So, here we are again. Sectionals time in Indiana for softball as I preview the area softball sectionals. Now a quick note that I have added the Wild Card option and that is if I pick a team that I think has been unpredictable but is capable of going on a deep run if the pieces gel well and play a clean game. Which team will take the first step towards the state finals? Let’s find out.
1A 52 @ Fremont
Members
Bethany Christian (1-7)
Elkhart Christian (1-6)
Fremont (16-8) ICGSA Polls: 1A #7 MaxPreps: 1A #21
Lakewood Park (3-14)
Sectional Titles
Lakewood Park Christian 9 2013
Bethany Christian 2 2017
Fremont 1 Defending Champs
Much like last year, this is a sectional that on paper clearly favors the reigning sectional champs. While their offense has had its struggles this season, they have home field advantage in this sectional and have an excellent chance to get back to regionals. How far can this team go? We’ll find out in the coming weeks ahead.
Offense
1. Fremont
2. Lakewood Park
3. Elkhart Christian
4. Bethany Christian
Pitching
1. Fremont
2. Lakewood Park
3. Elkhart Christian
4. Bethany Christian
Players to watch
Bethany Christian: Senior Kassy Miller and Junior Andrea Yousey
Fremont: Senior Autumn Godwin Junior Maddie Beeman Senior Jaden Cardoso Junior Macayla Guthrie, Sophomore Jazlyn Hafner, and Junior Machenzie Friend
Lakewood Park: Freshman Megan Knox Junior Mica Allen Sophomore Samantha Schlotter Sophomore Machenzie Shepherd and Sophomore Maddie Miller
My Prediction: Fremont
Next Option: Can Anyone beat this team?
Rationality: usually I would pick the 2 teams that have the next best chance to win that sectional, but notice this sectional is really really weak. Honestly, even though they have had their moments offensively this season, Fremont should definitely be Regional contenders without even knowing who they would have to face after sectional. It’s Fremont vs everybody else in that sectional. The only way they don’t win this sectional is themselves and that’s to no offense to the other sectional teams
2A 36 @ Churubusco
Members
Adams Central (11-2) ICGSA: 2A #14 MaxPreps: 2A #12
Bluffton (5-13)
Canterbury (3-7)
Churubusco (4-15)
South Adams (21-3) ICGSA: 2A #7 MaxPreps: 2A #7
Woodlan (12-9)
AC 3 Woodlan 2
SA 20 Canterbury 1
SA 9 Bluffton 2
SA 2 AC 0
SA 5 Woodlan 0
SA 10 Woodlan 9
Woodlan 15 Bluffton 3
Sectional Titles
Woodlan 5 2012
South Adams 4 3 time defending champs
Adams Central 2 2013
Bluffton 1 2000
Churubusco 1 1994
In this sectional, it appears to be another potential sectional title game rematch between the two Adams county rivals. I don’t see anyone else in this sectional that will be much of a threat for either AC or SA.
Offense
1. South Adams
2. Woodlan
3. Adams Central
4. Bluffton
5. Churubusco
6. Canterbury
Pitching
1. Adams Central
2. South Adams
3. Woodlan
4. Bluffton
5. Canterbury
6. Churubusco
My Prediction: South Adams
Next Option: Adams Central
Third Option: Woodlan
Rationality: To me, this feels destined to be another crash course AC-SA rematch from last year which again could go either way. I’ll take the team that’s defending the sectional but only by a hair. Woodlan is a sleeper team to keep a close eye on, especially since there’s familiarity with AC and SA via the ACAC.
2A 35 @ Westview
Members
Bremen (23-2) ICGSA: 2A #2 MaxPreps: 2A #2
Central Noble (19-3) ICGSA: 2A #12 MaxPreps: 2A #11
Eastside (9-10)
LaVille (5-16)
Prairie Heights (5-17)
Westview (10-10)
Bremen 9 CN 5
CN 11 PH 1
CN 2 Westview 1
CN 18 PH 11 (“the rain bowl”)
Eastside 10 PH 0
Westview 13 PH 3
Bremen 13 Westview 0
CN 3 Eastside 2 11 innings
Westview 5 Eastside 1
Sectional Titles
Bremen 15 5 time defending champs
Eastside 14 2016
Prairie Heights 2 2011
Central Noble 1 2012
Once again, it’s another year of sectionals held by Westview and here we could potentially see two teams that have flirted in the top 20 in the entire state in 2A between number 3 Bremen and number 19 Central Noble. While there’s Eastside and Westview that have been competitive this season, I don’t know if there’s anyone that can truly beat either team, perhaps Westview can Against CN with home field advantage.
