Indiana boys basketball 2026 sectional pairings South Bend area

The 116th annual Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) boys basketball state tournament is set to begin, with the release of sectional brackets on February 22nd marking the first key step in the competition. Eight sectionals will determine the path to the state championship, with games scheduled between March 3rd and March 7th.

Saint Joseph Primed for a Run in Class 4A

Local attention will be heavily focused on the Class 4A, Sectional 3 tournament. Saint Joseph, recently transitioning from Class 3A where they achieved both state runner-up and state champion titles, enters the bracket ranked No. 10 in the state. The Huskies benefit from a bye in the first round, awaiting the winner of the South Bend Adams versus Mishawaka matchup on March 3rd.

The first round on March 4th promises competitive action, featuring Penn against Michigan City and defending sectional champion South Bend Riley facing LaPorte. Six of the seven teams in this sectional currently hold winning records as of February 22nd, suggesting a challenging tournament ahead.

Did You Know? The IHSAA boys basketball state tournament is in its 116th year, a testament to the enduring popularity of the sport in Indiana.

Northridge and Goshen Poised for Rematch

A compelling storyline in Class 4A, Sectional 4 is the potential rematch between Northridge and Goshen. Northridge currently holds a 20-1 record, with their sole loss coming against Goshen on December 20th by a score of 53-46. This victory by Goshen resulted in a shared Northern Lakes Conference title between Northridge and NorthWood.

If Goshen prevails against Concord in the opening round, a highly anticipated semifinal clash against Northridge is likely to take place at North Side Gym.

Class 2A Sectional Presents Underrated Competition

The Class 2A sectional is shaping up to be a particularly competitive bracket. Bremen, boasting an 18-3 record and a 16-0 start to the season, has been consistently ranked in the 2A media poll. However, Winamac also holds an 18-3 record and presents a significant challenge, potentially preventing Bremen from securing their first sectional title since 1999.

Bremen will begin their tournament run against rival LaVille, while Winamac will face Jimtown in a potential semifinal matchup.

Expert Insight: The sectional draws highlight the unpredictable nature of tournament play. Even highly ranked teams face potential upsets, and head-to-head matchups from the regular season can significantly influence the intensity and outcome of these games.

IHSAA Boys Basketball Sectional Pairings – South Bend Area

Class 4A, Sectional 3 at Mishawaka

Game 1: Mishawaka vs. South Bend Adams, Tuesday March 3, 7 p.m.
Game 2: Penn vs. Michigan City, Wednesday March 4, 6 p.m.
Game 3: South Bend Riley vs. LaPorte, Wednesday March 4, 7:45 p.m.
Game 4: South Bend Saint Joseph vs. Game 1 winner, Friday March 6, 6 p.m.
Game 5: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, Friday March 6, 7:45 p.m.
Championship: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, Saturday March 7, 6 p.m.

Class 4A, Sectional 4 at Elkhart (North Side Gym)

Game 1: Goshen vs. Concord, Tuesday March 3, 7 p.m.
Game 2: Elkhart vs. Warsaw, Friday March 6, 6 p.m.
Game 3: Northridge vs. Game 1 winner, Friday March 6, 7:30 p.m.
Championship: Game 2 vs. Game 3 winner, Saturday March 7, 7 p.m.

Class 3A, Sectional 19 at New Prairie

Game 1: Culver Academies vs. Plymouth, Tuesday March 3, 5:30 p.m. CT
Game 2: Glenn vs. South Bend Washington, Tuesday March 3, 7 p.m. CT
Game 3: New Prairie vs. Game 1 winner, Friday March 6, 5 p.m. CT
Game 4: Mishawaka Marian vs. Game 2 winner, Friday March 6, 7 p.m. CT
Championship: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, Saturday March 7, 6 p.m. CT

Class 3A, Sectional 20 at Columbia City

Game 1: Columbia City vs. West Noble, Tuesday March 3, 6 p.m.
Game 2: Tippecanoe Valley vs. Wawasee, Tuesday March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Game 3: Fairfield vs. Game 1 winner, Friday March 6, 6 p.m.
Game 4: NorthWood vs. Game 2 winner, Friday March 6, 7:30 p.m.
Championship: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, Saturday March 7, 7:30 p.m.

Class 2A, Sectional 34 at LaVille

Game 1: Bremen vs. LaVille, Tuesday March 3, 6 p.m.
Game 2: Winamac vs. Knox, Tuesday March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Game 3: SB Career Academy vs. Game 1 winner, Friday March 6, 6 p.m.
Game 4: Jimtown vs. Game 2 winner, Friday March 6, 7:30 p.m.
Championship: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, Saturday March 7, 7 p.m.

Class 1A, Sectional 49 at Kouts

Game 1: Kouts vs. Bowman Academy, Tuesday March 3, 6 p.m. CT
Game 2: Westville vs. Morgan Township, Tuesday March 3, 7:30 p.m. CT
Game 3: Washington Township vs. Hammond S&T, Wednesday March 4, 6 p.m. CT
Game 4: Tri-Township vs. Marquette Catholic, Wednesday March 4, 7:30 p.m. CT
Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, Friday March 6, 6 p.m. CT
Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, Friday March 7, 7:30 p.m. CT
Championship: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. CT

Class 1A, Sectional 51 at Culver Community

Game 1: Trinity Greenlawn vs. Triton, Tuesday March 3, 6:30 p.m.
Game 2: Oregon-Davis vs. Argos, Tuesday March 3, 8 p.m.
Game 3: South Central (Union Mills) vs. Elkhart Christian, Wednesday March 4, 6:30 p.m.
Game 4: Culver vs. North Judson-San Pierre, Wednesday March 4, 8 p.m.
Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, Friday March 6, 6:30 p.m.
Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, Friday March 6, 8 p.m.
Championship: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.

Class 1A, Sectional 52 at Bethany Christian

Game 1: FW Canterbury vs. Hamilton, Tuesday March 3, 7 p.m.
Game 2: Lakewood Park Christian vs. Smith Academy, Wednesday March 4, 6 p.m.
Game 3: Bethany Christian vs. Lakeland Christian, Wednesday March 4, 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: Fremont vs. Game 1 winner, Friday March 6, 6 p.m.
Game 5: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, Friday March 6, 7:30 p.m.
Championship: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, Saturday, March 7, 7 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the tournament begin?

The tournament begins on Tuesday, March 3rd, with the release of the sectional brackets having occurred on February 22nd.

Which Class 4A sectional is receiving the most local attention?

Class 4A, Sectional 3 is receiving significant local attention, particularly due to Saint Joseph’s participation after success in Class 3A.

What is the potential for a rematch in Class 4A, Sectional 4?

There is a possibility of a rematch between Northridge and Goshen in the Class 4A, Sectional 4 tournament, as they are on the same side of the bracket and have a prior matchup on December 20th.

Which team’s success in the upcoming tournament will be the biggest surprise?