Four Teams in the 2026 Indiana Girls’ Hall of Fame Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 Henry Community Health Girls' Hall of Fame Classic could feature four of the top teams in Indiana girls basketball next season, as&nbsp;<strong>Pendleton Heights, Franklin Central, Northridge, and McCutcheon</strong>&nbsp;all enter the year with legitimate state championship aspirations. Between returning stars, Indiana Miss Basketball candidates, experienced lineups, and rising young talent, this event could showcase some of the very best basketball in the state at the historic&nbsp;New Castle Fieldhouse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Henry Community Health Girls' Hall of Fame Classic Schedule</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday, December 21, 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>11:00 a.m. – <strong>Pendleton Heights vs McCutcheon</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>To follow – <strong>Franklin Central vs Northridge</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>6:00 p.m. – Consolation Game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>To follow – Championship Game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the level of talent returning for each program, this event already feels like an early-season preview of teams capable of making deep postseason runs and potentially competing for a state championship by the end of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Pendleton Heights Arabian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few teams in the state may enter next season with as much excitement and balance as&nbsp;<strong>Pendleton Heights</strong>. The Arabians already had one of the better returning foundations in Indiana, but the addition of transfer guard [player_tooltip player_id='992346' first='Ella' last='Burleson'] only strengthens a roster that now looks capable of competing for a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leading the way is senior forward and Indiana Miss Basketball candidate&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750718' first='Adah' last='Hupfer']</strong>, who continues to establish herself as one of the premier players in the state. Hupfer impacts games in nearly every category with her scoring ability, rebounding, versatility, and leadership. Her ability to dominate inside while also stretching defenses makes her one of the toughest matchups in Indiana girls basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The addition of&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992346' first='Ella' last='Burleson']</strong>&nbsp;gives Pendleton Heights another major weapon in the backcourt. Burleson's shooting ability and ball handling should help take pressure off the offense while giving the Arabians another reliable playmaker. Her skill set complements Hupfer extremely well and adds more balance to an already dangerous team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Pendleton Heights especially dangerous is the combination of star power and roster fit. They have experience, leadership, scoring, and versatility — all qualities that championship teams typically possess. The expectations will be high, but the Arabians appear built to handle them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Franklin Central Flashes</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future continues to look bright for&nbsp;<strong>Franklin Central</strong>, and next season may be the year the Flashes fully emerge as one of Indiana's top championship contenders. Built around a loaded 2027 class and strengthened by additional young talent, Franklin Central has the depth and athleticism to compete with anyone in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The backcourt trio of&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756239' first='Riley' last='Huotari']</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692561' first='Ashlee' last='Baker']</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137311' first='Aniya' last='Doughty']</strong>&nbsp;gives Franklin Central one of the more versatile guard groups in Indiana. Huotari's leadership and playmaking at the point guard position help control the pace, while Baker provides perimeter scoring and shot-making ability. Doughty adds toughness, athleticism, and energy on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Flashes also return important contributors in&nbsp;<strong>Payton Duvall</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751048' first='Carly' last='Holmes']</strong>, giving the roster additional experience and depth. Their ability to contribute in multiple areas helps create a balanced lineup capable of adapting to different matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more exciting additions is sophomore guard&nbsp;<strong>Journee Washington</strong>, whose talent and upside could make an immediate impact. Washington brings athleticism and offensive ability that could elevate the ceiling of this team even further.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin Central's overall depth may be what separates them from many teams across the state. They have multiple players capable of stepping up on any given night, and with another year of chemistry and development together, the Flashes look poised to make a serious run toward a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Northridge Raiders</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After reaching the semi-state level last season,&nbsp;<strong>Northridge</strong>&nbsp;enters the upcoming year with confidence, experience, and one of the deeper returning rosters in the state. The Raiders already proved they could compete at a high level, and now they bring back many of the key pieces responsible for that success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A major reason for optimism is the return of three of the team's top scorers:&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834963' first='Lily' last='Scholl']</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1006209' first='Zoe' last='Yeater']</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Alli Ambers</strong>. Each player brings a different strength offensively, giving Northridge a balanced attack that can pressure defenses in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scholl provides scoring consistency and experience, while Yeater's versatility allows her to impact the game inside and out. Ambers continues to be an important contributor with her ability to make plays offensively and compete defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out most about Northridge is their chemistry and experience together. Teams that make deep tournament runs often benefit greatly from continuity, and the Raiders have plenty of it returning. Their understanding of one another, combined with postseason experience, should make them one of the toughest teams in Indiana next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a deep roster and players who already know what it takes to win in March, Northridge has all the ingredients necessary to make another serious push toward a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>McCutcheon Mavericks</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anytime a team returns a player like&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751095' first='Lillie' last='Graves']</strong>, expectations are naturally going to rise. For&nbsp;<strong>McCutcheon</strong>, the upcoming season presents a major opportunity to compete at the highest level with one of the state's premier players leading the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graves, an Indiana Miss Basketball candidate, is one of the most impactful players in Indiana girls basketball. Her offensive ability, leadership, and competitiveness make her the centerpiece of a McCutcheon roster designed to maximize its championship potential. Whether scoring, creating offense, or leading in key moments, Graves gives the Mavericks a player capable of taking over games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCutcheon also benefits from the return of two major contributors in&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='890800' first='Keara' last='Lipscomb-Allen']</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751038' first='Ameria' last='Gibson']</strong>. Both players provide important support around Graves and help create a balanced roster capable of competing deep into the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lipscomb-Allen brings toughness, energy, and valuable experience, while Gibson's ability to contribute offensively and defensively adds another layer to the team's success. Together, they help form a strong supporting cast around one of the state's biggest stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mavericks appear built for winning basketball. They have leadership, experience, talent, and a roster that understands its identity. If everything comes together, McCutcheon has a legitimate opportunity to compete for a state championship next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->