2021-2022 State Finals Preview

At last, we have arrived at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 girls’ high school basketball season in the Hoosier state. Eight teams are set to lace ’em up this Saturday at the newly renamed Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but only four teams will finish their seasons with victories. Below we take a quick look at each of those four contests, with some insight into each of the eight teams, plus comments on how we think each game might go. And to the ladies participating in this weekend’s games, good luck to all of you, and play like it’s your last game, because good or bad outcome, this season, it is.

CLASS 1A

10:30 a.m. EDT: Lafayette Central Catholic (24-4) vs. Tecumseh (20-8)

Lafayette Central Catholic: The Lady Knights are back in Class 1A after spending the last seven seasons playing “up” due to their past success. They enter this game with an impressive record against a tough schedule. LCC doesn’t have much size at all, so they like to get out and push the tempo with five guards and wings in at all times. Senior guard  Karsyn Cherry Karsyn Cherry 5'7" | CG Lafayette Central Catholic | 2022 State IN (10.7p, 7.7r, 5.1a) has been one of the state’s better guards who people aren’t terribly familiar with. She is a big-time soccer talent, so she hasn’t played travel basketball in a few years, plus she has committed to play soccer at the University of Louisville. Junior guard  Tori Thompson Tori Thompson 5'7" | CG Lafayette Central Catholic | 2023 State IN (14.6p, 3.1r, 1.3a) continues to step up her game, and she actually played more off the ball this season and led the Knights in scoring. She can play either guard spot, plus she is a high-level perimeter shooter. Freshman wing  Carley Barrett Carley Barrett 5'9" | SG/SF Lafayette Central Catholic | 2025 State IN (12.6p, 4.7r, 2.6a) put together an outstanding rookie season, and she can score the ball by attacking the basket or knocking down open shots. Senior wing  Caitlin Dineen Caitlin Dineen 5'7" | SG Lafayette Central Catholic | 2022 State IN (8.9p, 2.9r) and Junior guard  Kendal Rider Kendal Rider 5'7" | SG Lafayette Central Catholic | 2023 IN (5.3p, 3.0r, 1.4a) will likely round out the starting lineup. Dineen has shot the ball well all year. Freshman guard Grace Bordenet (2.7p, 1.7r) will likely give them the biggest minutes off the bench Saturday.

Tecumseh: The Lady Braves started the year with some speedbumps, but they are 11-2 in 2022, and they are on a six-game winning streak. They do it with toughness, energy, and a no-quit attitude. Senior forward  Kaybree Oxley Kaybree Oxley 5'9" | PF Tecumseh | 2022 State IN (17.7p, 8.2r, 2.1a) is a talented and strong athlete who is always on attack. She can score the ball in the mid-post or at the rim, she has a nose for the ball and will rebound, plus she’s a versatile, effortful defender. Sophomore forward  Jenna Donohoo Jenna Donohoo 5'10" | PF Tecumseh | 2024 IN (12.5p, 6.8r, 1.8a) compliments Oxley up front, and the Sophomore has put together a strong second season for the Braves. She is another athlete who absolutely battles inside. Senior forward  Morgan Wilson Morgan Wilson 5'11" | PF Tecumseh | 2022 State IN (5.7p, 2.5r) is a third front-liner in the lineup, but she plays with nice length and bounce in her game. Junior guard Karsyn Flowers (9.3p, 3.2r, 4.6a) is the main facilitator on the perimeter, but she can also shoot/score. She always plays with great energy and effort. The combination of Junior wing Pennelope Lemen, Senior guard Ashtyn Green, Junior post Brianna Marx, and Senior forward Katelyn MacDonald will likely fill the fifth starting spot and form a solid bench rotation.

Class 1A Prediction: A lot of these games come down to matchups and how the game is called. Lafayette Central Catholic plays with speed and athleticism, which will be tough for Tecumseh to handle. However, if Tecumseh can make this a half-court game, at both ends, then they are the more physical, better rebounding team. I think there could be a lot of back & forth early in this one, but I think eventually Central Catholic’s tempo, along with the adrenaline of the day, will affect the Lady Braves. I will take the Lady Knights to win this one, 53-43.

