Season Preview: Argos to Bedford

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='743641' first='Kaylin' last='Kathmann'] (2027) from Batesville High School.   The 2026-2027 Indiana High School girls' basketball season is set to tip off on Monday, November 2nd, with Daleville visiting Alexandria-Monroe, and Perry Central headed to Cannelton. With that said, it's time to begin our annual season previews. In the past, I've typically grouped them by the Sectional/Regional format and gone from one classification to the next. This year, however, I wanted to try something different. Each article to come will feature 8 to 10 different programs from around the state, arranged alphabetically, so people are more "aware" of all the teams throughout the state and don't simply look at only their own Sectional/Regional. There are a number of talented players, and each should get their due, not just locally, but throughout the state as well. With that said, below is a look at Argos through Bedford North Lawrence.   .   Argos Community H.S. (Argos, IN)   The Argos Dragons had a tough go of it following the graduation of key pieces in 2025. They finished last year 2-21 and averaged just 22.1 points per game. They could have another uphill battle, as Ellie Bollenbacher (9.5p, 6.2r, 1.4s) and Lexi Gibson (3.5p, 3.0r, 1.1s) graduated in 2026, taking 13.0 of those points per game with them. Still, the Dragons were able to find a number of underclassmen playing time last year, and if they can find any offense, they could be an experienced, scrappy team otherwise. Senior forward Kinzlee Kelly (3.3p, 1.7r) tops Argos in returning scoring. Senior point guard Leah Pizzuto (3.2p, 3.5r, 1.0a, 1.1s) should maintain ball-handling responsibilities, plus she's an effective rebounder. Sophomore guards Abrianna Reynolds (1.6p, 2.4r) and Peytyn Willis (1.4p) saw some action as rookies and could step into much bigger roles this season.   .   Arsenal Technical H.S. (Indianapolis, IN)   It has been 11 seasons since Tech had a winning record, but they could be on the cusp of that in 2026-2027. With no graduates in their top 6 players from a year ago, and coming off of a season in which they were 7-13, they could possibly approach the .500 mark this year. The Titans get strong play from 5-5 Junior guard Yazmin Fleming (14.6p, 5.0r, 1.8a, 2.0s). She is a legitimate scoring threat and a nice all-around athlete and defender. 5-7 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1729500' first='Maliyah' last='Price'] (4.5p, 6.3r, 1.2a, 1.2s) brings toughness to the court, as she is also a good rebounder and defender for Arsenal Tech. A real "sleeper" could be 6-1 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='1920085' first='Janiya' last='Sanders'] (4.0p, 8.9r, 2.8b). She is a nice presence in the paint defensively, and she has figured out how to rebound, defend, and block shots. If she can add just a couple consistent back-to-the-basket moves offensively, she could be a legitimate double-double threat each time out. 5-7 forward Tay'Yana Hardy (2.1p, 4.2r) and 6-0 post Nariya Marshall (1.3p, 3.3r) are two more Seniors who can help on the interior, while 5-6 guard Troi Bledsoe (1.5p, 2.5r) is a Sophomore who saw plenty of action last season.   .   Attica H.S. (Attica, IN)   The Red Ramblers were a modest 7-19 a year ago, falling in the Sectional Semifinal to Fountain Central High School. However, they improved significantly from an earlier season thrashing by those same Mustangs and avenged two regular season losses to Covington in the opening round of Sectional #53 play. 5-7 Junior point guard Mallory Pierce looks to lead the Red Ramblers into action this Winter, having started since she was a Freshman. 5-7 Junior forward Bailey Watkins provides some interior defense and rebounding, while 5-7 Sophomore wing Grace Vredenburgh should pair nicely with Pierce in the backcourt. 5-6 Senior guard Addy Wilderman is a veteran who returns experience and should compete for a starting spot this year. It looks like Attica is without the services of Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1052803' first='Kendyl' last='Nolan'] this year, as she is no longer listed on their MaxPreps roster. She started for the Red Ramblers each of her first two years.   .   Austin H.S. (Austin, IN)   For the first time in five years, the Austin Eagles will be without the services of 2026 graduate Brynn Owens (26.4p, 5.8r, 4.2a, 3.5s). She was an all-time great, a record-setter, and someone who will be terribly difficult to replace. Additionally, forward Ally Davidson and guard Jaleigh Schepman also earned their diplomas, and they were key cogs in the 72 wins from 2022-2026. Austin should continue to win double-figure games, but Sectional #45 has some historically good programs in there, and a Sectional Championship isn't a given for anyone. Excitement does surround the return of 5-10 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='880843' first='Braelly' last='Stagnolia'] (6.1p, 3.3r, 1.1a, 1.1s). Stagnolia was able to see quality minutes in big games, but with little pressure, surrounded by last year's Senior class, however, she will likely turn into a go-to player for the Eagles moving forward. She's a nice athlete, she's skilled in the mid-post and around the perimeter, plus she plays with a nice motor. 5-6 Senior guard Abree Foga and 5-9 Junior forward Emma Ousley will be counted on much more, plus Sophomores Kyra Rousch and Aubrey White could be in line for a bigger opportunity as well. Don't count out the Eagles by any means, but replacing Owens' offense will be a tough ask and a collective effort.   .   Avon H.S. (Avon, IN)   It's been a few years since Avon had multiple players with size, and they've frustrated opponents with their speed, quickness, and ability to create havoc defensively. Now, though, they have a nice combination of good guard play, coupled with a pair of talented "bigs" who can help them inside. Following a 9-15 record and a Sectional Semifinal loss to Pike, the Orioles will look to get on the plus side of .500. The graduation loss of guard Makaylee Butts (8.1p, 3.2r, 2.4a, 2.5s) does hurt a little, but returning their leading scorer and 6 of their top 7 should keep them competitive once again. 5-3 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1690459' first='Saniyah' last='Davenport'] (10.4p, 3.4r, 2.2a, 2.4s) put together a tremendous rookie campaign and led the Orioles in scoring. She is a dynamic shooter/scorer and should be even better in year-2. 5-6 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='751031' first='Aaliyah' last='Carruthers'] (8.0p, 2.2r, 1.0a) is a nice complement to Davenport, because she is a strong, physical, assertive attacker who can finish through contact. Carruthers is also a talented defender and had a great grassroots season. 5-6 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='992526' first='Ahlai' last='Harris'] (5.8p, 2.3r, 1.5a, 1.7s) was a nice surprise this Summer. She is a steady, strong, and high IQ lead guard who doesn't force the action. From there, the Orioles have a pair of 6-2 problems who opponents must deal with. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='934000' first='Erika' last='Larson'] (6.3p, 5.8r, 1.2s, 1.7b) is a long, wiry-strong athlete who has skill facing the basket in the mid-post, plus she's a versatile defender. Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id='1293057' first='Angel' last='Omale'] (3.0p, 5.0r) is a talented athlete who can rebound and defend, plus she gained good experience as a Freshman last season. She could be a breakout candidate with this collection of guards on hand. 5-9 Junior wing Elaina Narvell (4.5p, 3.7r, 1.0a, 1.2s) adds to their depth and gives them another experienced player. They won't necessarily be the Sectional #11 favorite, but they could definitely frustrate and upset someone along the way.   .   