The Stretch Run: Class 2A, Sectionals #41-#48
In this article:
The featured image is of Grace Stapleton Grace Stapleton 5'5" | PG Eastern Hancock | 2023 IN (2023) of Eastern Hancock High School. We have crossed into the new year, and the IHSAA girls’ basketball season is winding down. With…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Grace Stapleton Grace Stapleton 5'5" | PG Eastern Hancock | 2023 IN (2023) of Eastern Hancock High School.
We have crossed into the new year, and the IHSAA girls’ basketball season is winding down. With one week remaining before Sectional play begins, I wanted to take a late-season look at who the better teams are in each Class 2A Sectional field. A lot can be decided in terms of conference races over these final few regular season days, but once we get to the tournament, it’s a wide-open race. Still, though, here are our picks for who we anticipate having the most success once we hit February. Below I have highlighted Sectionals #41-#48.
Sectional #41 – Shenandoah
– Likely Favorite: Northeastern
– Upset Candidate: Union County
– Comments: Posting a 7-13 record to date, Northeastern isn’t what they were a year ago, but following a number of roster losses, they have managed to go 5-0 against Sectional #41 opponents thus far, and they still have a regular season matchup with Centerville remaining in which the Lady Knights will be heavily favored. The one thing Northeastern does possess is a matchup problem in 6-2 Sophomore post
Addisen Mastriano
Addisen
Mastriano
6'3" | C
Northeastern | 2024
State
IN
(8.9p, 8.5r). She has the strength to dominate the interior, plus the skill to play away from the basket. Freshman guard Ava Mikesell (9.2p, 2.3r, 2.8s) actually leads the Knights in scoring, and Senior forward Anna Drake (5.9p, 3.8r) adds experience to the lineup. No one else in Sectional #41 has a winning record either, but at 8-8, Union County has gone 3-1 against Sectional opponents, with their lone loss being at the hands of Northeastern before Thanksgiving. The Lady Patriots dealt with significant roster changes this year as well, but they have two Seniors and a Junior leading the way for them. Senior wing Lauren Alldredge (7.4p, 3.1r), Junior guard Brooke Fields (6.5p, 2.0a), and Senior front-liner Faith Richardson (5.8p, 6.0r) are the top producers for Union County, and they’ll need to step up if they want to escape Sectional #41 victorious.
Sectional #42 – Heritage Christian
– Likely Favorite: Triton Central
– Upset Candidates: Eastern Hancock/Heritage Christian
– Comments: At 17-4, Triton Central has been strong, as usual. They have won four Sectional titles in a row, and the last team to knock them off in that round was Eastern Hancock in 2017 when Triton Central entered the game 23-1…more on Eastern Hancock in a moment. Triton Central has won 20 or more games five consecutive years, and they are a strong favorite here again, but a new host of players have stepped up in 2021-2022. 6-0 Senior wing
Olivia Faust
Olivia
Faust
6'0" | SF
Triton Central | 2022
State
IN
(12.2p, 6.2r, 3.6a, 2.5s) leads the Tigers in scoring, rebounding, and steals, after transferring in from Franklin Central over the Summer. Juniors
Lizzie Graham
Lizzie
Graham
5'8" | SF
Triton Central | 2023
State
IN
(11.8p, 3.9r) and Maddy Brown (9.8p, 3.5r, 3.7a, 2.1s) each saw action in the past, but they have transitioned into leadership roles this time around. 6-0 Sophomore post Brooklyn Bailey (8.7p, 5.8r) is also counted on much more heavily to patrol the paint. The Royals of Eastern Hancock have performed well all season, posting a 14-5 record to date. They have a couple of double-digit scorers, but they primarily do it with balance from a seven-player rotation that makes them difficult to match up with. Sophomore guard Sammie Bolding (12.6p, 2.5r, 3.6s) and Junior point guard
Grace Stapleton
Grace
Stapleton
5'5" | PG
Eastern Hancock | 2023
IN
(10.3p, 4.6r, 3.9a, 2.6s) are the main catalysts for the Royals. Those two are also big threats to shoot it outside. Junior forward Emma Bolding (8.3p, 4.6r) and 6-1 Sophomore post Ruby White (6.8p, 5.3r) are the two main interior options for Eastern Hancock. They are just feisty enough as a unit to give the Tigers a run for their money. The wildcard in Sectional #42 is Heritage Christian, as they fall down to Class 2A after stints in Class 3A and even Class 4A over the last few years due to the success factor. This is a much different Eagles team than in past years, and a very new lineup from even a season ago. Senior guard
Audrey Booher
Audrey
Booher
5'7" | SG
Heritage Christian | 2022
State
IN
(11.4p, 3.2r) now leads them into action, alongside a trio of sisters who transferred in this year by way of New Palestine. Senior forward Grace Marshall (9.0p, 4.9r), Sophomore wing
Koryn Marshall
Koryn
Marshall
5'8" | SF
Heritage Christian | 2024
IN
(7.5p, 4.3r), and Freshman wing
Joslyn Marshall
Joslyn
Marshall
5'8" | SG
Heritage Christian | 2025
State
IN
(7.7p, 2.8r, 2.4s) have offered a big boost to the lineup. Midseason transfer
Casey Frost
Casey
Frost
5'10" | PF
Heritage Christian | 2025
IN
(8.0p, 3.3r) of Carmel, a Freshman, adds to the interior play for the Lady Eagles. They won’t have any familiarity with their opponents, but they have played a tremendously tougher schedule to better prepare themselves.
