Class 4A Season Preview: Sectionals #1-#4

The beginning of the high school season was last week, as many of the teams from around the state played their first official games. With that in mind, I wanted to finish our thorough preview of the 2019-2020 season. In this article, I will take a look at the first Class 4A North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectionals #1 through #4. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis. I will finish previewing the upcoming season throughout the week.   (SAG = Final 2018-2019 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (403 teams); SOS = Final 2018-2019 Strength of Schedule)   Sectional #1 Lake Central (9-14) SAG 86; SOS 29 East Chicago Central (14-10) SAG 110; SOS 96 Gary West Side (20-8) SAG 126; SOS 201 Merrillville (11-12) SAG 132; SOS 62 Munster (15-9) SAG 163; SOS 173 Highland (10-13) SAG 172; SOS 158 Hammond Morton (3-17) SAG 353; SOS 233 After the season Crown Point had last year, and considering nearly everyone returns for them, the remaining teams in Sectional #1 are probably glad they’ve shifted to Sectional #2. This year, it appears as though Sectional #1 is now wide open and any number of teams can take home the crown. If I had to lean one way or another, I would probably put the Munster Mustangs atop the list. They are coming off a 15-win season, they return their top four scorers, plus they inherited a transfer from a Sectional rival. Junior guard Aleena Mongerie (11.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 spg) and Senior wing Emily Zabrecky (10.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) each scored in double figures a season ago. Senior wing Delaney McGinty (7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg), and Junior point guard Kayla Ziel (4.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.2 spg) also play big roles in what they do. Senior Grace Helmer (3.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg) is not returning, plus Maddy Lakomek (3.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.3 spg), Janica Van ghunt (2.7 ppg), and Ella McComis (2.5 rpg) all graduated for the Mustangs. But the big news is the arrival of Senior guard Sara Zabrecky, who comes in from Lake Central. The Division-I Saint John’s-NY commit brings the ability to really shoot/score the ball at all levels, which should help Munster be much more creative offensively. As for Lake Central, they aren’t even close to starting over, as they return literally everyone of note except Zabrecky. Senior wing Taylor Jaksich (12.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.5 spg) had a nice Junior season. Senior post Allie Mularski (6.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg) continues to improve and could approach double-double status most nights. Junior guard Tiana Morales (3.0 ppg), Senior forward Aubrey Rowser (2.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Junior guard Jennifer Tomasic, and Junior wing Abby Oedzes will now be relied upon to step up their games significantly this year. Freshman post Kylie Blevins could offer some frontline help as well. East Chicago Central is almost in a complete rebuild, as they must replace five girls who played significant roles. Gone are twin towers Tai-Yanna (6’4) & Tiara Jackson (6’2), guards Jasmin Bonilla & Jada Blair, and front-liner Amari Jefferson. Senior guard Gianna Rooney, Junior forward Jerree Evans, Junior guard Faith Cobb, Senior guard Taylor Williams, and Senior guard Kaila Washington do return a great deal of experience but limited production. Gary West Side also finds themselves regrouping, as Senior guard Dash Shaw (24.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.4 spg) transferred to Crown Point early in the school year. Essence King (6.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg) graduated, but there are still some solid pieces to work with, it will just take someone to step up and help fill Shaw’s scoring void. Sophomore wing Trinity Barnes (13.9 ppg) is the most likely candidate to do so. Senior front-liner Tiara Payne (4.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg) is another talented athlete who can help. Senior guard Markisha Pritchett (2.6 ppg), Junior forward Adanma Bouyer (2.5 ppg), Senior forward Laroyal Jones (2.4 ppg), Senior guard Skylah Vaughn (2.3 ppg), and Senior wing Heavenly Williams (2.2 rpg) should each have an opportunity to fill bigger roles. Merrillville went from a power in Northwest Indiana to just five wins during the 2017-2018 season. Last year they bounced back a bit, and this year they could again make strides to improve, as they return their top six scorers. Junior guard Torri Miller (10.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.1 apg, 4.7 spg) runs the show and led them in scoring last season. Junior forward Shekinah Thomas (6.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Senior wing Amani Alvarez (6.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg) bring back experience as well. Sophomore forward Davina Smith (6.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg) flashed some real potential at times. Senior forward Armani Cole (5.