Season Preview: Centerville to Churubusco

<!-- 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 Centerville through Churubusco.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Centerville H.S. (Centerville, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has been since the 2011-2012 season that Centerville has posted a winning record, but they have shown noticeable progress the last couple of years. Following an 11-13 record in 2024-2025, then a 7-16 performance last year, the Bulldogs are eligible to return everyone from their roster a year ago. 5-9 Senior wing <strong>Kendall Nelson</strong> (<em>12.5p, 5.7r, 1.1a, 1.4s, 1.6b</em>) was their leader in scoring and rebounding a season ago, and she looks to improve those averages in her final year. 5-4 Junior point guard <strong>Bowi Frame</strong> (<em>7.3p, 3.2r, 2.4a, 1.8s</em>) returns with experience and brings some stability to the backcourt. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992349' first='Gracie' last='Showalter']</strong> (<em>6.3p, 4.4r, 1.2a, 1.2s</em>) transferred in from Northeastern last Winter and stepped up to be the third leading scoring for Centerville. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Hannah Beamon</strong> (<em>4.3p, 3.7r, 1.3a, 1.2s</em>) and 5-4 Senior wing <strong>Aubrey Seifer</strong> (<em>3.8p, 3.4r</em>) are both multisport athletes who help round out the rotation and add rebounding to the mix, despite their size. 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Lindy Skinner</strong> (<em>1.4p, 2.1r</em>), 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Ruby Snyder</strong> (<em>0.6p, 1.0r</em>), Senior forward <strong>Addie Talbot</strong> (<em>0.3p in 15 games</em>), and 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Alexis McGinty</strong> (<em>1.2p, 2.6r in 13 games</em>) have each seen Varsity action and will be much more prepared for what this season brings. If the Bulldogs can simply increase their scoring average and improve their scoring defense by 5 points per game each, they could be looking at the plus side of a .500 record for the first time in 15 years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Central Catholic H.S. (Lafayette, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following a 4-year stretch where the Lady Knights won 4 Sectional titles, 3 Regional titles, and were in the State Championship game twice, they failed to win a Sectional game in 2025-2026. What makes the outlook for 2026-2027 tough is the graduation loss of leading scorer <strong>Casey Schuessler</strong> (<em>12.1p, 3.6r, 2.0a, 2.3s</em>), plus the transfer of Junior twin sisters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229679' first='Kylie' last='Schuessler']</strong> (<em>6.4p, 4.5r, 1.2a, 1.2s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229678' first='Kenzie' last='Schuessler']</strong> to West Lafayette High School. Additionally, it's always difficult to judge Central Catholic based on record alone, because they typically play "up" in competition and battle bigger, more talented opponents. With that said, the Lady Knights do return a really nice talent in 5-10 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1264854' first='Brooke' last='Thompson']</strong> (<em>11.1p, 5.7r, 1.5a, 1.5s, 1.6b</em>). She is long, fluid, smooth, and skilled at all three levels with nice touch outside. She's their go-to and difference maker. From there, experience is limited, but 5-4 Senior point guard <strong>Lauren Potts</strong> (<em>2.9p, 2.9r, 1.6a</em>) is quick, feisty, and always plays hard. 5-3 Sophomore guard <strong>Heidi Smith</strong> (<em>2.7p, 2.0r</em>) and 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Sarah Switzer</strong> (<em>2.5p, 2.5r, 1.2s</em>) also contribute and help Central Catholic with their full-court pressure. Of the other ladies returning, 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Embree Boutelle</strong> (<em>1.4p, 2.3r</em>), 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Katia Rodriguez</strong> (<em>0.7p in 13 games</em>), and 5-6 Junior wing <strong>Kati Metzger</strong> (<em>0.1p in 13 games</em>) could be involved right away in some capacity. Also keep an eye on 5-6 Freshman guard <strong>Macy Bogan</strong>, who often scored in the teens and 20s throughout her 8th Grade season. This year, the Knights are a wildcard. If Thompson can carry them early in the season, and a couple of others can step up in the meantime, there's no reason they can't again be a problem when the Sectional rolls around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Central Christian Academy (Indianapolis, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Christian was a modest 6-13 last season, but they played four Freshman and two Sophomores. Five of those six players return, plus they add a Freshman post prospect who could help. Returning to the court for the Chargers is leading scorer and rebounder, <strong>Amiah McDonald</strong> (<em>11.7p, 