Lady Vikings To Face No. 1 North HarrisonAKRON – Having played in the Class 3A state finals in 2015 and the regional finals last season, the Tippecanoe Valley Lady Vikings are no stranger to the “big stage.” Thursday’s appearance in the City Securities Hall of Fame Classic in New Castle, however, is a first for the program. The Lady Vikings, ranked No. 7 in the latest poll, will play 3A No. 1 North Harrison (13-0) at approximately 12:45 p.m. The prestigious four-team tournament tips off a 11 a.m. with Greenfield-Central (8-7) and Plainfield (12-3). There is a consolation game slated for 6 p.m., followed by the championship game at approximately 7:45 p.m. “This is the first time we’ve been invited to the Hall of Fame Classic, boys or girls, and that’s a reflection of what we’ve done the last couple years,” said Valley coach Chris Kindig. “We feel honored, and we know that with the caliber of teams that are there we’re going to have to play exceptionally well to win a game.” The Lady Vikings are currently 10-2 and have won 60 of their last 67 games. Valley’s only losses this season are to rival Warsaw (14-1) and Appleton North, one of the best teams in Wisconsin. With the state tournament not that far in the future, Kindig said he and his team are eager for the challenge the Hall of Fame Classic presents. “We’re treating it like it’s a regional-type format,” said Kindig. “We’re going to play two very quality opponents in one day. “This will lead us into the second half of the season, and we’ve got some tough games coming up, so this tournament will help us get better. We’re going to have to play exceptionally well. It’ll show us how we matchup against some of the best teams in the state.” The Lady Vikings are led by three-time Times-Union Area Player of the Year Anne Secrest, who averages 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.0 steals per game. The 6-foot Youngstown State University recruit is shooting 70 percent from the field and 88 percent from the free throw line. The Hall of Fame Classic draws eyes from around the state, and Thursday’s games could go a long way in helping Secret make the Indiana All-Star team. “I’m sure Anne is excited to play against some great competition,” said Kindig. “If Anne plays the way she’s capable, people around the state that haven’t seen her are going to see what a quality player she is. “If she goes out and does what she’s capable of, hopefully she’ll solidify herself as an Indiana All-Star.” Addy Miller, a 5-7 junior, and Meredith Brouyette, a 5-8 senior, average 10 points each for the Lady Vikings. Top-ranked North Harrison is led by 6-1 sophomore center Lilly Hatton, who has averages of 21 points, eight rebounds and just under five blocks per game. Junior guard Cali Nolot averages nearly 13 points, four assists, four rebounds and three steals per contest. The Lady Cats have won 41 of their last 44 contests, a mark that includes a 3A state runner-up finish in 2016. Plainfield features a pair of Division I recruits in 6-1 senior Riley Blackwell (Northern Illinois) and 5-8 senior Kayla Casteel (University of Evansville). Blackwell’s status is in doubt because of a knee injury. Prior to the injury she was averaging 15 points and seven boards per game. Casteel carries averages of 15 points and four rebounds, while 5-8 junior Samantha Olinger chips in with nine points and four assists. Greenfield-Central is only 8-7 this season, but has had to weather some injuries. Senior point guard Katie Helgason tore her ACL in August but made her season debut on Dec. 13 and has played in five games. Junior Jessica Farrell suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Cougars’ second game of the season. The team’s go-to player has remained Iowa State University recruit Madison Wise, a Miss Basketball candidate that is averaging 24 points, nearly 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game. The Lady Vikings will head to New Castle by bus today, and that’s just the start of a whirlwind 48 hours. Valley will play the two games at Chrysler Fieldhouse Thursday, and following either the consolation or championship game will head for a hotel near Fort Wayne. On Friday, the Lady Vikings will play two more games in a tournament at Lakeland High School. “A lot of years we wouldn’t dream of doing that, but this year we can go 8 to 10 players deep,” said Kindig. “We didn’t want to drop out of the Lakeland Tournament and leave those other teams hanging for year, and we certainly didn’t want to turn down the Hall of Fame invitation. “It’s about 2-1/2 hours to New Castle by bus, and then we’ll have to get up near Fort Wayne after our second game. It’s a hectic schedule, but I think it’s something the girls will remember for a long time.”
