Valpo's Joe Otis

Valparaiso coach Joe Otis reacts to the end of the game in 2011 when his Vikings boys basketball team won the Michigan City Sectional. This week the legendary boys basketball coach decided to take over Valpo's girls basketball program.

South Central track Taylor Johnson

South Central's Taylor Johnson, left, was a regional qualifier last season in the 100 hurdles and long jump. She was Porter County Conference champion in both events, and is the school record holder in the 100 hurdles.

Michael Schlotman, Munster

Two years ago Munster point guard Michael Schlotman was much thinner and shorter. Even without the coming growth spurt Schlotman led the Mustangs to an undefeated season and No. 1 ranking in the state, just like this year. Above, Schlotman drains a 3-pointer against Valparaiso at the regional.

Portage basketball

Portage's Jordan Collazo looks to pass during a game against Valparaiso last season. The Duneland Conference could be poised for its strongest season this year, with a bevy of Division I talent.

Crown Point's Courtney Kvachkoff

Crown Point's Courtney Kvachkoff averaged 14.2 points, 2.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs to the sectional championship game.

during the baseball sectional finals at Washington Twp High School Saturday afternoon as the Washington Twp Senators hosted the Morgan Twp Cherokees.

052612twq27BBSECTFINALS5 Thomas Quinn / The Times Washington Twp - Washington's Ryan Gerberin throws to first for the out during the baseball sectional finals at Washington Twp High School Saturday afternoon as the Washington Twp Senators hosted the Morgan Twp Cherokees.

during the baseball sectional finals at Washington Twp High School Saturday afternoon as the Washington Twp Senators hosted the Morgan Twp Cherokees.

052612twq27BBSECTFINALS6 Thomas Quinn / The Times Washington Twp - Washington's Twp's short stop just misses the ball during the baseball sectional finals at Washington Twp High School Saturday afternoon as the Washington Twp Senators hosted the Morgan Twp Cherokees.

during the baseball sectional finals at Washington Twp High School Saturday afternoon as the Washington Twp Senators hosted the Morgan Twp Cherokees.

052612twq27BBSECTFINALS1 Thomas Quinn / The Times Washington Twp - Washington's Jake Goodab singles during the baseball sectional finals at Washington Twp High School Saturday afternoon as the Washington Twp Senators hosted the Morgan Twp Cherokees.

Washington Township's Ryan Geberin

Washington Township's Ryan Geberin fields a grounder during Saturday's Class A sectional championship against Morgan Township.

Morgan Township's Austin Porter

Morgan Township's Austin Porter grabs a throw during Saturday's Class A Washington Township Sectional championship.

Morgan Township's Ryan Klikus

Morgan Township's Ryan Klikus bare hands a grounder during Saturday's Class A Sectional championship against host Washington Township.

Morgan Township's Joseph Dougherty

Morgan Township's Joseph Dougherty pitches against Washington Township during Saturday's Class A sectional championship. The Cherokees won their first title since 2004.

Jeremiah Jones dribbles

Merrillville guard Jeremiah Jones, shown here against Valparaiso during the 2010-11 season, has signed with Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

Valparaiso University's Hayley Bridwell

Valparaiso University's Hayley Bridwell scores the winning run in the eighth inning during the Horizon League tournament Friday at VU.

Valparaiso's pitcher Alex Lagesse

Valparaiso's pitcher Alex Lagesse, a Beecher grad, catches a pop-up during the Horizon League tournament Friday at VU.

Valparaiso University's Joylyn Ichiyama-Drewry and Alex Lagesse

Valparaiso University's Joylyn Ichiyama-Drewry and Alex Lagesse, a Beecher graduate, celebrate during the Horizon League tournament Friday at VU.

Valparaiso University's Angie Doerffler

Valparaiso University's Angie Doerffler grabs the throw during the Horizon League tournament Friday at VU.

Valparaiso University's Joylyn Ichiyama-Drewry

Valparaiso University's Joylyn Ichiyama-Drewry drives in the game-winning run in extra innings during the Horizon League tournament Friday at VU.

Valparaiso's Brittany Duncan

Valparaiso's Brittany Duncan hits a double during the Horizon League tournament last Friday at VU.

Hebron's Jordan Keehn

Hebron's Jordan Keehn take the baton into the first turn of the 3,200-meter relay during the Porter County Conference girls track meet Tuesday at Kouts.