CLASS 2A

12:45 p.m. EDT: Frankton (23-5) vs. Forest Park (25-3)

Frankton: The Frankton Eagles are back in the Class 2A State Finals for the second time in three years. Three of Frankton’s current starters saw key minutes in that game/season, and all are working toward a different outcome this time around. Senior wing Lauryn Bates Lauryn Bates 5'8" | SF Frankton | 2022 State IN (14.3p, 6.8r, 3.3a) does it all for the Eagles, handling the ball and directing traffic, scoring, rebounding, and defending. She is as versatile as they come in Class 2A, and she is their leader on the floor. Senior guard  Cagney Utterback Cagney Utterback 5'3" | PG Frankton | 2022 State IN (6.8p, 2.5r, 2.8a) isn’t very tall, but she plays big and does a lot of nice things for them, from scoring, to handling the ball, to being a tough-nosed defender. Senior wing Bailee Webb (7.0p, 2.8r, 1.4a) plays with a great motor and toughness, she does a lot of the “little things”, and she will make big plays down the stretch for this team. Sophomore wing Emma Sperry (10.5p, 6.9r, 1.4a) has had a tremendous year for the Eagles, as she compliments the Seniors nicely. She has height, great length, and fluid athleticism. She grew up as a primary ball-handler, so she can create and distribute, but she’s also an effective scorer and defender. Sophomore guard Amaya Collins (6.3p, 2.0r, 1.0a) will likely be their fifth starter, while Junior guard Bella Dean (5.1p, 2.7r) is their most productive bench player.

Forest Park: The Rangers possess nice size and balance throughout their starting unit, and they hope a good schedule has them prepared for their first appearance in the title game since 2000. Junior forward Amber Tretter Amber Tretter 6'1" | PF Forest Park | 2023 State IN (17.2p, 10.1r, 1.9a) is a mismatch that will be tough for Frankton to prepare for. She is tall, long, and very athletic, plus she plays extremely physical and aggressive. She can hurt them inside, in the mid-post, and now she’s starting to shoot it better from the perimeter. Junior forward Carley Begle (10.6p, 7.5r, 1.6a) battles inside as well, and her presence and toughness allow Tretter the opportunity to move around their offense. Senior guard Ali Welp (9.7p, 2.4r, 1.1a) is a nice-sized guard with length, and she brings a veteran presence to the lineup, plus a nice basketball IQ. Junior wing  Lydia Betz Lydia Betz 5'10" | SF Forest Park | 2023 State IN (8.6p, 2.6r, 3.5a) is another capable scorer, but they use her more in a point forward role because of her ability to get downhill and create. Look for Junior guard Gabey Gray (4.1p, 3.8r, 1.6a) to round out their lineup. The Rangers aren’t terribly deep, though, but Junior guard Danielle Eckert (1.9p, 2.3r, 1.6a) and Junior forward Alivia Gehlhausen (1.4p, 1.6r) should see some minutes.

Class 2A Prediction: The more I have considered this game, the more I have gone back & forth trying to determine a winner. This could be the best matchup of the day. While Frankton has some experience from a couple of years ago, I feel like Forest Park might have a little more talent in their starting group. However, if Forest Park suffers any sort of foul trouble, it could be a tough afternoon. I guess we can play “what ifs” all day, but let’s assume everything goes normally, I think I have to lean the way of Forest Park, but ever so slightly. I think the Lady Rangers figure out a way to get it done, though in a low-scoring affair, 41-39.

CLASS 3A

6:00 p.m. EDT: South Bend Washington (26-3) vs. Silver Creek (26-2)

