Regional Preview: Class 4A
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The featured image is of Riley Milausnic Riley Milausnic 5'7" | CG Lake Central | 2024 State IN (2024) of Lake Central High School. Sectional week has concluded, and now it’s on to the Regional round. This is the second…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Riley Milausnic Riley Milausnic 5'7" | CG Lake Central | 2024 State IN (2024) of Lake Central High School.
Sectional week has concluded, and now it’s on to the Regional round. This is the second consecutive year where there is a single Regional game for each team, with next week’s Semi-State requiring two wins in a day to make it to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. While brief, below is a look at the eight Regional games in Class 4A throughout the state. All statistics provided here have been pulled from each school’s MaxPreps page, so if your stats are not represented here, your team’s MaxPreps page has not been updated by your coach/school.
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LaPorte Regional (2 games)
Game #1: South Bend Washington (19-4) vs. Lake Central (23-4), 5:00 p.m. ET
Preview: Last postseason, these two teams met in the first round of the Semi-State. Lake Central jumped out to a huge lead, then had to hold on late to knock off the previously undefeated Panthers of South Bend Washington. They then met again back on November 4th, and in a tightly contest game throughout, South Bend Washington left Saint John, Indiana, with a 50-47 victory. Now, for the third time in a year, here they are. If Lake Central can take care of the basketball and work for easy shots, it gives them the best chance to win. Washington loves their pressure defense and being able to get out in transition. If they find easy, quick baskets, it allows them the better shot at victory. For Lake Central, Seniors Aniyah Bishop Aniyah Bishop 5'10" | SF Lake Central | 2024 State IN (9.4p, 5.0r, 1.9a, 1.9s), Riley Milausnic Riley Milausnic 5'7" | CG Lake Central | 2024 State IN (8.4p, 2.1r, 1.4a, 1.7s), and Nadia Clayton Nadia Clayton 5'7" | SG Lake Central | 2024 State IN (8.0p, 2.8r, 1.9a, 2.0s) lead the way, with help from Junior starters Ayla Krygier Ayla Krygier 6'0" | SF Lake Central | 2025 State IN (8.4p, 4.2r, 1.5a, 1.0s) and Vanessa Wimberly Vanessa Wimberly 5'5" | PG Lake Central | 2025 State IN (9.0p, 2.7r, 3.8a, 2.8s). South Bend Washington has a strong trio of Juniors in Kira Reynolds Kira Reynolds 6'4" | PF South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (16.7p, 11.0r, 4.4a, 2.3s, 6.5b), Monique Mitchell Monique Mitchell 5'11" | SF South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (13.3p, 4.7r, 1.6a, 1.6s, 1.6b), and Ryiah Wilson Ryiah Wilson 5'8" | CG South Bend Washington | 2025 State IN (14.9p, 2.4r, 4.3a, 5.3s). They have size and athleticism, and they cause a lot of problems defensively. Our Pick: Lake Central, 46-44.
Game #2: Northridge (24-3) vs. Valparaiso (18-7), 8:00 p.m. ET
Preview: Northridge is one of those teams who plays great within their system. It is important to them to dictate tempo, but they also have nice balance, highly skilled and intelligent kids, and they can make shots from just about every position. Northridge is led by Seniors Morgan Cross Morgan Cross 5'7" | CG Northridge | 2024 State IN (10.4p, 4.7r, 2.6a, 2.9s), Sabrina Miller Sabrina Miller 5'8" | SG Northridge | 2024 State IN (6.8p, 2.6r, 2.5a, 1.7s), and Gaby Gates Gaby Gates 5'11" | PF Northridge | 2024 State IN (7.1p, 3.1r, 1.5a, 1.6s), along with Junior guards Rielyn Goodwin Rielyn Goodwin 5'5" | PG Northridge | 2025 State IN (10.8p, 3.5r, 3.4a, 3.2s) and Ella Mohamed Ella Mohamed 5'6" | SG Northridge | 2025 IN (8.7p, 3.5r, 2.3a, 1.6s). Valparaiso bases a lot of what they do around their extended 1-3-1 trapping defense. If they are able to turn teams over and get out in transition, it absolutely benefits them. If they have to play in the half-court, it’s a little more of a grind. But they have good size this season plus one of the state’s best 2026s. Super Soph Lillian Barnes Lillian Barnes 5'11" | SF Valparaiso | 2026 State IN (17.5p, 6.5r, 5.5a, 4.6s) once again leads Valparaiso into action, and she gets help from Becca Gerdt Becca Gerdt 6'0" | PF Valparaiso | 2024 State IN (15.1p, 6.4r, 2.5a, 2.1s), a Senior forward, plus Sophomore guard Cadynce Clark Cadynce Clark 5'8" | CG Valparaiso | 2026 State IN (8.9p, 2.4r, 1.2a, 1.8s). Our Pick: Northridge, 56-46.
