By CRAIG ADKINS
For The Reporter
The 51st annual IHSAA girls basketball state tournament tips off tonight around the state of Indiana.
A total of 383 teams will be competing for 64 sectional championships this week in the four classes. It all culminates at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Saturday, Feb. 28 when the four state champions will be crowned.
No. 3 South Knox is the defending Class 2A state champ and second-ranked Rensselaer Central the runner-up.
Class 2A Sectional 39 at Lapel
Elwood Panthers (10-13) vs. Frankton Eagles (9-13), 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Elwood started off 5-1, but went 5-12 in its final 17 heading into sectional play. The Panthers won at Frankton on Jan. 31 to close out the regular season. Breelyn Norris scores 18.7 points and Addison Stout 6.2 rebounds per game.
Frankton has won six of its last eight prior to their sectional rematch with the Panthers. Macy Curtis’ 13.7 points and 11 rebounds pace the Eagles.
Sheridan (9-12) at Lapel (18-4)
The Blackhawks faced the toughest team in the Lapel sectional and have dropped four of their last five. Head coach Jaidlin Bradshaw is 111-65 in her eighth season.
Sheridan is led by juniors Brielle Garner and Sadie Timme. Garner scores 11.1 per game and Timme 8.4 with 6.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.9 steals.
Lapel has won five of its last six, including a Jan. 6 win at home over Sheridan (54-37). The Bulldogs are led by all-state candidate Laniah Wills. The future Butler Bulldog averages 27.3 points and 12.4 rebounds, both good for fifth in the state.
Tipton (6-16) and Taylor (3-21) both drew a bye. Tipton plays the Elwood/Frankton winner at 6 p.m. in the first Friday semifinal. Taylor faces the Sheridan/Lapel winner in the second semifinal.
The Blue Devils have lost seven straight and the Titans have dropped four in a row.
Class 2A Sectional 42 at Park Tudor
Indianapolis Riverside (3-13) at Park Tudor (11-11), 6 p.m. Tuesday
Riverside is just in its ninth season as a program. The Argonauts are 2-3 in the month of January leading up to the sectional. Zachary Mackie is in his first season.
The host Panthers are 4-5 in the last month and 3-2 in their last five. Mike Smiley is 47-38 in his fourth season at Park Tudor.
Covenant Christian (10-12) vs. Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (6-16), 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Covenant is 5-5 in the 2026 calendar so far. Head coach Dan Nietz is 57-83 in six seasons. The Warriors won the regular season meeting 43-26 at home.
Cardinal Ritter has lost nine of its last 10. Head coach Jennifer DesJean is 21-45 is her fourth season.
No. 15 Monrovia (18-5) and University (9-11) both drew a bye. The Bulldogs face the Riverside/Park Tudor winner in the first semifinal Friday at 6 p.m. and the Trailblazers play the Covenant Christian/Cardinal Ritter in the second semifinal.
Monrovia has won seven of eight heading into sectional play. Head coach Daryl Gibbs is 50-23 in his third year.
Head coach Lindsey Syrek is 5-6 since taking over the program mid-season. The Blazers are 5-3 in their last eight prior to sectionals.
University is led by a trio of seniors that average in double figures. Gabby Culp is at 12.1 points and 7.7 rebounds, while twin sister Sydney scores 10.3. Leah Norvell puts up 11.5 and grabs 6.4 boards.