Sectional #43 – Western Boone
– Likely Favorite: University
– Upset Candidate: Cascade
– Comments: Sectional #43 looks like it could be a two-horse race. University is currently 17-2, with their losses coming at the hands of two quality programs in Danville and Cathedral. The Trailblazers have defeated the likes of Lawrence Central and Benton Central (21-1) along the way, and they look to continue their postseason success. 6-1 Junior forward
Kelsey DuBois
Kelsey
DuBois
6'2" | PF
University | 2023
State
IN
(13.1p, 8.2r, 2.0s, 2.3b) is a handful because she’s strong on the inside but skilled around the perimeter. Junior wing
Payton Seay
Payton
Seay
5'6" | SF
University | 2023
State
IN
(15.5p, 6.7r, 3.1a, 2.5s) and Senior wing
Patty Chikamba
Patty
Chikamba
5'7" | SF
University | 2022
State
IN
(14.5p, 6.6r, 3.3a, 4.9s, 2.1b) add to the offensive boost. Chikamba transferred in from Covenant Christian over the Summer. Junior
Jordan Patterson
Jordan
Patterson
5'5" | CG
University | 2023
IN
(5.9p, 2.7r, 2.9a, 2.3s), Freshman
Taylor Seay
Taylor
Seay
5'8" | SF
University | 2025
IN
(4.7p), and Junior
Kamryn Washington
Kamryn
Washington
5'7" | PG
University | 2023
IN
(3.2p, 2.6r, 2.3a) make a versatile backcourt, while the addition of Muncie Burris transfer
Emily Adamowicz
Emily
Adamowicz
5'9" | SF
University | 2022
State
IN
(4.0p, 3.0r in 6 games) should offer a boost. She is a Senior wing. Cascade has put together a nice season as well, owning a 16-4 record to date. They have nice experience and continuity throughout their lineup. 6-0 Junior wing
Sydney Warran
Sydney
Warran
6'0" | SF
Cascade | 2023
State
IN
(11.9p, 6.2r, 4.2a, 2.8s) does a little of everything for the Lady Cadets. Junior
Abby Parsons
Abby
Parsons
5'8" | SF
Cascade | 2023
IN
(12.9p, 3.9r, 2.1a) is another versatile forward who can contribute in a variety of ways. Senior
Christina Lamb
Christina
Lamb
5'9" | SF
Cascade | 2022
State
IN
(11.1p, 5.2r, 2.8s) is a third double-figure scoring threat. Sophomore wing
Creedance Chittenden
Creedance
Chittenden
5'8" | SF
Cascade | 2024
IN
(6.7p, 3.6r, 2.5s) and Junior wing Madison Short (6.4p, 3.1r) add two more versatile threats who help Cascade play almost position-less basketball at times. Park Tudor could cause problems for either team, and Senior
Halle Shelt
Halle
Shelt
5'8" | SG
Park Tudor | 2022
State
IN
(20.3p, 4.2r, 4.3a, 3.1s) has been heating up of late, but I think University and Cascade stand out amongst the Sectional #43 field.
