Class 2A Preseason Top 10

As we begin the 2025-2026 season, I wanted to circle back after previewing all 16 of the Class 2A sectionals and offer my thoughts on who I think could be the Top 10 teams throughout the class over the course of the season. Class 2A is a tricky one this year, as there were no fewer than 26 teams who I could have made an argument for as Top 10 teams. I don't know that there are any "obvious" picks at this time of year, just a lot of fan favorites. These are just simple predictions based on a combination of program history, returning talent, and prospects who might be entering the fold for the first time this year, offering them a nice boost to their rosters.   .   1. Whitko (21-5, Regional Champs in 2024-2025) Last year, the Whitko Wildcats made program history by winning their first ever Sectional and Regional titles, and they were able to accomplish that with their top two scorers (and six of their top eight) being underclassmen. This season, they once again welcome a couple of transfers with open arms, and they could be atop most polls for the duration of the season, as long as they go with the hot hand from game to game. There are legitimately five girls on this roster who could score 20 points in a game on any given night. Last year, the sister duo of 5-6 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1221113' first='Reese' last='Stonebraker'] (13.8p, 5.9r, 3.3a, 3.1s) and 5-4 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='890886' first='Jayma' last='Stonebraker'] (12.7p, 4.4r, 3.8a, 3.8s) came to town, having begun their careers at Lakeland Christian School. Both were tremendous additions last year, and both are returning double-digit scorers. Reese is a nice perimeter shooter, a solid all-around athlete, and she can play both backcourt positions if necessary. Jayma is a feisty, water-bug style of playmaker, she can get into the paint and create offense for everyone, plus she has shown she can score it in bunches at times. She had a nice grassroots season. 6-2 Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='1259573' first='Ally' last='Brown'] (6.0p, 6.0r, 1.1b) showed flashes of being a matchup problem for many opponents, and she will just get better with more repetitions. She is extremely long and does a nice job of helping to protect the paint. 5-5 Junior guard Jocelyn Luecke (4.8p, 1.2a, 1.2s), 5-7 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1228338' first='Hazel' last='Leffers'] (3.7p, 1.9r, 1.8a, 1.8s), and 5-8 Junior wing Anna Allebach (2.8p, 1.9r, 1.3a) all look to earn more opportunity after getting a nice taste of Varsity last season. Look for Leffers to potentially step into a starting role, as she continues to become more efficient with more strength and experience. New this year are 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='834952' first='Kyra' last='Lowe'] (3.4p, 1.8r, 1.4a, 1.8s), a transfer from South Bend Washington, 5-7 Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1229461' first='Jules' last='Leffers'], and 5-6 Freshman guard Ady Luecke. Each could add more punch to the backcourt. Lowe has started the last two years for the talented Panthers teams, and she could come into this situation and be a double-figure scorer from the outset. Needless to say, Whitko possesses a lot of talent, potential, and depth, and they should be an extremely tough "out" come February.   2. Rensselaer Central (26-3, State Runners-Up in 2024-2025) The Lady Bombers are the first of many teams on this list who return a couple of talented prospects, however, they must also overcome the loss of valuable productivity to graduation. They do return four of their top six players from a squad who made it all the way to the Class 2A State Championship game, so there is potential here for them to be dominant once again. 5-8 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='492323' first='Kamri' last='Rowland'] (14.9p, 7.2r, 2.4a, 3.1s) put together an outstanding Summer on the grassroots circuit. She is so strong, physical as a guard, and she is very well-rounded. She can handle the ball some and manage the offense, she is aggressive getting downhill North/South, and she has shown improved touch outside over the past six months. Backcourt running 'mate [player_tooltip player_id='756244' first='Courtney' last='Mathew'] (11.9p, 4.5r, 3.7a, 2.8s), a 5-10 Junior, is a handful for opponents as well, but for different reasons. Mathew is extremely long, quick-footed, and she can defend at an elite level against all types