Power Scores: How did it miss...??

DISCLAIMER: I sat down to write this article on Sunday afternoon, only to notice that several teams had ties listed on their record, or there were games that had been played that were listed as forfeits. It looks as though there are still some system bugs to work out, and I have communicated those items to those who created this algorithm/process. With that said, between Sunday and yesterday, I spent roughly eight hours going through and correcting around 300 scores that were listed as ties/forfeits, to help the algorithm's validity. I'm sure there are still a handful of games/scores missing, so please feel free to contact our general email address at the bottom of the main page if you see something still 'off'. Thank you!   The other day I wrote an article highlighting who the Top 5 teams were in Prep Girls Hoops' "Power Scores" for Indiana as of 12/21/25. This is a follow-up to that article, because while a non-human algorithm determined those teams, I felt like there were a handful of teams who had a strong argument to be among those five teams as well. Below is a look at who I thought deserved a mention as a "Top 5" team at this point in the season, even if they didn't rate out that way mathematically.   .   Pike (12-1) The Red Devils have been looking like a State Finalist contender of late. After starting the year 1-1 with their lone loss in Fort Wayne at Homestead High School (L 71-57), Pike has done nothing but run through the competition. They took care of a much-improved Westfield squad, MIC foes Warren Central and North Central, then won four games to claim the Marion County title. During that run, they dispatched Lawrence North by 20 points, then they beat Roncalli in the finale, 75-54. Four days later, they took on the daunting Lawrence Central Bears in a regular season MIC matchup, only to win by 23 points in a strong showing. They have a valid schedule throughout the season, but the 20th through the 30th of January sees them playing Brownsburg, Carmel, Hamilton Southeastern, and Lawrence North (regular season game) sequentially over those 11 days. 5-6 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='751118' first='Saniya' last='Smith'] (14.0p, 3.0r, 2.7a, 1.9s) has really stepped up this season and is leading the Red Devils in scoring, assists, and steals. 5-8 Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1263952' first='Savayah' last='Mitchell'] (9.3p, 7.3r, 2.3a, 1.9s) is second in scoring, but she is also second in rebounding & assists and tied for the lead in steals on the team. 6-0 Senior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='928878' first='Marley' last='Jeffers'] (7.8p, 8.9r, 1.0a, 1.1s) is approaching a double-double average, and she has shown off her much-improved skillset and scoring ability. The Red Devils have figured out a way to play 11 ladies in 10 or more games this season, and they have as much depth and talent as anyone. They should be in contention for the top spot in any Indiana rankings at this time of year.   Hamilton Southeastern (11-2) For Hamilton Southeastern, their argument comes from who they've beaten and how. They did drop an early season game to Lawrence Central in overtime (62-53), and Pendleton Heights caught them on December 9th, 49-44. Other than that, the Royals have handled Lawrence North, Cathedral, Franklin Central, Brownsburg, Evansville Central, Greensburg, Fishers, and just last weekend Homestead, with five of those victories coming by double digits. There are two clear standouts here, so managing them is the best chance to beat the Royals, but many have tried and failed. 5-8 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman'] (18.9p, 7.2r, 2.8a, 3.0s, 1.3b) is playing tremendously well right now, affecting the game on both halves of the court. She has always been a solid scorer and on-ball defender, but now she's making shots outside more consistently, she's rebounding better, and she's even blocking some shots. 6-0 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham'] (15.2p, 7.2r, 1.6a, 1.5s) is her "partner in crime", and she does damage with her ability to hit shots from distance (21 made 3-pointers), plus she can use her size & strength effectively inside the arc. Not only did Hamilton Southeastern graduate Miss Basketball in 2025, but they also saw several key role players collect their diplomas. Replacing them in a big way have been 5-4 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='751032' first='Abigail' last='Orme'] (5.2p, 3.1r, 2.0a, 1.1s), 5-5 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486488' first='Antonette' last='Green'] (4.0p, 1.6r, 1.7a, 2.2s), and 5-8 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='905531' first='Piper' last='Brinley'] (3.8p, 3.6r, 1.3s). While a bit undersized as a team, those three manage to rebound & defend, and they'll take & make open shots when they get them.   