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and Junior guard Micah Grady (5.4 ppg) round out a nice nucleus that could certainly lead them to a winning record. Freshman wing MyaLee Jackson could find herself in the rotation fairly quickly too. Highland will be trying to find their offense early this season, as their top two scorers from a year ago both graduated. Gone are post Michaela Schmidt (19.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg) and wing Morgan Rinkema (7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.7 bpg). Junior Grace Melby (3.7 ppg) is not returning either. That leaves Sophomore post Chloe Churilla (4.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg) as the leading returning scorer. Senior forward Amanda Cruse (4.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and Senior forward Olivia Gibson (3.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg) are the next most productive returnees. Someone will definitely need to step up in a big way, and Freshmen guards Briana Flores and Payton Reid might help immediately in the backcourt. Hammond Morton struggled through a rough season, plus Keaira Miller, the only person to consistently score the ball, has graduated. Junior post Cymphani Carey controls the boards most nights, but she’ll need others to step up as well.   Sectional #2 Crown Point (28-1) SAG 9; SOS 71 Chesterton (11-12) SAG 109; SOS 84 Valparaiso (9-14) SAG 118; SOS 42 Portage (12-14) SAG 128; SOS 65 Lowell (9-13) SAG 265; SOS 231 Hobart (3-20) SAG 315; SOS 157 After a Semi-State appearance in 2019, Crown Point is primed for another deep tournament run, as they return much of their core, plus they have added a significant transfer as well. They are now the heavy favorite in Sectional #2. Wing Ellie VanDeel (11.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.5 spg) is a significant graduation loss, as is the experience guard Caitlyn Phillips (4.9 ppg) and post Paige Sanborn (2.3 ppg) took with them, but the Bulldogs have plenty of young talent waiting to make an impression. Sophomore guard Jessica Carrothers (21.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 4.7 spg) had an outstanding Freshman year. She plays with an incredible energy and passion that is contagious. Senior forward Abby Stoddard (9.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg) continues to improve and is fully healthy this season. Junior guard Alyna Santiago (6.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 4.2 spg) is one of the state’s best on-ball defenders. Sophomore forward Lilly Stoddard (5.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg) is such a matchup problem at 6’3 with her skill. And if that isn’t enough for opposing coaches to prepare for, they added Senior guard Dash Shaw (24.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.4 spg) from Gary West Side earlier in the Fall. Not only will Crown Point be a Sectional #2 favorite, but I’d consider them one of the top teams/favorites from the North to make it to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Chesterton again saw double-digit wins, as they played a mixture of Seniors and younger players. Gone via graduation are Marney Sisson (10.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.0 spg), Molly Slatcoff (4.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Haley Moore (4.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg), and Evelyn Pabon. The Trojans do return leading scorer Ashley Craycraft (13.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.7 spg), a Senior guard. Junior guard Nalani Malackowski (6.2 ppg), Junior wing Emma Schmidt (4.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Sophomore post Carley Balas, and Senior forward Sydney Balas all saw the floor regularly. Depth will be the biggest question mark for Chesterton this season. Valparaiso is another typically successful program, and I’d anticipate them getting back above the .500 mark this season, especially with the return of their top two scorers and four of their top five. Forwards Jessica Gast (7.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and Taylor Zimmerman (3.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg) take the most production with them, but there is excitement with the return of Senior guard Aleah Ferngren (9.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.6 apg, 3.3 spg) and Junior wing Kiana Oelling (8.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Both could become double-figure scorers this season. Senior guard Sarah Douglas (5.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Senior wing Shea Pendleton (4.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg), and Senior guard Maddie Molnar return a great deal of experience and production. I would anticipate seeing athletic Sophomore forward Bolanle Ayangade and Freshman guard Kristin Bukata seeing some regular rotation minutes this season. Portage is a rather balanced team with production coming from everywhere, so the graduation losses of Bonnie Clancy (5.6 ppg, 2.0 spg in 9 games) and Tronese Lacey (3.