Much Improved In 2026-2027 ?

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='999451' first='Chami' last='Williams'] (2028) from Ben Davis High School.   In today's high school game, there are a lot of reasons programs can quickly change their outlook from one season to the next. It could be something as simple as a change in habits/commitment, maybe a change in leadership/coaching was necessary, or a player(s) transferring in can bolster the roster, plus with classes as talented as 2029 and 2030 being incorporated to Varsity life, just the natural improvement from within can be a big reason for growth. All in all, there will be many teams who improve from last season to this coming season. Below is a quick look at 8 programs I could quickly identify as some who should be either (a) back on the right track, or (b) who are simply in a better spot than they've been in a while. All were below .500 in 2025-2026.   .   BEN DAVIS (11-12 in 2025-2026) The Lady Giants graduated Aleia Sultzer (12.4p, 4.2r, 1.3a, 1.2s), but no other outgoing Senior who played in more than 5 games reached 2.4 points per game. They started three 2029s, plus they have two 2027s returning as well, so I'm sure the expectations were already to be more competitive. Then in came a pair of key transfers, and now the Giants could quickly become a team to be reckoned with on the West Side of Indianapolis. Key among the returnees include 5-10 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='751120' first='Shania' last='Curry'] (11.0p, 6.2r, 1.8a, 2.1s), 5-8 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1280381' first='Tatum' last='Skibinski'] (6.9p, 4.1r, 1.3a, 1.1s), 5-7 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1690480' first='Daijah' last='Royston'] (5.8p, 3.9r, 1.3s), 5-5 Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1291636' first='Paige' last='Jones'] (5.0p, 3.3r, 2.2a, 1.8s), 6-1 Junior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='1262620' first='Aubrey' last='Wade'] (3.1p, 3.1r), and 5-7 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='992534' first='Hayden' last='O'Connor'] (2.1p, 2.9r). Curry is an energetic athlete and their top rebounder, while Skibinski has breakout potential as a shooter/scorer. Royston and Jones are also very athletic, and they are the in-your-face defensive types. Wade has great potential as a tall, long athlete, while O'Connor has always been a tough-nosed worker. Additionally, look for 6-1 Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1263958' first='Leighton' last='O'Connor'] (2.3p, 2.0r in 6 games) to potentially carve out a much bigger role as she adapts to the physicality of the Varsity game. The two transfers who stand out most are 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='999451' first='Chami' last='Williams'] (5.5p, 3.2r at Pike H.S.) and 6-0 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1171496' first='Gabbi' last='Harvey'] (9.7p, 5.2r, 1.0a at Brownsburg H.S.). Williams was in a loaded backcourt last season at Pike, and this Spring her recruiting has really taken off because of her strong play. Harvey is a versatile inside-out forward who adds more size and Varsity stability to a mostly young lineup. I'm not going to try to convince you they should be a Top 10 team, nor necessarily win their Sectional (w/Pike, Plainfield, Brownsburg, etc.), but 17+ wins should be an achievable goal for one of the state's more talented, yet still young, teams.   .   CARMEL (10-14 in 2025-2026) Carmel experienced a coaching transition last season, plus they played mostly underclassmen, with just one graduate in their starting lineup. They also dealt with some inconsistencies in their lineup due to the injury bug. Still, they were competitive most nights, and they look to be much improved in 2026-2027. Junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='999412' first='Bella' last='Ramsey'] (13.4p, 2.1r, 1.9a, 1.3s) and [player_tooltip player_id='917867' first='Catherine' last='Bassi'] (9.6p, 3.7r, 1.4a, 1.3s in 13 games) are talented perimeter shooters who can also handle and create a little offense, while fellow Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='990047' first='Maddy' last='Wallace'] (7.3p, 3.8r, 3.1a, 1.9s) is strong, tough-nosed, hard-working, and poised on the ball. 5-9 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='896317' first='Taylee' last='Fisher'] (7.8p, 5.3r, 1.2a, 2.3s) is a talented athlete who is poised for a breakout final season for the Greyhounds. 6-3 Sophomore front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='1263970' first='Natalie' last='Whelan-Edwards'] (4.2p, 3.5r) could see a much more impactful role after a solid rookie year, as she brings a combination of size and very good skill to the frontcourt. 