Sectional #44 – Southmont
– Likely Favorite: Parke Heritage
– Upset Candidate: North Putnam
– Comments: Parke Heritage (16-5) is having a fine season, and they are winners of eight of their last nine games. They are also 6-0 against Sectional #44 competition, with at least one win over each opponent in the field, and none of those outcomes have been closer than 13 points. 6-0 Senior forward
Grace Ramsay
Grace
Ramsay
5'11" | SF
Parke Heritage | 2022
State
IN
(13.2p, 6.3r, 3.0a) is the mainstay in the lineup, having produced since her Freshman year. She is skillful and versatile, and she offers quite the mismatch at the Class 2A level. Freshman point guard Emma Simpson (12.0p, 5.8r, 2.4a, 3.0s) has given the backcourt quite the boost with her ability to create and score. 6-1 Senior post
Hannah O’Brien
Hannah
O’Brien
6'1" | C
Parke Heritage | 2022
State
IN
(8.5p, 5.8r, 2.0s) also has a great deal of experience, and she provides a formidable presence in the paint at both ends of the floor. North Putnam has been up and down this year, but at 13-8, they are the only other team in Sectional #44 with a winning record at the moment. The Cougars have played the Wolves the toughest, and they lean on a trio of Senior guards. Kyla Willis (17.3p, 4.3r, 2.6a, 3.9s) is a big-time scoring threat, plus she is a playmaker at both ends of the floor. Marin Davies (8.5p, 3.1r) and Annabelle Gross (7.9p, 3.7r, 4.7s) aid Willis with their experience, skill, and productivity, forming a tough backcourt to shut down.
Sectional #45 – Southwestern (Hanover)
– Likely Favorite: Switzerland County
– Upset Candidates: North Decatur/South Ripley
– Comments: Switzerland County is chugging along at 16-5 on the year, and they have beaten each Sectional #45 this season. Now, their wins over North Decatur (15-6) and South Ripley (13-8) were only five points apiece, so there is the possibility of an upset here. Senior guards Jessica Duvall and Maddelynn Duvall lead the way for the Pacers, while 6-1 Senior post Hannah Hayes is the main catalyst on the interior. Senior forward Nora Hankins also helps inside for this experienced group. North Decatur is a very young, but talented group with potential. They still might be a year away, especially with five Freshmen in their seven-player rotation. Junior forward
Madelyn Bohman
Madelyn
Bohman
5'9" | SF
North Decatur | 2023
IN
(11.0p, 6.1r, 2.3a, 3.0s) does a little of everything for this group. Freshman wing
Madi Allen
Madi
Allen
5'9" | SG
North Decatur | 2025
State
IN
(11.4p, 5.3r, 2.9a, 2.4s) has been a really nice addition this year, and she also plays with great versatility. 6-0 Sophomore post Ella Kunz (10.6p, 7.3r) gives them size inside, as well as a third double-digit scoring threat. South Ripley leans towards the veteran side of things, so I think come this postseason they can cause Switzerland County the most problems. Senior wing Gracie Gunter (10.7p, 4.9r, 2.8s) is the top scoring threat for the Lady Raiders. Senior forward Rachel Meyer (7.8p, 5.4r, 3.0a) leads them in rebounding and assists. Juniors Emily Flood (6.9p, 4.4r) and Katelynn Samples (6.0p, 4.9r), plus Senior Sarah Meyer (4.9p, 5.1r), offer South Ripley a great deal of balance and depth.
Sectional #46 – Crawford County
– Likely Favorite: Eastern (Pekin)
– Upset Candidate: Crawford County
– Comments: Eastern (Pekin) has long been a tough “out” come state tournament time, and even though they sit at 11-11 at the moment, they are 3-0 against the top three contenders in their Sectional, plus they play 11 3A/4A teams, so they are postseason-ready. Junior front-liner
Kyia McKinley
Kyia
McKinley
5'11" | PF
Eastern (Pekin) | 2023
State
IN
(14.0p, 5.7r) has had a strong season, and they look to go to her early and often every game. Junior wing
Ava Sowder
Ava
Sowder
5'8" | SF
Eastern (Pekin) | 2023
IN
(9.7p, 4.6r, 2.5a) is the next in a line of skillful wings who have come through the Musketeer program. Senior guard McKenna Jeter (5.3p, 3.3r, 2.2a, 2.0s) is a Varsity regular who helps to take care of the ball, and Senior guard Christina Knight (5.4p) brings over a lot of experience after transferring in from Borden. If anyone can possibly upset the Musketeers, it’s likely Crawford County or Austin. Since Crawford County played them much closer earlier this year, I’ll lean that way. 6-0 Senior post Sarah Stutzman and Senior forward Taylor Herbaugh represent the two biggest problems for most opponents. Again, I look for Eastern (Pekin) to have a strong advantage in Sectional #46.