Offense
1. Bremen
2. Central Noble
3. LaVille
4. Westview
5. Eastside
6. Prairie Heights
Pitching
1. Bremen
2. Central Noble
3. Westview
4. Eastside
5. LaVille
6. Prairie Heights
Players to watch
Bremen: Erin Coffel (Note .693 average 14 bombs; she’s at another planet), Kaelyn Shively (1.35 ERA 127 K’s), Caitlin Traxler (9 home runs), McKenna Myers (6 home runs), Caitlyn Myers, Rylee Herschberger (5 home runs), Madison Shumaker (.667 average), and Carly Snyder
Central Noble: Sam Brumbaugh, Madison Bremer (1.60 ERA), Jennica Berkes, Jocelyn Winnebrenner, Andrea Leonhardt (LIN-HEART), Bridgette Gray, and Bree Waikel
Eastside: Mckensie Rieke, Shyan McKinley, Jahnna Weaver, and Brittany Salinas
LaVille: Sophomore Allison Medors and Junior Karly Unruh,
Westview: Addie Bender, Alexys Antal, Toro Antal, Zoe Williams Grace Miller, Savana Strater, and Allie Hillman
My Prediction: Bremen
Next Option: Central Noble
Third Option: Westview
Rationality: Here’s the real test here as everyone knows Bremen is the unanimous favorite on paper to not only win this sectional, but perhaps go to state. I can’t see anyone really testing Bremen EXCEPT for Central Noble. Now, the Cougars do need to take care of their first two rounds first since LaVille can jump on the Cougars early if they start off slow and Eastside and Westview gave the Cougars fits earlier this season both being one-run games. However, both CN and Bremen are not the same teams as that sluggish late March game that winded up being 9-5 Bremen in Albion. Again, the Cougars bread and butter: their rotation and sharp defense have to be on this week for them to have a shot at pulling off a historic upset as this is a potential David-Goliath sectional final, but it is very possible it could go the other way.
Most of their season saw the Cougars stepping up to the plate against high-end competiton like Angola, East Noble, Columbia City, Fairfield, and Fremont. Also, just in one run games alone CN is 7-1 in these situations and 9-0 when they allow 3 runs or fewer. My thing is I know Bremen’s pitching is equally good, but what scares me is their high potent offense led by Coffel and her .714 batting average and 14 bombs. The interesting thing is Bremen has only played 5 games where it was decided by 3 runs or fewer which they won 4 of the 5, but they have only failed to score at least 7 runs 6 times.
This is a sectional I have to assume everyone will be keeping an eye on throughout the week as it could shape the remaining playoff format if Bremen fails to get past sectionals.
2A 37 @ Oak Hill
Members
Cass (6-16)
Manchester (7-13)
Oak Hill (18-5) ICGSA: 2A #25 MaxPreps: 2A #15
Rochester (9-8)
Wabash (4-16)
Whitko (10-6) ICGSA: 2A #15 MaxPreps: 2A #25
Whitko 4 Manchester 3
Rochester 9 Wabash 1
Oak Hill 19 Wabash 1
Oak Hill 18 Wabash 1
Rochester 6 Whitko 2
Rochester 8 Manchester 6
Lewis Cass 11 Oak Hill 3
Manchester 5 Wabash 4 9 innings
Oak Hill 13 Manchester 1
Whitko 7 Wabash 0
Sectional Titles
Cass 16 2015
Whitko 5 2 time defending champs
Rochester 4 2012
Manchester 1 2015
Oak Hill 2014
You thought the Westview sectional was enticing, then check out this sectional where we could have the 2 time defending champion and eighth ranked Whitko Wildcats facing Oak Hill in the championship game, but do not rule out Manchester and Rochester as potential upset bidders.