6-0 Sophomore forward Gwyneth Provost (0.8p, 0.9r in 12 games) and 5-6 Junior guard Kate Sears (0.4p in 21 games) could see expanded roles as well, depending on matchups. But there is additional excitement, as the Greyhounds have added at least two newcomers to the mix. 5-7 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1259868' first='Lorigrace' last='Rockwood'] (7.0p, 3.4r, 1.3a, 1.0s at Guerin Catholic) brings another versatile backcourt option via transfer, while 5-8 Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1875989' first='Bryce' last='Webster'] could immediately be the most impactful player on the roster. She is already starting to collect her share of high-major Division-I offers/interest. Carmel's level of success this coming year will depend on them often playing undersized, which could matter against some of their top opponents. However, as for their Sectional opponents, none are exceedingly tall or strong inside at this point in time, however, all have talented perimeter players.   .   CASTON (11-13 in 2025-2026) The Caston Comets had a 4-season stretch from 2020-2024 with winning records, the last two being 20+ wins each. However, in 2024-2025 they struggled to a 7-16 finish, while last year they were slightly improved at 11-13. This year, though, could be much different. The only two players they graduated were not in the primary rotation, so they can bring back "everyone". Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='890801' first='Madisyn' last='Douglass'] (16.5p, 8.1r, 3.8a, 3.7s), however, will be the best player on the floor for either team nearly every night of the season in 2026-2027. She is skillful, strong with the ball, and she is entering her fourth season as the starting lead guard. The Comets will go as she goes, but expect for them to be much better because of the growth of their supporting cast. 5-6 Junior guard Grace Colvin (9.3p, 2.6r, 2.6a, 1.7s) and 5-8 Junior forward Allison Craig (6.4p, 4.8r, 1.0s) took big steps last year, so they could both approach double-digits scoring the ball this year. At the Class 1A level, that might be enough on most nights, but consider they also return 6-1 Senior post Natalie Warner (2.7p, 3.8r), Junior forward Adyson Steininger (3.5p, 1.3r), plus Junior guards Hadlie Coffing (2.0p, 2.7r, 1.2a, 1.3s) and Ellie Zartman (1.1p, 1.1r), and their core-7 are all back. If they can continue to grow together and learn from last season's lessons, they have a chance to not only move above .500 record-wise, but they could approach 20 wins and possibly become a ranked team in Class 1A.   .   EVANSVILLE HARRISON (9-14 in 2025-2026) The Warriors haven't had a history of success in the 2000s, and before last year, they combined for nine total wins in the previous three years. In fact, since 2015-2016, Harrison has averaged 3.6 wins per season. Now, they are looking toward accomplishing their first winning season since 2013-2014. What has changed? A resurgence of young talent to start. Harrison has one of the best point guards in the Sophomore class and in all of Southwestern Indiana in 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1690461' first='Jaliyah' last='Farmer'] (13.3p, 7.4r, 7.0a, 6.0s). She is strong, athletic, and she plays under control, but what makes her special is that she would just as much like to find an open teammate as score it herself. In fact, she produced more points off of her assists as a rookie than she did scoring it herself. But Farmer is not where it ends. 5-7 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1824365' first='Erin' last='Butler'] (12.9p, 2.6r, 1.5a, 1.7s) is a willing and capable 3-point shooter, but she can also get to the rim and even run a little offense herself. 6-2 Junior front-liner AnneMarie Sterling (10.2p, 6.3r) is a solid all-around athlete with a great frame and nice length. She can utilize her size inside or step outside and knock down the occasional 3-pointer as well. That trio, if they continue to come together, can be a problem for most of their opponents to match up with. However, 5-9 Junior forward Reniah Cordray (9.7p, 5.5r, 1.7s, 1.0b), 5-4 Senior guard Laila Farrow (3.3p, 2.4r, 1.2s), and 5-6 Senior wing Alexa "CoCo" Jones (2.7p, 4.0r, 1.2a, 1.2s) have quality Varsity experience as well, and while they only play six ladies in their primary rotation, they were all together a season ago. I won't go as far as to say they should approach 20 wins or anything like that, however, if the Warriors can get on the winning side of .500 this year and compete for a Sectional title, that would be real progress.   .   FORT WAYNE WAYNE (7-15 in 2025-2026) The Wayne Generals have been in a similar situation to Harrison, only they have had a little more recent success, with bigger troubles a decade or so ago. They are looking for some stability, and they might have the right mix of girls to do that this coming season. Not only did Wayne not graduate anyone, but they also return eight ladies who played in 15 or more games, plus they have added a pair of impactful transfers from nearby South Side High School. The top returning talent for the Generals is 5-9 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='834942' first='Davianna' last='Irons'] (17.4p, 5.6r, 1.1a, 1.2s). She is extremely long, bouncy, and fast. She is a playmaker at both ends of the floor for Wayne. 5-4 Senior guard Braleah King (5.9p, 1.3r, 1.7a, 1.6s), 5-9 Senior wing Zierre Akison (4.5p, 3.6r), 5-7 Senior guard Malia Muff (2.6p), and 5-7 Senior forward Nevaeh Thomas (0.7p) have each seen their share of Varsity minutes over the years, but players like King and Akison have a chance to really increase their production this year. 5-9 Junior wing Amira Tyree (5.8p, 3.9r) has flashed good potential over the years, especially in grassroots ball. She'll be joined by the Sophomore trio of 5-6 guard Merriah Bryant (5.6p, 1.6r, 1.4s), 5-10 forward Trine'd Calhoun (1.6p, 3.9r, 1.1s), and 5-1 guard London Harris (0.6p) in helping to support the Seniors. However, the Generals must also make room for the sister duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1868177' first='Bry'Lee' last='Diedrich-Williams'] (6.9p, 4.6r, 1.0a) and [player_tooltip player_id='1690460' first='Bri'Tanya' last='Diedrich-Williams'] (18.3p, 5.0r, 1.1a, 2.2s). Bry'Lee, a 5-6 Senior wing, is a hard-working, tough-nosed kid who loves defense and rebounding. Bri'Tanya, a 5-6 Junior point guard, is quick-on-quick, shifty, and a very good downhill attacker who can explode to the rim and find baskets or open teammates. Both will help add depth and allow Wayne to get out and pressure the ball a lot more. Again, like with Harrison, my expectation is not that Wayne wins 20 games this year. Topping .500 record-wise and competing for a Class 4A Sectional title would be a good season.   .   INDIAN CREEK (12-14 in 2025-2026) The Lady Braves saw three of their top six players from last season walk across the stage during graduation, including 6-0 front-liner Lexi Sichting (14.5p, 9.8r, 3.4a, 2.7s, 2.5b). So, how in the world are they supposed to improve? Well, they were primarily a 3-headed monster offensively, and two of those threats return in 5-7 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1225046' first='Reagan' last='Ferris'] (9.6p, 5.9r, 3.8a, 1.9s) and 6-1 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='751055' first='Ellie' last='Oliver'] (14.0p, 5.8r, 2.2a, 1.0b). Ferris was mentioned just a couple of articles ago, and she is a steady playmaker and lead guard who can get the Braves into their offenses. Oliver is a versatile inside-out forward with good size & strength, plus she has the skill and touch to play around the perimeter. 5-7 Senior guard Madi Bracken (4.2p, 2.7r, 1.4a) is another returning starter who should see her points go up a little, while the Sophomore quartet of Megan Ferguson (2.6p, 1.1r in 16 games), [player_tooltip player_id='1837706' first='Luci' last='Horton'] (1.6p, 1.3r), Karlie Werden (0.6p), and Oaklee Perry (0.4p in 14 games) cut their teeth, per se, at the Varsity level as rookies a year ago. If one or two of them can step into a starting role, it would be ideal for Indian Creek. But there is more. 6-3 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='751060' first='Gianna' last='Morelli'] (7.4p, 6.1r, 1.4b in 7 games at Bishop Chatard in 2025-2026), plus younger sister [player_tooltip player_id='1263956' first='Briley' last='Morelli'] (6.5p, 2.5r in 7 games at Bishop Chatard and 9 games at Noblesville in 2025-2026), a 5-9 Sophomore guard, have both transferred to Indian Creek and will eventually bolster their lineup. Gianna has good size and strength, plus she's skilled like a motion '5' or a face-up '5'. Briley is a nice all-around athlete, she's versatile skillfully, and she can score it or take pressure off Ferris at times and run offense. If [player_tooltip player_id='751060' first='Gianna' last='Morelli'] can stay healthy, which has been a question in the past, then the Lady Braves could have one of the taller starting units in Class 3A.   .   LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (9-15 in 2025-2026) The Lady Knights will occasionally hover just over .500 during the regular season, even during seasons where they've made State Finals runs. But when you look at the number of 3A and 4A teams they play in a given year, it's understood they are trying to get better. However, last year was different. Something just didn't click right for the Knights, and they definitely want to return to the top of Class 1A once again. The group they have returning very well could do that. Minus one double-digit 2026 graduate, and that's all, the Knights should theoretically be somewhat improved just by returning experience. 5-11 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1264854' first='Brooke' last='Thompson'] (11.1p, 5.7r, 1.5a, 1.5s, 1.9b) is another way to ensure that. She is a very good perimeter shooter, but she handles the ball for them, and at her size, she can rebound and defend multiple positions. 5-10 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1229679' first='Kylie' last='Schuessler'] (6.4p, 4.5r, 1.2a, 1.2s) had some flashes and looks to be a capable running 'mate for Thompson this season. She, too, is a nice, long athlete with versatile skill. 5-3 Senior point guard Lauren Potts (2.9p, 2.9r, 1.6a) is super quick and feisty, while 5-4 Senior guard Sarah Switzer (2.5p, 2.5r, 1.2s) has a very defensive mindset. Central Catholic will need others to step up though to return to the top. They have never been a particularly tall or deep program, but look for someone in the group of 5-2 Sophomore guard Heidi Smith (2.7p, 2.0r), 5-9 Sophomore forward Embree Boutelle (1.4p, 2.0r), and 5-9 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1229678' first='Kenzie' last='Schuessler'] (4 games played), Kylie's twin sister, to get first looks from the coaches. To me, I'm going to assume 2025-2026 was just a blip on the radar, and the Knights will once again be a problem for everyone in the Lafayette area.   .   INDY NORTH CENTRAL (10-13 in 2025-2026) Considering the size and location of North Central High School, the Panthers are almost always rich with talent throughout their program. They changed coaches in 2025-2026 for the first time in 14 years, and they showed signs of improved play down the stretch, taking a 4-9 record and winning 6 of their final 10 games. In addition, the Lady Panthers return a great deal of production, plus they have a little bit of everything...guards, wings, bigs, you name it. In 2026-2027, they will roll out one of the stronger frontlines in Central Indiana. 5-11 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'] (10.2p, 5.2r) is a powerful, physical forward who can create space and play effectively inside, but she has shown this Spring that she can knock down the occasional 3-pointer as well. 6-0 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='1866054' first='Kenleigh' last='Schueller'] is a really nice, athletic lefty who can score it around the paint, plus she is an active rebounder, and she can come out on the floor to defend. 6-1 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='1866053' first='Nieah' last='Jackson'] is another front-liner who can provide depth. She is long, fairly strong, and a solid all-around athlete. She can rebound/defend and score it on the block a little. From there, two more Seniors provide backcourt stability. 5-10 guard [player_tooltip player_id='756243' first='Macy' last='Loy'] (5.0p, 3.1r, 2.0a, 1.2s) has always flashed breakout potential, whether it's shooting it from outside, driving to the basket, or initiating/creating offense for teammates. 5-2 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='751090' first='Laila' last='Scott-Knox'] is a tough-nosed, feisty worker who loves to terrorize opposing ball-handlers as a defender. Offensively, she can create or get gaps and put pressure on the defense. 5-10 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='992351' first='Halle' last='Daniels'] is another talented perimeter player who can definitely help. She does a little of everything well, from knocking down open shots, to running/creating offense. She's also an effective defender with tremendous length. Possibly entering the starting lineup is 6-0 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1263942' first='Malyiah' last='Evans'] (5.5p, 3.2r, 1.1a, 1.0s at Pike), one of the top 2029s in the state of Indiana who transferred in this Summer. She will bring yet another versatile scoring threat, and she could erupt offensively in her second year. Considering the number of quality and experienced Seniors on this roster, the expectation should be for 15+ wins and competing for a Sectional title.

The featured image is of Chami Williams Chami Williams 5'8" | CG Ben Davis | 2028 State IN (2028) from Ben Davis High School.