FRIGHT NIGHT Feature

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's All Hallow's Eve, the children are out Trick or Treating, but something in the air has you on notice. A sound, a scent, or just a general feeling...then you realize...just around the corner, less than 48 hours away, is the beginning of the 2026-2027 high school basketball season. So, you start to think about what you've seen these last few years and realize what has haunted you and/or your favorite team. Below are some "scary" superlatives as we head into the start of the IHSAA season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">ALARMING ASSASSIN</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1267070"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae6c6ff99282"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top 2029s in Indiana, Lillian had a strong Freshman year, averaging 14.4 points per game on one of the tougher schedules for the Shamrocks. The long, fluid, and smooth combo guard likely still haunts the Pike Red Devils, as she had her breakout game of the season last November 25th, scoring 33 points on 13-21 from the field and 7-14 from 3-point range. On the season, this long-range sniper shot an impressive 40% from outside, knocking down 76 of the 188 long bombs she attempted.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">DANGEROUSLY DEVIOUS</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1690461"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae6c6ff992b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another from a strong 2029 class, Jaliyah did a little of everything for the Harrison Warriors last Winter. But the one area where she stood out that gave opposing coaches nightmares was in her defensive effort. A strong, compact, but athletic point guard prospect, Jaliyah is a confident and aggressive on-ball defender, and she managed to pick up 137 steals for a 6.0 steal-per-game average. She has such quick hands to pair with her fast feet and athleticism, that she just creates constant havoc for her Pocket City peers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">VERSATILE VILLAIN</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["834925"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae6c6ff992e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It seems like "K.P." has been terrorizing opponents for nearly a decade, and with the career stats she possesses, you might be shocked she has done it in just three seasons thus far. The 2026 Indiana Junior All-Star is a strong, athletic, energetic forward who currently sits at 1578 points, 832 rebounds, and 251 steals, with career averages of 25.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 4.1 steals per game. This season, she looks to lead Morton to postseason success, as she has some talented running 'mates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">TERRIFYING &amp; TORMENTING</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750718"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae6c6ff99308"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Just like the lead in a horror movie, Adah never gives up and just keeps coming and coming and coming, and in a variety of ways. She has the size, strength, and presence to intimidate her opponents in and around the paint, plus she has good hands and strong finishing moves. She's "doubled up" throughout her career and last year she averaged 20.5 points and 13.0 rebounds per game. And when you think you've finally contained her, she steps outside and buries 3-pointers or makes a tremendous pass to a cutting teammate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">SIMPLY GHOULISH</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1657598"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae6c6ff99327"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Why is it always the creative and crafty ones you must watch out for? Quinn is exactly that and is primed for a big season at Triton Central. Not only does she combine quickness, speed, and a real feistiness on the court, but she is also skilled, disruptive, and always energetic. She talks constantly, she's always around the basketball, and she is simply a playmaker for her team. As a Junior, Quinn averaged 7.6 assists per game, finding open teammates regularly, plus she picked up 4.4 steals per contest, while averaging 12.3 points as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">PURE EXPLOSION</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["879936"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae6d7a1c88bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">From when I first saw Janaya between 7th and 8th Grade, to the Summer following her Freshman year, to today, Janaya has never disappointed as one of the best athletes in the country. She has gotten stronger and more physical over the years, but her pure explosion, combined with her developing skill and understanding of the game, and she is definitely one of the best athletes in the Midwest. Speaking of her skillset, Janaya has worked tremendously hard on her handle and her ability to shoot it from outside. She has become SCARY good!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">UNHERALDED HERO</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751050"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae6d7a1c88ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Every tale needs a hero, and oftentimes they fly under the radar until the end. Chesney is one of the best basketball players in all of Southern Indiana, and unfortunately, she doesn't always get her "due". She works extremely hard, she's very athletic, and her game is multifaceted. Last year she averaged a double-double with 21.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. She buried a whopping 56% of her shots from the field and dominated defenders around the block, but she also shot 31% from '3' and 73% from the charity stripe.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->