Sectional #47 – North Knox
– Likely Favorite: North Knox
– Upset Candidates: Mitchell/Paoli/South Knox/Eastern Greene
– Comments: Sectional #47 is probably about as wide open as any in the South in Class 2A. North Knox is 4-0 versus Sectional competition, but they’ve had some close games, including overtime against Paoli, and they haven’t played against Mitchell or Eastern Greene. Senior guard
Graycie Poe
Graycie
Poe
5'4" | CG
North Knox | 2022
State
IN
(16.6p, 4.5r, 2.0a, 3.3s) is the unquestioned leader, and she is a four-year Varsity starter. Freshman wing
Alex McKinley
Alex
McKinley
5'8" | SG
North Knox | 2025
State
IN
(9.8p, 4.2r, 2.0s) is a nice athlete and a capable multilevel scoring threat. Junior Reegan Hammelman (6.8p, 4.3r, 3.1a, 2.0s) is another veteran who consistently produces. Mitchell might have the best mix of talent and balance. Senior wing
Jordyn Sarver
Jordyn
Sarver
5'9" | SF
Mitchell | 2022
State
IN
is a really nice athlete who can score the ball from everywhere. Junior forward
Brooklyn Peterson
Brooklyn
Peterson
5'10" | PF
Mitchell | 2023
State
IN
is a versatile inside-out forward who plays with physicality but also finesse. 6-2 Senior post
Madeline Robertson
Madeline
Robertson
6'2" | C
Mitchell | 2022
State
IN
is a big presence inside, and she combines skill with physicality. Paoli showcases a pair of double-digit scorers in Junior guard
Jackie Crews
Jackie
Crews
5'7" | PG
Paoli | 2023
State
IN
(14.3p, 3.6r, 2.5a, 3.0s) and Senior wing Kacey McBride (10.2p, 5.7r, 2.9a, 2.4s). South Knox looks to Senior guard Macie Couchenour, a multiyear double-figure scoring threat. Eastern Greene has Sophomore wing
Keylee Hudson
Keylee
Hudson
5'10" | SG
Eastern Greene | 2024
State
IN
(13.7p, 6.6r, 3.5a, 2.9s), plus they have three other players all averaging more than eight points per game in Freshman forward
Kenli Sullivan
Kenli
Sullivan
5'11" | SF
Bloomington North | 2025
IN
(8.4p, 6.2r), Sophomore guard Brynlee Perkins (8.4p, 2.3r), and Junior forward
Kenady Hudson
Kenady
Hudson
5'11" | PF
Eastern Greene | 2023
IN
(8.1p, 4.0r).
Sectional #48 – Forest Park
– Likely Favorite: Forest Park
– Upset Candidates: Evansville Mater Dei/South Spencer
– Comments: Forest Park (18-3) has played extremely well all year, and they are 5-0 against Sectional #48 competition, including wins over Mater Dei and South Spencer, albeit by single digits each time. The Rangers start with 6-1 Junior forward
Amber Tretter
Amber
Tretter
6'1" | PF
Forest Park | 2023
State
IN
. Her height, length, athleticism, and skill are rare at the Class 2A level, and she presents a number of mismatches for opponents. Junior wing
Lydia Betz
Lydia
Betz
5'10" | SF
Forest Park | 2023
State
IN
has the size and strength to play a power position, but she’s also a capable ball-handler, playmaker, and shooter from outside. Senior guard Ali Welp adds another perimeter player with good height and versatility, making Forest Park a real problem for opponents. Mater Dei has long been an issue for the opposition come tournament time. Despite being 13-9, they play the equivalence of a Class 4A schedule, so you know they’ll be prepared. 6-1 Senior forward
Kennedy Wenger
Kennedy
Wenger
6'1" | PF
Evansville Mater Dei | 2022
State
IN
(14.4p, 7.3r) has a versatile and somewhat smooth inside-out game. Senior forward
Kate Breeden
Kate
Breeden
5'10" | PF
Evansville Mater Dei | 2022
State
IN
(8.2p, 5.3r, 2.1s) is another player who can get physical inside or step out and knock down a jump-shot. Senior guard Jamie Luigs (7.4p, 3.2r, 2.8a) has done a nice job of scoring the ball but also creating for others this year. South Spencer has also put together a fine year at 16-5, and Junior guard
Trinity Britton
Trinity
Britton
5'5" | CG
South Spencer | 2023
IN
(16.4p, 6.2r, 4.0a, 2.9s) has been their main culprit on the perimeter. She can score it from outside, but she’s also good at drawing contact and earning free throw trips. Sophomore guard Molly Schulte (10.7p, 4.3r, 4.9a, 2.5s) adds a second double-figure scorer, while Junior post Sofi Young (8.8p, 5.5r), Senior wing Katelyn Tindle (7.9p, 4.0r), and Sophomore wing Sally Shelton (6.7p, 5.3r, 2.5a) offer additional support.