of guards and wings. Additionally, she handles the ball a lot, she can run or create offense, and she is starting to be more aggressive scoring it herself. Those two are quite a tandem against any opponent, but they'll need help in order to match last season's 26 wins. After those two, 5-8 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1357845' first='Brodie' last='Radtke'] (7.8p, 4.5r, 1.6a, 1.4s) and 5-7 Junior guard Alivia Cain (2.6p, 2.8r, 1.3a, 1.6s) add toughness and a defensive mindset to the mix. They could be asked to do a lot more offensively this year as well. Dealing with size could be an issue for the Lady Bombers this season, but they should remain one of the better teams in Class 2A all year.   3. Oak Hill (22-3 in 2024-2025) Oak Hill posted an outstanding record in 2024-2025, but they fell a few points short of winning a Sectional title. They do return seven of their top nine players from a year ago, so expectations remain high in Converse, Indiana. Leading the way is one of my favorite players to watch...5-6 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1137326' first='Landri' last='Hardman'] (8.6p, 3.2r, 4.7a, 3.3s). She is an excellent floor general, a capable shooter/scorer, plus she is a feisty defender. She is one of the best traditional point guards in Class 2A, and she is a talented multisport athlete for the Golden Eagles. 5-8 Junior wing Erika Newhouse (3.8p, 2.8r, 2.5a, 1.3s) should join Hardman in the backcourt. Newhouse brings the versatility and skill to play multiple positions, so they will need her to increase her production as a now-experienced Junior. Up front, Oak Hill has some size to turn to. 6-1 Sophomore post Brianna Dailey (7.5p, 3.9r) was the most productive per minute played, but she also played the fewest minutes per game of this group. She will look for an expanded role this season, and if she can take a "next step", she could be a major wildcard for them. 6-0 Senior forward/post Lydia Trexler (6.1p, 5.3r) patrols the paint and does a nice job of using her length and physicality to defend/rebound. 5-11 Junior forward Morgan Cates (4.4p, 5.1r, 1.1s) showed flashes at times of being a double-digit scorer in the future. She is a strong athlete with some versatility, and she tends to operate around the elbows and in the short corners. From there, Junior guards Kora Pond (2.1p, 1.1r) and Lilly Edwards (1.9p) should step into much bigger roles as key reserves. Oak Hill has guard play and size inside, so it's a matter of meshing well once again and remaining healthy in order for them to duplicate last season's success. They could be a problem all year in Class 2A   4. Heritage Christian (15-13, Regional Champs in 2024-2025) The Eagles are a perfect example of why you play tough games throughout the regular season to prepare you for the postseason. Heritage Christian was just 10-12 entering Sectional play a year ago, but the Eagles went on a tremendous run, making it all the way to the Semi-State Championship Game, eventually falling to State Champion South Knox. Look for them to use that same recipe this season. While the Eagles did suffer a couple of key graduation losses, they return six players who saw action in more than 20 games, including their leading scorer from a year ago. 5-10 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='999405' first='Riley' last='Johnson'] (14.7p, 3.5r, 1.4a, 2.0s) made quite the splash as a rookie, and she is one of the top Sophomores in the state, regardless of school classification. She is long, smooth, and highly skilled. Throughout the grassroots season, she looked stronger, played stronger, and was much more assertive offensively, scoring it well from all three levels while still being able to run the offense as a point guard. I wouldn't put it past her to be a 20 point per game scorer in her second Varsity season. 5-11 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='773844' first='Trinity' last='Taylor'] (7.0p, 13.1r, 1.2a) is a talented athlete, a solid defender, and a tremendous rebounder. She comes up with so many caroms outside of her area, and she keeps offensive possessions alive regularly. However, the Eagles will likely ask her to reach 10 to 12 points per game this season and be a better interior scorer. Senior forward Isabelle Papineau (1.6p, 2.4r), Junior guard Emma Gast (1.6p, 2.5r, 1.9s), 6-0 Junior post Sophie Gullion (1.3p, 2.4r), and Senior guard Natalie Curnutt (1.2p, 2.5r, 1.5s) have each seen plenty of action, but they haven't been asked to put up huge