Offense
1. Oak Hill
2. Lewis Cass
3. Whitko
4. Wabash
5. Rochester
6. Manchester
Pitching
1. Whitko
2. Oak Hill
3. Rochester
4. Manchester
5. Lewis Cass
6. Wabash
players to watch
Manchester: Emma West, Kindra Stetzel, and Emma Evans
Oak Hill: Abigail Shaw, Ella Riddgeway, Coleena Selleck, Korienne Perkins, Janessa Hasty, Kaela Robey, Ashlyn Transier, Mariah Camden (.688 average), and Bayli Toy
Rochester: Charlie Pocock, Dalanie Chipps, Mya Musselman, Ally Borges, Maci Brown, an d Carly Beethier
Wabash: Whitney Working, Sydney Osborn, and Hannah Halverson
Whitko: Shianna Bradley, Harley Bradley, Kayce Sims, Guinevere Garr, Emalee Duggins, and Elie Snep (1.64 ERA 92K’s)
My Prediction: Whitko
Next Option: Oak Hill
Third Option: Rochester
Wild Card Option: Lewis Cass
Rationality: For me, it truly comes down to Oak Hill and Whitko in this one, and I do like Whitko’s chances to three peat, but Oak Hill is one not to be taken lightly. My biggest question is how will Oak Hill pan out in a tough sectional cuz they haven’t necessairily been playing a lot of quality teams this season which shows why they’re so dominant for the most part. Lewis Cass despite the below average record has been hotter than a firecracker as of late and they do have a late-season win over Oak Hill 11-3, and same can be said for Rochester along with a far weaker schedule than the Squires.
3A 18 @ Northwood
Members
Culver Academies (9-7)
Jimtown (12-9)
John Glenn (11-14)
Knox (13-7)
Northwood (10-14)
Knox 7 CMA 1
Northwood 4 Jimtown 2
Jimtown 20 Glenn 7
Sectional Champs
Jimtown 5 2017
CMA 4 2007
Knox 1 defending champs
Last year saw Knox making it all the way to semi state. Can they get to that spot again or could we see a new cinderella story? We’ll find out.
Offense
John Glenn
Knox
Northwood
Jimtown
Culver Academies
Knox
Pitching
Culver Academies
Knox
Jimtown
Northwood
John Glenn
Players to watch
CMA: Hanna Cash and Isabelle Ahlenius
Jimtown: Gabby Desimone, Morgan Weesner, Isabel Ortega, and Haley Holmes
John Glenn: Skyler Vermilyer, Cynthia Galvez, Averie Sanchez, and Sydney Donlon,
Knox: Makenzie Morgan, Jayla Williams, Courtney Singleton, McKenzie Mcintire, Riley Koetz, and Emmy Rotering
Northwood: Morgan Jenkins, Gracie Clark, Lilli Lomelli, Kylie Thornton, and Brooklyn Troyer
My Prediction: Knox
Next Option: Jimtown
Third Option: Culver Academies
Wild Card Option: Northwood
This is one of those difficult sectionals because nobody in this sectional has been having an amazing season. Historically, you almost have to assume Northwood CMA and Jimtown will be in this race no matter what, but I still think Knox comes out on top.
3A 21 @ Lakeland
Sectional Champs
Wawasee 6 2017
Lakeland 5 2012
Fairfield 4 defending champs
West Noble 1 2009
Tippy Valley 1 1992
Members
Fairfield (15-8)
Lakeland (14-8) ICGSA: 3A #21
Tippy Valley (5-17)
Wawasee (14-10)
West Noble (10-12)
Lakeland 17 Wawasee 8
West Noble 12 Wawasee 8
Fairfield 5 Wawasee 2
Fairfield 9 Lakeland 3
Lakeland 4 Fairfield 3
Lakeland 8 West Noble 4
West Noble 4 Fairfield 2
On paper, you would think it’s destined to be yet another Lakeland-Fairfield Championship game in which these two have seen each other a lot just in the past 2 seasons alone. Can anyone upset either team? Keep scrolling for my analysis.
Offense
Lakeland
Wawasee
West Noble
Tippy Valley
Fairfield
Pitching
Fairfield
Lakeland
Wawasee
West Noble
Tippy Valley
Players to watch
Fairfield: Jaidyn Rhodes, Sara Shank, Mackayla Stutsman, Chloe Dell, and Krista Wagler
Lakeland: Makayla Mast, Elise Edwards (120 K’s), Bailey Hartsough, Keirstin Roose (most girls would love to hit 6 bombs doesn’t happen to everyone plus that .597 average), Hannah Harris, Kylee Palmer, Breanna Lovelace, and Chloe Gust (.523 average)
tippy Valley: Ally Betten
Wawasee: Faith Swihart, Ava Rush, Olivia Stuck, Delaney Hare, Abigayle Smith, Bethany Flannery, and Graceanne Kerlin
West Noble: Kourtnie Jones, Kacee Click, Lilly Nelson, Becky Yoder, Tori Franklin, Jaden Hanna, and Kailie Coplin
My Prediction: Lakeland
Next Option: Fairfield
Third Option: Wawasee
Wild Card Option: West Noble
Rationality: 2 words: Lakeland, Fairfield. This sectional is expected to be a clear crash course to face each other yet again just like last season. However, if there is one team that I think has a real shot of an upset is a possible Wawasee upset over Lakeland as they continue to be a respectable program for softball. West Noble who just beat Fairfield last Thursday has been struggling as of late losing 6 of their last 9 games of the season, but they are a team to at least beware of here as they have shown some fight this season. Again, much like what I said in the NECC tournament, it comes down to pitching and if they can execute on their chances.
