LAFAYETTE — The stage is set for the 2026 IHSAA sectional playoffs, with 28 teams from the Lafayette area vying for a chance to advance in the final chapter of the season. The annual sectional draw show took place on Sunday, Jan. 25, revealing where each program’s playoff journey will begin.

Here are some key takeaways from the bracket results and how the matchups look this year:

McCutcheon and Lafayette Jeff Set for Third Matchup

The top two teams in Class 4A, Lafayette Jeff and McCutcheon, are set to face off in the sectional semifinals. This will be their third matchup of the season, with the game scheduled as a neutral-home contest for the Mavericks.

McCutcheon, led by leading scorers Lillie Graves and Keara Lipscomb-Allen, recently defeated Lafayette Jeff 65-33 on Dec. 19. Maya Layton, Lafayette Jeff’s leading scorer, was held to just 14 points, while McCutcheon’s depth proved too much for the Bronchos to handle. Lipscomb-Allen scored 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting, junior Ameria Gibson added 11 points, and Graves contributed 10 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds.

Will Lafayette Jeff be able to make adjustments from its supporting cast, including Shaylee Barrett and Da’Niyah Johnson? The Bronchos have received help from underclassmen, such as 6-foot-1 freshman Ty’Airra Crawford, while McCutcheon has seen the return of senior Aubrey Miller, who tore her ACL in August but made a remarkable recovery in five months.

The 4A sectional also includes Harrison, led by juniors Aleah Szymanski (15.7 PPG) and Sadey Ringler (9.4 PPG), and Kokomo, which carries a young roster led by sophomore Jhordyn Brown (10.7 PPG) and junior Satyra Scott (10.0 PPG).

Small School Contenders: Rossville and Rensselaer Central

Rossville, competing in Class 1A, has been dominant with a 20-1 record. The Hornets boast elite shooters in freshmen Mallory O’Brien and Adalyn Farley, along with post depth provided by seniors Ava Burkle and Addi Gorbett.

Rensselaer Central, with a 17-3 record, looks to run it back in Class 2A. The Bombers are led by junior Illinois State commit Courtney Mathew and Southern Connecticut State commit Kamri Rowland, who holds the all-time scoring record for the team. Their combined scoring and rebounding are supported by the aggressive defense of senior Brodie Radtke and junior Alivia Cain.

Benton Central poses a significant threat to Rensselaer Central and could provide a memorable matchup in the finals if both teams navigate their respective sides of the 6-team bracket. Benton Central features a strong underclassmen group, including juniors McKenna Yadon and Madison Minnear, and freshman Kynzley Richardson.

Which Sectionals Have the Most Parity?

The North Vermillion sectional brings the most competition, with Central Catholic aiming to extend its 19-year streak of sectional titles. However, this streak may be challenged by Fountain Central, which had its best regular season at 18-2. The Mustangs are led by juniors Bella Bacon and Aubrey Ashwill, along with freshman Citrus Wesley. They even defeated Central Catholic 39-31 in Lafayette.

Faith Christian is making a push for its first sectional title, sitting at 12-7. The team is led by senior point guard Gracyn Musick and junior leading scorer Johanna Haste. While Central Catholic returns sophomore Brooke Thompson and Casey Schuessler, the Knights have struggled with scoring, sitting at 9-13.

Official Sectional Pairings and Dates

Official dates and times for the games will be announced later, but they are scheduled to take place between Feb. 3 and Feb. 7.

Class 4A, Sectional 7 at McCutcheon
– Lafayette Jefferson (17-4) vs. McCutcheon (18-5)
– Harrison (West Lafayette) (8-13) vs. Kokomo (11-11)
– Championship

Class 3A, Sectional 23 at Western
– Western (11-10) vs. Twin Lakes (4-16). Winner faces Logansport (1-19).
– Northwestern (2-17) vs. Peru (11-11).
– Maconaquah (16-4) vs. West Lafayette (4-16).
– Semifinals
– Championship

Class 3A, Sectional 25 at Lebanon
– Guerin Catholic (14-8) vs. Brebeuf Jesuit (11-10). Winner plays Crawfordsville (3-18).
– Tri-West Hendricks (11-9) vs. Danville (6-16).
– Frankfort (1-20) vs. Lebanon (8-11)
– Semifinals
– Championship

Class 2A, Sectional 37 at Benton Central
– North Montgomery (8-13) vs. Seeger (14-7). Winner plays Rensselaer Central (17-3) in the semifinals.
– Western Boone (8-13) vs. Delphi (15-6). Winner plays Benton Central (16-5) in the semifinals.
– Championship

Sectional 41
– Southmont (16-3) plays in the South Putnam sectional against Parke Heritage (14-7). Winner plays South Vermillion (0-19) in the semifinals.

Class 1A, Sectional 50 at North White
– North White (4-14) vs. Caston (9-11)
– Pioneer (8-13) vs. North Newton (5-17)
– DeMotte Christian (6-12) vs. South Newton (2-2)
– West Central (13-5) vs. Tri-County (14-5)
– Semifinals
– Championship

Class 1A, Sectional 53 at North Vermillion
– Covington (4-19) vs. Attica (5-16). Winner plays Fountain Central (18-2)
– North Vermillion (12-10) vs. Riverton Parke (12-9)
– Central Catholic (9-13) vs. Faith Christian (12-7)
– Semifinals
– Championship

Class 1A, Sectional 54 at Bethesda Christian
– Clinton Central (15-5) vs. Rossville (20-1). Winner plays Frontier (2-13) in the semifinals.
– Carroll (Flora) (14-6) vs. Clinton Prairie (2-16). Winner plays Bethesda Christian (13-6) in the semifinals.
– Championship

Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com, on Twitter at EthanAHanson, and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.