Standout Performers Snapshot: Young Talented Players to Watch

As the 2025–2026 Indiana high school girls basketball season reaches Week 2, several players across the state have opened the year with impressive performances. Over the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to watch a number of programs in person, including Lawrence Central, Hamilton Southeastern, Lawrence North, Carmel, Franklin Central, North Central, Westfield, and Mount Vernon (Fortville).   Across each stop, it was clear that many athletes have made noticeable strides since last season—whether through expanded roles, improved skill sets, or increased confidence on both ends of the floor. These early-season showings highlight not only individual growth but also the competitive balance shaping up statewide.    Riley has been one of the most impressive young players I've watched through the first two weeks of the season. After seeing her in three games, it's clear she has taken a major step forward from her freshman year and has fully adapted to the pace and style of play that Lawrence Central thrives on. Anytime she touches the basketball, positive things happen—whether she's creating scoring opportunities for teammates or taking over offensively herself. She's opening the season averaging 17.7 points per game, and she has been the leading scorer for the top-ranked Lady Bears in three of their first four games and has quickly established herself as one of the top young talents to watch in the state of Indiana. Her performance against Carmel showcased her growth and confidence. Riley led all scorers with 21 points, went 2–6 from beyond the arc, and delivered a perfect 7–7 from the free-throw line. She played with poise, efficiency, and the ability to control the game in big moments. Riley has all the makings of Lawrence Central's next star, and she's only getting better.     [player_tooltip player_id='905531' first='Piper' last='Brinley'] is new to the varsity stage, but she's wasting no time making an impact. After starring on a strong Hamilton Southeastern junior varsity squad last year, she has stepped into her varsity role with confidence and maturity through the first four games of the season. Despite sharing the floor with high-level talent—including Florida commit KK Holman and Bowling Green commit [player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham']—Piper is carving out her own identity as a reliable and efficient contributor. What immediately stands out is her shooting ability. She is currently knocking down 50% of her attempts from beyond the arc and shooting 47% from the field overall, proving she can stretch the floor and score within the flow of HSE's offense. In just a short time, [player_tooltip player_id='905531' first='Piper' last='Brinley'] has shown that she's not just fitting in—she's emerging as a rising piece of a talented HSE lineup.     Watching [player_tooltip player_id='1263966' first='Jordyn' last='Suggs'] in an intense matchup against North Central was nothing short of exciting. Despite the pressure and pace of the game—especially as North Central made a late run—Jordyn remained poised and composed, showing maturity well beyond her years. She finished with an efficient 16 points, going 6-for-7 from the field and 4-for-5 from three, providing momentum-shifting shots and steady play when Lawrence North needed it most. Jordyn is already proving she has the talent, confidence, and upside to be a major piece for Lawrence North. With three more seasons ahead of her, she's quickly emerging as one of the program's next young stars.     [player_tooltip player_id='999412' first='Bella' last='Ramsey'] is emerging as one of the standout young guards in the state, getting off to an impressive start in her sophomore campaign. She has been a key factor in Carmel's strong opening stretch, helping the Greyhounds start 4–1 their best five-game start since the 2020–2021 season. In a competitive, back-and-forth matchup against Zionsville, Bella showed remarkable composure and confidence. She delivered a breakout performance, scoring 25 points and consistently making timely plays for her team. Her strong start to the season was further highlighted when she received her first collegiate offer from Taylor University. With her poise, scoring ability, and continued development, [player_tooltip player_id='999412' first='Bella' last='Ramsey'] is quickly becoming a rising name to watch in Indiana high school basketball.     [player_tooltip player_id='692561' first='Ashlee' last='Baker'] is entering her junior year playing with the confidence and readiness of a seasoned veteran. Every time she steps on the floor, she looks locked in and poised to lead. When Ashlee gets her hands on the basketball, her shooting form is smooth, consistent, and nearly automatic—her jumper looks like perfection every time it leaves her hands. She's been leading Franklin Central in scoring at 14 points per game, but her impact goes far beyond putting the ball in the basket. Ashlee is also among the team leaders in assists, steals, and three-point percentage—an impressive feat on a roster as talented and balanced as Franklin Central's. Her efficiency, versatility, and leadership make her one of the key engines driving FC's success, and she's positioning herself for a standout junior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='751040' first='Arianna' last='Harrington'] is making a name for herself as she enters her junior season at North Central. She's quickly emerging as one of the program's rising stars, showing noticeable growth and confidence on both ends of the floor. In North Central's matchup against Lawrence North on Tuesday, November 18th, Arianna showcased her versatility and scoring ability. She attacked the rim with strength and control, consistently finishing through contact, while also knocking down two key three-pointers that provided her team with an offensive boost. Just as impressive was her defensive presence. Arianna played with remarkable quickness and activity, impacting the game with her ability to pressure the ball and defend the full length of the court. Her energy, athleticism, and two-way ability make her a standout performer and a major piece for North Central moving forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='751053' first='Ellie' last='Wheeler'] split time between JV and varsity last season, but with key graduations opening up opportunities, she is stepping confidently into a larger role as a junior guard for Westfield. Through the early part of the season, Ellie has emerged as a reliable and efficient scorer. She's shooting an impressive 46% from the field and 41% from three—numbers that demonstrate both her shot selection and her ability to stretch the floor. She scored 19 points and knocked down 3 threes from beyond the arc. As Westfield looks to build momentum this year, Ellie's growth, efficiency, and steady guard play are becoming important pieces of the Shamrocks' success.     [player_tooltip player_id='840811' first='Zoey' last='Wood'] is off to a strong start this season, providing consistent production on both ends of the floor for Mt. Vernon. Offensively, she's averaging 15.2 points per game, but her impact extends far beyond scoring—she currently leads the team in both steals and assists, showcasing her versatility and all-around value. In Mt. Vernon's November 19th matchup against a young Westfield team, Zoey demonstrated her ability to read the defense and take whatever opportunities were available. Whether finishing at the rim, creating off the dribble, or knocking down open looks, she found multiple ways to score and keep her team in control throughout the game. Her adaptability, decision-making, and consistent production make Zoey a key leader for Mt. Vernon and a player who helps them stay competitive—and win—night after night.

As the 2025–2026 Indiana high school girls basketball season reaches Week 2, several players across the state have opened the year with impressive performances. Over the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to watch a number of programs in person, including Lawrence Central, Hamilton Southeastern, Lawrence North, Carmel, Franklin Central, North Central, Westfield, and Mount Vernon (Fortville).