numbers. Collectively, that could very well be asked of them this season. I won't go as far as to say the Eagles will make the run they did a year ago, but if they can find an offensive costar to add to Johnson's nightly performances, they could be well on their way back.   5. Benton Central (17-8 in 2024-2025) Benton Central is the definition of a "program", and the Bison are built on consistency by utilizing their normal modus operandi of rotational, hard-working defense, rebounding, and efficient offense. Through 15 seasons with their current coach, the Bison have won 10 Sectional titles, 3 Regional titles, and they have been the State Runners-Up on two occasions (2011 & 2019, both in Class 3A). Why should we think this year's team would be built any differently? Last season, they saw several younger ladies take the floor and earn their stripes. Now, the Bison look to challenge Rensselaer Central once again for the Sectional #37 crown. 5-10 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1092447' first='McKenna' last='Yadon'] (10.6p, 6.7r, 1.2a, 1.7s) is the lone returning double-figure scorer. She is a versatile, inside-out forward who will primarily play in the mid-post, however, she can battle inside, and she can step outside from time to time as well. 6-2 Junior post Azlee Reynolds (5.8p, 3.1r) looks to be a bigger presence in the paint this season, especially defensively. She brings nice size, strength, and some attitude to the frontcourt. 5-6 Sophomore point guard Khloe Goodman (4.8p, 3.0r, 2.1a, 2.0s) saw quality time as a rookie, and now she could step into the full-time lead guard role for the Bison. She is a breakout candidate for Benton Central, now that she has seen Varsity action firsthand. Junior guards Madison Minniear, Emma Hinds, and Violet Hardebeck all strive for a bigger opportunity this year as well, and a couple of people will be needed to round out the starting lineup. As these youngsters settle in and figure out their roles, look for Benton Central to only trend up as the season wears on.   6. Northeastern (24-2, Sectional Champs in 2024-2025) The Northeastern Lady Knights look to win their third consecutive Sectional title, but to do so, they must overcome the graduation of their point guard, plus two other key members of the 2025 class. At the same time, every other competitor in Sectional #44 has suffered major losses as well, so the Lady Knights will start well out in front of the pack. 5-5 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486539' first='Adysson' last='Kircher'] (17.0p, 2.7r, 2.2a, 3.6s) will wrap up her stellar career, but this year she might also be asked to carry on a little more of the ball-handling load at times, which she is capable of doing. She is an electric scorer, though, so I don't expect her to miss a beat in that capacity. 6-1 Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='751083' first='Karri' last='Gammon'] (7.1p, 5.3r, 1.0s) and 5-11 Junior forward Mackenzie Johnson (6.2p, 5.0r, 1.1a, 1.2s) solidify the frontcourt with their strength, physicality, and experience. Gammon could very well approach double-double averages this season. 6-0 Junior [player_tooltip player_id='751075' first='Jayden' last='Hildebrand'] can help up front as well. 5-8 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='773829' first='Brooklynne' last='Adams'] (2.5p, 2.7r) is a hustler who does a lot of the "little things" to help the Lady Knights win games. There are also a pair of newcomers who should affect the Varsity immediately. 5-5 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='992359' first='Kendall' last='Patterson'] transferred into the Fountain City school after starting for much of her rookie season at nearby Winchester. She should add quickness and athleticism to the backcourt, plus she's a solid defender. Also, 5-6 Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1264770' first='Fiona' last='Breitenbach'] seems to be that "next" guard ready to learn the ropes and take the reins into the future. She is a versatile combo guard who does a little of everything, and the Knights are hopeful she can handle it quite a bit and alleviate some of the pressure off of Kircher. Look for the green & gold to lead Sectional #44 once again this season.   