5.9r, 1.6a, 2.6s</em>). The 5-1 Sophomore wing might not be very tall, but she is highly productive. Guards <strong>Zoey Foerster</strong> (<em>3.0p, 2.6r, 1.0s</em>) and <strong>Kaylee Noble</strong> (<em>0.4p, 2.2r in 11 games</em>), plus forward <strong>Allena Hawk</strong> (<em>2.1p, 3.9r in 14 games</em>), join McDonald in the Sophomore class, while guard <strong>Cassie Engle</strong> (<em>1.5p, 2.0r, 1.2s</em>) is the lone Junior on the roster. <strong>Savannah Balusik</strong> is a Freshman post who looks to help provide an interior presence and build depth immediately. I wouldn't put 10 total wins with a couple of postseason wins past the Chargers this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Central Noble H.S. (Albion, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, Central Noble suffered its first losing season since 2014-2015. Not only that, but they must replace 6-foot interior athlete <strong>Grace Swank</strong> (<em>10.1p, 8.3r, 1.7a, 1.1s, 2.7b</em>) plus <strong>Austen McGlothlin</strong> (<em>4.1p, 4.4r</em>). Swank was just so important defensively because of her rim protection. The Cougars do return their two leading scorers, though, and they have some young talent who could find their stride this year. 6-0 Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678175' first='Jaylee' last='Slone']</strong> (<em>13.1p, 3.5r, 2.0a, 1.5s, 2.0b</em>) is a long, wiry-strong, bouncy athlete who can shoot it/score it from all three levels. She can be a real matchup problem for opponents. 5-9 Senior wing <strong>Kaydintz Bales</strong> (<em>12.4p, 7.0r, 2.1a, 1.3s</em>) is a nice all-around athlete who can handle it a little, attack the basket, make shots outside, plus she plays tough inside and will defend/rebound. 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1807665' first='Cora' last='Mault']</strong> (<em>2.8p, 3.0r, 2.7a, 1.8s</em>) learned some Freshmen lessons last year, but she should continue to be a nice distributor for the Cougars. 5-8 Sophomore wing <strong>Gwenyth Swank</strong> (<em>1.3p, 2.2r, 1.0a</em>) and 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Suryha Steele</strong> (<em>1.3p, 1.0r</em>) saw a lot of minutes as well and look to step into primary roles this time around. Central Noble won't be very tall or very deep, but as long as Slone and Bales get going, they can will them to enough wins in Class 2A that they're a problem come Sectional time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Charlestown H.S. (Charlestown, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Charlestown Pirates are in the middle of a stretch where they have had five consecutive winning seasons, however, a Sectional championship has eluded them. This year they can return all but one performer, <strong>Natalie Gagnon</strong> (<em>6.8p, 2.6r, 2.5a, 1.4s</em>), due to graduation. Three Pirates stand out, all three are Seniors this year, and all three can take over games. 6-1 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751050' first='Chesney' last='Jackson']</strong> (<em>21.3p, 10.5r, 1.0a, 2.1s, 2.0b</em>) is a strong, very athletic interior presence who plays with a motor as well. She is tough, physical, but very explosive. She's also skilled and can play in all areas of the floor. 5-8 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751100' first='Madalynn' last='Warnock']</strong> (<em>13.3p, 2.1r, 2.6a, 1.5s</em>) is a smooth shooter who can fill it up outside. She has nice length, she's a fluid athlete, and she can also play some point guard and run the offense. 5-5 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751035' first='Alexis' last='Finchum']</strong> (<em>6.8p, 6.8r, 7.5a, 1.5s</em>) is one of the better traditional lead guards in Indiana's 2027 class. She is strong and compact, but she's quick, fast, and feisty. She plays with a great motor, she can find open teammates through the smallest of openings, plus she can score it when necessary herself. 5-10 Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1001446' first='Kendra' last='Higdon']</strong> (<em>2.7p, 8.1r</em>) was a part of the starting rotation last year, and she gives them another Bona fide rebounder/defender type who can help Jackson inside. 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>Aubrey Ridenour</strong> (<em>1.1p</em>) was the closest thing to a 6th person/substitute last season, as the Pirates focused on their starting five most nights. Ridenour will look to play an expanded role this season. 