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg) should be easy to replace. Leading scorer Kristen Cravens (9.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg), a Senior wing, is back with the potential to score in the teens. Junior wing Jordan Barnes (7.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.3 spg) is another nice player who has a chance to make a significant jump statistically. Junior guard Jaedyn Lowe (5.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 spg), Junior forward Diamond Howell (5.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Senior point guard Troilisia Lacey (5.2 ppg, 3.1 apg), Junior guard Analise Franklin (4.8 ppg), Senior guard Skylar Flanagan (4.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.1 apg), Junior point guard Joanie Warmick, and Sophomore wing Izzy Shields all played in the rotation each game, so there are plenty of options returning. Look for Freshman post Regan Claussen to help provide a frontcourt presence. Lowell is another team looking to improve, but they must do so minus graduates Catlyn Mulligan (7.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, 3.2 spg) and Sarah Richardson (7.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg). The good news, though, is that both Senior guard Danielle Collins (7.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and Sophomore guard Kaylee Chavaz (7.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg) do return and at least give them a nice backcourt pairing. The Red Devils will need more production out of Senior forward Tori Langen (5.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Sophomore wing Payton Gard (3.6 ppg), Sophomore post Kahlan Krucina (2.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Senior guard Abby Lewandowski (2.7 ppg), and Junior guard Jordan Yuhasz (2.6 ppg)…all of whom played quality minutes a year ago. Hobart will try to dig themselves out behind the play of Senior guard Grace Nestich (8.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.0 apg, 3.1 spg). If the Brickies have any shot at approaching ten wins, they’ll need Junior wing Lexi Williams (5.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Senior post Gabbie Ramirez (4.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Senior guard Kora Neace (4.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg), and Junior guard Ariah Rivera (2.5 rpg) to up their production quite a bit this time around. Freshman guard Asia Donald is likely to contribute immediately as well.   Sectional #3 Michigan City (20-5) SAG 33; SOS 115 Plymouth (20-6) SAG 65; SOS 51 LaPorte (16-8) SAG 68; SOS 72 Mishawaka (8-17) SAG 166; SOS 87 South Bend Riley (5-17) SAG 252; SOS 119 South Bend Adams (5-17) SAG 268; SOS 70 Sectional #3 had a bit of a makeover, as Michigan City and Plymouth moved in, while Penn went to Sectional #4, and South Bend St. Joseph & South Bend Clay fell to Class 3A. Any of four teams can likely win Sectional #3 this season. Plymouth had an outstanding season in 2018-2019, and they were an upset specialist come Sectional time in Sectional #4. Sharp-shooter Halle Reichard (12.0 ppg), forward Cassidy Holiday (10.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg), wing CeCe Robinson (5.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg), and guard Kacee Peters (2.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg) all graduated, leaving some holes to fill in the lineup. Senior guard Claire Tanner (8.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.4 apg) returns with the most experience, and Senior post Alaina Clady (4.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg) is a capable front-liner, but they’ll need increased help from Senior guard Sydni Weir (2.7 ppg), Junior point guard Lindsay Janus, and Senior guard Mary Kate Flynn. Michigan City must replace two literally big losses in 6’4 post Hannah Noveroske (21.9 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.7 spg, 5.8 bpg), an Indiana All-Star, and 6’1 post Janicia Anderson. Anderson also helped control the paint. Back to lead the way is do-everything forward Trinity Thompson, a Division-I prospect. I would anticipate the offense completely running through her each possession. Junior point guard Katelyn Halfacre takes care of ball-handling duties. From there, competition is likely wide open for playing time and starting spots for the Wolves. LaPorte will likely compete with Plymouth for the Sectional #3 crown, but they’ll have to do so without graduated Indiana All-Star Riley Ott (17.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.2 spg). 6’1 post graduate Keatyn Boren (6.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg) will also be missed. But there is plenty of optimism with the return of Junior wing Ryin Ott (15.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg). She is so versatile, that I’ll be curious to see if the Slicers use her more as a scorer or a facilitator with older sister Riley now playing at Purdue-Fort Wayne. Senior guards Kayla Jones (6.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.7 spg) and Nyla Asad (5.