2026 Indiana Girls Basketball June League: Day One Standouts

Summer basketball officially tipped off Wednesday, June 3, at Finch Creek Fieldhouse, providing one of the first opportunities to see Indiana high school programs back on the court as preparations begin for the 2026-27 season.   While games were also being played at the Pacers Athletic Center, my focus remained at Finch Creek, where several varsity programs showcased their talent throughout the day. Among the teams I was able to evaluate were Anderson, Lawrence North, Greenfield-Central, Bishop Chatard, New Palestine, Heritage Christian, and New Castle.   The June Summer League has become one of the most valuable evaluation periods in Indiana girls basketball. Open to freshman, junior varsity, and varsity programs, the weekly competition allows coaches, players, recruiters, and fans to get an early glimpse of what the upcoming season could look like. These games will continue every Wednesday throughout the month of June, giving teams multiple opportunities to grow, experiment with lineups, and build chemistry before the fall.   From the moment the first games tipped off, there was a noticeable energy throughout the gym. Fans and coaches were eager to see how players would adjust to new roles, while several athletes took the floor wearing different jerseys after offseason transfers. Those storylines naturally drew attention, but perhaps the biggest anticipation surrounded the highly regarded Class of 2030, as many young players made their first appearances alongside their high school programs.Throughout the day, several players separated themselves with strong performances, displaying the skill, confidence, and competitiveness that coaches love to see this time of year. This notebook will highlight the athletes who stood out most during Wednesday's action at Finch Creek and examine why they made an impression as the summer evaluation period gets underway.   One thing became clear after opening night: Indiana girls basketball is once again loaded with talent, and if Wednesday was any indication, June is going to provide plenty of storylines worth following.    [player_tooltip player_id='1263966' first='Jordyn' last='Suggs'] looked every bit the part of a player ready for a breakout season and another successful year leading her team. Ranked among the state's top prospects, Suggs showed why she is considered one of the best in her class and may have positioned herself to climb even higher in future rankings.   Throughout her games against Greenfield-Central and Anderson, Suggs consistently found ways to score by getting to her spots offensively. She displayed a well-rounded skill set, scoring with her back to the basket, knocking down 15-foot jump shots, and stepping out to the perimeter to connect from beyond the arc. Her versatility made her difficult to defend and allowed her to impact the game from multiple areas of the floor.   What stood out most was the growth in her game. The confidence, polish, and expanded offensive package were clear signs of the work she has put in during the offseason. Suggs appeared stronger, more comfortable, and more efficient in her decision-making. If her performance on Wednesday is any indication, she is poised for a tremendous summer and could be one of the biggest difference-makers in Indiana girls basketball this season.     The best player in the gym on Wednesday left little doubt about her status, as [player_tooltip player_id='990044' first='Riley' last='Schellhammer'] put together another impressive performance to begin her junior season. Returning as one of Indiana's premier talents, Schellhammer was outstanding on both ends of the floor and played a major role in Greenfield-Central's strong start to summer league action, including an impressive victory over Lawrence North.   What continues to separate Schellhammer is her ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Offensively, she consistently got to her spots, whether attacking the basket, creating space for a mid-range jumper, or knocking down shots from the perimeter. Her jump shot remains one of the most reliable weapons in the state, seemingly finding the bottom of the net every time it leaves her hands. She displayed tremendous feel for the game, making quick reads, creating opportunities for teammates, and taking over when her team needed a basket. Her pace, decision-making, and overall skill set were on full display throughout the evening.   Schellhammer finished the night with 16 points against Lawrence North and followed that up with 20 points against New Palestine, proving once again why she is one of the most feared and respected players in Indiana girls basketball. If Wednesday was any indication, she is poised for another dominant season and will continue to be a player college coaches and fans closely follow throughout the summer.     [player_tooltip player_id='1263932' first='Heavynne' last='Beard'] is a guard opposing teams will need to keep a close eye on this summer due to the way she competes on both ends of the floor. After taking on a demanding and important role last season as a primary ball-handler, Beard appears to have embraced the responsibility that comes with playing the point guard position at a high level.   Watching her on Wednesday, she looked noticeably more poised and confident, showing growth in her ability to manage the game and help elevate Lawrence North's overall play. She has a steady presence on the floor, and her ability to stay composed under pressure stood out throughout her matchups.   Beard brings a strong combination of athleticism and confidence that translates well in transition and in half-court situations. She competes defensively, applies pressure, and doesn't shy away from physical matchups, which sets the tone for her team. Offensively, she is continuing to develop her reads and decision-making, showing flashes of a guard who can run a team efficiently.   