Season Preview: Beech Grove to Bishop Chatard

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='999451' first='Chami' last='Williams'] (2028) from Ben Davis High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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 Beech Grove through Bishop Chatard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Beech Grove H.S. (Beech Grove, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Beech Grove Hornets had a successful 14-9 season last year but bowed out in the Sectional 1st Round to eventually Class 3A State Runner-Up Roncalli. The Hornets have a nice collection of multisport athletes who each bring a little something different to the court, and they return all eight players from their core rotation. 5-11 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1818908' first='Olivia' last='Stowers']</strong> (<em>12.3p, 5.7r, 1.2a, 1.7s, 1.3b</em>) transferred in from Franklin Central and offered them a really nice inside-out threat. Her big school background helped her provide consistent production early and often. 5-9 Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1843215' first='Harper' last='Moore']</strong> (<em>10.9p, 6.4r, 3.2a, 2.0s</em>) is an elite softball player, but she brings her athleticism to the backcourt to create mismatches for the Hornets. 5-7 Junior wing <strong>Harmony Burks</strong> (<em>8.4p, 5.6r, 1.3a, 1.9s</em>) brings double-digit scoring potential each night, and she does a nice job of getting to the basket. From there, 5-4 Senior guard <strong>Layla Muffler-Challis</strong> (<em>4.8p, 3.0r, 2.7a, 1.3s</em>), 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>Samarah Turner</strong> (<em>3.7p, 2.4r, 1.7a, 2.0s</em>), 5-8 Sophomore wing <strong>Sage Yeary</strong> (<em>3.3p, 2.0r, 1.2s</em>), 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Layla Cranfill</strong> (<em>3.1p, 1.4r, 1.0s</em>), and 5-10 Junior forward <strong>Arianna Turner</strong> (<em>2.2p, 2.0r</em>) offer the Hornets a great deal of backcourt depth, plus both Turners and Yeary can help defend and rebound inside. With this amount of production back, look for Beech Grove to approach 17+ wins this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Bellmont H.S. (Decatur, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With always-looming Norwell now in Class 4A, the Lady Braves of Bellmont found the state tournament path much easier, winning the Class 3A State Championship, and only having that final game be decided by single-digits during their 6-game state tourney run. What's scarier is, their entire core is eligible to return this season. 5-9 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225040' first='Ashley' last='Bleke']</strong> (<em>13.5p, 4.8r, 2.6a, 3.0s</em>) and 6-0 twin sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228337' first='Mary' last='Bleke']</strong> (<em>13.3p, 6.8r, 1.5a, 1.7s</em>) offer the Braves a nice inside-outside duo who can play with anyone in any classification. Both have already received multiple Division I offers because of their steady, fundamental play...Ashley around the perimeter, and Mary inside the arc. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751092' first='Lanie' last='French']</strong> (<em>9.1p, 2.0r, 1.7a, 1.7s</em>) is a scrappy multilevel scorer who can also harass opponents defensively. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751084' first='Kate' last='Kitson']</strong> (<em>4.3p, 2.8r, 2.4a, 1.3s</em>) is more of a ball-handler and distributor, but she can make open shots as well, when left alone. From there, a pair of Junior guards look to step into more prominent roles this season. 5-5 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824371' first='Onalee' last='Krueckeberg']</strong> (<em>7.4p, 1.9r, 1.9a, 2.7s</em>) and 5-7 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1231643' first='Kaitlyn' last='Barton']</strong> (<em>6.3p, 2.7r, 1.5a, 1.5s</em>) are as hard-working as they come, with Krueckeberg being a more traditional point guard who will distribute and defend, while Barton is a smooth athlete who can make open shots. Also keep an eye out for 5-11 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1231233' first='Hadley' last='Caffee']</strong>. She possesses nice length, good speed in transition, and some bounce. She can help protect the paint and knock down open shots off of others. I would say Bellmont is likely a favorite, if not THE favorite, in Class 3A to begin the 2026-2027 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Ben Davis H.S. (Indianapolis, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, the typically prominent Ben Davis Giants went through sort of a youth movement, with three Freshmen starters and a Sophomore playing a major role off the bench. This year, minus graduate <strong>Aleia Sultzer</strong> (<em>12.4p, 4.2r, 1.3a, 1.2s</em>), the Lady Giants return their other four starters and add two significant pieces by way of transfer. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751120' first='Shania' last='Curry']</strong> (<em>11.0p, 6.2r, 1.8a, 2.1s</em>) brings toughness, athleticism, and inside-out versatility to the floor for Ben Davis. She will be a very important producer throughout the season because of her ability to rebound and defend multiple positions. 