EVANSVILLE — Welcome back, postseason high school basketball in Indiana.
The Indiana High School Athletic Asssociation girls basketball state tournament begins this week across the Hoosier State. The ultimate destination? Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Feb. 28. That should sound familiar to the Evansville area with a state finalist in seven of the last nine years.
You must win a sectional championship first to reach Indianapolis. That’s where the true fun lies.
Who from the Evansville area has the best chance? Players to keep an eye on? Here is a breakdown of each local sectional with the favorites to win based on the teams’ body of work and the blind draw.
Class 4A at Castle
Favorite: Castle
The Knights haven’t won a postseason game in four years. That’s borderline crazy. This group could not only reverse said trend but accomplish much more. Castle gets the favorite nod based on a deep lineup, a stingy defense and how it finished the regular season. That 12-game win streak from the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference champions included a 10-point victory over the top challenger in this field. Can the Knights win three straight rematches, starting with North in the opener?
Contender: Reitz
All of the metrics point to the Panthers: a top-10 team on Sagarin and a 60 percent favorite to win this sectional per John Harrell. Odds are they’ll be correct. Few can spread the floor, play defense or run at a pace like Reitz. It resulted in one of its best regular seasons ever. The Panthers have redemption on their mind too after losing in the championship last year. The following is also a fact: Reitz hasn’t beat Castle in 34 years. This group needs to overcome that mental hurdle to do it.
Don’t overlook: Gibson Southern
There would be a lot of attention on a Castle-Reitz rematch. But the latter needs to beat the Titans first. Gibson Southern has earned double-digit victories again, despite graduating everyone it did after winning a regional title, and has one of the best players in the field. If the perimeter players make shots, the first semifinal game on Friday becomes must see.
Players to watch: Erin Butler, Harrison; Zhaeyana Cooper, North; Jaliyah Farmer, Harrison; Izabell Grantz, Castle; Bailey Hape, Reitz; Kierstyn Kaiser, Reitz; Avery Paridaen, Gibson Southern; Jordyn Poelhuis, Castle; Paige Schnaus, Gibson Southern; Jayden Scott, Castle; Lexi Scott, North; Rhyan Wagner, Reitz.
Class 3A at Vincennes Lincoln
Favorite: Washington
The core ingredients are there for the Hatchets to make a run: a Division I forward in the post, an additional 1,000-point scorer on the perimeter, a consistent third offensive threat and just enough shooting elsewhere. There’s also a connection between this group of upperclassmen, one which dates years, that is difficult to ignore. Gretchen Miles is also no stranger to the big moment in Year 18 at her alma mater. The draw did the Hatchets zero favors though starting with Jasper.
Contender: Princeton
The favorite in this field isn’t invincible. Ask Princeton, who won at Washington in overtime on Jan. 10. The Tigers have the combination of guards (Ailie Taylor and Nya Dame both average over 14 points per game) and toughness to become a major threat in a one-game scenario. Princeton also received an easier draw compared to Washington.
Don’t overlook: Jasper
The Wildcats are a tough team to gauge. They won a bunch in the middle of the season – the best stretch came in the Austin Tournament against Bedford North Lawrence and Jeffersonville. Jasper also lost four of five (scoring below 40 points three times) in January before finishing the regular season on an uptick. Brittany Maners’ team has the experience and shooting to make Washington sweat.
Players to watch: Saydee Arnold, Southridge; Nya Dame, Princeton; Azaria Easley, Vincennes Lincoln; Ayla Elkins, Jasper; London Gilley, Washington; Shay Hawk, Washington; Raven Jones, Princeton; Emily Kleiser, Jasper; Katie Reed, Washington; JJ Riggs, Vincennes Lincoln; Ailie Taylor, Princeton.
Class 3A at Central
Favorite: Central
It’s difficult to pick against the Bears when everything is clicking. Not only does Central has one of the best players in Indiana but a supporting cast that took a necessary jump following the Hall of Fame Classic. That level of play (which included wins over Bloomington South and Plainfield) is a requirement considering the path to winning another sectional is difficult and the regular season was bumpy. I’d still bet on Maddy Shirley.
Contender: Heritage Hills
It’s a shame Central vs. Heritage Hills isn’t for the championship. The result might be the best opening-round matchup in the area. The Patriots have the guards and defense (39.1 ppg) to give the Bears trouble. If Heritage Hills does emerge from this field, Mia Becher and Ilya Kress will play a major role.
Don’t overlook: Boonville
One reason – Emily Parker. The senior was averaging 28.3 points and 10.4 rebounds following the Pioneers’ win over Tell City on Jan. 15. If Parker catches fire, and the rest of the lineup led by freshman Carlie Kuebler hold serve, Boonville has an opportunity in the semifinal against Central or Heritage Hills.
Players to watch: Mia Becher, Heritage Hills; Journee Ealum, Bosse; Makayla Ford, Memorial; Stella Hall, Mount Vernon; Olivya Hile, Central; Ilya Kress, Heritage Hills; Carlie Kuebler, Boonville; Karsyn Moore, Central; Emily Parker, Boonville; Brinley Rogers, Memorial; Maddy Shirley, Central.
Class 2A at Eastern Greene
Favorite: South Knox
This isn’t the group that bulldozed everyone to a state championship – but these Spartans are still darn good. The defending 2A champions lost once since November and averaged 61.8 points (15th in the state) in the regular season. There’s plenty of talent and experience back, notably in the backcourt. If the lineup scores from the perimeter, it allievates depth and size concerns.