Center Grove (12-0) And they're back. The Lady Trojans are back at it again with a new cast of characters, holding opponents to just 31.6 points per game. The one returnee with star potential is 5-10 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='567130' first='Gracyn' last='Gilliard'] (25.8p, 4.2r, 1.9a, 2.6s). I think a lot of onlookers see her and instantly notice her athleticism, her strength, and her ability to get to the rim, but what gets messed is she sees the floor extremely well, she understands the game, and she is a versatile, talented defender also. 5-11 Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='999436' first='Haley' last='Wagoner'] (9.1p, 5.6r, 1.7a) has made a nice jump from last year to this one, and she contributes at both ends of the floor as well. 5-9 Freshman point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1263967' first='Lillia' last='Tapak'] (8.0p, 3.2r, 2.8a, 1.3s) has settled in nicely to being one of the primary ball-handlers for the Trojans. She is smooth and quick with the ball, plus she has some touch outside, and she might not be done growing either. 5-9 Senior guard Ella Sprong (6.1p, 1.6r, 1.0a) and 5-7 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='834961' first='MacKenzie' last='Pierce'] (5.8p, 1.9r, 1.8a, 1.3s) have really taken it upon themselves to play bigger minutes, but more importantly, produce bigger outputs each contest. Having those upperclassmen who can help Gilliard will only make it easier on the Trojans. They have knocked off Franklin Central, Fishers, Roncalli, and Plainfield, with huge matchups coming up in January at Bloomington South, at Carmel, against Columbus North, against Lawrence North, and at Hamilton Southeastern shortly before Sectional play.   Evansville F.J. Reitz (11-1) I don't know that the Panthers have been on anyone's radar until this week. But they entered Christmas 10-1 before defeating a Class 3A top team in Washington just yesterday. And Reitz is doing it with team play and balance, plus they've had three Sophomores really step up after gaining experience as rookies last year. 5-10 guard [player_tooltip player_id='992369' first='Rhyan' last='Wagner'] (14.4p, 2.0r, 1.8a, 1.8s), 6-0 wing [player_tooltip player_id='999407' first='Kierstyn' last='Kaiser'] (11.4p, 5.5r, 2.9a, 3.3s), and 5-8 guard [player_tooltip player_id='999409' first='Keilah' last='Mitchell'] (9.4p, 2.3r, 3.5a, 3.2s) are three such Sophomores who are among four scorers between 9.4 and 14.4 points per game. The other is 5-10 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='486473' first='Bailey' last='Hape'] (9.6p, 4.9r, 3.2a, 3.2s), who has been a Varsity staple since her own Freshman season. She is a great leader, hard-working, tough-nosed, but also skillful and plays with a high basketball IQ. The trio of Wagner, Kaiser, and Mitchell all have tremendous upside and complement each other well because of their variety and versatility. Throw in 6-0 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='761169' first='Kendall' last='Kaiser'] (5.2p, 6.2r, 1.4a, 1.5s), and you have another Varsity veteran who has played at a high level her entire career. Don't sleep on the Panthers, as there is always a team or two from Evansville who make waves come Regional and Semi-State rounds, and they could be it in February of 2026.   Floyd Central (10-2) Floyd Central has typically been a volleyball school in the past, but with the size of the school, nice facilities, plus several of the taller girls now dabbling in multiple sports, the hardwood Lady Highlanders have found themselves among the elite basketball teams the last two and a half seasons. As for their argument to be in discussion for a Top 5 spot, they are the lone team who has beaten F.J. Reitz (above), they've recently taken care of a good McCutcheon squad, plus they've knocked off several quality smaller class Southern Indiana teams, like Silver Creek, North Knox, and Madison. Sure, their strength of schedule can be questioned compared to other teams we've already discussed, but they beat who they play, and they have nice balance plus good size. 6-0 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='486500' first='Elise' last='Coleman'] is their top player, as she is a dangerous perimeter shooter, but she's also worked on her driving and her ability to get to the free throw line. 5-10 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='928914' first='Brinley' last='Clark'] has one of the best motors in the state. She is one of those kids who will dive teeth first into the bleachers without regard for her body. She has ball skill, the ability to score it at each level, plus she defends hard. 6-2 Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='932692' first='Riley' last='Roberts'] and 5-10 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='932688' first='Jadyn' last='Drury'] have the size and strength to secure the paint, allowing Coleman and Clark to play outside facing the basket. Roberts flashes great potential at times, while Drury is a physical worker inside.

DISCLAIMER: I sat down to write this article on Sunday afternoon, only to notice that several teams had ties listed on their record, or there were games that had been played that were listed as forfeits. It looks as though there are still some system bugs to work out, and I have communicated those items to those who created this algorithm/process. With that said, between Sunday and yesterday, I spent roughly eight hours going through and correcting around 300 scores that were listed as ties/forfeits, to help the algorithm's validity. I'm sure there are still a handful of games/scores missing, so please feel free to contact our general email address at the bottom of the main page if you see something still 'off'. Thank you!