7. South Knox (28-2, State Champs in 2024-2025) South Knox had a dream season in 2024-2025, finishing 28-2 with their only losses coming at the hands of Class 4A's Hamilton Southeastern and Homestead, and making the run to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to collect the Class 2A trophy. Then they graduated their top two players, along with other 2025s, but they do have some talent waiting for their turn. 5-8 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='756236' first='Kendal' last='Hill'] (13.7p, 5.8r, 7.4a, 3.8s) was fantastic at the point as a Sophomore, but she suffered a knee injury in the Spring, so it might take a little time for her to find her groove once again this year. She is skilled, talented, and could become their leading scorer, however. 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1275573' first='Grace' last='Detweiler'] (7.4p, 2.6r, 1.3a, 1.1s) is another talented backcourt member who possesses good length, athleticism, and she is a skilled shooter. After performing her role well as a Sophomore, I look for her to make a big jump and be a double-figure scorer this season. 5-9 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1256497' first='Madison' last='Parrish'] (5.2p, 2.2r, 1.0a) is one of those kids who plays much bigger than she is. She is tough, athletic, and she's willing to do a lot of the "little things" that impact winning. Her defensive efforts helped the Spartans compete during the Hall of Fame Tournament last season. 5-9 Junior wing Ellie Burke (2.9p, 2.2r) has some similarities to Parrish in that way, and she will also fight for a starting spot in 2025-2026. While 5-6 Junior guard Kalissa Lavely (1.6p), 5-5 Senior guard Sarah French (1.6p), 5-8 Junior wing Layla Thomas (1.0p), and 5-9 Sophomore wing Brynley Millspaugh (0.5p) didn't play major minutes last year, each played in 22 or more games and look to make a bigger mark this time around. It's improbable that South Knox will repeat its 28 wins this year. However, if they can figure things out by Christmas, look for them to be a highly competitive state contender once January rolls around.   8. Brownstown Central (22-6, Regional Champs in 2024-2025) The Lady Braves of Brownstown Central just keep plugging along, as last season they posted their ninth consecutive season with at least 15 wins, plus they added another Regional Championship to their tally. While they graduated a couple of key starters from the last few years, they did add back a skilled youngster who missed the entire 2024-2025 season. When I was able to see them, the Lady Braves looked solid in June, and I think they could still cause problems in Class 2A. Their most talented returnee is 5-9 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='928931' first='Sophie' last='Wischmeier'] (8.6p, 8.2r, 1.5a, 1.8s). She is a skilled multisport athlete who can play just about any role they need in the moment. She can defend multiple positions, she's a willing and effortful rebounder, plus she can score at all three levels but often doesn't force the action. 5-6 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486520' first='Harley' last='Toppe'] (11.2p, 1.9r, 2.2a, 1.7s) has always been a dangerous perimeter shooter who played off of others, but this season she might transition into more of a primary ball-handler role. In June, she got comfortable there and was extremely feisty defensively. If she can continue to balance scoring with distribution, I think she could be a breakout star this Winter, despite already averaging 11.2 points per game last season. I am also intrigued by 5-9 Senior forward Hailey Hobson. She is extremely long & wiry, fairly fluid, somewhat bouncy, and she has shown flashes of playing at each level. She uses her length well defensively and on the boards. 5-8 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='486510' first='Jada' last='Miller'] also returns experience and does a nice job of rebounding and defending around the elbows. One player who could make a big difference, literally and figuratively, is 6-1 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='750165' first='Claire' last='Brock']. She opted not to play last Winter but was present again by June. She is skilled, fairly athletic, and hard-working inside, while flashing some perimeter skill. With very little size on their schedule, she could dominate around the block this Winter. One thing is for certain...Brownstown will always compete, they will play with poise and patience, and they will defend. I wouldn't be surprised if they are once again still playing in mid to late-February.   9. Monrovia (19-8, Sectional Champs in 2024-2025) Following a 19-8 season and their first Sectional title in nine years, the Monrovia Bulldogs might be even better over the next two seasons, despite graduating their second leading scorer who was a 4-year starter. Why? The remainder of the roster was very young, though skilled and talented, plus the Bulldogs welcome a sizeable transfer. 