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.0 apg) are athletic playmakers as well. LaPorte will need Junior wing Alanti Biggers (2.7 ppg) and 6’2 Junior post Lauren Pollack (2.5 rpg) to step up and provide some sort of frontcourt presence this season. At one time, Mishawaka was a feared program up North, and they look to return to that glory in the near future. In the meantime, though, they must again deal with graduations, as guard Aryana Shelton and forward Devyn Miller both left. Now they turn to a fairly inexperienced roster. South Bend Riley may have only won five games a season ago, but they return an energetic and dynamic athlete in Senior wing Jazmen Watts (18.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 3.1 spg). If Junior post Imani Owens (6.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.2 bpg), Sophomore guard Meloney Johnson (4.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Junior forward Taylor Smith (3.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg), and Junior forward Derrianna Austin (2.5 rpg) can develop and take care of the ball, the Wildcats could approach double-digit wins. Guard play and ball security will be Riley’s biggest questions entering the season. Freshman guards Makayla Richardson and Tiffany Schmock might be able to help with that. South Bend Adams also won just five games last year. However, they return a nice core that consists of Junior post Laila Williams, Senior forward Loryn Higginbotham, and Junior guard Whitney Marshall.   Sectional #4 Penn (25-1) SAG 8; SOS 45 Elkhart Central (18-7) SAG 29; SOS 37 Northridge (17-7) SAG 46; SOS 50 Warsaw Community (15-9) SAG 51; SOS 48 Concord (14-9) SAG 80; SOS 140 Goshen (14-9) SAG 83; SOS 105 Elkhart Memorial (6-17) SAG 251; SOS 107 Sectional #4 says goodbye to Plymouth and hello to Penn this year, which I’m sure isn’t exactly what the rest of the field wanted to hear, though Plymouth was the 2019 Sectional Champion, winning three games by a total of five points. As for Penn, they return a great deal of production after their only loss came in the Regional Final vs. Crown Point. Wing Makenzie Kilmer (8.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.0 apg), point guard Jayda Smith (3.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.5 apg), and guard Hannah Bobo all graduated, plus Junior point guard Jordyn Smith (10.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.7 spg) injured her knee and will unfortunately miss the season, and Junior forward Grace Adams (4.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) has opted not to play. So, there are definitely some questions to be answered, but there is still plenty of talent on hand. Junior wing Trinity Clinton (14.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 3.8 spg) is back, and she continues to improve her game. Senior guard Reganne Pate (12.4 ppg, 100-193 52% on 3s) also returns and is one of the state’s purest shooters. 6’2 Senior forward Antreese Shelton (5.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg) looks to be more impactful this year, Senior forward Caroline Morris (2.3 ppg) had a nice grassroots season, as did Sophomore forward Jada Patton, and she could be a real wildcard for the Kingsmen. Junior point guard Grace Schutt could see more action due to injuries, graduations, etc., and Freshman wing Julia Economou is another newcomer who could make an instant impact for Penn. Junior guard Kaitlyn Costner, a Division-I prospect, transferred in from Elkhart Central at the end of the Summer, but from what I understand, she has yet to gain her eligibility to play. Whenever she returns (midseason, postseason, next year), she should make an instant impact, especially at the defensive end of the floor. Look for Penn to be a Top-10 team in Class 4A, if not a Top-5 team, throughout the season. The loss of Kaitlyn Costner (16.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.9 spg) has really changed the dynamics of the Elkhart Central team, especially considering they also graduated athletic guard Trinitee Harris (13.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.1 spg) and strong guard Ay’zyana Billings-Tiller (6.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg). Junior forward Taryn Roberson (5.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg) isn’t returning either. Senior forward Yiesha Williams (9.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg) really stepped up last season and will need to continue doing so. Senior wing Julee Miller (5.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg) has always played off of the dynamic guards above, but now she’ll need to be a more aggressive scorer. Senior forward Abbey Miller (3.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg) is tough-nosed inside. Guard play will be a huge question mark for the Blue Blazers, and I’m not sure if they’ll play inexperienced kids, or if they’ll just trust their upperclassmen to play a little out of position and handle the ball more. Northridge has a long-standing tradition of success in girls’ basketball, but overcoming the loss of seven graduates, including their top five scorers, is going to prove tricky. Morgan Litwiller (20.