Season Preview: Class 4A, Sectionals 1-4
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The featured image is of Lillian Barnes Lillian Barnes 5'11" | SF Valparaiso | 2026 State IN (2026) of Valparaiso High School. As we wind down our previews of the 2023-2024 season, there have already been some noticeable performances by…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Lillian Barnes Lillian Barnes 5'11" | SF Valparaiso | 2026 State IN (2026) of Valparaiso High School.
As we wind down our previews of the 2023-2024 season, there have already been some noticeable performances by teams and players. This article serves as the 13th of 16 in total, previewing each Sectional in the state. I will continue by taking a look at the first Class 4A North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #1 through Sectional #4. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis.
(SAG = Final 2022-2023 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (395 teams); SOS = Final 2022-2023 Strength of Schedule)
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Sectional #1
Lake Central (23-6), SAG 19, SOS 40
Munster (17-8), SAG 102, SOS 140
Merrillville (6-19), SAG 178, SOS 58
East Chicago Central (15-7), SAG 264, SOS 376
Hammond Central (10-16), SAG 277, SOS 358
Hammond Morton (8-15), SAG 324, SOS 319
Gary West Side (2-21), SAG 372, SOS 253
Lake Central not only continues to be the “big dog” in Sectional #1, but they are also a Top-10 team in the state this year. They have a plethora of Seniors and Juniors who have seen Varsity action since the days they stepped foot on campus. They also were the lone team to knock off South Bend Washington a year ago, before falling at the hands of Fishers in the Semi-State. Back for their final season in blue are 5-10 wing Aniyah Bishop Aniyah Bishop 5'10" | SF Lake Central | 2024 State IN (9.7p, 6.2r, 2.0a), 5-7 guard Riley Milausnic Riley Milausnic 5'7" | CG Lake Central | 2024 State IN (9.4p, 57 made 3s), 5-7 guard Nadia Clayton Nadia Clayton 5'7" | SG Lake Central | 2024 State IN (7.2p, 3.2r, 2.1a, 2.2s), 5-3 guard Kennedie Burks Kennedie Burks 5'3" | PG Lake Central | 2024 IN (4.7p), 6-0 forward Faith Harrison Faith Harrison 6'0" | PF Lake Central | 2024 IN (1.1p), and 5-9 forward Milica Lukic. Bishop, Milausnic, and Clayton are all returning starters who contribute at both ends of the floor. Juniors on hand include 6-0 forward Ayla Krygier Ayla Krygier 6'0" | SF Lake Central | 2025 State IN (8.4p, 4.5r), 5-5 guard Vanessa Wimberly Vanessa Wimberly 5'5" | PG Lake Central | 2025 State IN (7.4p, 3.8r, 2.7a, 3.1s), and 5-7 guard Bryn Leonard Bryn Leonard 5'7" | PG Lake Central | 2025 State IN (2.2p). Krygier and Wimberly bring starting experience back as well and can change games offensively. 5-10 Sophomore Alexa Iwema (2.1p, 1.9r) and 5-11 Freshman Kailey Skurka Kailey Skurka 5'11" | PF Lake Central | 2027 IN , both forwards, bring needed size to the frontcourt for the Indians. The top candidates to challenge Lake Central this season will likely come from the trio of Munster, Merrillville, and Hammond Central. Munster was a bit of a surprise last season, and a big part of that was then-rookie Gracyn Gilliard Gracyn Gilliard 5'10" | SG Munster | 2026 State IN (17.9p, 4.5r, 2.1a, 4.5s), now a 5-10 Sophomore guard. She is strong, athletic, skilled, and intelligent. She is capable of taking over games each time out. The Mustangs did graduate three key players, though in Trinity Hogge (9.3p, 2.4r, 2.5a), Lillian Mason (8.9p, 4.5r, 2.1s), and Akaoma Odeluga (8.4p, 13.1r). However, 6-0 Junior wing Nina Garner Nina Garner 6'0" | SF Munster | 2025 State IN (4.5p, 3.5r) returns and brings tremendous length plus quick feet defensively. 