Regional championship preview: Class 2A, Lapel

Sheridan will face off against Lewis Cass

By CRAIG ADKINS

For The Reporter

Lewis Cass (19-6) vs. No. 11 Sheridan (24-1)

Sheridan is back in the regional for the second straight season and is out to make a statement. The Blackhawks are on a 22-game winning streak, with just a three-point loss at home to Brebeuf Jesuit in the third game of the season.

The nightcap at 7 p.m. at the Class 2A Lapel features the Lewis Cass Kings and Sheridan playing for the Regional 20 championship. The two teams have only met once previously. Lewis Cass won the only meeting between the two and that was in the 2002 sectional. The 4 p.m. Regional 27 title tilt pits Monroe Central (20-6) vs. Lafayette Central Catholic (22-4) in Class 1A.

The IHSAA will draw for semi-state the matchups and locations on Sunday.

Head coach Jaidlin Bradshaw is in her seventh year with a 101-52 record at Sheridan. The Blackhawks are having their best season historically. Last weekend won just the third sectional title and Saturday they aim for their second regional crown in a row. Sheridan fell in the semi-state semifinals to Eastern Hancock in overtime, 62-54 in 2024.

The Blackhawks have big wins in this 22-game streak over Eastern Hancock, University, Lapel twice and Clinton Central. Sheridan also went a perfect 8-0 in the Hoosier Heartland Conference.

At this point in the tournament, it’s all about keeping your focus on that one game at a time mentality.

“There’s a good chance they might throw something different. Teams, us included, are pulling out everything. We’re trying to keep our kids mentally focused and prepared for whatever anyone might bring our way,” said Bradshaw.

Sheridan took advantage of hosting sectional and cruised through their first round and semifinals with dominating wins over Frankton (58-26) and Tipton (62-12). They took the sectional championship over Lapel, 54-47.

The approach to Lewis Cass will be no different than any other opponent.

“We watched a couple games from them this year,” Bradshaw said.  This week “has been a ton of preparation on what they do, what their kids individually do” and how the Blackhawks can find a way to beat the Kings.

The Kings don’t give up many points per game, just 31.6. So, it will for sure be a challenge for the Blackhawks.

“They are a very disciplined 2-3 zone defense team. That’s pretty much the only thing we’ve seen from them,” Bradshaw stated.

“Their rotations are great out of the 2-3 zone. A big point of emphasis has been how do we beat them, and then preparing just in case they do have something up their sleeve and being ready for whatever they bring our way.”

Sheridan is led by all-state candidate Kenzie Garner. The Ferris State commit averages 21.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.3 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Classmate Cecilia Timme scores 10.9, grabs 4.9 boards, dishes 4.0 assists and makes 3.2 steals. Sophomore Brielle Garner is at 7.1 points and Shelby Eaton 6.4.

Lewis Cass won its 14th sectional last week and is playing in just their second regional in program history. The Kings lost in the semi-state semifinals to Andrean in 2024.

Head coach Kyle Amor is 67-75 in his sixth season at Cass. Amor is 196-134 overall in 14 seasons.

The Kings have key wins against Northwestern, Rossville, Twin Lakes Logansport and University.

Averaging just 43.7 points offensively, Cass is led by junior Aftin Griffin at 12.2 points and 2.9 assists. Senior Mylie Sipe scores 9.2 and grabs 4.4 rebounds. Anna Hedrick stuffs the stat sheet with 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.4 steals.

“They have some super quick and athletic guards,” Bradshaw said. “A main goal is trying to make their guards uncomfortable. Working on keeping them in front of us will be huge for us.”

Sheridan experienced getting deep down the tournament trail last season and is ready to go further. This is a team that can play anywhere and has high hopes.

The Blackhawks practiced at Lapel’s gym earlier this week. Bradshaw noted that there are some differences; for example, the Bulldogs have bleachers on both sides under the basket. The bleachers were pulled out during Sheridan’s practice, which Bradshaw said “will help us for Saturday evening.”