Season Preview: Concord to Crawfordsville

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='999397' first='Kendyl' last='Bottomley'] (2028) from Connersville High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026-2027 Indiana High School girls' basketball season tipped off this Monday, November 2nd, with Perry Central visiting Cannelton. With that said, we continue 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 Concord through Crawfordsville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Concord H.S. (Elkhart, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025-2026 version of the Concord Minutemen was a rollercoaster of a ride. They began the year 0-5, won 5 in a row, then lost 5 of 6. From there, they finished winning 5 of 7 to end the year with a final record of 11-12. If they are to improve this year, they'll need to do so without the services of graduates <strong>Zaza Zilm</strong> (<em>9.2p, 1.4r, 1.2s</em>), <strong>Shelby Emerick</strong> (<em>9.1p, 2.6, 2.1a, 1.4s</em>), and <strong>Gisel Lopez</strong> (<em>3.5p, 3.7r in 14 games</em>). What is important for the Minutemen, however, is the return of several capable backcourt members. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1817335' first='Brooklyn' last='Ganger']</strong> (<em>5.9p, 1.0r, 1.0a, 1.7s</em>) had a solid grassroots season and can play on or off the ball. 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Hayden Minder</strong> (<em>4.3p, 3.4r, 1.7a, 2.0s</em>) is another combo guard who can do a little bit of everything, plus she has the strength to rebound and defend all over. 5-3 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1819245' first='Shiloh' last='Smith']</strong> (<em>4.1p, 3.3r, 2.1a, 2.0s</em>) might be shorter, but she is an elite athlete with speed, quickness, and bounce, plus she can really cause havoc defensively. And 5-8 wing <strong>Vivian Casey</strong> (<em>3.7p, 4.9r, 1.4s</em>) has some strength, she plays hard, and she gives them good rotation minutes as well. Those four alone should allow Concord to remain competitive this season. The impact 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Kailyn Gonzalez</strong> (<em>0.2p in 19 games</em>) and 5-7 Senior wing <strong>Kylee Anglemyer</strong> (<em>1.1p</em>) can make to help add depth will be felt almost immediately, because this isn't a very deep team, yet. But be sure to keep an eye on 5-5 guard <strong>Alex Lopez</strong> and 5-8 forward <strong>Alia Harber</strong> to potentially jump into the fray early this year. Both are potential Freshman contributors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Concordia Lutheran H.S. (Fort Wayne, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cadets endured a tough 2025-2026 campaign, finishing just 5-17. In addition, they say "goodbye" to 2026 graduate <strong>Alivia Bolinger</strong> (<em>19.3p, 9.0r, 1.7a, 2.3s, 1.8b</em>), who was the focal point of a lot of what they did as a team. the 6-1 graduate is now playing at Purdue University Fort Wayne. <strong>Jennifer Dressler</strong> (<em>3.1p, 2.2r</em>) and <strong>Stase Pietrowski</strong> (<em>1.9p, 1.9r</em>) are two other key losses from the 2026 class. At the same time, Concordia did start three Freshmen a season ago, and that on-the-job experience should benefit them at some point. Guard <strong>Khloe Vanderford</strong> (<em>5.0p, 2.8r, 1.7a</em>), forward <strong>Glory Hedtke</strong> (<em>4.6p, 3.0r</em>), and 5-6 guard <strong>Lily Spreen</strong> (<em>4.0p, 3.3r, 1.2a</em>) look to lead the Cadets over the next three seasons, as they attempt to better their record from last year. 5-7 <strong>Jenna Akey</strong> (<em>2.6p, 2.2r, 1.9a, 1.4s</em>) and <strong>Christa Linnemeier</strong> (<em>1.7p, 2.1r</em>) are a pair of Senior guards who can add some leadership to the group. Two newcomers who could find some court time early this season include Freshmen <strong>Bri Phillips</strong>, a guard, and <strong>Harper Bolinger</strong>, a forward. Yes, the Cadets could surrender to another rough year, but they are finding a way to play several younger prospects, which should be a nice building block for their program in future years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Connersville H.S. (Connersville, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class helped the Spartans to a bit of a resurgence, winning 9, 13, 15, and 21 games last year in a