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2022 IHSAA 4A State Finals Preview

By Randy Beckett
Updated: February 22, 2022

4A Class State Championship

IGBRR #6 Noblesville (24-4) v IGBRR #2 Franklin (28-1)

Sagarin Ranking: Noblesville #1, Franklin #3
Strength of Schedule: Noblesville #1, Franklin#24*
ICGSA Final Poll: Noblesville #5, Franklin #2
IGBRR Preseason Poll: Noblesville #4, Franklin #3
Conference: Noblesville (Hoosier Crossroads, 3rd), Franklin (Mid-State, Champion)
Last State Championship Game: Noblesville 1987 (champion), 1988 (runner-up), Franklin 1998 3A (runner-up)

Leading Scorer: Noblesville (Jr) Ashlynn Shade 20.5 PPG, Franklin (Sr) Ashlyn Traylor 17.3 PPG
Leading Rebounder: Noblesville (Jr) Ashlynn Shade 8.6 RPG, Franklin (Sr) Ashlyn Traylor 6 RPG

Preview: There isn’t much statistically that separates the two 4A state championship finalist. Franklin comes in as the state’s top scoring 4A team at 67.9 PPG and Noblesville is not far behind with 64.5 per contest. Both rely heavily on the three pointer as well with Franklin knocking down a state best 272, while Noblesville has connected on the fourth most (second in 4A) with 195 triples. Defense that leads to transition points are key for both squads and both are once again near identical, Noblesville at 13.8 SPG and Franklin 13.4. Noblesville, who does not have a senior on the roster, have played the number one ranked schedule in the state. That includes making their way through six of the top eleven teams in the first six games of the tournament. The Millers are led by junior, UConn commit, Ashlynn Shade who leads her team with 20.5 PPG and 8.6 RPG. Three other guards are part of a balanced attack and average near double figures, which includes junior Kaitlyn Shoemaker (9.3 PPG), sophomore Reagan Wilson (10 PPG), and freshman Merideth Tippner (9.7 PPG). 6’4 junior center Brooklyn Smitherman anchors the front line. Forward Dani Mendez, SG Ava Shoemaker, and sharpshooter Brooklyn Ely all play key roles off the bench for the Millers. Noblesville is returning to the state championship game for the first time since they had back-back appearances in 1987 and 1988. As noted, their opponent the Franklin Grizzly Cubs own the most prolific 4A offense in the state and have been among the top three-point shooting teams in the country the last two seasons. The Grizzly Cubs made a run to the Final Four a year ago while starting three freshmen. This year they added two talented Martinsville transfers in sisters Ashlyn Traylor and Adelyn Walker. Senior Ashlyn Traylor has led Franklin this season with 17.3 PPG and 6 RPG. Senior Kuryn Brunson, who was named to the Indiana Junior All-Star team a year ago, has averaged 14 PPG this season. The sophomore starting trio of PG Lauren Klem (5.4 PPG), SF Scarlett Kimbrell (6.3 PPG) and Erica Buening (7 PPG) are all playing a bit of a different role this season, but all are capable of providing the big game, as Kimbrell showcased in last weekend’s Final-Four with four critical three-point bombs and 14 points. Juniors Kyndell Jochim, Adelyn Walker and sophomore Brooklyn York all provide significant minutes off the bench. Franklin returns to the state championship game for the first time since their 3A runner-up finish in 1998.

Prediction: Noblesville 59, Franklin 55
On paper I’m not sure you get more of an even match-up. Both teams feature multiple players that can step up and provide big time performances. However, both squads will need to have their thoroughbreds shine and produce their normal production. Biggest concern on both sides is that history has shown that the deep backdrop that the Fieldhouse provides has been less than favorable to teams that shoot the three. Valuing the ball by limiting turnovers, getting open looks and stealing a few extra possessions will ultimately determine the 4A champ. Noblesville with its strength of schedule is given a slight advantage in what should be a classic.

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