Regional Preview: Class 1A North

Everything about the Sectional round last week was eventful…the team play, the individual play, the upsets, and even the weather. 64 total teams escaped to play another day…in the Regional round this Saturday, February 9th. Below is a look at the eight teams who represent the eight Sectionals in Class 1A in the Northern half of the bracket, along with some general comments and analysis. By the end of the day Saturday, only two of these eight teams will remain. I will continue previewing the other Regional sites throughout today and tomorrow, with eight articles posting in total.   SAG = Current 2018-2019 Multiclass Sagarin Rating; SOS = Current 2018-2019 Strength of Schedule *All Game Times Are Eastern Time*   CASTON REGIONAL Marquette Catholic (23-2) SAG 13; SOS 85 South Central-Union Mills (19-6) SAG 132; SOS 281 Fremont (16-8) SAG 199; SOS 272 Pioneer (16-6) SAG 224; SOS 356 10:30a – Marquette Catholic vs. South Central-Union Mills 12:30p – Fremont vs. Pioneer 8:00p – Championship Game Marquette has been the prohibitive favorite to repeat as Class 1A State Champions since they walked off the floor at Bankers Life Fieldhouse one year ago. They followed that up by putting together another great season against a much tougher schedule, and their strength of schedule actually took a hit and fell from 54 to 85 after playing their Sectional opponents. But it’s not just Emma & Sophia Nolan (2019) doing damage. You have to worry about Dia Rallings (2019), Emmery Joseph (2019), Claire Salyer (2019), Morgan Crook (2019), and Ally McConnell (2020), who have all shown the ability to put up points and contribute in several other ways. If there is going to be a challenger in this Regional field, it’s likely going to be in the first game by way of South Central. The Satellites had a dominant run through their Sectional, outscoring their three opponents 215-76, and capping it off with an impressive 88-53 win over Oregon-Davis. Amber Wolf (2020) has been their go-to player much of the year, but Freshmen Abigail Tomblin and Delanie Dale, plus Junior Faith Biggs and Senior Skyler Wildfong have also been crucial at times. The move from Class 2A to Class 1A seems to be welcomed by Fremont, as they escaped a Sectional where they had to deal with Westview, Whitko, and Central Noble the last few years, but now they are Sectional Champs. Bella Dangerfield (2019) is a strong 4-year Varsity performer for the Eagles, while Samantha Kuhn (2020) and Jada Rhonehouse (2022) have been solid as well this year. And Pioneer has had a really nice season, and they are led by Tia Freshour (2019), MiKenna Landis (2019), Hailey Cripe (2022), and Olivia Brooke (2021). Championship Game Prediction: Marquette Catholic over Pioneer TIPTON REGIONAL Northfield (23-2) SAG 59; SOS 279 Blue River Valley (19-6) SAG 177; SOS 333 North Vermillion (24-2) SAG 178; SOS 362 Cowan (10-15) SAG 287; SOS 317 10:00a – North Vermillion vs. Blue River Valley 12:00p – Northfield vs. Cowan 8:00p – Championship Game Like Marquette Catholic, Northfield is going into their Regional as a heavy favorite. They have a nice blend of experience, youth, and athleticism. They played a tougher schedule this year, but more impressively, they won tough games. Senior guards Ariel Dale and Kelcie Thomson are the heart and soul of this team, and both have started for four years. Kyra Kennedy (2021) is a tremendous athlete who makes plays at both ends of the floor, while Addi Baker (2021) plays mostly inside for the Norse. Emma Hoover (2021), Ally Keaffaber (2019), and Kierston Stout (2021) are also regular contributors in the lineup. Look for the Norse to shoot the 3-pointer a lot this weekend. Cowan will try to give it everything they can against Northfield, but I think it will be an uphill battle from the get-go for the Blackhawks. They are the only team of the remaining 64 in any class with a losing record. Kaylee Kear (2021) is a nice young player for them, while Elizabeth Clevenger (2019), Ashley Evans (2019), and Payton Maher (2019) are experienced veterans who should help to provide a calming presence against Northfield’s pressure. The game of the day, though, could very well be the evenly matched North Vermillion vs. Blue River Valley game. Both teams have put together really nice seasons, and by this game being played on a neutral site, we could have a nail-biter to the end, and possibly some “free” basketball in overtime. North Vermillion is led by the duo of McKenzie Crowder (2021) and Rylee Dowers (2020), but Kahrie Balding (2019), Cierra Chevrount (2019), Hannah Ellis (2020), and Ashton Steinbrenner (2019) are also key to them having success this weekend. Blue River is also fairly deep and experienced, with Lindsey Williams (2019) and twins Hannah and Haley Foster (2019) having been staples in this program for some time now. But the difference-maker could be 6-1 Freshman post Ally Madden (2022). Her size and strength can wreck a game at times, as long as she can stay out of foul trouble. Championship Game Prediction: Northfield over North Vermillion   Header Photo of North Vermillion High School celebrating their 2018 Banks of Wabash Tournament Championship; photo courtesy of North Vermillion's MaxPreps page.