South Bend Washington: The Lady Panthers have been a strong favorite in Class 3A since they walked off the court following last year’s title game. They have as much or more talent than most teams in the state (if not all), regardless of class, and they have tremendous size, length, and athleticism. Senior forward  Mila Reynolds Mila Reynolds 6'2" | PF South Bend Washington | 2022 State #32 Nation IN (21.6p, 8.1r, 1.2a) will cap off an incredible career for Washington, as the University of Maryland commit can score the ball at the basket or around the perimeter, plus she’s a strong rebounder, and she’ll defend the paint with toughness. Junior guards  RaShunda Jones RaShunda Jones 5'7" | PG South Bend Washington | 2023 State IN (11.4p, 4.2r, 3.8a) and  Amiyah Reynolds Amiyah Reynolds 6'0" | PG South Bend Washington | 2023 State #35 Nation IN (9.2p, 5.3r, 5.0a) are as good of a tandem as you’ll find anywhere. Jones is a quick/fast, explosive playmaker who can distribute or score, plus she is one of the best on-ball defenders in the state. Amiyah Reynolds Amiyah Reynolds 6'0" | PG South Bend Washington | 2023 State #35 Nation IN is a long, fluid, and smooth wing who is as selfless as they come. She has sacrificed her own scoring to find others and help the team win. Jones is committed to Purdue University, while Amiyah Reynolds Amiyah Reynolds 6'0" | PG South Bend Washington | 2023 State #35 Nation IN is committed to the University of Maryland, like her older sister. Senior forwards Shamarah Allen Shamarah Allen 5'8" | SF South Bend Washington | 2022 State IN (5.7p, 3.1r, 1.1a) and Lauren Gillon (2.6p, 2.5r) give the Panthers a veteran boost off the bench, while a quartet of talented Freshmen have made their imprint all season long. They are forward Kira Reynolds Kira Reynolds 6'4" | PF South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (10.0p, 9.5r, 2.2a), guard  Ryiah Wilson Ryiah Wilson 5'8" | CG South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (6.5p, 2.8r, 1.5a), forward  Monique Mitchell Monique Mitchell 5'11" | SF South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (5.3p, 4.5r) and post Jamiyah Parhams (0.5p, 1.1r).

Silver Creek: Silver Creek has also returned to the big stage, this time behind a mostly new cast of players. Last year they used size and balance in their lineup, while this season they attack with a four-guard approach. Senior point guard  Kynidi Striverson Kynidi Striverson 5'8" | PG Silver Creek | 2022 State IN (18.2p, 7.0r, 4.0a) is back and playing better than ever. Her scoring has increased significantly, and the University of Evansville commit is shooting it well also. Senior guards Emme Rooney Emme Rooney 5'8" | SG Silver Creek | 2022 State IN (11.8p, 4.1r, 2.2a) and  Sydney Sierota Sydney Sierota 5'6" | CG Silver Creek | 2022 State IN (8.6p, 3.6r, 3.8a) each saw quality minutes a year ago, but they too have stepped up this season. Rooney is a tough-nosed, high-motor, multilevel shooter/scorer. She will attend DePauw University. Sierota is more of a ball-handler and facilitator, but she can also score it a little, and she’s a nice defender. Senior guard Lacey Tingle (7.4p, 4.1r, 2.0a) and Senior front-liner Merideth Wilkinson (7.4p, 4.6r) have taken advantage of an opportunity and run with it. They round out a Senior-laden starting five. The Dragons aren’t terribly deep, but look for guards Hallie Foley (1.9p, 1.5r), a Junior, and Reese Decker (1.7p, 1.4r), a Sophomore, to see action first.

Class 3A Prediction: The two State Finals returnees from a year ago happen to be in the exact same game. Last year, I felt like on paper we had a pretty even matchup, though Silver Creek’s experience won out over Washington’s youthful talent. This time around, however, I think the needle sways Washington’s way. Still, Silver Creek does have good guard play, and handling Washington’s full-court pressure will be half the battle. If the Dragons can do that, which I believe they can, they’ll have to be extremely efficient offensively, because I doubt they are going to steal many rebounds away from the Panthers. In the end, I look for South Bend Washington to avenge last season’s loss, knocking off Silver Creek this time around, 59-44.