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Marion Regional (2 games)
Game #1: McCutcheon (21-4) vs. Homestead (22-4), 1:00 p.m. ET
Preview: While these two programs matched up 13 seasons ago, these rosters haven’t played against each other. Both teams are rather young, playing several Sophomores, so it will likely come down to Homestead’s pedigree/postseason history stepping up against the Mavericks’ youthful energy. McCutcheon is actually led by do-everything Freshman Lillie Graves Lillie Graves 6'0" | SF McCutcheon | 2027 State IN (21.8p, 5.7r, 4.4a, 3.8s). She already has some big-game experience, but she will need help. Sophomores Chloe Finney Chloe Finney 5'9" | SF McCutcheon | 2026 IN (8.9p, 3.9r, 2.1s) and Aubrey Miller (6.4p, 5.2r, 1.7a, 1.6s) lead a big Sophomore class in support of Graves. Homestead has talent as well, and top Sophomores Myah Epps Myah Epps 5'10" | CG Homestead | 2026 State IN , Gabby Helsom Gabby Helsom 5'11" | PF Homestead | 2026 State IN , and Whitney Ankenbruck Whitney Ankenbruck 5'9" | SF Homestead | 2026 State IN have continually gained big-game experience this season against a strong schedule. Our Pick: Homestead, 61-43.
Game #2: Noblesville (16-8) vs. Fort Wayne Snider (22-2), 4:00 p.m. ET
Preview: These two programs met in the Regional final two seasons ago, with Noblesville finishing on top, 78-63. They did have UConn Freshman Ashlynn Shade in the fold, though. Earlier this season, they met on December 28th, with the Millers again winning that matchup, 57-51. Both teams possess elite guards, so it will come down to which team can dictate tempo and play “their way”. Noblesville has shown some different zone packages this season, trying to frustrate opponents. I’d anticipate them doing that again this weekend. The combination of Seniors Reagan Wilson Reagan Wilson 5'7" | PG Noblesville | 2024 State IN (16.6p, 3.3r, 2.6a, 3.0s) and Ava Shoemaker Ava Shoemaker 5'9" | SF Noblesville | 2024 State IN (12.7p, 4.6r, 2.4a, 2.6s), plus Junior Meredith Tippner Meredith Tippner 5'10" | SG Noblesville | 2025 State IN (16.1p, 10.0r, 3.3a, 3.5s) can handle just about anyone in the state. Throw in Sophomore C.C. Quigley C.C. Quigley 6'3" | C Noblesville | 2026 State IN (10.0p, 5.3r, 1.0a, 1.0b) up front, and they match up well with most opponents. Snider likes to play fast and feisty, but they have a little size as well they can turn to. Miss Basketball candidate Jordyn Poole Jordyn Poole 5'6" | PG Fort Wayne Snider | 2024 State IN (17.1p, 2.8r, 4.4a, 2.5s) is at the point, and she is a real problem for opponents. Seniors Ciara Sims Ciara Sims 5'8" | SF Fort Wayne Snider | 2024 State IN (14.1p, 4.7r, 1.7a, 1.8s) and Joh’nea Donahue Joh’nea Donahue 5'8" | SG Fort Wayne Snider | 2024 State IN (9.2p, 4.4r, 3.8a, 4.9s) offer great backcourt support and versatility. 6-3 post Tia Phinezy Tia Phinezy 6'3" | C Fort Wayne Snider | 2024 State IN (9.4p, 6.6r, 1.9b) gives them a defensive presence inside. Our Pick: Fort Wayne Snider, 48-45.