Based on her progression and overall impact, Beard looks like a player who could find her way into the rankings sooner rather than later. Her growth trajectory and willingness to embrace a leadership role suggest she has the tools and mindset to continue developing into a strong next-level prospect for the future.     There is another Schellhammer making her way into the Indiana high school basketball scene, and her name is Britt. On Wednesday night, fans got a reminder that basketball talent runs in the family, as Britt and her sister Riley shared the same court in varsity competition for the first time in quite a while since their youth days.   Britt “Dog” Schellhammer quickly made her presence felt with a competitive edge and mentality that stood out well beyond her class level. The nickname fits the way she plays—tough, engaged, and not afraid of the moment. Despite being a freshman, she does not play like one. Her high basketball IQ and natural feel for the game allow her to operate with composure in pressure situations.   As a ball-handler, Britt showed a steady hand and good decision-making, helping her team maintain flow offensively while adjusting to the pace of varsity summer play. She is comfortable handling the basketball, doesn't get sped up easily, and plays with a confidence that suggests she will continue to grow into a larger role as her career progresses.   Offensively, she contributed in multiple ways, finishing the night with 9 points against Lawrence North and 5 points against New Palestine. Beyond the numbers, what stood out most was her willingness to compete and her ability to stay engaged on both ends of the floor.     This was my first time watching Olivia in action, and she immediately stood out with the way she competes on both ends of the floor. From the opening moments, she played with confidence and purpose, showing she is not afraid of the moment or the physicality of summer competition.   What was most impressive was her shooting ability. Olivia showed a smooth, repeatable stroke and the confidence to let it fly when opportunities presented themselves. She consistently found ways to get to her spots and knocked down shots at a high level, forcing defenses to adjust throughout the game.   Beyond her scoring, she also competed well defensively, staying active and engaged on that end of the floor. That two-way effort helped her maintain a strong overall impact on the game rather than just being a scorer. Olivia finished the game with 23 points, a strong statement performance in a first viewing and an encouraging sign of what she can bring to her team moving forward in the summer league season.     [player_tooltip player_id='999405' first='Riley' last='Johnson'] looked sharp offensively, showing the ability to get to virtually any spot on the floor and operate comfortably within her offensive game. From the opening moments, she displayed confidence and rhythm, making it clear she was in control of her scoring opportunities.   Johnson's versatility stood out most. She was able to score at all three levels, whether creating space for mid-range looks, attacking gaps to get downhill, or stepping out and knocking down shots from distance. Her ability to stretch the floor and remain effective from multiple areas made her a consistent offensive threat throughout the game. What made her performance even more notable was how easily she was able to generate those looks within the flow of play. She didn't force action—she simply found her spots and capitalized.   If this type of offensive rhythm continues, Johnson has the potential to be a reliable scoring piece and a tough matchup for opposing defenses throughout the summer and into the upcoming season.     [player_tooltip player_id='992221' first='Brooklyn' last='Crim'] was effective around the basket, showing a strong ability to finish through contact and convert at the rim throughout the night. She played with confidence in the paint and consistently found ways to turn opportunities into points.   Her teammates also did a good job of finding her in scoring position, allowing Crim to stay active offensively and capitalize on high-percentage looks. Crim finished the night with 19 points, continuing to show growth as an interior scoring option.   If her current development carries into the upcoming season, she looks poised to increase her production and surpass her scoring average from last year, especially as she continues to expand her offensive consistency and impact.     [player_tooltip player_id='991171' first='Kihanna' last='Mellanson'] is quickly emerging as one of the more steady and effective point guards in the 2027 class. She brings a strong feel for the game at the lead guard position, showing an ability to control tempo, manage possessions, and keep her team organized throughout stretches of play.   What stands out most is her balance as a floor general. Mellanson is not just focused on facilitating—she is also willing to score when the opportunity presents itself. That dual threat makes her difficult to guard and allows Heritage Christian's offense to stay more dynamic and unpredictable.   Her ability to operate with poise while still playing with an attacking mindset gives her value beyond her years, especially in summer competition where pace and decision-making are constantly tested. With a strong core returning, Heritage Christian has reason to believe it can make a deeper postseason run, and Mellanson's continued growth at the point guard position will be a key factor in that trajectory moving forward.

Summer basketball officially tipped off Wednesday, June 3, at Finch Creek Fieldhouse, providing one of the first opportunities to see Indiana high school programs back on the court as preparations begin for the 2026-27 season.