Fresh Faces, Big Impact: Indiana 2026s Breaking Out

The following players are gearing up for their senior seasons and have already made a strong impression on the court. I've had the chance to watch them compete at some of the biggest AAU stages, including the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, IN, Spooky Nook in Hamilton, OH, and the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. I also caught them in action with their high school teams at the Charlie Hughes Showcase hosted by Fishers High School. Each of these athletes has shown they're ready to make their mark in their final year.    I had the opportunity to watch Kelis compete with her [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] team in Louisville this past July, and I was immediately impressed with her scoring ability. Whether attacking the rim or knocking down shots off a drive-and-kick, she consistently found ways to produce offensively. What stood out even more was her athletic explosiveness, especially when matched up against other guards. Kelis plays with relentless effort on both ends of the floor and is always in top condition, allowing her to impact the game at a high level. She projects as a mid-major Division I prospect who has already put several programs on notice with her talent and competitiveness. Last season, she led her team in scoring (14.2 PPG), assists (2.2), and steals (1.6), showcasing her ability to contribute across the board. As she heads into her senior year at Jeffersonville, Kelis has the tools and determination to solidify herself as one of the best players in Southern Indiana.     Ahniyah has been a key player for Connersville over the past two seasons and continues to prove why she's such a difficult matchup. An athletic guard with explosive quickness, she elevates smoothly to avoid defenders and releases the ball with precision, making her a tough player to guard. Last season, she was Connersville's second-leading scorer at 10.6 points per game while also leading the team in free throw shooting. Her quickness not only fuels her offensive game whether attacking the rim or pulling up for jumpers, but also makes her an effective on-ball defender. As she enters her senior year, Ahniyah is expected to take on an even bigger offensive role alongside her fellow senior guards. With her scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive presence, she will be central to Connersville's push for another winning season and a shot at a sectional championship.     Kalea has had a strong summer with [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'], showing clear improvement in her game and earning recent offers from Alma College, Mount St. Joseph College, and Indiana University East. With Lawrence North losing key players, she's poised to step into a bigger leadership role this season. Last year, Kalea emerged as a breakout star for the Wildcats' offense, becoming their most reliable three-point shooter on a team that went on to win the 4A state championship. Her ability to consistently knock down shots—especially in transition—gave Lawrence North a major spark. This offseason, she's added more versatility to her game by attacking the basket with confidence, giving her an even bigger arsenal on the offensive end. With her shooting, improved playmaking, and leadership, Kalea is set to be a vital piece of Lawrence North's success as they look to defend their title.     Aniyah has had a breakout summer, shining for both Tri-West and her AAU team. Her strong play has already earned her college offers from Defiance College, Anderson University, Earlham College, and Manchester University. What makes Aniyah so effective is her quickness and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. She thrives in transition, pushing the ball to score herself or creating opportunities for her teammates. That same energy translates to defense, where she uses her speed to disrupt opponents and generate turnovers. Last season, she was Tri-West's second-leading scorer at 12.6 points per game, while also leading the team in rebounds (4.4), assists (3.3), and steals (3.2). With the graduation of two seniors, Aniyah is set to take on an even bigger role as the focal point of Tri-West's offense heading into her senior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='486495' first='Olivia' last='Jones'] is continuing to grow into her own as a player, and that development was evident this past summer with both her AAU and high school teams. She understands her role within her squads but has taken major strides as a scorer, which has led to success not only for herself but also for her teams. Jones has the tools to be a reliable shot-maker while also rebounding well for her position, giving her an added edge on both ends of the floor. Last season, she was Pendleton Heights' third-leading scorer at 7.5 points per game, and with the graduation of standout Kaycie Warfel, Jones is expected to step up alongside [player_tooltip player_id='750718' first='Adah' last='Hupfer']. Together, they have Pendleton Heights positioned to make another run at a sectional championship.     [player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston']'s recent transfer to North Central immediately boosts the program's potential and positions them to win a lot of games this season. She brings a strong work ethic and a versatile offensive skill set—attacking the rim to draw fouls, knocking down shots, and finding multiple ways to score. Her hard work has already started to pay off, as she recently picked up an offer from Missouri Western, a highly successful Division II program, with more interest expected to follow. Winston also stands out for her decision-making on the floor, showing poise and control in high-pressure situations. What makes her addition so exciting for North Central is not only her leadership and experience, but also the winning qualities she instills in those around her. She's set to make a major impact this year while leaving a lasting mark on the program for years to come.

The following players are gearing up for their senior seasons and have already made a strong impression on the court. I've had the chance to watch them compete at some of the biggest AAU stages, including the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, IN, Spooky Nook in Hamilton, OH, and the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. I also caught them in action with their high school teams at the Charlie Hughes Showcase hosted by Fishers High School. Each of these athletes has shown they're ready to make their mark in their final year.