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Decatur Central Regional (2 games)
Game #1: Mount Vernon-Fortville (13-13) vs. Lawrence Central (26-1), 4:00 p.m. ET
Preview: These two programs have not met since 2018, so the current cast of characters have not played each other. Mt. Vernon tends to make nice Sectional runs, but they haven’t made it past the Regional round since 2013. The Marauders lean heavily on Senior Ellery Minch Ellery Minch 6'3" | PF Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2024 State IN (13.1p, 6.7r, 2.7a, 1.7s, 2.6b) and Junior Kanyonrae Kenny Kanyonrae Kenny 5'9" | SG Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2025 State IN (9.4p, 5.0r, 1.6a, 3.3s) to keep them competitive, but I’m not sure it’s going to be enough against the Bears. Lawrence Central might have the most talented starting unit in the state. They use size, skill, and talent to overwhelm opponents early in games, and they have the playmakers to finish down the stretch. Junior Jaylah Lampley Jaylah Lampley 6'2" | SF Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (18.3p, 5.8r, 1.9a, 2.1s), Sophomore Aniyah McKenzie Aniyah McKenzie 6'0" | PF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN (11.8p, 6.0r, 1.4a, 1.9s), Sophomore Lola Lampley Lola Lampley 6'3" | PF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN (10.6p, 6.2r, 2.8a, 2.2s), and Junior Laila Abdurraqib Laila Abdurraqib 5'7" | PG Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN (10.8p, 4.0r, 3.6a, 2.2s) stand out, plus Junior transfer Mariah Kenter-Garrett Mariah Kenter-Garrett 5'6" | PG Lawrence Central | 2025 State IN has been a big defensive addition to the backcourt. Our Pick: Lawrence Central, 55-37.
Game #2: Pike (12-14) vs. Plainfield (17-7), 7:00 p.m. ET
Preview: Pike and Plainfield haven’t met anytime recently, and both teams are blending talented youngsters with some experienced veterans. The Red Devils of Pike play fast and athletic, and if they are able to get out in transition, it certainly helps their chances. The Red Devils use an intimidating frontline of Senior Alexis Warren Alexis Warren 6'1" | C Pike | 2024 State IN and Sophomore Komari Booker Komari Booker 5'11" | PF Pike | 2026 State IN to ease the play for Freshmen guards Saniya Smith Saniya Smith 5'5" | CG Pike | 2027 State IN and Korinne Nickolson Korinne Nickolson 5'4" | PG Pike | 2027 IN . Smith can get hot quickly and fill it up. Plainfield can play in transition, but they also do some good things in the half-court. They have beaten athletic teams this year, and they’ve done a nice job defending size inside. Freshman guard Hannah Menser Hannah Menser 5'8" | CG Plainfield | 2027 State IN (15.6p, 3.7r, 2.7a, 2.5s, 1.1b) has made an impact as a rookie, but she’s been even better than advertised. Sophomore Berkeley Williams Berkeley Williams 5'6" | PG Plainfield | 2026 State IN (14.8p, 4.2r, 2.3a, 2.0s) is one of the more enjoyable/entertaining players to watch, while Senior Payton Benge Payton Benge 6'1" | PF Plainfield | 2024 State IN (12.7p, 6.4r, 1.3a, 1.6b) looks strong as a nice inside-out face-up forward. Our Pick: Plainfield, 55-48.
