Indiana High School Girls Basketball Playoffs: Two Rounds Down, Two More to Go
The journey of the Indiana high school girls basketball playoffs is well underway, with the regional round concluded last Saturday. Thirty-two teams have emerged victorious, securing their spots in this weekend’s semi-state round. The winners from these semi-state matchups will advance to the highly anticipated state finals in Indianapolis next weekend. As the tournament progresses, the competition intensifies, and the players’ performances become increasingly crucial. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout performances from the regional round.
Laniah Davis: A Dominant Force for Marquette Catholic
In Marquette Catholic’s decisive 51-27 victory over Tri-County, Laniah Davis was the star of the show. She scored an impressive 23 points, hitting 10 of her 12 field goal attempts and a perfect 3-of-3 from the free throw line. Davis’s efficiency was matched by her versatility, as she also contributed three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Her performance not only showcased her scoring ability but also her defensive prowess and ball-handling skills, making her a formidable presence on the court.
The Stonebraker Sisters: Whitko’s Dynamic Duo
The Whitko Wildcats can proudly boast of the dynamic sister duo, Jayma and Reese Stonebraker, who played pivotal roles in their 53-44 win against Bremen. Jayma Stonebraker led the charge with 16 points, including two 3-pointers, while also grabbing six rebounds, dishing out seven assists, and making two steals. Her all-around game was complemented by Reese, who scored 14 points and made four 3-pointers. Reese also added seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals to her tally. Together, the sisters combined for 30 points, demonstrating their teamwork and synergy on the court.
Keke and Kya Hurt: Powering the Lawrence North Wildcats
The Lawrence North Wildcats, known for their strong offensive and defensive play, continued their playoff run with a 60-54 victory over Pendleton Heights. Keke Butler was the team’s leading scorer, pouring in 20 points. Her performance was a combination of clutch shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. Kya Hurt, a senior, was no less impactful, contributing 14 points. Both players played crucial roles in securing the win, highlighting the depth and talent of their team.
Kennedy and Maya Makalusky: Hamilton Southeastern’s Unstoppable Pair
The Hamilton Southeastern Royals, undefeated so far this season, continued their dominant run with a 65-48 win against Homestead. Kennedy Holman and Maya Makalusky were the key players, each scoring 24 points. Kennedy was nearly flawless from the field, making 7 of her 8 shots and 9 of 12 from the free-throw line. She also contributed six rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Maya Makalusky matched Kennedy’s scoring output with five 3-pointers, eight rebounds, and a solid 7-of-8 performance at the foul line. The duo’s combined effort was instrumental in the Royals’ success.
Gabby Spink and Paige Schnaus: Gibson Southern’s Stellar Show
The Gibson Southern Titans secured a 50-39 win over Floyd Central, thanks to the outstanding performances of Gabby Spink and Paige Schnaus. Gabby Spink, a senior, was the top scorer with 29 points. She demonstrated her scoring versatility, hitting two 3-pointers and a half-court shot to beat the first-period buzzer. Spink also recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and was 9-of-12 from the foul line. Paige Schnaus added 14 points, hitting 6 of her 10 shots and grabbing seven rebounds while blocking three shots. Their combined efforts ensured a solid victory for the Titans.
Other Notable Performances
Several other players also made significant contributions. Bella Cummins, a junior from Northeast Dubois, led all scorers with 22 points in her team’s 42-32 win against North Central. Maddy Shirley of Evansville Central recorded a double-double with 33 points and 13 rebounds in a hard-fought 65-58 overtime victory against Corydon Central. She was nearly perfect from the foul line, making 10 of her 11 attempts, and also blocked three shots. Olivia Hyle, also from Evansville Central, scored 16 points, with 14 coming in the second half, and added two 3-pointers, eight rebounds, and a pair of blocks.
Other notable performances include Vanessa Rothwurm from Norwell, who scored 30 points in her team’s 72-48 win against East Noble. Delilah Kincaid and Lillian Barnes from Valparaiso combined for a powerful showing, with Kincaid leading the Vikings with 18 points and Barnes achieving a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, nearly completing a triple-double with nine assists and two 3-pointers.
Emma Simpson and Addilee Dawn Jenkins from Parke Heritage were also standout performers. Emma Simpson scored 17 points, grabbed nine rebounds, made five assists, and six steals, while Jenkins recorded a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, including three 3-pointers. These performances underscore the team’s depth and ability to produce from multiple positions.
Laney Musall of Columbia City contributed a team-high 13 points, including two 3-pointers, and added seven rebounds and two assists in a 73-29 rout of Lowell. Brooke Thompson, a freshman from Lafayette Central Catholic, led all scorers with 15 points in her team’s 55-37 win against Monroe Central, showing remarkable skill and potential for the future.
In McCutcheon’s 45-41 win against Fort Wayne Snider, Lillie Graves and Rylea Wetz were instrumental. Graves recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Wetz added 12 points and four rebounds. Elliot Leffler and Brennah Cerny from Roncalli combined for a strong showing in their 68-51 win against Danville. Leffler scored 17 points, including two 3-pointers, and added six rebounds and two assists. Cerny contributed 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers and making 5-of-9 field goals.
Jaeda Wilson of Indianapolis Cathedral and the Warsaw Tigers’ Joslyn Bricker and Brooke Winchester also had notable performances. Wilson scored a team-high 13 points and added two assists and three steals in a 38-23 win against Northview. Bricker, a junior, recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds in her team’s 53-43 win against South Bend Washington, and Winchester, a senior, matched her with another double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, including three 3-pointers.
Conclusion
As the semi-state round approaches, the performances from the regional round serve as a testament to the skill, determination, and teamwork of these high school athletes. Each player, whether a senior leader or a promising freshman, brought their best to the court, contributing to their team’s success and earning a place in the next round of the tournament. The semi-state matchups promise to be even more competitive, and with these talented individuals leading the charge, fans are in for a thrilling weekend of basketball.