When Fairfield was given the opportunities, they took advantage of them against a solid pitcher in the NECC tourney. However, Lakeland did much of the same in the second game this time with the long ball two of those coming from Keirstin Roose. To me with Lakeland, it’s more of a mental thing than skill. I think Lakeland mentally believes they can beat them and win this sectional and on paper they should have the opportunity to potentially beat them, but it all comes down to whether they can execute their game plan or not. I know the Lakers have been thinking about last year for quite a while now so you have that. Fairfield will be much sharper than that second Lakeland game.
I will say that I’ve been going back and forth between Lakeland and Fairfield now for weeks, and I just picked Lakeland the last second that’s how close this one can be, and we cannot ignore Wawasee or even WN either. I expect a much better performance from both the Lakers and Falcons if they were to meet in the championship game.
3A 22 @ Garrett
Members
Angola (17-9)
Bishop Dwenger (13-10)
Bishop Luers (4-12)
Concordia (6-12)
Garrett (9-14)
New Haven (5-14)
Angola 11 Luers 4
Dwenger 12 Concordia 1
Angola 6 Concordia 0
Angola 6 Garrett 1
Dwenger 6 Luers 1
Garrett 7 New Haven 0
Angola 4 Garrett 0
Sectional Champs
Bishop Dwenger 11 defending champs
Garrett 9 2010
Bishop Luers 9 2008
New Haven 5 2010
Concordia 1 2017
Angola 1 2003
Offense
Bishop Dwenger
Angola
New Haven
Garrett
Bishop Luers
Concordia
Pitching
Angola
Garrett
Bishop Dwenger
Bishop Luers
Concordia
New Haven
players to watch
Angola: Janna Schwartzengraber, Reace Peppler, Emma Konrad, Amanda Cope (10 Home Runs?! That is dope!), Kylar Crowl, Harper Henney, and Jayden DeGraw
Bishop Dwenger: Avery Greider (9 Home runs?? Sheesh), Sandi Freistroffer, Hannah Harnish, Olivia Dickerson (6 bombs .526 average), Cecillia Garrett, and Brianna Yager
Bishop Luers: Libby Bierbaum (.500 average)
Garrett: Ryanne Arambula
New Haven: Kirsten Braun
My Prediction: Angola
Next Option: Bishop Dwenger
Third Option: Garrett
Rationality: This might surprise some people, but I have a real funny feeling that Angola might have something in them this year. Yes, I am not overlooking Dwenger one single cuz they’ll be a tough out like yet again. Don’t care what their record is; it’s still Dwenger. But, this Angola team is having its best season in 4 years, and I think there’s some determination to get avenge past disappointments or heartbreaks from past sectional games. Angola has never won a sectional in 3A for softball. Outside of those 2, I can’t really see anyone being a real threat to either team, though I’m not counting out Garrett only because they’re the host. I hope the ladies on that Angola team realize they have a really special group, and I knew this could happen before the season began. They have the pieces depth and experience to do it. It’s just the matter of getting the job done, and most likely an expected Angola-Dwenger semifinal game could determine your champion.
3A 23 @ Mississinewa
Member schools
Bellmont 20-0
Columbia City 16-4
Heritage 7-11
Marion 2-14
Mississinewa 14-4
Norwell 10-8
Columbia City 17 Marion 2
Mississinewa 11 Heritage 7
Bellmont 12 Heritage 0
Bellmont 3 Columbia City 2
Norwell 10 Mississinewa 7
Norwell 17 Marion 2
Bellmont 11 Norwell 0
Columbia City 12 Norwell 5
Sectional Champs
Bellmont 16 2-time defending champs
Columbia City 9 2011
Norwell 7 2016
Heritage 6 2007
Ole Miss 5 2011
Marion 1 1993
Offense
Columbia City
Bellmont
Mississinewa
Norwell
Heritage
Marion
Pitching
Bellmont
Mississinewa
Columbia City
Heritage
Norwell
Marion
Players to watch
Bellmont: Tori Miller (.628 average 9 home runs), Lauren Bieke, Kayla Hackman, Sarah Enterline, Macy Montgomery (0.32 ERA 15-0 184 K’s; IU is getting a star), and Paige Buisick (that’s all without Meghan Busick who missed all of this season via ACL Injury)
Columbia City: Bella Ross (.500 average 8 bombs), Brayden Lickey, Abby Pequingnot, Brooke Lickey, Natalie Haselby, and Jada Conrad
Heritage: Ella Bickel (4 bombs)
Norwell: Allyson Burton (5 bombs), Raygen Williams, Aubrey Dunnuck (6 bombs), and Sarah Tourney
My Prediction: Bellmont
Next Option: Columbia City
Third Option: Ole Miss
Wild Card Option: Norwell
This is previous obvious I have to pick the Squaws especially if you can beat Leo the way they did defensively. I can’t see anyone beating them except for possibly Columbia City, but the Eagles will have to pitch to stay in it.
