Regional Preview: Class 1A

Last Saturday night, 64 teams were crowned 2020 Sectional Champions. While they would probably like to spend a little more time celebrating their achievement, they must get back to work and prepare for the Regional rounds this coming weekend. Each Regional consists of two Semi-Final games in the morning/midday on Saturday, February 15, followed by a Championship Game later that evening. I wanted to take the time to preview each Regional and offer some thoughts on teams and players, so below is a look at the four Class 1A Regionals. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>CASTON REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Morgan Township (22-3)</strong>; Sagarin 90 (#4 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 262 <strong>Oregon-Davis (19-4)</strong>; Sagarin 115 (#6 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 314 <strong>Pioneer (22-2)</strong>; Sagarin 118 (#7 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 338 <strong>Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (18-7)</strong>; Sagarin 197 (#24 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 332 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian vs. Morgan Township Blackhawk Christian has built a really nice program the last few years and become one of the better teams in Northeast Indiana. But Morgan Township is just on another level right now, in my opinion. It will be tough for Blackhawk Christian to deal with Morgan Township's inside play, and I think that's where this game will be won/lost. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Oregon-Davis vs. Pioneer This might end up being one of the more entertaining games Saturday, regardless of class. Oregon-Davis likes to get up and down the floor and press you at every chance. Pioneer is adapting to the recent return of arguably their most talented player, plus they had a nice season leading up to that. I think it's a coin-flip game as to who wins. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Pioneer 53, Morgan Township 51 I think Pioneer is peaking at the right time, not to mention they have a short, 20-minute drive to Caston, so they'll feel like they're at home with likely a huge crowd on hand. Morgan Township won't go easily, and is the favorite on paper, but my gut tells me if Pioneer can get past Oregon-Davis, they're primed to get to the Semi-State this season. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-brooke/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-brooke/">Olivia Brooke</a></a>, 2021, Pioneer H.S. Younger sister Ashlynn has drawn a lot of the attention in recruiting circles, and rightfully so, but I think Olivia is just as important to their success this weekend. The 5-8 wing is a nice athlete, but her versatility allows her to contribute in all facets of the game. She'll need to hustle like she always does, but she'll be big on the boards, defensively, and handling the ball some against pressure. Look for her to have a big impact that might not necessarily show up on the stat sheet. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Caston Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sahara-bee/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sahara-bee/">Sahara Bee</a></a>, 2020, Morgan Township <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kassie-stanko/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kassie-stanko/">Kassie Stanko</a></a>, 2021, Morgan Township Emma O'Brien, 2021, Morgan Township <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mercedes-rhodes/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mercedes-rhodes/">Mercedes Rhodes</a></a>, 2021, Oregon-Davis <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-sauer/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-sauer/">Katie Sauer</a></a>, 2020, Oregon-Davis <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jayden-worthington/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jayden-worthington/">Jayden Worthington</a></a>, 2020, Oregon-Davis <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ashlynn-brooke/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ashlynn-brooke/">Ashlynn Brooke</a></a>, 2023, Pioneer Hailey Cripe, 2022, Pioneer <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-brooke/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/olivia-brooke/">Olivia Brooke</a></a>, 2021, Pioneer Hailee Kline, 2022, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian Hallie Vander Dussen, 2020, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>TRI-CENTRAL REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Northfield (19-6)</strong>; Sagarin 152 (#11 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 268 <strong>Blue River Valley (14-9)</strong>; Sagarin 205 (#28 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 310 <strong>North Vermillion (20-6)</strong>; Sagarin 245 (#34 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 359 <strong>Daleville (11-13)</strong>; Sagarin 272 (#41 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 339 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> North Vermillion vs. Blue River Valley North Vermillion continues to put together really nice seasons, and they have a mostly veteran cast that understands adversity. Blue River Valley graduated their three best guards in 2019, so it's impressive what they've done this season. I do think 6-1 post <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ally-madden/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ally-madden/">Ally Madden</a></a></strong> (2022) is quite the mismatch inside for Blue River Valley, and if they're able to get her going early, the Vikings could be tough to stop. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Daleville vs. Northfield Daleville is coming off of their first-ever Sectional Championship, while Northfield made it to the Semi-State last year. Daleville is a feisty group that shoots it well at four or five positions and can cause problems outside. Northfield is just so long and athletic, though, that they will cause problems with their pressing defense and their transition offense. Daleville will battle, but I look for Northfield to win in the end. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Northfield 57, North Vermillion 47 Northfield might not be the best team or necessarily the most skilled team in Class 1A, but top to bottom they are one of those most athletic. I think that, combined with decent size and a lot of length, give them the advantage against any matchup they might see in this Tri-Central Regional. If they can make shots from the perimeter, it could become a runaway. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> Kearston Stout, 2021, Northfield H.S. I realize she was my nominee in the Sectional round, but I'll stick with her again here. She isn't the top scorer or rebounder, but even as the third option on this Norse team, she is better than most teams' best or second best player. She'll need to continue hitting the boards, defending hard, and scoring at all three levels, but she can be successful because teams don't really treat her as a priority. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Tri-Central Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-hoover/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-hoover/">Emma Hoover</a></a>, 2021, Northfield <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/addi-baker/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/addi-baker/">Addi Baker</a></a>, 2021, Northfield Kearston Stout, 2021, Northfield <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ally-madden/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ally-madden/">Ally Madden</a></a>, 2022, Blue River Valley Mallory Cross, 2021, Blue River Valley <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenzie-crowder/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenzie-crowder/">McKenzie Crowder</a></a>, 2021, North Vermillion <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rylee-dowers/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rylee-dowers/">Rylee Dowers</a></a>, 2020, North Vermillion <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/heather-pautler/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/heather-pautler/">Heather Pautler</a></a>, 2021, Daleville Audrey Voss, 2022, Daleville &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>SOUTHWESTERN (SHELBYVILLE) REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Greenwood Christian (21-5)</strong>; Sagarin 109 (#5 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 279 <strong>Jac-Cen-Del (21-4)</strong>; Sagarin 144 (#9 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 263 <strong>Bethesda Christian (18-6)</strong>; Sagarin 171 (#17 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 360 <strong>North Central (Farmersburg) (18-7)</strong>; Sagarin 193 (#22 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 306 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> North Central (Farmersburg) vs. Bethesda Christian It's the three-headed monster versus the dynamic duo. <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/averi-davidson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/averi-davidson/">Averi Davidson</a></a></strong> (2021), <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jocelyn-cox/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jocelyn-cox/">Jocelyn Cox</a></a></strong> (2021), and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-williams/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-williams/">Courtney Williams</a></a></strong> (2021) have all had outstanding seasons for North Central, while Bethesda Christian counters with high-scoring guards <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddi-fulks/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddi-fulks/">Maddi Fulks</a></a></strong> (2020) and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-shafer/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-shafer/">Rachel Shafer</a></a></strong> (2020). Whichever team can play its style of basketball the most will likely win a one possession game. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Greenwood Christian vs. Jac-Cen-Del Greenwood Christian comes in boasting talent, some nice wins, and the potential to make a deep tournament run. Jac-Cen-Del has some talent of it's own, and it's one of the most structured, well-coached teams in Class 1A. Greenwood Christian needs to get out and go, while JCD would prefer a more patient, half-court style of play so they can use their discipline to their advantage. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Jac-Cen-Del 48, Bethesda Christian 45 Really, any of these four teams can be playing in this game, and they are all incredibly close in terms of talent, skill, and structure. This was the toughest Class 1A Regional for me to decided upon, but I think Jac-Cen-Del's tournament experience year after year will help, plus having a coach who has been deep in the tournament on several occasions will make sure they are more than prepared. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alexis-mead/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alexis-mead/">Alexis Mead</a></a>, 2020, Greenwood Christian Academy Alexis doesn't put up the gaudy scoring numbers she probably could on this team, but the 5-9 guard is capable of a triple-double at any time. She is a long, fluid athlete, she handles it well and runs offense for them, plus she can shoot/score at all levels, and she can defend multiple positions. I think the combination of her experience, ability, and versatility make her vital to GCA's success. <strong>Top Players to Watch in the Southwestern (Shelbyville) Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabella-reed/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/isabella-reed/">Isabella Reed</a></a>, 2021, Greenwood Christian Ellie Bigelow, 2022, Greenwood Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alexis-mead/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alexis-mead/">Alexis Mead</a></a>, 2020, Greenwood Christian Savannah Frye, 2021, Greenwood Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/paige-ledford/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/paige-ledford/">Paige Ledford</a></a>, 2021, Jac-Cen-Del Annabelle Williams, 2022, Jac-Cen-Del <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddi-fulks/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maddi-fulks/">Maddi Fulks</a></a>, 2020, Bethesda Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-shafer/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-shafer/">Rachel Shafer</a></a>, 2020, Bethesda Christian <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/averi-davidson/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/averi-davidson/">Averi Davidson</a></a>, 2021, North Central (Farmersburg) Jocelyn Fox, 2021, North Central (Farmersburg) <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-williams/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-williams/">Courtney Williams</a></a>, 2021, North Central (Farmersburg) &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>WEST WASHINGTON REGIONAL</strong></span> <strong>Loogootee (23-2)</strong>; Sagarin 55 (#1 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 193 <strong>Trinity Lutheran (24-3)</strong>; Sagarin 73 (#2 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 183 <strong>Tecumseh (18-5)</strong>; Sagarin 79 (#3 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 175 <strong>Lanesville (23-3)</strong>; Sagarin 121 (#8 in Class 1A); Strength of Schedule 340 <strong>First Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Lanesville vs. Tecumseh Both of these programs are building something special, and both of their rosters center around non-Seniors leading the way. With Lanesville, it's a strong Junior core with some Sophomores and Freshmen sprinkled in. With Tecumseh, they look to a strong Sophomore nucleus, but they do have a couple of capable upperclassmen as well. I think Tecumseh wins this one, but by no more than five or six points. <strong>Second Semi-Final Matchup:</strong> Trinity Lutheran vs. Loogootee This is a real contrast of styles. Trinity Lutheran has really good size, led by 6-3 <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-jaynes/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-jaynes/">Sydney Jaynes</a></a></strong> (2021). Throw in volleyball athlete <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-sabotin/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-sabotin/">Hannah Sabotin</a></a></strong> (2020), and they can control the interior. Loogootee is led by two of the better guards in Class 1A in <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kalea-fleming/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kalea-fleming/">Kalea Fleming</a></a></strong> (2021) and <strong>Brooklyn Jones</strong> (2021). If Loogootee can control tempo, they'll win. If Trinity Lutheran can overpower the Lions inside, then it's theirs to take. <strong>Regional Championship Prediction:</strong> Loogootee 51, Tecumseh 48 I think I spoke too soon. This might be the toughest Regional I've had to predict so far. When you have four of the top eight teams in the state, including the top three, this is liable to turn into three one-possession games with some possible overtime outcomes. I have always leaned towards guard play, and I'll take Loogootee's guards against the rest of this field, but only by the slightest of margins. <strong>X-Factor Player:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-tabeling/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-tabeling/">Bailey Tabeling</a></a>, 2023, Trinity Lutheran School Listen, this youngster has played well-beyond her years this season. She is an elite shooter with good athleticism and the ability to make shots from anywhere on the floor. There is no reason Trinity Lutheran can't advance from this Regional, but to do so, Tabeling will have to continue her strong start against some of the best teams and game plans she's likely faced so far. If she can get hot, everyone else should watch out! <strong>Top Players to Watch in the West Washington Regional:</strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kalea-fleming/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kalea-fleming/">Kalea Fleming</a></a>, 2021, Loogootee Brooklyn Jones, 2021, Loogootee <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-tabeling/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/bailey-tabeling/">Bailey Tabeling</a></a>, 2023, Trinity Lutheran <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-jaynes/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-jaynes/">Sydney Jaynes</a></a>, 2021, Trinity Lutheran <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-sabotin/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-sabotin/">Hannah Sabotin</a></a>, 2020, Trinity Lutheran <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaybree-oxley/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kaybree-oxley/">Kaybree Oxley</a></a>, 2022, Tecumseh <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-holder/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-holder/">Chloe Holder</a></a>, 2020, Tecumseh <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/gracie-adams/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/gracie-adams/">Gracie Adams</a></a>, 2021, Lanesville <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/linzie-wernert/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/linzie-wernert/">Linzie Wernert</a></a>, 2023, Lanesville