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.3 spg) clearly leaves with the most production, however Sierra Miller (8.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.3 apg), Jenna Bradberry (5.3 ppg in 7 games), Meghan Bontrager (4.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.2 apg), Ashley Beckler (4.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Lauren King (2.5 ppg), and Izzy Love are also gone this season. That leaves Junior forward Jaci Walker (3.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg) as the most productive returnee this year. She proved to be a capable ballplayer during the grassroots season, but she’ll need help. Junior wing Makena Knepp (2.0 ppg) had an outstanding Summer and has really improved. She could become the Lady Raiders’ leading scorer. Junior point guard Madison Wienert (2.3 ppg) could play a lot, as she is another player with Varsity experience, so is Senior guard Juliana Weaver (2.1 ppg). Sophomore forward Julia Mantyla is still growing into her frame, but she should definitely help in some capacity. Warsaw had a nice season, and they did so while playing several younger players big minutes throughout the campaign. Guards Maddie Ryman (11.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.3 spg) and Halle Shipp (4.0 ppg) both left via the diploma, but the Tigers still return so much. Senior forward Kaylee Patton (9.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.3 spg in 15 games) returns after missing the last month of the season with a knee injury. Sophomore post Abby Sanner (8.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg) showed flashes of great play throughout her Freshman year. Senior forward Brielle Harrison (6.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg) brings her lunch pail every day and does a lot of intangible things for Warsaw. Sophomore wing Kacilyn Krebs (5.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Junior guard Kensie Ryman (3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.8 apg), Junior wing Kendall Wayne (2.3 ppg), and Junior forward Audrey Grimm all saw solid minutes last year. Sophomore guard Bailie Stephens could earn a much bigger opportunity this time around. Concord continues to show significant improvement, but this year they must find a way to cope without graduates Alexa Porter (12.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.1 spg), Chandyn Redmond (10.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg), and Kacy Gratzol (7.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg). I wouldn’t count them out just yet, though, as Junior forward Kendal Swartout (9.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg) appears ready to take that next step and become their go-to player. She was really strong all Summer, and she has added versatility to her game. Senior Sydney Simon (7.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.5 spg) assumes point guard duties, while Senior Jadelyn Williams (7.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.9 spg) is an athletic playmaker who can play either guard spot. After that, the Minutemen will need a number of inexperienced ladies to step up into much bigger roles, but I think those three returnees can cause problems for opponents all by themselves. They do have four Freshmen who could see significant minutes this season as well, most notably guard Savannah Boerema. Goshen returns the best post player in the Sectional, as 6’2 Junior Brynn Shoup-Hill (14.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 4.7 bpg) is back for her third year. She has a number of Division-I offers already. Unfortunately for the RedHawks, they are without graduates Josie Walters (5.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Maggie Gallagher (5.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg), and Elizabeth Kirkton (4.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg). If Goshen is going to continue their winning ways, they will need players like Senior point guard Regan Mast (4.4 ppg, 2.3 apg), Junior guard Megan Gallagher (2.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Senior guard Hailey Mast (2.1 ppg), and Junior forward Kathryn Detweiler (2.5 rpg) to take over starter roles and produce at both ends of the floor. Freshman front-liner Tyra Marcum could be in line for some Varsity minutes as well. Elkhart Memorial looks to rebound from a down year in 2018-2019, and returning their top four scorers should help. Sophomore forward De’Mour Watson (9.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg) was a bright spot last year. Senior wing Mya Reeves (7.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Sophomore guard Madison Axsom (6.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg) certainly provide experienced starters alongside Watson, but Junior Devine Johnson (7.1 ppg) is not returning to the team. Freshman front-liner Aniyah Hunt might be able to help this season.   Feature image is of Jessica Carrothers of Crown Point High School. Image is courtesy of her own Twitter account.