5-10 Freshman forwards <strong>Peighton Harrod</strong> and <strong>Braxton Hopwood</strong> also have the potential to affect the Varsity sooner rather than later. Health and foul trouble are a big deal in Charlestown, but as long as they have little illness and no foul trouble, they can compete with anyone in Class 3A in their immediate area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Christel House Academy South (Indianapolis, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After not winning a contest in 2024-2025 (<em>0-12</em>), the Eagles bounced back with a 6-12 record last season. This year, their goal is to repeat that effort, especially with a couple of their key players leaving. Gone are <strong>Lilly Reaves</strong>, <strong>Kiona Valdez</strong>, and <strong>Dayana Orellana</strong>. Looking to return and help lead Christel House to 6+ victories this year include: 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Emma Johnson</strong>, 5-8 Junior wing <strong>Serenity Wakefield</strong>, 5-7 Junior forward <strong>Raquelle Simpson</strong>, 5-8 Sophomore forward <strong>Lylah Reaves</strong>, 5-8 Sophomore forward <strong>Jam Castillo</strong>, and 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>Jocelyn Hernandez</strong>. That group, plus any combination of newcomers/Freshmen should be able to keep the Eagles competitive, however, they are entered into an extremely tough Class 2A Sectional #43 field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Christian Academy of Indiana (New Albany, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are things to really like and things to worry about with Christian Academy to begin the season. They were a solid 15-9 last season, losing to Borden in the Sectional Championship game, and Borden has moved on to Class 2A. They also graduated three key players in <strong>Addison Jackson</strong> (<em>7.7p, 7.9r, 1.1s</em>), their leading rebounder, <strong>Katie Ammons</strong> (<em>3.7p, 3.4r, 1.3s</em>), and <strong>Macy Jackson</strong> (<em>2.9p, 3.8r, 2.8a, 2.2s</em>). However, the Warriors should always be a fun watch, as long as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137345' first='Carly' last='Stevens']</strong> (<em>13.1p, 4.3r, 3.7a, 2.5s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1311664' first='Rachel' last='Jones']</strong> (<em>18.0p, 3.3r, 2.0a, 2.9s</em>) are on the floor. Stevens, a 5-7 Senior guard, is long, fast, and feisty. She can create offense for herself or teammates, she is a very good perimeter shooter, and she's a gritty competitor. Jones, a 5-5 Sophomore guard, is a steady youngster who really understands how to play. She is strong with the ball, she's a good shooter with range, and she just dissects defenses with the dribble and with her passing. At the Class 1A level, those two can completely control a game together. Now, who will go with them? It appears as though the Warriors will take the "youth movement" approach. 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Josie Ammons</strong> (<em>1.6p, 1.9r</em>), 5-3 Sophomore guard <strong>Aubrey Odle</strong> (<em>0.9p in 15 games</em>), and 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>Eliana Reynolds</strong> (<em>1.2p, 1.0r in 6 games</em>) are the next most experienced returnees. Christian Academy could also turn to a trio of Freshmen in 5-1 guard <strong>Morgan Smith</strong>, 5-6 wing <strong>Canaan Elliott</strong>, and 5-7 forward <strong>Emma Bowden</strong>. Regardless, as long as Stevens and Jones are in play and effective, they will be tough to keep up with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Churubusco H.S. (Churubusco, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Churubusco has had their up and down years, but last season's 3-19 finish was far from enjoyable. Offensively, they did manage 33.5 points per game, but they allowed 53.6 points per game. One or both of those needs to change moving forward. Additionally, <strong>Patricia Wiggs</strong> (<em>9.0p, 5.9r, 2.2a, 3.0s</em>) and <strong>Kailin Foote</strong> (<em>7.0p, 1.9r</em>) graduated, taking with them half of their offense. Of the returning group, the Eagles will likely look to and heavily involve 5-8 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1821048' first='Brynn' last='Lortie']</strong> (<em>8.2p, 4.5r, 1.3a, 1.3s</em>). She has proven she can score for them, and I'd look for her to approach 12 to 15 points per game this season. 5-4 Junior point guard <strong>Olivia Konger</strong> (<em>3.1p, 3.3r, 1.2s</em>) and 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Phoenix Smith</strong> (<em>2.8p, 4.5r</em>) offer experience, ball control, rebounding, and defense. In an attempt to get players experience last year, 5-5 Sophomore guard <strong>Jayda Oler</strong> (<em>1.7p, 1.7r</em>), 5-8 Sophomore wing <strong>Gabrielle Bowlin</strong> (<em>1.4p, 1.5r</em>), 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Carmen Miller</strong> (<em>1.1p, 2.3r</em>), 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Maura Wright</strong> (<em>0.7p, 1.2r</em>), and 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Nola Bianski</strong> (<em>1.0p, 1.4r, 1.1a</em>) each played in 15 to 21 games. This season could be another rough one for the Eagles, but it could also offer a lot of growing opportunities for a young group who could be much-improved in 2027-2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->