>Emma Coffman</strong> to get a look early this season, if not become a key piece to their puzzle. The Railroaders are always competitive, and 10 wins isn't out of the question.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Sectional #22 at Norwell</font></strong><br>Norwell (23-5), SAG 5, SOS 30<br>Bellmont (17-8), SAG 54, SOS 88<br>Mississinewa (12-11), SAG 187, SOS 194<br>New Haven (2-20), SAG 269, SOS 84<br>Heritage (1-19), SAG 332, SOS 187<br>Marion (2-20), SAG 369, SOS 249</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norwell and Bellmont have been especially strong over the past few years, and Sectional #22 will likely come down to one of those two teams winning and advancing. Norwell is a great example of a veteran coach (<em>28th season on the sideline</em>) developing a feeder system over the years, so that when they succumb to major graduation losses, they have "program" kids who move up, plug in, and continue their winning tradition. The Lady Knights made it to the Class 3A State Finals last year behind one of the best backcourts they've ever had. Now, they must wave goodbye to <strong>Kennedy Fuelling</strong> (<em>21.6p, 2.8r, 43% on 3s</em>), <strong>Makenzie Fuess</strong> (<em>16.1p, 3.2r</em>), <strong>Dekota Hubble</strong> (<em>4.5p, 4.8r</em>), <strong>Annabelle Johnson</strong> (<em>2.6p, 2.6r, 3.7a</em>), <strong>Lillian Norris</strong> (<em>3.4p</em>), <strong>Haley Green</strong> (<em>1.6p, 3.7r</em>), and <strong>Ali Riley</strong> (<em>1.2p</em>). As noted above, they will return/introduce a "new" group of players this year who likely starred on Junior Varsity a season ago, but who stood out throughout the grassroots season and should keep them on the winning track. The top returnee started, and that is 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732354' first='Vanessa' last='Rosswurm']</strong> (<em>11.6p, 5.8r</em>). She is an athletic slasher type who can score it at all levels, plus she's a nice defender. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>Addison Norris</strong> (<em>2.0p</em>) and 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Ryland Graft</strong> (<em>0.9p</em>) each saw action in 18 or more games and look to earn starter's roles. Juniors <strong>Larkin Smith</strong>, a 5-6 guard, and <strong>Ashley Waldman</strong>, a 5-9 wing, plus Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='952497' first='Haley' last='Williamson']</strong>, a 5-5 point guard, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992530' first='Eden' last='Nash']</strong>, a 5-7 guard, all look to step into much bigger roles this time around. Size could be an issue this season, as 5-9 Sophomore <strong>Alivia Green</strong> (<em>1.5p, 2.0r in 8 games</em>) is the "biggest" interior player with much experience. Again, don't count them out because of what they've lost; I would fully expect the Knights to top 15 wins and compete for Sectional #22. Bellmont is the other established program in this field, and they have strung together eight consecutive seasons of 17 or more wins. They are 2-4 in versus Norwell in the postseason during that stretch, so I'm sure the Lady Braves feel like they owe the Knights one this year. Unfortunately, they must do so without graduated post <strong>Hailey Cole</strong> (<em>14.8p, 7.5r, 2.3a, 2.9s</em>). She was the heart and soul of the team. At the same time, Bellmont gladly welcomes back 5-8 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828044' first='Emily' last='Bleke']</strong> (<em>12.8p, 5.5r, 2.2a, 2.2s</em>). She is a tough-nosed, hard-working shooter who makes a lot of "hustle" plays as well. Also back is athletic 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923163' first='Kamryn' last='Jarvis']</strong>, an Earlham commit. 5-5 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751084' first='Kate' last='Kitson']</strong> and 5-5 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751092' first='Lanie' last='French']</strong>, both Sophomores, look for big roles after seeing action as rookies last year. Additionally, 5-7 Freshman guard <strong>Kaitlyn Burton</strong> could see some time early this season. Bellmont will be somewhat young in 2024-2025, but if they can get enough production from the youngsters to pair with Bleke, Jarvis, etc., they could make a nice run at Sectional #22.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aside from Norwell and Bellmont, Mississinewa is the one team who could upset either of those two to win Sectional #22. They also might have the best player in the Sectional this year in 5-7 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828051' first='Jaci' last='Crick']</strong> (<em>18.7p, 5.9r, 2.3s</em>). She can play on or off the ball, plus she's a capable perimeter shooter, and she does a nice job of earning repeated trips to the free throw line. In addition to Crick, the Indians welcome back Varsity regulars <strong>Brooklynn Nash</strong> (<em>4.0p</em>), a 5-4 Junior guard, <strong>Avery Wilson</strong> (<em>3.1p, 2.2r, 2.2s</em>), a Senior guard, and <strong>Charleigh Baledge</strong> (<em>3.0p, 3.2r</em>), a Junior wing. All three have started and/or should start games in 2024-2025. 5-10 Senior post <strong>Emma Wakeman</strong> (<em>1.7p, 2.5r</em>) brings a little size to the equation, while 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Lilah Greer</strong> (<em>1.5p</em>) and Sophomore guard <strong>Ashlyn Baker</strong> (<em>3.4p in 7 games</em>) look for greater opportunities to help the team. Unfortunately, <strong>Dani Sullivan</strong> (<em>5.8p</em>) graduated, while Junior <strong>Amiyaa Parr-Inman</strong> (<em>7.4p, 5.8r</em>) and Senior <strong>Carsyn Yeakle</strong> (<em>2.3p, 2.7r</em>) are no longer on the team. If the Indians can continue to facilitate Crick's scoring and find some sort of interior play, they could be a handful come February. The remaining three teams combined for five total wins last year, and this year isn't easier for any of them. New Haven graduated their best player in <strong>Janiya Johnson</strong>. She is athletic, defensive-minded, but she could also get to the rim and score for them. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>A'lanah Ware</strong> has the potential to step into that role, while 5-2 Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='989375' first='Mayzon' last='Win']</strong> is skilled and talented, just small. She could be the x-factor if the Bulldogs want to increase their win total. Heritage won just one game, and unfortunately their leading scorer, Sophomore <strong>Trinitee Brown</strong> (<em>6.6p, 2.6r</em>), has transferred to Bishop Luers. Additionally, <strong>Grace Guenthner</strong> (<em>5.2p, 4.0r</em>) and <strong>Natalie Otte</strong> (<em>3.4p, 3.2r</em>) graduated, while Sophomore <strong>Kaydence Wallace</strong> (<em>3.4p, 2.8r</em>) is now at Fort Wayne North Side. Back to lead the Patriots this season is 5-1 Senior point guard <strong>Danica Fuller</strong> (<em>5.8p, 3.2r</em>). 5-6 Sophomore wing <strong>Olivia Lybarger</strong> (<em>2.0p</em>) and 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>Audra Bickel</strong> (<em>1.7p, 2.4r</em>) each played in 20 games a year ago, and they offer Fuller some experienced support. The rest of the team will be young, so it could be tough for Heritage to win more than three or four games. The Marion Giants haven't won more than four games since the 2019-2020 season, and I'm not convinced this will bay their creditca. Front-liner <strong>Jackie Williams</strong> and wing <strong>Kemani Thomas</strong> are gone via graduation, so the Giants must now rely on a tremendously inexperienced group. 5-6 Junior wing <strong>Audrey Roedl</strong> and 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>C'risma Weatherly</strong> offer significant experience, while 5-4 Senior <strong>Ma'laiya Gamble</strong> and 5-3 Senior <strong>Meezie Allen</strong> are feisty little guards looking to help the Giants to more wins before they graduate. Marion could very well improve their win total, but it will take some work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->