5-7 Junior guard Cecilia Mason Cecilia Mason 5'7" | SG Munster | 2025 IN (4.7p) also returns, and she brings perimeter shooting plus ball-handling ability. From there, they can go a number of directions, but I’d expect to see 5-5 Junior wing Lia Sotiropoulos (3.5p), 5-7 Junior wing Helena Spencer (1.5p), and 5-10 Sophomore forward Igbo Odeluga get the first crack at the starting lineup. Merrillville welcomes a couple of players to the lineup they are more than excited to see. First, 5-9 Junior wing Kylie Wells Kylie Wells 5'10" | SF Merrillville | 2025 State IN (12.8p, 3.0r, 2.2s in 6 games) returns after missing most of last season following an early season knee injury. She is a tough, physical scorer who can play inside-out. Second, 5-7 Freshman guard Malika Jenkins Malika Jenkins 5'8" | CG Merrillville | 2027 State IN enters with some fanfare as a touted youngster, and she can act as a distributor or a scorer for the Pirates. From there, they turn to 5-11 Sophomore forward Melaney Williams Melaney Williams 5'11" | PF Merrillville | 2026 State IN (9.0p, 5.4r), who is a long and athletic front-liner who plays with nice versatility. 5-8 Junior wing Vivian McSpadden Vivian McSpadden 5'8" | SF Merrillville | 2025 IN (5.4p, 3.0r in 9 games) and Junior forward Nyesha Davis Nyesha Davis 5'9" | PF Merrillville | 2025 IN (4.8p, 6.6r) could complete the core rotation this season. The Pirates will have to play without graduates Mya-Lee Jackson (12.8p, 3.0r) and Trinity Allen (3.9p, 3.1r).
Hammond Central improved from 2-20 to 10-16 a year ago, and 2023-2024 could see them make another jump. Back in the fold are 5-8 Senior forward Aniyah Henry Aniyah Henry 5'8" | SF Hammond Central | 2024 State IN (16.7p, 8.6r, 3.4s) and 5-10 Sophomore wing Indiah Hutchinson Indiah Hutchinson 5'11" | SF Hammond Central | 2026 State IN (15.4p, 8.6r, 2.0a, 2.8s, 2.6b). Henry is a high-motor athlete who plays with toughness, while Hutchinson has proven to be an elite member of Indiana’s 2026 class with her combination of talent and skill. A talented addition to the Wolves’ lineup this season is 5-8 wing Kennedy Blakely Kennedy Blakely 5'8" | SF Hammond Central | 2024 State IN (13.5p, 6.7r, 2.9a, 3.5s), a transfer from Bishop Noll. Blakely brings added skill and versatility to an already talented group. As long as those three are churning, they will be fine most nights, but in the toughest of games, they’ll need someone else to step up as well. Look for 5-10 post Sonora Spann (1.2p, 2.9r) and 5-9 forward Layla Hart (1.1p, 2.5r), both Sophomores, to get a crack at the lineup. 5-9 Freshman forward Kenisha Grant could also get an early look for the Wolves. East Chicago Central posted a 15-7 record last year, but they were just 4-5 versus Class 4A teams. They look to improve this season, but they must do so without two of their top players in graduates Janiyah Watkins, a 5-7 wing, and Cierra Battle, a 5-10 front-liner. The Cardinals also look to a new coach on the sideline for the first time in 15 years. 5-4 Senior guards Angel LaSalle and Taliyah Jackson both return and offer some experience in the backcourt. 5-7 Sophomore guard Lela Edmonds Lela Edmonds 5'9" | PG East Chicago Central | 2025 IN also put together a strong Freshman season. Junior forwards Shanari Taylor Shanari Taylor 5'5" | SG East Chicago Central | 2025 IN and Shekinah Odom bring a rebounding and defensive presence to the interior. Hammond Morton might not be a Sectional contender this season, but the future is bright for the Governors. 5-11 Freshman forward Kylah Patterson should be a star quickly for the Morton. She has length, athleticism, and plays with versatility and a motor. Vanessa Carrera and Heaven Clopton were key graduates for the Governors, but there are a few other experienced returnees. 5-6 Senior wing Indiana DeLoach, 5-6 Junior guard Chanteze Holland, plus 6-0 Senior post Layla Macon Layla Macon 6'0" | C Hammond Morton | 2024 IN should help Patterson in the rotation all season. Gary West Side is looking for major improvements after winning just one game a season ago. If the Cougars are to do so, they must compete without graduates Exsencia Cloma, a 6-1 post, plus Ariana Robinson. Looking to lead West Side this time are 5-1 Senior guard Madison Hopkins, 5-5 Junior wing Kaylah Williams, and 5-5 Sophomore guard Nyasia Whitley.