season that saw them reach the Class 3A Semi-State finals/Final Four, before bowing out to a really good Bellmont squad. Unfortunately, they played five girls a majority of the minutes, and their entire backcourt is now gone. <strong>Serenity Pennington</strong> (<em>12.3p, 3.1r, 2.4a, 3.1s</em>), <strong>Ahniyah Bennett</strong> (<em>11.9p, 4.8r, 3.5a, 1.8s</em>), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882733' first='Addison' last='Jones']</strong> (<em>10.2p, 2.4r, 2.6a, 2.9s</em>) have earned their diplomas and taken their skill, talent, and balance with them to college. In the meantime, Connersville does still have a potential go-to player in 6-2 Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999397' first='Kendyl' last='Bottomley']</strong> (<em>11.8p, 8.3r, 3.0a, 2.5s, 1.3b</em>). While she is leaned on to help rebound and defend the interior, she is highly skilled and can play in the mid-post or around the perimeter, and she just might need to handle the ball some this season. 5-9 Senior front-liner <strong>Kinze Van Meter</strong> (<em>6.1p, 4.9r</em>) was the fifth starter last season, and she brings some physicality to the floor, plus she has a wealth of experience she can lend to all the newcomers. Speaking of which, look for 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Myleigh Perry</strong> (<em>0.8p</em>), 5-11 Junior front-liner <strong>Hope Hornsby</strong> (<em>0.7p, 1.4r</em>), and 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Kylie McHenry</strong> (<em>0.4p</em>) to get the first shot at rotation minutes. They each played in 19 or more games last season, and they were the primary "subs", when needed. With all of the changes, Connersville's goal this season should be to maintain a winning record and compete for a Sectional #27 title, though Roncalli is in their Sectional this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Corydon Central H.S. (Corydon, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corydon Central has historically been a competitive program, and last year they were a humble 11-12, but they look to bounce back this season. If they are to do so, it will be minus graduates <strong>Reese Withers</strong> (<em>14.3p, 6.2r, 2.7a, 2.4s</em>), <strong>Paisley Teeter</strong> (<em>14.0p, 1.8r, 1.0a, 2.1s</em>), <strong>Jordin McCarty</strong> (<em>4.8p, 5.3r, 1.1a</em>), and <strong>Katie Eve</strong> (<em>2.0p, 3.7r, 1.7a</em>). That's their top three scorers and best interior sub from a season ago. 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Sophia Bulleit</strong> (<em>4.6p, 5.7r, 1.7a, 1.3s</em>) and 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Molly Herndon</strong> (<em>3.8p, 1.7r</em>) are the two most experienced returnees, and they should lead the Panthers onto the floor each night, especially early in the season. Bulleit is a nice all-around athlete who loves to battle inside the arc, while Herndon is a long, lefty shooter who can get really hot outside. Joining them could be any number of prospects from a big Sophomore class, most notably <strong>Laken Seacat</strong>, who is a fast, athletic 5-4 guard. Also keep your eye open for 5-11 Freshman <strong>Cassidy Kelly</strong>. She could make an impact sooner rather than later this season and provides even more size for the Panthers. I really feel like Corydon could sneak up on some people this year behind a talented, albeit inexperienced group of youngsters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Covenant Christian H.S. (Indianapolis, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has been since the 2019-2020 season there has been a Covenant Christian team win a Sectional. I feel like they could earn that trophy once again this Winter. Despite the graduation losses of <strong>Emi Flatt</strong> (<em>9.1p, 5.5r, 2.4s</em>) and <strong>Jenna Rademacher</strong> (<em>4.6p, 3.9r, 1.4a, 1.8s</em>), the Warriors return six members of their core. 5-5 Junior guard <strong>Abbey Jankowski</strong> (<em>10.8p, 2.2r, 1.2a, 1.0s</em>) is their leading returning scorer and a very good lefty shooter. She is their best weapon from the perimeter. 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1798161' first='Isla' last='Haffner']</strong> (<em>6.1p</em>) is another excellent shooter who could become a double-digit scorer in her second season. 