5-11 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='999443' first='Zoie' last='Walls'] (14.4p, 8.8r, 1.6a, 3.6s) made an instant impact as a rookie. She is extremely long, fluidly athletic, and she is skilled at all three levels. She could very well be a 20-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist point forward type in the next season or two. 5-6 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='751061' first='Grace' last='Deaton'] (10.6p, 2.3r, 1.7a, 1.7s) is another perimeter threat who can fill it up outside or create offense for others. She possesses speed & quickness, and she can get after it defensively as well. 5-5 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='751036' first='Allie' last='Tallent'] (7.8p, 3.2r, 2.2a, 1.8s) is a skillful guard who should be the Bulldogs' primary ball-handler this season. She plays with her head up, scanning the floor, and she is a more-than-willing passer. Tallent is also a feisty defender. Add to that 5-8 Junior forward Camryn Wolfe (8.8p, 4.0r, 1.1a, 1.5s), a tough-nosed, hard-working rebounder who can also score it in a variety of spots, and Monrovia has four returning starters who are each capable of big nights. But that's not all! In comes 6-1 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='992529' first='Brynlee' last='Hamblin'] (4.3p, 3.7r, 1.0s, 1.0b), a transfer from Class 4A Martinsville High School. Hamblin is a long, wiry-strong, bouncy frontcourt athlete who will add a nice interior presence to the above group of guards and wings. If anything, she was the missing piece position-wise last year. Monrovia will definitely compete for a Sectional title once again, but they might also be a Semi-State caliber squad by season's end.   10. Triton Central (14-9 in 2024-2025) Triton Central has the pedigree of a Sectional Champion, and they have posted double-digit losses only one time (16-11 in 2015-2016) in their head coach's 17 years at the helm. Needless to say, they are going to be a tough "out" once again this Winter. The Lady Tigers didn't graduate a starter, but they did lose a key starter to transfer. However, they do return their top three scorers from a year ago. 5-8 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486559' first='Maryrose' last='Felling'] (22.2p, 6.4r, 2.2a, 2.6s) is back for her final season, and she is a dangerous weapon. She is a knockdown shooter from the perimeter, she can handle the ball and run offense, and she has a toughness to her and will go inside to rebound. Felling will graduate as one of the all-time greats for Triton Central, so expect for her to go out on top her Senior season. 5-4 Junior guard Quinn King (7.8p, 2.3r, 5.0a, 3.2s) settled in nicely last year as the primary ball-handler, but she'll likely be asked to score a little more this time around as well. She could easily be a 12-point, 6-assist lead guard in 2025-2026. 5-6 Junior forward Sophia Burbrink (6.4p, 3.7r, 1.2a, 1.0s) is a bit undersized, but she battles and more than makes up for it with productivity. 5-5 Junior guard Kate Collier (5.7p, 3.3r, 2.3a, 1.7s), 5-5 Junior guard Layla Compton (4.0p, 3.9r, 2.5a, 1.4s), and 5-8 Senior forward Cheyenne Allen (2.2p, 1.5r) all look for bigger roles this season, but they each have plenty of past experience. The Tigers definitely aren't very big, at least not within their experienced returnees, so if they can figure out how to defend the interior, they have enough balance and firepower offensively to keep up with most opponents.   .   10 more Class 2A schools to keep an eye on: Austin, Bremen, Covenant Christian, Eastern Hancock, Lapel, Lewis Cass, North Knox, North Posey, Our Lady of Providence, and Southmont

As we begin the 2025-2026 season, I wanted to circle back after previewing all 16 of the Class 2A sectionals and offer my thoughts on who I think could be the Top 10 teams throughout the class over the course of the season. Class 2A is a tricky one this year, as there were no fewer than 26 teams who I could have made an argument for as Top 10 teams. I don't know that there are any "obvious" picks at this time of year, just a lot of fan favorites. These are just simple predictions based on a combination of program history, returning talent, and prospects who might be entering the fold for the first time this year, offering them a nice boost to their rosters.