Throughout the weekend and start of the week, your favorite amphibian is going to be checking in on the sectionals that will most interest our area teams and readers. The favorite team listed, well that is my pick to walk out of Saturday, February 8 with a trophy.
Things get started on Tuesday in one of the most hotly contest area Sectionals. Again, Concordia Lutheran will be the host as Angola looks to defend their title.
FAVORITE
ANGOLA (21-2)
Of course when you have 20 wins, you have to be considered top dog. It has been a long time since Angola has lost, November 16 to be exact, and that is the longest winning streak in the area. They have passed every test since then and their seniors are playing at a high rate as leaders. Hanna Knoll is going to be Hanna Knoll, but Angola’s ability to close this out and defend their title will rely importantly on Kayla Fenstermaker, Danielle Dunham and Ally Lorntz among other key players.
As for Knoll, she is likely to get going early and often. Here ability to knock down quality shots almost all of the time makes her the best weapon in the field. The Hornets are winning by an average of 12 points per game.
CONTENDERS
WOODLAN (17-6)
The Warriors never stay down. I think we learned as much about them in their ACAC finals comeback win than we have at any other time. Addison Bayman is the best player in this Sectional not named Knoll and I won’t backtrack on that a bit. Like with Angola, look for Woodlan’s key to be what others do this week. Dakotah Krohn will be solid too, but Gabby Joyce and Taya Kitzmiller must show their toughness.
THE REST
GARRETT (14-8)
Garrett, at their best, is very good and absolutely one you’d consider a contender this postseason. They’ve given Angola a good game and beaten Woodlan; they are a lot better since. Their full court pressure will help sometimes, but their ability to play multiple defenses will be something to hang their hat on this postseason. Bailey Kelham (16.7 points/game) is arguably the best freshman in the area and Morgan Ostrowski (7.7 points, 8.1 rebounds/game) can be absolutely dominant in the post when she puts her mind to it.
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN (12-9)
They come in with great momentum after a recent win over Woodlan. The Cadets are always tough at home and can play very strong defense inside with the Craig sisters and outside with the likes of LonDynn Betts and CC Calloway but can they score enough points consistently against the big dogs of this Sectional? Chanteese Craig (10.6 points/7.3 rebounds per game) will need to be the best player in this Sectional for them to rise to contender.
BISHOP DWENGER (9-10)
The Saints started 7-0 and then the meat of their schedule was consistently tough for them. Molly Ream has been fantastic on both sides of the ball, but their deep bench hasn’t found a lot of footing lately. Lexi Linder and Cecilia Garrett have both shown signs of making plays. The Saints will need them all and more.
LEO (3-19)
It has not been a kind year for the Lions in a heavy rebuild and led by freshman Leah May. The teams they have beaten have a total of eight wins. No matchup would be favorable for Leo, but playing the host team first isn’t a good one for sure.
Sectional 21 at Concordia Lutheran Schedule
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Woodlan vs. Bishop Dwenger, 6 p.m.
Concordia Lutheran vs. Leo, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7
Garrett vs. Woodlan/Bishop Dwenger winner, 6 p.m.
Angola vs. Concordia/Leo winner, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8: Finals, 7:30 p.m.
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