5-8 Senior <strong>Emma Crane</strong> (<em>3.8p, 5.4r, 5.8a, 2.9s</em>) is a versatile wing who does a little of everything. She can handle and run the offense, she is an effective rebounder, and she's a good on-ball defender. 5-4 Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914782' first='Gabby' last='Nietz']</strong> (<em>3.5p, 1.7r, 1.0a, 2.2s</em>) and 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Izzy Flatt</strong> (<em>3.3p, 4.0r</em>) provided nice depth a season ago, but they could both be in line to start in 2026-2027. While the Warriors look solid around the perimeter, look for 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Elin Mattick</strong> (<em>1.1p, 1.6r, in 11 games</em>), plus 5-10 Freshmen <strong>Raelynn Fishburn</strong> and <strong>Lyne Carey</strong>, to provide some interior defense and rebounding. With Jankowski, Haffner, and Crane, Covenant Christian should be fine offensively from the outset. Once they solidify their interior rotation, they should improve defensively and could become a highly competitive Class 2A team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Covington H.S. (Covington, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off consecutive 4-20 seasons, the Covington Trojans are looking for a vast improvement in 2026-2027. Considering the fact that they return nearly all of their production from a season ago, that outcome is very likely. 5-6 guard <strong>Lauren Hardy</strong> (<em>9.5p, 6.7r, 1.9a, 2.3s</em>) was good in her rookie year, and now that she's comfortable at the Varsity level, she could be a real problem as a Sophomore. 5-3 Junior guard <strong>Preslee Shaw</strong> (<em>6.7p, 4.1r, 1.3a, 1.3s</em>) is the next most likely to approach 10+ points per game as a scorer. Neither 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>Annelise Redman</strong> (<em>3.9p, 7.3r, 1.1s</em>), nor 5-4 Junior <strong>Landrie Sutton</strong> (<em>2.9p, 3.3r, 1.3a, 1.1s</em>), nor 5-1 Sophomore guard <strong>Ashlyn Coffing</strong> (<em>2.3p, 1.7r</em>), nor 5-3 Sophomore guard <strong>Ava Shaw</strong> (<em>2.0p, 1.5r, 1.0s</em>) were big-time scorers individually last year, but collectively they offer a great deal of support and picked up a lot of experience in 2025-2026. Adding to the mix could be any of four Freshmen, including 5-11 athlete <strong>Meredith Wright</strong> and 5-9 athlete <strong>Reagon Stonecipher</strong>. Covington should definitely be improved, but by how much will depend on what lessons they learned from last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Cowan H.S. (Muncie, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cowan Lady Blackhawks haven't won more than a half dozen games since the 2022-2023 season. This year could provide them with a chance to reach 10+ wins, though, as they graduated no one from last season's 6-14 group. Unfortunately, Seniors <strong>Delanee Gillespie</strong> (<em>5.6p, 4.1r, 1.2a</em>) and <strong>Alyssa Stevens</strong> (<em>3.9p, 2.4r, 2.7a, 2.6s</em>), plus Junior <strong>Savannah Bowling</strong> (<em>3.4p, 2.0r, 1.3s</em>), have opted not to return. Their top player, 5-10 Senior forward <strong>Savannah Hall</strong> (<em>12.2p, 10.9r, 1.2a. 3.4s, 2.3b</em>), does return and is their do-all player. She is a double-double producer each time out, and she can defend, plus she is a versatile scorer. 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Cora Wright</strong> (<em>2.9p, 4.9r, 1.2s</em>) and 5-8 Junior guard <strong>Abby Campbell</strong> (<em>1.3p, 1.0r</em>) are now in line to earn starting positions and step into much bigger roles offensively. Also look for 5-9 Sophomore forward <strong>Evelyn Hahn</strong> (<em>0.6p</em>), 5-4 Sophomore guard <strong>Victoria Kirby</strong> (<em>0.4p</em>), and 5-11 Junior post <strong>Khloe Shaw</strong> to fight for major roles in the rotation as well. If even a couple of those ladies can produce consistently and help Hall each night out, the Blackhawks can still get to double-digit wins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Crawford County H.S. (Marengo, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolfpack of Crawford County experienced a lot of success with its 2026 graduates, averaging 15 wins per season over the last four years. Now, they must play without 6-1 forward <strong>Emery Stroud</strong> (<em>21.0p, 10.7r, 2.5a, 3.4s, 1.7b</em>), who was one of the most underrated players in the state. She is now playing at Indiana Wesleyan University. