ANDERSON, Ind. —
Many of this year’s girls basketball teams featured many young players on their rosters.
As a result, there was uncertainty about how many teams would contend for sectional titles.
But now that the IHSAA state tournament opens tonight, things are looking up for several of the area teams, which are scattered around four sectionals in three different classes.
Much attention will be focused on the Greenfield Sectional where Anderson (16-5) and Pendleton Heights (14-7) open tonight in opposite brackets. But both face formidable tasks.
The Indians defeated Connersville 83-74 in overtime less than a month ago.
“I tell the girls, when you beat a team in the regular season, all you did was make them more hungry,” said AHS coach Chad Cook. “We look to be able to have some success at what we do well. They have got to be thinking that they’re right there with us.”
The Arabians also had a tough regular-season tussle with their opening foe, the host Cougars, winning 60-54 in November.
“When the season started they were a lot like us, green, young and with one senior,” said PH coach Shari Doud. “But they’ve been climbing up the ladder, as we have.”
Though fans would love to see both teams win two games and meet for the sectional title in a rematch of the thrilling Madison County Tournament finale, won by the Indians, neither coach is prepared to think about that.
“That just seems so far away,” said Doud. “We’ve got a huge game (tonight). Our kids are focused. They are really excited about playing this time of the year.”
“We would be glad to be there,” said Cook of the title game. “But we don’t care who we play. We just want to be there ourselves and give ourselves the opportunity to play whoever.”
Three area teams each are in 2A sectionals at Shenandoah and Madison-Grant. At Shenandoah, Frankton (9-12) battles the host Raiders (5-15) in the opener tonight. Lapel (9-12) takes on Wapahani (13-8) in the nightcap.
“They have gotten better, but they just haven’t been winning,” said Frankton coach Dean Riddle of the Raiders. “We’re excited to go and play.” The Eagles won the first meeting in November 61-32.
Lapel has fought through some injuries in the season, most notably Mackenzie Boles, who missed some games with an Achilles injury. During the season, Wapahani topped the Bulldogs 44-32 less than a month ago.
“I think the sectional is wide open,” said Lapel coach Kevin Brattain. “I think we have a legitimate shot. Our play has gotten more consistent.” Lapel has won three of four down the stretch.
Play at Madison-Grant opens with the Argylls (13-8) testing Alexandria (8-13). Elwood is the lone area team to draw a bye out of the first round. The Panthers (11-10) will play Friday at 8 p.m. against the winner of tonight’s second game between Taylor and Tipton.
The remaining two area teams, Liberty Christian (3-15) and Daleville (8-12) are playing against one another in today’s 6 p.m. lid-lifter at Wes-Del. The winner of that game will play at 6 p.m. Friday against the winless host Warriors.
Semifinals will be Friday night with the championships on Saturday evening.
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PH coach Shari Doud and AHS coach Chad Cook share a light moment during the Madison County championship game in January Don Knight
Discussion
Girls teams eye possible sectional titles
Play begins tonight at 4 sites in 3 classes
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Triumphant Tribe
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