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Bedford North Lawrence Regional (2 games)
Game #1: Center Grove (25-1) vs. Bedford North Lawrence (20-4), 1:00 p.m. ET
Preview: Center Grove has put together a fantastic season, with their only loss to Franklin Community back on November 28th. Since then, they have rattled off 18 wins in a row. Bedford is the defending Class 4A State Champs, and they have spent the year dealing with some key 2023 graduation losses. Still, though, they’ve managed to win 20 games again. They are also playing the Regional in their home gym, so that’s quite an advantage for them. Center Grove is one of the best teams defensively, plus they control tempo well offensively. Leading the way for Center Grove is a balanced effort of Seniors Audrey Annee Audrey Annee 5'9" | SF Center Grove | 2024 State IN (14.1p, 1.7r, 1.9a, 1.7s), Rachel Wirts Rachel Wirts 6'3" | C Center Grove | 2024 State IN (12.5p, 7.0r), and Aubrie Booker Aubrie Booker 5'8" | CG Center Grove | 2024 State IN (8.3p, 4.2r, 4.5a, 1.8s), plus Juniors Ava Grant Ava Grant 5'9" | CG Center Grove | 2025 State IN (11.7p, 1.2r, 3.1a. 1.4s) and Lilly Bischoff Lilly Bischoff 5'8" | PG Center Grove | 2025 State IN (10.9p, 5.0r, 6.0a, 1.9s). Bedford had an impressive Sectional victory avenging a regular season loss to Jennings County. They also still have Miss Basketball candidate Chloe Spreen Chloe Spreen 5'10" | SG Bedford North Lawrence | 2024 State IN (20.9p, 7.1r, 3.0a, 1.4s), plus fellow Senior guard Madisyn Bailey Madisyn Bailey 5'9" | PG Bedford North Lawrence | 2024 State IN (11.7p, 3.8r, 4.3a, 3.3s). Bailey was a standout for the Stars in the Sectional. Freshman Miley Sherrill Miley Sherrill 5'9" | SF Bedford North Lawrence | 2027 State IN (9.3p, 4.8r, 1.0a) has also provided them with another scoring threat around the perimeter. Our Pick: Center Grove, 48-39.
Game #2: Franklin Community (23-3) vs. Evansville North (16-10), 4:00 p.m. ET
Preview: Once again, these two teams have not faced each other, so there is no familiarity between the two. The 2024 class for Franklin has been strong for years, and most of them were major contributors as Freshmen, then participants on their State Runner-Up team two seasons ago. Not only do I expect them to get through the Regional, but they could cause major matchup problems for a number of teams they could run into. The shoot it well from all positions, and they have playmakers all over the floor. Erica Buening Erica Buening 5'9" | PF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (12.3p, 3.8r, 1.7s), Brooklyn York Brooklyn York 5'11" | PF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (11.7p, 2.9r, 1.9a, 1.4s), Scarlett Kimbrell Scarlett Kimbrell 5'11" | SF Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (8.4p, 5.6r, 2.4a, 1.4s), Emma Sappenfield Emma Sappenfield 5'8" | SG Franklin Community | 2024 IN (7.7p, 2.3r, 2.1a, 1.1s), and Lauren Klem Lauren Klem 5'1" | PG Franklin Community | 2024 State IN (7.4p, 4.8p, 4.9a, 3.1s) lead the Grizzly Cubs into battle, and any of them can explode offensively on any given night. Evansville North entered the Sectional on a 7-game losing streak, but they put together a nice week of play to win the crown. In order to win Saturday, they will need to play a clean, near-perfect game, and they’ll need to make shots at a high level. Junior forward Libby Blythe Libby Blythe 5'11" | SF Evansville North | 2025 State IN and Junior post Maddy Knies Maddy Knies 6'1" | C Evansville North | 2025 IN offer good size up front, while Senior guards Aliah Epps and Vanessa Nankwenya bring experience and stability to the backcourt. Also keep an eye on Freshman Brooke Silva Brooke Silva 5'9" | SG Evansville North | 2027 IN . Our Pick: Franklin Community, 62-37.