Contender: North Knox
The other half of what could be the best semifinal matchup in Southern Indiana. North Knox took its lumps in December but are finally cresting at the ideal time. This may also be the opportunity for this senior class, led by Lipscomb recruit Lexi Primus, to leave their mark on the program with a sectional title (or more) run.
Don’t overlook: Linton-Stockton
The exact same scenario played out two years ago. South Knox vs. North Knox in the semifinal. A double-digit victory Linton team lurking on the other side. Can the Miners do it again?
Players to watch: Jaycee Archer, Linton-Stockton; Ellie Burke, South Knox; Grace Detweiler, South Knox; Rigley Goodman, Sullivan; Bre Hash, Eastern Greene; Kendal Hill, South Knox; Avari Kelley, Sullivan; Delaney Marrs, West Vigo; Baylee McClure, North Knox; Lexi Primus, North Knox; Jade Richter, North Knox; Audrey Sullivan, Linton-Stockton.
Class 2A at Tell City
Favorite: Mater Dei
The Wildcats are the pick for a few reasons. Mater Dei is second in the SIAC at 38.3 points allowed, a credit to their quickness on the perimeter and length to force opponents into mistakes. The lineup is also older than most with one senior but four juniors with a lot of varsity basketball already. Izzy Like is the go-to perimeter shooter. Does anyone else step up to solidfy a sectional title run?
Contender: South Spencer, Forest Park
The bottom half of this draw is a minefield. South Spencer has the guards one typically wants to win in February, plus integrated Butler commit Rylee Canaan into the lineup following her midseason transfer. The Rebels also won eight straight to end the regular season. Forest Park gets the first shot at Mater Dei. The Rangers have a go-to scorer and size in the frontcourt, plus beat the Wildcats way back on Nov. 25.
Don’t overlook: Perry Central, North Posey, Tell City
Take your pick among the group on the top half of the bracket. North Posey is the defending champion with a senior-led lineup and a penchant for defense. The Vikings also endured multiple slides throughout the year, including January. Tell City has a trio of double-digit scorers. Perry Central secured back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2011.
Players to watch: Rylee Canaan, South Spencer; Addison Coyle, Tell City; Jenna Berg, Forest Park; Madeline Ford, Mater Dei; Reece Ford, Tell City; Alexis Harris, South Spencer; Avery Hill, Forest Park; Elle Jo Johnson, North Posey; Masen Labhart, Perry Central; Izzy Like, Mater Dei; Alyssa McCutchan, Pike Central; Jaci Meece, South Spencer; Jazalyn Ward, North Posey; Kiersten Wunderlich, Mater Dei.
Class 1A at North Daviess
Favorite: Orleans
The Patoka Lake Athletic Conference champions have lost once since Dec. 13. Callie Alston leads a trio in double figures with 17.8 per game.
Contender: Loogootee, North Daviess
The Lions may have the best player in the field with junior forward Alaina Diamond (18.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.1 blocks), plus another double-digit scorer in freshman Lydia Hawkins. The potential semifinal rematch against North Daviess (the Cougars won 30-29 on Nov. 25) could be a battle. North Daviess has lost once since Dec. 6.
Don’t overlook: Barr-Reeve
The Vikings received a bye with the right to likely face Orleans. Barr-Reeve had a strong stretch beginning in mid-December until losses to South Knox and Washington to finish the regular season.
Players to watch: Macey Alderson, North Daviess; Caleigha Alston, Orleans; Callie Alston, Orleans; Alaina Diamond, Loogootee; Lydia Hawkins, Loogootee; Josie Knepp, Barr-Reeve; Maleah Lengacher, North Daviess; Kayla Marshman, Shoals; Chelsea Ralph, Orleans; Alli Stearns, Vincennes Rivet.
Class 1A at Tecumseh
Favorite: Springs Valley
The Blackhawks have a deep lineup and a 500-game winner (Marty Niehaus) on the sideline. Springs Valley also got the better draw. Brescia commit Maci Eckerty became the sixth in program history to score 1,000 career points back in December.
Contender: Evansville Christian
This could be the best team in Paige Fuller’s tenure. The Eagles have six seniors in the rotation, a perimeter shooter who can fill the bucket (Hannah Higgs) and size in the post. ECS only has one tournament victory in three years since becoming IHSAA eligible.
Don’t overlook: Wood Memorial
The Trojans always play a role in this sectional. Wood Memorial hit a slide starting in late December but picked up some late mojo in wins over Southridge and Vincennes Rivet – there is a question of injuries though. The Trojans get a rematch with Evansville Christian should it beat Northeast Dubois in the opener.
Players to watch: Gracie Breedlove, Springs Valley; Berkleigh Collins, Wood Memorial; Bella Cummins, Northeast Dubois; Maci Eckerty, Springs Valley; Bella Hall, Evansville Christian; Hannah Higgs, Evansville Christian; Adalie Kalb, Northeast Dubois; Jordyn Land, Springs Valley; Hazel Melton, Tecumseh; Bailey Schoonover, Wood Memorial.
Kyle Sokeland is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland or email at kyle.sokeland@courierpress.com.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Top contenders, players to watch in each Evansville area girls basketball sectional
Reporting by Kyle Sokeland, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
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