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Sectional #2
Valparaiso (23-3), SAG 26, SOS 93
Crown Point (14-10), SAG 43, SOS 39
Chesterton (16-9), SAG 90, SOS 100
Kankakee Valley (16-7), SAG 96, SOS 91
Portage (14-11), SAG 105, SOS 155
Hobart (14-11), SAG 172, SOS 194
Lowell (9-15), SAG 221, SOS 209
Valparaiso is still the team to beat in Sectional #2, but there are a handful of teams who can compete with, and potentially upset, the Vikings. 5-11 Sophomore wing Lillian Barnes Lillian Barnes 5'11" | SF Valparaiso | 2026 State IN (17.6p, 7.4r, 3.8a, 5.7s) is back following a fantastic Freshman year. 6-0 Senior forward Becca Gerdt Becca Gerdt 6'0" | PF Valparaiso | 2024 State IN (13.7p, 5.2r, 2.5s in 11 games) also returns following a 2022-2023 midseason knee injury. Those two are quite the dynamic duo, but they will certainly miss graduate Kristin Bukata (10.5p, 4.8r, 4.5a, 3.7s), who brought a ton of energy, leadership, and playmaking ability. Six additional players also graduated in the Spring. 5-8 Sophomore guard Cadynce Clark Cadynce Clark 5'8" | CG Valparaiso | 2026 State IN (5.4p) showed flashes in limited action a year ago and fights for a starting spot. 6-1 Senior post Raegan O’Halek (3.2p, 2.0r) should help on the interior with her length and mobility. Senior forward Kate Weber, plus Freshmen Delilah Kincaid and Chyanne Brown look for their opportunity early on. Crown Point has been a power over the last few years, and while they aren’t necessarily what they have been, they are still a tough “out” and worthy opponent this season. 6-1 Senior forward Ava Ziolkowski Ava Ziolkowski 6'1" | PF Crown Point | 2024 State IN (17.9p, 7.8r, 2.0s) has improved each year, and considering the next seven best scorers from a season ago all graduated, she could be on pace to have huge offensive outputs this time around. Speaking of graduates, they include Brooke Lindesmith (9.6p, 7.1r, 2.4a), Abbi Foster (6.9p, 3.4r, 2.8a), Ali Rawls (5.3p, 3.5r), Emily Phillips (4.7p, 2.4a), Cristyn Fraley (3.0p), Kaitlyn Jaeger (1.8p), and Camdyn Gliem (1.7p). The Bulldogs should have an interesting mix of kids positioning themselves for immediate playing time after sparingly helping out in the past. 5-4 Senior guard Madison Dubiel, 5-5 Senior wing Alivia Otten, and 5-4 Senior guard Rae Holok are the “veterans” of that group and help outside, while 5-11 Sophomore forward Sophie Hart Sophie Hart 5'11" | PF Crown Point | 2026 IN and 6-3 Freshman post Ivy Henderson Ivy Henderson 6'4" | C Crown Point | 2027 IN could see some minutes along the frontline. Chesterton was an interesting group a season ago, as they played two Freshmen major minutes, while mixing in a handful of Seniors with underclassmen, and they won 16 games in the meantime. Those gone via the diploma include Ingrid Hurst (6.5p, 2.6r, 2.6s), Amani Brown (5.2p), Bridget Raffin (3.8p, 2.8r), Adison Schneider (2.8p, 2.7r), Chloe Wisniewski (2.4p, 2.8r), and Giana Raffin. Additionally, 5-9 Junior wing Cori Schultz Cori Schultz 5'9" | SF Chesterton | 2025 IN (5.3p) decided not to return to basketball…she had a strong grassroots season. Fortunately for the Trojans, 5-7 Sophomore Kenedi Bradley Kenedi Bradley 5'8" | CG Chesterton | 2026 State IN (10.2p, 2.5r, 2.4s) was their top scorer a year ago and flashed big-time potential. 5-7 Senior guard Ciara Bonner Ciara Bonner 5'7" | CG Chesterton | 2024 IN (7.2p, 5.8r, 2.1a) was their second leading scorer and top rebounder, while 6-1 Sophomore post Tenley Davis Tenley Davis 6'1" | PF Chesterton | 2026 State IN (6.0p, 4.9r) flashed nice athleticism and upside along the frontline. Once you get past those three, it gets a little murky, but I would expect to potentially see 5-10 Senior forward Delaney King (2.3p), 5-10 Junior forward Isabelle Connors, and 5-9 Sophomore wing Liv Roach get first crack at key rotation minutes this season.
