2022 2A Semi-State Final Four Preview

By Randy Beckett
Updated: February 18, 2022

Class 2A

IGBRR #7 Fairfield (24-3) vs. IGBRR #8 Frankton (22-5)
At: LaPorte
Sagarin: Fairfield #60, Frankton #58
SOS: Fairfield#175, Frankton #134

Defending North Semi-State Champ: Tipton

Players to watch: Garber (Jr) 15.6 PPG, Willard (Jr) 9.7 PPG, Bates (Sr) 12.2 PPG, Sperry (So) 10.5 PPG

Preview: When Fairfield lost their senior point guard Brooke Sanchez in early January it would have been easy to write them off for a deep tourney run but to the Falcons credit after an initial loss, they circled the wagons and have reeled off ten straight wins since her departure. Junior, UIndy commit, Brea Garber has led the way on both ends with her length and versatility averaging 15.5 PPG & 5.5 RPG. Juniors Bailey Willard 9.7 PPG and Morgan Gawthrop have provided consistent production. Sophomore Kaylee Dillion has played an increased role. The Falcons are known for their patient offensive approach and blanketing defense that is only giving up 32 PPG. The Frankton Eagles are no stranger to the Semi-State round having now made it to the Final-Four for the third time in the last five seasons. Several of the starters are holdovers from the 2019-20 state runner-up squad. Three of those seniors include athletic guard Lauryn Bates that is averaging 12.2 PPG and 6.3 RPG, SG Bailee Webb (6.3 PPG) and point guard Cagney Utterback (6.7 PPG). Add in the length and athleticism of sophomore Emma Sperry (10.5 PPG & 6.5 RPG) from the wing, along with the production of transfer Amaya Collins (6.5 PPG) and the Eagles are once again in the mix to return to the state title game. The senior class have been an important part of building a winning culture that has produced 79 victories over the last four seasons.

Prediction:
Frankton 46, Fairfield 41
Fairfield will have to control the pace and will want to make this a half court grind it out affair. They will need to win on the glass and limit live ball turnovers. Frankton will rely on their experience and tough schedule that has prepared them to play with poise and confidence. The Eagles will need to continue to get balanced play and keep Garber from having a monster game. Frankton has kids that have been in this spot multiple times and that is the edge that will allow the Eagles to return to the title game for another shot.

IGBRR #4 Forest Park (24-3) vs. IGBRR #6 University (23-4)
At: Jasper
Sagarin: Forest Park #79, University #62
SOS: Forest Park #181, University #194

Defending North Semi-State Champ: Linton Stockton

Players to watch: Tretter (Jr) 17 PPG, Begle (Jr) 10 PPG, P.Seay (Jr) 15 PPG, K.Dubois (Jr) 13 PPG

Preview: The Forest Park Rangers won their first regional since 2000 but it is no surprise they have advanced through the tourney this year as they returned four starters from a seventeen win team that lost to two-time state champion Linton Stockton in the Sweet 16 round a year ago. The Rangers are led by junior forward Amber Tretter averaging 17 PPG that has the ability to dominate games with her athletic length. The strength of the Rangers, as noted, is the experience and balance of the starting squad. Three other starters average over 9 PPG making it difficult for a defenses to key in on a single scorer. Senior Ali Welp (10 PPG), and juniors Carley Begle (10 PPG), and Lydia Betz (9.5) all have the ability to lead Forest Park on the offensive end. Also to be noted is the stingy Rangers post season defense that is allowing only 35.5 PPG game. Forest Park has won seventy games over the last four seasons. Their opponent, the University Trailblazers are no stranger to success either. University is returning to the Final Four for the third time in the last four years and have produced a 81-13 record over that span. The Pioneer conference champion features three double digit scorers in versatile junior wing Payton Seay 15 PPG, athletic senior transfer Patty Chikamba (14 PPG) and 6’2 junior post Kelsey Dubois at 13 PPG & 7.8 RPG. University gets production from several others including T.Seay, E.Adamowicz, J.Patterson and K. Washington. The Trailblazers posses a nice combination of athleticism, physicality and balance. They have brought down more boards than any other 2A team (953) and has nearly doubled up other 2A teams in blocked shots (168). University looks to return to the state championship game for the first time since 2008 in 1A.

Prediction:
University 55, Forest Park 50
This could very well be the best matchup of the weekend. Both teams have experienced production and don’t necessarily need to rely on a single source for buckets. The Rangers have to keep University off of the offensive glass and make them hit jump shots. University needs to be aggressive to the basket and bring their physicality, Both post players staying out of foul trouble and being on the floor could very well determine the outcome. University’s experience this deep in the tournament is what gives them the edge and will allow them to break through to the state title game.

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