5-8 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1280381' first='Tatum' last='Skibinski']</strong> (<em>6.9p, 4.1r, 1.3a, 1.1s</em>) is always a fun watch as well. She plays with toughness and physicality around the perimeter, she has a great motor, and she makes a lot of hustle plays. 5-8 Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1690480' first='Daijah' last='Royston']</strong> (<em>5.8p, 3.9r, 1.3s</em>) is kind of the unsung hero of the group. She's another hard worker who comes up with a lot of 50/50 balls for the Giants. I also really like the play of 5-5 Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291636' first='Paige' last='Jones']</strong> (<em>5.0p, 3.3r, 2.2a, 1.8s</em>). She is low and compact, solid with the ball, she's a willing passer, but she's also a quick-footed, high-level on-ball defender. From there, the Giants welcome in 5-8 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999451' first='Chami' last='Williams']</strong> (<em>5.5p, 3.2r, 36% 3-pointers</em>) and 6-0 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1171496' first='Gabbi' last='Harvey']</strong> (<em>9.7p, 5.2r, 1.0a</em>). Williams enters from rival Pike High School, where she was a part of a talented but very deep backcourt. I would expect her to be a double-figure scorer almost immediately, while also being a knockdown shooter and a willing passer. Harvey comes over from neighbor Brownsburg High School, where she has shown inside-out ability. She has a strong frame and can battle inside, but she also has skill and some touch outside. Also keep in mind the O'Connor sisters. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992534' first='Hayden' last='O'Connor']</strong> (<em>2.1p, 2.9r</em>) is another tough, physical, hard-working player who gives it her all, while 6-1 Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263958' first='Leighton' last='O'Connor']</strong> (<em>2.3p, 2.0r in 6 games</em>) is a wiry, bouncy frontline prospect who adds tremendous length. Look for the Giants to go from 11-12 last year to close to 20 wins this year, possibly ranked later in the season, and competing for a Sectional #11 crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Benjamin Bosse H.S. (Evansville, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bosse Bulldogs have had a tough go of it lately, winning just 10 games over the last 7 years, including a pair of 0-win seasons in there. At the same time, they return their leading scorer from 2025-2026, plus 4 other ladies who played in 12 to 20 games last year. The top Bulldog is 5-7 Junior guard <strong>Journee Ealum</strong> (<em>10.7p, 2.9r, 1.3a, 3.5s</em>). The do-everything athlete can score it from each level, she can find open teammates, and she creates havoc at the defensive end of the floor. With a couple years of experience under her belt, look for her to increase her production significantly as a Junior. 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Ja'Niya Graham</strong> (<em>3.6p, 5.6r, 1.7s</em>) and 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Esther Exantus</strong> (<em>2.0p, 2.8r, 1.1s</em>) provide rebounding, interior defense, plus they are the next highest returning scorers for a team that averaged just 29.1 points per game. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Dolce Copeland</strong> (<em>1.7p, 1.1r</em>) and 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>Ky'lae Murray</strong> (<em>0.8p, 1.7r in 12 games</em>) will likely be expected to step into much bigger roles for Bosse. If they can stir up some havoc defensively and turn people over, it will be their best chance to score and compete this season. But keep an eye on Ealum as a solid all-around ballplayer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Benton Central H.S. (Oxford, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two seasons without a Sectional title might not seem like a lot to most schools, but if you're Benton Central, that's always a preseason goal. The Lady Bison did manage a nice 18-6 record in 2025-2026, however, Rensselaer Central had an outstanding team and caught them in a low-scoring Sectional Championship game. Watch out, though, as Benton Central didn't play any Seniors big minutes last year. Leading the way this time around is 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1092447' first='McKenna' last='Yadon']</strong> (<em>14.6p, 6.5r, 1.6a, 3.2s</em>). She is a nice athlete, a versatile ballplayer, and she has already signed to play college volleyball. But she brings a nice multilevel scoring capacity the Bison need. 6-2 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1866056' first='Azlee' last='Reynolds']</strong> is another player who can be a matchup problem in the paint with her sheer size and strength. She has improved each year and looks to be a problem for opponents this Winter. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Madison Minniear</strong> and 5-6 Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824367' first='Khloe' last='Goodman']</strong> take care of backcourt responsibilities. Goodman has real breakout potential for Benton Central. She has always been a nice distributor and defender, but she can also make shots when open. 5-6 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229681' first='Ava' last='Hands']</strong> and 5-5 <strong>Chloe Linder</strong>, both Junior guards, are additional backcourt members who have seen their share of quality Varsity time. 5-4 guard <strong>Harlo Holder</strong> and 5-8 wing <strong>Harper Butler</strong> were two rookies who saw the court a year ago, and they both look to make a much bigger impact as second year regulars. Sectional #37 isn't easy by any stretch, but Benton Central could be the top dog (or Bison) once again!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Bethany Christian School (Goshen, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was just four years ago that Bethany Christian was in the Class 1A State Finals, but following last season's 7-17 record, averaging 30.6 points per game, and graduating three of their top four scorers, 2026-2027 could prove to be even more challenging. Gone are <strong>Ellie Morris</strong> (<em>9.7p, 3.3r, 3.8a, 2.8s</em>), <strong>Kendra Kern</strong> (<em>7.3p, 5.5r, 1.5a, 2.9s</em>), and <strong>Cori Chupp</strong> (<em>3.5p, 4.0r, 1.3a, 1.1s</em>)...all Freshmen when they saw Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The good news is, the Bruins do return five players who played in 18 or more contests last year. 5-6 Junior forward <strong>Kayli Rassi</strong> (<em>4.2p, 2.1r</em>) was as productive as anyone returning and likely steps into a leadership role. 5-7 Sophomore forward <strong>Zoe Nisley</strong> (<em>2.5p, 1.7r</em>) saw good minutes as a first-year player in 2025-2026. 5-10 Senior post <strong>Olivia Mast</strong> (<em>2.3p, 3.7r</em>) is a strong interior presence defensively and on the boards, while Sophomore forwards <strong>Savannah Beer</strong> (<em>1.8p, 2.5r</em>) and <strong>Hannah Claassen</strong> (<em>0.7p</em>) also saw some action. It looks as though the Bruins should be okay inside, but who handles the ball and makes shots away from the basket will be the biggest question needing answering, especially early this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Bethesda Christian School (Brownsburg, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following 5 consecutive Regional appearances, Bethesda Christian struggled for numbers in 2024-2025 and managed just a 1-8 record in 9 games. Last season, the Patriots bounced back with a solid 13-7 record, but they were bounced from the Sectional in the Friday night game. With that said, they should be improved in 2026-2027, looking for redemption and to get back on the Sectional Championship run they once had hold of. The best of the bunch is 5-11 Senior wing <strong>Tori Hamilton</strong>. She has been their leading scorer each of the last two seasons. 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Leelah Emely</strong> offers an interior presence, both scoring and defending. 5-6 Senior forward <strong>Annah Heath</strong> and 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Molly Ahlgrim</strong> also return and bring good experience to the fold. Others who can potentially contribute include: 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Mia Ingersoll</strong>, 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Kinley Hoskins</strong>, 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Eva Janeksela</strong>, and 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Maggie Vaughn</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Bishop Chatard H.S. (Indianapolis, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regardless of their record (<em>13-11 in 2025-2026</em>), year to year the Trojans play a good schedule and challenge themselves for tourney time. They will likely always be a threat to win or upset top seeds. However, they graduated three of their top four scorers, and five ladies in total. Missed most will be <strong>Olivia Berzai</strong> (<em>12.8p, 9.4r, 3.3a, 2.4s</em>), <strong>Alyx Kendall</strong> (<em>12.4p, 5.5r</em>), and <strong>Betsy Tragesser</strong> (<em>6.3p, 3.4r, 4.7a 1.9s</em>). At 5-11, 6-1, and 5-9 as well, respectively, that's some solid size that left. The Lady Trojans do return four ladies with significant Varsity experience, though. 5-8 Junior guard <strong>Olivia Maynard</strong> (<em>6.6p, 3.3r, 1.3a, 1.7s</em>) will likely not only increase her scoring, but she should take over ball-handling duties. 5-10 Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992543' first='Lilly' last='Braun']</strong> (<em>6.0p, 4.8r</em>) is another player who could have a breakout year. She has nice length, fluid athleticism, and she can make shots or attack the basket. 5-9 Senior wing <strong>Oella Berty</strong> (<em>4.8p, 2.8r, 1.4s</em>) is actively involved at both ends of the floor. 5-7 Junior guard <strong>Addy Jahn</strong> (<em>1.9p</em>) saw a few minutes here and there, but now she could make a much bigger impact. Also keep an eye on 5-10 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261347' first='Libby' last='Berg']</strong>. She has good size and strength and can create a physical but skillful presence inside for Chatard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->