4A 5 @ Carroll
Member Schools
Carroll (14-8)
DeKalb (10-11-1)
East Noble (16-6)
Leo (20-1)
Northrop (12-6)
Snider (4-14-1)
Northrop 6 Carroll 3
Leo 18 Snider 0
EN 9 DeKalb 1
Leo 11 EN 1
Leo 13 DeKalb 0
Carroll 6 DeKalb 1
Carroll 13 EN 12
Northrop 3 Snider 0
Leo 8 Carroll 1
DeKalb 11 Northrop 8
Carroll 18 Snider 2
Sectional Champs
Northrop 11 2002
DeKalb 10 2015
Leo 7 5 time defending champs
Carroll 6 2014
East Noble 6 2011
Snider 2 2008
Will anybody beat Leo???
Offense
Leo
East Noble
Carroll
Northrop
DeKalb
Snider
Pitching
Leo
Northrop
East Noble
Carroll
Snider
DeKalb
Players to watch
DeKalb: Gracey Yarian and Faith Ehmke (.500 average)
East Noble: Carly Turner (6 bombs), Dani Jacquay (11 bombs .526 average 119 K’s Wow!), Rylee Cripe, Grace Erwin, Hallie Beiswanger, Lauren Lash, and Makayla Cunningham
Leo: Ashley Miller (10 bombs .566 average 0.12 ERA 9-0 106 K’s), Kennedy Shade (.475 average), Lauren Daniels (.591 average), Aaliyah Andrews (.526 average), Haley Hines, Simia Spahiev (.526 average), Kiley Patterson 7 bombs .500 average), Ellenor Schelm (.480 average), and MacKenzie Rust (0.34 ERA 11-1 120 K’s)
Northrop: Isabella Rose and Raegan Torrez
My Prediction: Leo
Next Option: East Noble
Third Option: Carroll
I have to take Leo in this one because have you seen their numbers? nealry a .500 team average and have allowed just 7 runs ALL SEASON (ALL SEASON)! Only Bellmont was able to beat them. If they play like this, NOBODY is beating Leo in Northern Indiana. Even if Bremen would have been in 4A, no way they would beat Leo. It’s unfortunate because East Noble has an unbelievable team, but then…..you..have..to play……….Leo…….again. I think the Lady Knights will give Leo some fits early, but I think Leo’s stifling rotation and a dynamic offense could be too much to overcome.
4A 4 @ Homestead
Member Schools
Homestead (13-7)
Huntington North (10-11)
North Side (8-8)
South Side (0-19)
Wayne (6-10)
Wayne 16 South Side 5
North Side 4 Wayne 0
Homestead 7 HN 5
North Side 12 South Side 0
Sectional Titles
Huntington North 17 2014
Homestead 10 4 time defending champs
Wayne 2 1994
North Side 1 1989
This definitely appears to be another two-team race for this one and we may know who could be the champion after the first round.
Offense
Homestead
Huntington North
North Side
Wayne
South Side
Pitching
Homestead
North Side
Huntington North
Wayne
South Side
Players to watch
Homestead: Rylee Norton, Ashley Flynn, Abby Felger, Katie Felger (1.89 ERA 85 K’s), Emma Gilham, and Caylin Sievers
Huntington North: Maddie Levy, Sophie Eckert, Laney Shaw, Kodi Douglas, Macy Lange, and Megan Stephan
North Side: Bailee Venderley (.571 average)
South Side: Alana Barrera (.524 average)
Wayne: Falicity Nunez
My Prediction: Homestead
Next Option: Huntington North
Third Option: N/A
Again, I think this comes down to rivals Homestead and Huntington North to win this sectional yet again, but pitching could give Sparty into their favor even in that matchup. The rest of the teams are so mediocre or bad that I can’t pick anyone else to even come close to beating either team.
Around the NorthEast Corner 