For a full Sectional schedule, click here.
SECTIONAL 52 AT BETHANY CHRISTIAN
Projected Winner: Fremont
Fremont has all of the pieces to win a second straight Sectional title. They did so last year, perhaps earlier than expected, and now they have a more diverse and mature team to make a run at a second straight title and establishing themselves as the best Class 1A team in Northeast Indiana.
Led by Grace Scharlach and Addy Parr, this Fremont team is really dangerous scoring the basketball. With 54 points per game scoring, the Eagles’ average margin in games this regular season was +19.6 points per game. Both of these players are capable of big nights and when they put them together, especially with a boost from Mya Turner, they are very difficult to overcome, especially in a Class 1A setting.
Player You Can’t Miss: Malea Steele, Blackhawk Christian
Steele has had a really strong season and has been a consistent presence offensively for a Blackhawk Christian team that could still be right in the thick of this postseason race. Steele is a steady hand her scoring may not be overwhelming, but it has come at the right times in games and has been a steady presence for a team thats other scoring fluctuated.
Don’t be surprised if: Lakewood Park runs the table instead
When you have a player like Ava McGrade, you are always a contender. With the depth that Lakewood Park has developed around her this season, this is a very dangerous group and should be treated as such. Both senior Lilia West and sophomore Gracelyn Martin have proven to be important pieces to the team with the second most wins in this Sectional, including a big one opposite Woodlan.
The Panthers have to overcome a lopsided loss to Fremont early in the season when the two teams rematch in the opening round, with the winner absolutely the frontrunner in this Sectional race. The Panthers’ 12.7 steals per game is an important number to showcase their defensive prowess, led by 3.9 steals per game from McGrade and three more per game from freshman Luca Bontrager.
SECTIONAL 55 AT TRI-CENTRAL
Projected Winner: Northfield
Led by senior Elli Baker, the Norse have their most wins since 2020-2021 with 14, including a 3-1 mark against Sectional opponents. Baker had 23 points the first time that Northfield played their opening round opponent Southwood. She also had a season high 24 points against a very good Bluffton team.
No matter what, it is likely the winner of this Sectional comes off their side of the bracket at three of the top half teams in the Sectional exist on this side with Northfield having the easiest first round draw on their side of the bracket opposite Southwood.
Player You Can’t Miss: Ashlie Needler, Southern Wells
Needler has been terrific all season and the major catalyst for why Southern Wells has had a great run. She is flirting with a double double average on the year and has had just four games all season where she has not hit double digit scoring with a career best 27 points (on 10-of-13 shooting) against Randolph Southern. Needler also had had four games of 14 or more rebounds throughout the season, with 17 rebounds coming against Blackhawk Christian.
Don’t be surprised if: Southern Wells keeps the magic season alive
At 16-7, Southern Wells has had their best season since they had the same record in 2012-2013 where they won a Sectional title and it was also their last winning season, though they have won two Sectionals since.
The Raiders are 2-3 against Sectional opponents, but also have the best overall record in the Sectional. Two of their three losses to Sectional opponents have been within six points and a lopsided loss to Southwood looms, but with Southwood sitting at 6-15 overall, how much of that loss can be chalked up a fluke?
Be the first to comment