Barr-Reeve H.S. (Montgomery, IN)   Barr-Reeve had an odd season in 2025-2026. They lost their first three games of the year and their last three games of the year, but they were 12-3 in the middle of the season, finishing 12-9 overall. The graduation of leading scorer and rebounder Josie Knepp (12.1p, 7.0r, 2.0a, 2.6s) will definitely affect the Vikings, especially early this season, but they do return several experienced players as well. 5-7 Senior wing Paighton Parsons (8.8p, 3.1r, 2.6s), 5-9 Senior forward Cadence Burch (7.7p, 5.0r, 1.1s), and 5-7 Junior guard Shelby Dobson (6.6p, 3.5r, 1.5a, 1.1s) bring stability to the lineup, and each will have the opportunity to step up into a bigger role. 5-9 Senior forward Lilly Lottes (4.0p, 1.5r, 1.3a, 1.0s), 5-6 Junior forward Shay Knepp (1.6p, 3.8r), plus Sophomore Evelyn Wright (1.4p) each saw action in 18 or more games last year, and all will battle to be a part of the regular rotation. Barr-Reeve might not be a ranked team in Sectional #62, but they can be competitive in their field.   .   Batesville H.S. (Batesville, IN)   The Batesville Bulldogs always seem to have a nice collection of athletes, with solid size, length, and skill. Coming off a campaign that saw them finish 12-13, losing to rival Greensburg in the Sectional #29 Semifinals, they return everyone and are primed to take a major step forward in 2026-2027. 5-10 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1678161' first='Maggie' last='Jelinek'] (11.5p, 10.3r, 1.5a, 1.2s) is a consistent double-double performer who gives them a strong, athletic interior presence. 5-8 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='743641' first='Kaylin' last='Kathmann'] (9.8p, 3.4r, 4.4a, 2.0s) controls the backcourt for the Bulldogs, she has really nice skill, a smoothness to her game, plus she is a team-first kid. 5-10 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='999402' first='Molly' last='Gesell'] (7.1p, 4.7r, 2.2a, 1.1s) has a well-rounded skillset also. She can initiate the offense like a point forward or knock down perimeter jumpers as a wing scorer. 5-4 Senior guard Nora Wiedeman (5.0p, 2.0r, 2.4a, 1.2s) has good experience, plus she can spell Kathmann from time to time on the ball and run offense. 5-9 front-liner Leah Meyer (4.9p, 3.8r) and 5-6 guard Jersey Trenkamp (3.3p, 1.7r), both Juniors, add even more experience to an already solid Batesville rotation. 5-11 Junior post Jolene Dirkhising (2.6p, 1.5r), 5-7 Sophomore wing Addysin Hughes (2.5p, 1.4r), and 5-8 Junior wing Caitlin Raver (1.2p) have also seen their share of Varsity action, but the trio looks to offer more this time around. Batesville has enough weapons to be a problem come February, but look for them to definitely approach 17+ wins this season.   .   Bedford North Lawrence H.S. (Bedford, IN)   That leaves us with just the Stars of BNL to highlight in this article. Bedford might not have the standouts of years past, but they have a nice group of ballplayers who should continue to improve from last season's nice 16-8 finish. Despite the graduation of Trinidy Bailey (11.4p, 4.4r, 4.3a, 2.7s), the Stars return two other double-digit scorers, plus they welcome a nice transfer who should be able to take over Bailey's point guard duties. Returning for the red, white, and blue are 5-10 forward Sammie Nussbaum (11.5p, 5.0r, 1.4s, 42% 3-pointers) and versatile 5-9 forward [player_tooltip player_id='644053' first='Miley' last='Sherrill'] (11.3p, 4.9r, 3.0a, 1.4s), both Seniors. Nussbaum is a dangerous perimeter shooter, but she can play in the mid-post, and she's a nice pursuing rebounder. Sherrill does a little of everything, from push the ball in transition and initiate the offense, to knocking down mid-range jumpers, to defending and rebounding the interior with her strength. Sherrill also plays with a fantastic motor. The newbie added to the mix is 5-7 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='992357' first='Katharine' last='Lehr'] (7.9p, 6.8r, 3.6a, 2.1s), a transfer from Bloomington High School North. Lehr will add stability to the backcourt with Bailey gone, plus she can make open shots consistently, and she defends with effort. The Stars aren't very deep, but 5-3 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='751081' first='Jordynn' last='Blann'] (7.0p, 2.5r, 1.5a, 1.2s) plus 5-9 Junior wing Elahdy Ray (2.2p, 1.4r) do provide some big-game experience for sure. Despite not being super tall for a Class 3A team, look for Bedford North Lawrence to be skillful, versatile, and scrappy each time out. They will cause problems for people.

The featured image is of Kaylin Kathmann Kaylin Kathmann 5'8" | PG Batesville | 2027 State IN (2027) from Batesville High School.