Kankakee Valley is in an interesting spot, as they have not posted a losing season since 2010-2011, they graduated four starters, but they welcome back six Seniors, plus they add a strong Freshman and a Senior transfer to the lineup. They could very well match or better last season’s 16 wins. Among the graduates were 1000-point scorer Lilly Toppen (12.3p, 3.4r), 3-year starting point guard Kate.Thomas (10.0p, 3.3r, 4.6a, 2.9s), Laynie Capellari (5.5p, 3.6r), and Faith Mauger (3.3p, 4.3r). Additionally, 6-3 Junior post Ava Dase Ava Dase 6'3" | C Kankakee Valley | 2025 IN (2.4p, 2.6r) and 6-2 Senior post Genna Hayes (1.8p, 5.2r in 5 games) opted not to return…Hayes was limited last year due to injury. New to Indiana, and the Kougars, 5-8 Senior forward Lyric Carpenter Lyric Carpenter 5'8" | SF Kankakee Valley | 2024 TX (10.0p, 6.7r) was an all-district performer last season while playing at Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. She is a strong athlete with inside-out ability. 5-7 forward Olivia Plummer (6.0p, 3.2r) is the lone returning starter for the Kougars, while 5-7 guard Brooke Swart (3.3p), 5-9 guard Maddy Murray Maddy Murray 5'9" | SG Kankakee Valley | 2024 IN (3.2p, 2.3r), 5-3 guard Juliet Starr (1.8p), and 5-6 wing Abigail Walstra (1.8p), all Seniors, lettered a season ago. Swart and Murray have breakout scoring potential. 5-2 Senior guard Sarah Biedron also looks to get into the mix, while 5-7 Freshman guard Mallorie Rose Mallorie Rose 5'7" | SG Kankakee Valley | 2027 IN was strong on the grassroots circuit this Summer. Portage had to overcome a big 2022 graduation class, and they still managed a nice, 14-win season. Now, they play without additional graduates in Anjelicia Del Valle (13.7p, 4.8r, 2.6a, 2.7s), Alyssa Hiller (4.2p, 5.8r), and Liberty Wilson (1.7p, 2.1r). 5-2 Senior guard Ava Kingery Ava Kingery 5'2" | PG Portage | 2024 State IN (13.0p, 4.2r, 3.8a, 2.0s) returned last season after missing her Sophomore year due to injury. She is a dynamic little guard with big scoring potential. 5-9 Senior forward Alante Wright Alante Wright 5'9" | SF Portage | 2024 State IN (9.8p, 4.0r) has a strong frame and can battle inside, but she also has nice touch and a solid handle around the perimeter. 5-10 Senior forward Evelyn Garza (3.9p, 3.6r) and 5-6 Sophomore guard Peyton Wilson Peyton Wilson 5'6" | CG Portage | 2026 IN (2.2p, 2.3r) saw a lot of clock last season and eye potential starting roles this time around. Also look out for 5-11 Junior post Presley Wellestat (1.6p, 1.5r in 15 games), who could provide another option on the interior for the Indians. With their 14 wins, the Hobart Brickies experienced their first winning season since 2014-2015, and they won their first Sectional game in the 2000s last season. However, they suffered a major graduation loss and lost a key returnee to injury. Asia Donald (26.7p, 10.9r, 2.3a, 4.0s), one of the state’s leading scorers a year ago, is now at Indiana State University. Nikolina Latinovic (6.8p, 5.5r) was another key graduate who played strong inside for the Brickies, while Senior guard Jesse Neace (9.6p, 2.6r) will likely miss the entire season because of an ACL injury. Where does that leave them? Seniors Emma Ortiz (5.8p, 3.3r, 2.6s), a 5-5 guard, and Cailey Weber (4.3p, 4.8r), a 5-8 forward, return with a great deal of experience. Juniors Ladan Weinman (3.3p, 2.8r), Audrey Wendel (2.8p, 3.0r), and Hallie Pendleton, plus Sophomore Riley Weber (2.2p, 4.0r) each saw opportunities as well a year ago to affect the Varsity level. 5-8 Freshman guard Kurah Krucina is another prospect who could step into a lot of minutes right out of the gate for the Brickies. Lowell often plays several kids each year, so while they suffer graduation losses, they typically always bring back a nice group with experience. Gone from last year’s roster are notables Reilly Boyer (5.7p, 4.0r, 3.6a, 3.4s), Olivia Perlick (5.6p, 5.6r), and Braelyn Carter (4.3p, 2.1r). 5-8 Senior forward Kirstin Summers (9.0p, 3.3r) brings athleticism to the mid-post and interior, while 5-10 Senior forward Maddie Mielczarek (6.0p, 3.8r) brings nice length and can play inside or out. Look for 6-2 Junior post Elysia Laub Elysia Laub 6'2" | C Lowell | 2025 IN (3.2p, 3.2r) to have a much bigger role this season, as she really developed throughout the Spring and Summer. 5-9 Junior wings Reagan Claus and Bre Kidd, plus 5-7 Freshman guard Brooke Dawson and 6-2 Freshman post Gatlin Hanrath Gatlin Hanrath 6'2" | C Lowell | 2027 IN look to be new additions to the Varsity who could step in and play immediately this season.