CLASS 4A

8:15 p.m. EDT: Noblesville (24-4) vs. Franklin Community (28-1)

Noblesville: You could see this success building for Noblesville as this group of kids were coming up through middle school and early high school. They have one of the best players in the state, along with a trio of backcourt members who are all Division-I prospects. Junior guard  Ashlynn Shade Ashlynn Shade 5'10" | SG La Lumiere Prep | 2023 State #33 Nation IN (20.5p, 8.4r, 4.1a) leads the way for the Millers. She is an elite scorer who can makes shots at all three levels, she’s a nice athlete who will battle on the boards and defend with effort, plus she can run the offense and distribute when others heat up. She has committed to the University of Connecticut. Sophomore guard Reagan Wilson Reagan Wilson 5'7" | PG Noblesville | 2024 State IN (9.9p, 3.3r, 4.3a) is a nice energy kid who is always engaged and talking. She has good speed and quickness, she can make plays for others off the bounce, but she too can score it from all over. Freshman guard  Meredith Tippner Meredith Tippner 5'10" | SG Noblesville | 2025 State IN (9.7p, 6.3r, 2.4a) got her feet wet this season, and she is another energy kid who plays with a great deal of toughness. She’s shown the potential to erupt this season, and I doubt she’ll fear the big stage. Junior guard  Kaitlyn Shoemaker Kaitlyn Shoemaker 5'4" | PG Noblesville | 2023 State IN (9.2p, 2.1r, 1.8a) is another nice little guard, she is an accurate shooter with range, and she can be a feisty defender. Junior post  Brooklyn Smitherman Brooklyn Smitherman 6'4" | C Noblesville | 2023 State IN (3.3p, 3.3r) continues to improve, she has great height, and she runs the floor hard, with athleticism. Junior forward  Dani Mendez Dani Mendez 5'11" | PF Noblesville | 2023 State IN (3.2p, 3.7r) and Sophomore forward  Ava Shoemaker Ava Shoemaker 5'9" | SF Noblesville | 2024 State IN (4.8p, 2.6r) give the Millers two high-energy rebounders/defenders who bring toughness off the bench, while Junior guard Brooklyn Ely (3.1p) is a capable and experience shooter/scorer.

Franklin Community: The Grizzly Cubs are the mismatch of all mismatches, because of their ability to space the floor and make shots throughout their lineup. They lost just three games a year ago and fell one game short of this point. Senior wings  Ashlyn Traylor Ashlyn Traylor 5'8" | SG Franklin Community | 2022 State IN (17.1p, 5.9r, 2.5a) and  Kuryn Brunson Kuryn Brunson 5'10" | SF Franklin Community | 2022 State IN (14.2p, 4.4r, 3.0a) drive this ship, and both are tremendously effective. Traylor is a strong athlete who can create and distribute, plus she does a nice job of getting downhill and scoring it at the basket. Brunson has a powerful frame, and she does a nice job of using her body to create space. She can handle and pass, but she has worked hard on her shot the last couple of years as well. The rest of their starting core comes from a talented 2024 class. Sophomore forward  Erica Buening Erica Buening 5'9" | PF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (7.1p, 3.6r, 1.4a) has had a strong second season. She has some touch outside, but she’s best operating in the mid-post. Sophomore wing  Scarlett Kimbrell Scarlett Kimbrell 5'11" | SF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (6.3p, 4.6r, 2.0a) is a high-level shooter with deep range, and she has really started to step up as of late. Sophomore guard  Lauren Klem Lauren Klem 5'1" | PG Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (5.4p, 2.9r, 2.3a) is a talented distance runner, so you know she has a motor that just goes, and goes, and goes. She is a feisty little guard who can create, shoot with range, but also cause problems defensively. Junior wings Adelyn Walker Adelyn Walker 5'8" | SF Bella Vista Prep | 2023 State AZ (8.4p, 2.3r, 2.1a) and  Kyndell Jochim Kyndell Jochim 5'11" | SF Franklin Community | 2023 State IN (4.4p, 2.9r), plus sophomore forward Brooklyn York (3.5p, 2.5r, 1.1a) will likely see the most action off the Grizzly Cub bench.

Class 4A Prediction: Noblesville is the type of team that can match up with Franklin well. They have the guard depth, but they have some size within that depth as well. The Millers are probably also a little bit tougher on the glass and play with a little more physicality. However, Franklin will stay patient, wait for the right switches, then look to attack. They are good at knowing what they are/aren’t and wait for you to make a mistake. I think Noblesville is primed here for a nice little run the next couple of seasons, and I think they are the type of team that Franklin has struggled with, if any. I look for this to be a game of runs, with both teams getting hot at different times. I think Noblesville puts together one final run and separates for good at the end, knocking off the Grizzly Cubs, 58-53.