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Sectional #3
South Bend Washington (27-1), SAG 1, SOS 46
Plymouth (11-14), SAG 148, SOS 128
South Bend John Adams (11-12), SAG 155, SOS 127
Mishawaka (11-12), SAG 182, SOS 183
Michigan City (10-13), SAG 253, SOS 187
LaPorte (0-23), SAG 332, SOS 117
South Bend Riley (3-20), SAG 370, SOS 173
South Bend Washington had a fantastic 2022-2023 season, rattling off 27 consecutive wins before falling in the Semi-State. This season, they appear to once again be the top team in Sectional #3, plus they should be a Top-10 team in the state once again. Even with that said, they must replace two graduated Indiana All-Stars in RaShunda Jones (19.8p, 3.8r, 4.5a, 4.3s) and Amiyah Reynolds (15.2p, 8.1r, 6.3a, 3.3s). 6-2 Junior post Zion Belcher-Arill (5.3p, 3.0r) also transferred to a prep school in California. Not to worry, though, as 6-3 forward Kira Reynolds Kira Reynolds 6'4" | PF South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (16.1p, 12.0r, 2.8a, 5.8b), 5-11 wing Monique Mitchell Monique Mitchell 5'11" | SF South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (13.4p, 3.2r, 2.8s), and 5-8 guard Ryiah Wilson Ryiah Wilson 5'8" | CG South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (11.3p, 3.5r, 4.0a, 6.2s), all Juniors, return and bring a ton of talent and skill to the court. Reynolds’ inside-out ability is tough to match up with, while Mitchell is an elite athlete with a smooth jumper, and Wilson might be the best on-ball defender in the state. From there, the Panthers will have to place some inexperience around those three. 5-9 Sophomore wing Zeya Alexander is a long, fluid, intriguing athlete on the wing. 5-7 Freshman guard Kyra Lowe Kyra Lowe 5'7" | SG South Bend Washington | 2027 IN is a capable ball-handler, and a nice all-around athlete. 5-11 Junior post Ayanna Nicholson Ayanna Nicholson 5'11" | PF South Bend Washington | 2025 IN (2.4p, 3.0r) brings size and strength to the frontcourt, while 5-8 wing MaKyla McNeal adds more perimeter depth. Plymouth has posted double-digit win seasons since 2015-2016, and I don’t see that changing in 2023-2024. While the Pilgrims did graduate four players, most notably Taylor Delp (13.6p, 9.8r) and Claire McDonald (5.6p), there are some nice players returning to be excited about. 5-8 forward Rylee Mann (5.3p, 4.7r) will likely be the only Senior in the primary rotation this season. That means the Pilgrims have at least a couple of years with most of this group together. Also returning are 5-6 Junior guard Lena Jones Lena Jones 5'6" | PG Plymouth | 2025 IN (4.9p, 3.9r, 2.9a), 5-7 Junior wing Sophie Miller (7.4p, 2.7r), Sophomore guard Alana Allen (3.1p), plus 5-5 Junior guard Mady Sullivan (2.0p) and 5’3 Junior guard Tynley Gantz (1.3p). Look for Jones and Miller to step into go-to roles this season, though a lack of size could hurt them in certain matchups. In 2022, South Bend Adams graduated one of the better players in program history. This past Spring, they graduated a big class, led by Mikayla Crumbley, Brooklynn Cooper, and Taylor Warbington. This season, the Eagles welcome back 5-7 Senior forward Meredith Anella, 5-2 Senior guard Lois Carr, 5-6 Senior wing Marigrace Foster, and 5-6 Junior wing Zariyah Wiley. All four have multiple years of experience. 5-7 Senior wing Zion Malone also returns for her second year of Varsity action. Two newcomers who could help John Adams immediately are Freshmen guards Maddison Lawson Maddison Lawson 5'4" | PG John Adams | 2027 IN and Amya Henry. Both can play on or off the ball.
Mishawaka posted double-figure wins for the second consecutive season in 2022-2023, and while they say “goodbye” to three graduates, a majority of their production returns. The top two scorers return in 5-6 Senior guard Asiah Shaffer Asiah Shaffer 5'6" | SG Mishawaka | 2024 State IN (12.2p, 2.7r, 2.2s) and 5-9 Senior forward Kasha Davidovic (11.8p, 6.9r). They now step into leadership positions on a fairly young team. Shaffer is an explosive scorer, while Davidovic is a long, athletic, versatile forward. Sophomore guard Reese Brugh (1.0p) and Sophomore forward Grace Matherly both saw a little action as rookies last year but look to have a bigger impact this season. 5-5 Senior wing Addison Brugh (2.4r) should also find a role in the rotation, as could any of several Freshmen newcomers. Jadyn Handley (9.7p, 2.9r, 2.7a, 2.2s), Katie Baumgartner (6.9p, 8.1r), and Leah Dawson (3.7p, 3.6r) all left in the Spring via the diploma. Michigan City is a team looking to be improved in 2023-2024. With the return of all but graduates Amira Wair and Te’Asia Mitchell, that certainly looks possible. Back leading the way for the Wolves is 5-2 Junior guard Paulecia Isom Paulecia Isom 5'3" | CG Michigan City | 2025 IN . She is an explosive scorer with great speed and quickness. Her running ‘mate is 5-0 Senior point guard Ramirra Anderson. Anderson is another quick and shifty guard who does a nice job of breaking down defenses. 5-7 Junior wing Divine Woods Divine Woods 5'7" | SF Michigan City | 2025 IN really stepped up last season, as she showed her abilities defensively and in transition. 5-4 Junior guard T’Mya Moore and 6-1 Junior post Alyssa Workman add depth and potentially start this season. One thing is for sure…the Wolves will play fast and aggressive. LaPorte struggled last season, failing to get into the win column, and this year they have to overcome the graduation losses of Sydney Hill, Desiree Shelton, and Abby Allen. Returning to the Slicer lineup should be 5-5 Senior guard Kennedy Riley and 5-6 Senior guard Taylor Reaves. 5-7 Senior wing Lauren Poe and 5-7 Senior guard Abbey Schreeg bring multiple years of experience to lineup as well. 5-9 Junior forward Alaina Jeffers and 5-7 Junior guard Katie Bellah bring depth in their second round of Varsity action. While the Slicers likely won’t win 10 games this season, look for them to be more competitive. South Bend Riley also hopes to see improvement from last season to this one. The good thing is they return nearly everyone, as they played a lot of Sophomores and a Freshman last season. The bad news is they only averaged 21.3 points per game as a team, so someone will need to step up and score the ball more consistently. The 2025 class offers eight possibilities to affect the rotation. The best of the bunch are 5-6 guard Lucy Franko, 5-11 wing Victoria Harmon, 5-7 guard Serenity Farmer, 5-2 guard Erin Span, 5-6 guard Keyeira Burton, plus guard Kailah Turner. Also look for Sophomore post Makaylah Henderson to get an opportunity as well, especially considering the Wildcats don’t have many interior players.
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Sectional #4
Warsaw Community (18-6), SAG 27, SOS 30
Northridge (22-6), SAG 40, SOS 49
Penn (16-7), SAG 41, SOS 67
Elkhart (14-10), SAG 53, SOS 61
Goshen (12-11), SAG 156, SOS 129
Concord (5-18), SAG 281, SOS 125
Sectional #4 is almost always one of the most competitive, most unpredictable Sectionals in the state. Typically, four, five, or even all six teams are competitive enough to win multiple games during Sectional week. The Warsaw Tigers were a great example of a surprise team last year, as they played nearly all Freshmen and Sophomores, they posted 18 wins, which included wins over four of the other five Sectional opponents during the regular season. Following a strong June in 2023, they look to only be better. They will have to play without Junior guard Abbey Peterson Abbey Peterson 5'7" | PG Warsaw Community | 2025 IN (8.6p, 3.0r, 2.8a), Senior forward Ava Egolf Ava Egolf 5'10" | PF Tippecanoe Valley | 2024 IN (3.6p, 3.3r), plus graduates Zoe Bergan (3.2p, 3.4r, 2.2s) and Viviana Zambrano (1.1p). Peterson opted not to play, while Egolf transferred to nearby Tippecanoe Valley. The trio of 5-8 Sophomore guard Joslyn Bricker Joslyn Bricker 5'8" | PG Warsaw | 2026 State IN (12.6p, 2.9r), 5-8 Sophomore guard Brooke Zartman Brooke Zartman 5'8" | SG Warsaw | 2026 State IN (12.3p, 2.7r), and 6-0 Junior forward Brooke Winchester Brooke Winchester 6'0" | PF Warsaw Community | 2025 State IN (11.7p, 6.1r) were all double-digit scorers a year ago, and I’d expect them to be even tougher together this season. 5-7 Sophomore guard Alexis Neely Alexis Neely 5'7" | PG Warsaw | 2026 IN (5.0p, 3.0r) brings a ton of energy, while 5-6 Junior guard Braylie Chastain should see a greater opportunity this season. 5-8 Sophomore forward Kyra Kiser and 5-4 Sophomore guard Kelsey Wrenn are also waiting in the wings to be factors this year. Northridge is another perennial power who looks to approach 20 wins again this season. They are without graduates Eva Fisher (14.0p, 4.3r, 2.7a, 2.0s) and Savannah Boerema (8.0p, 2.8r, 2.3a), both guards, but they have always been a deep program with system kids. 5-7 Senior guard Morgan Cross Morgan Cross 5'7" | CG Northridge | 2024 State IN (10.0p, 4.5r, 2.5a, 2.5s) returns and offers perimeter shooting plus a veteran presence on the ball. 5-8 Senior guard Sabrina Miller Sabrina Miller 5'8" | SG Northridge | 2024 State IN (7.2p, 2.0r), 5-2 Junior guard Rielyn Goodwin Rielyn Goodwin 5'5" | PG Northridge | 2025 State IN (4.8p, 3.8r, 2.7a, 2.3s), and 5-5 Junior guard Ella Mohamed Ella Mohamed 5'6" | SG Northridge | 2025 IN (3.6p, 2.3a) round out a skilled and talented backcourt. 5-11 Senior forward Gaby Gates Gaby Gates 5'11" | PF Northridge | 2024 State IN (7.0p, 3.6r) and 5-11 Sophomore wing Camryn Conley Camryn Conley 5'11" | SF Northridge | 2026 State IN (1.4p) offer height/size to the lineup, along with skill and versatility. Freshman forward Lily Scholl Lily Scholl 5'10" | SF Northridge | 2027 State IN could also see the floor sooner rather than later for the Lady Raiders. Look for Northridge to be around at the end of Sectional week this year. Another name synonymous with winning is the Penn Kingsmen. Their 16 wins last season were the fewest since the 2009-2010 season. While they graduated Julia Economou (12.1p, 6.7r, 2.5s), Peyton Brooks (9.0p, 5.8r), and Reese Stauffacher (1.9p, 1.5r), they return an incredibly skilled and talented backcourt. 5-7 Senior guard Lauren Walsh Lauren Walsh 5'7" | PG Penn | 2024 State IN (10.2p, 4.0r, 3.4a, 2.4s), 5-6 Senior guard Karleisha Echols Karleisha Echols 5'6" | PG Penn | 2024 State IN (2.4p, 2.4r, 3.5a), and 5-6 Junior guard Jessa Troy (14.1p, 3.6r) lead the backcourt group. Walsh is a crafty, creative point guard, Echols is a facilitator and defender, and Troy is a strong knockdown shooter who can score it at all three levels. 5-8 Junior guard Ava Stebbins Ava Stebbins 5'7" | SG Penn | 2025 IN (1.9p) and 5-4 Sophomore guard Macy Little Macy Little 5'4" | CG Penn | 2026 IN (1.4p) add to their guard depth. 6-0 Sophomore Anna Sachire Anna Sachire 6'1" | PF Penn | 2026 State IN (1.3p, 1.6r) spent the Spring and Summer improving and should have a much bigger influence on this season. She has inside-out versatility. 5-9 Senior forward Kristlynn Minor should add some strength and rebounding, but also keep an eye on 5-10 Freshman forward Anna McCullough Anna McCullough 5'10" | PF Penn | 2027 IN , who could have an immediate impact for the Kingsmen. 5-7 guard Alivia Dawson is another Freshman who could get an early look.
The Elkhart Lions are always a fun watch, and they have been a thorn in the side of some of their Sectional #4 opponents. Unfortunately for the Lions, they lost 5-7 Senior guard Samiyah Stout Samiyah Stout 5'7" | CG Elkhart | 2024 State IN (16.0p, 4.8r, 4.6a, 5.1s) to a Summer ACL injury. However, they were nearly all underclassmen a season ago, and they return a tremendous amount of production. 5-7 Senior guard Jaya Johnson Jaya Johnson 5'7" | SG Elkhart | 2024 IN (7.9p, 4.3r) looks to provide Senior leadership this season, plus she is a talented athlete who can score it from different areas of the floor. The 2026 class for Elkhart saw a pair of ladies play major minutes a year ago, and each should again be relied upon to provide strong play once again. 5-8 Sophomore forward Shaniyah Stout Shaniyah Stout 5'8" | PF Elkhart | 2026 IN (13.4p, 5.9r) is a strong inside-out kid with a great motor. 5-2 Sophomore guard Jordynn Johnson Jordynn Johnson 5'4" | PG Elkhart | 2026 IN (8.5p, 2.7r, 2.2a) is an electric little guard who can make plays at both ends. The Lions also welcome 5-6 Sophomore guard Aaniyah Bonner Aaniyah Bonner 5'6" | PG Elkhart | 2026 IN (11.3p, 3.3r, 2.9s), a transfer from NorthWood High School. 5-8 Junior forward Shaniyah Hughes (4.7p, 5.1r in 7 games) also returns and looks to make a bigger impact after only being available for a handful of games at the end of last season. The Goshen RedHawks look to continue their winning ways, and the return of 6-2 Senior post Kyra Hill Kyra Hill 6'2" | C Goshen | 2024 State IN (15.8p, 10.3r, 2.7b) will definitely help with that. She has face-up skill, a nice motor, plus power and finesse around the basket. Goshen will have to play without graduates Tyra Marcum (10.7p, 9.6r) and Breyana Cline (5.7p, 2.9r, 3.5a, 2.0s). Senior Grace Kercher (3.4p) also did not return. Who steps up this season will be key for the RedHawks to see the win column more often than not this year. 5-3 Senior guard Joelle Hochstetler (2.3p, 2.1r, 2.4a), 5-8 Junior forward Kaelyn Marcum (2.5p, 2.6r), 5-6 Sophomore guard Ava Yordy (2.3p, 2.0r), and 5-8 Senior forward Rosie Herrera could be called upon first to fill major roles this season. While the Concord Minutemen only won five games a year ago, plus they graduated four players in the Spring, they had 10 ladies see action in 15 or more games, so there are some returnees to be excited about. Gone, however, are 6-2 post Kendal Taylor (6.5p, 4.9r), Lauren Smith (3.5p), Ashlyn Fish (2.9p, 4.7r, 2.3s), and Riley Ragland (2.1p), all graduates. Junior guard Mareiona Mason (3.6p) also did not return. The best of those back is 6-0 Senior forward Dominique Stilley Dominique Stilley 6'0" | PF Concord | 2024 IN (4.9p, 3.4r). She has height, length, athleticism, and skill. 5-5 Sophomore guard Shelby Emerick (5.3p, 2.0r) also started a season ago and showed promise at times. 5-11 Junior forward Hayden Casey (4.5p, 2.9r) adds some size, while 5-7 Senior forward Kambrya Zilm (3.3p) and Junior guard Halle Ganger (1.0p) have at least some experience to provide.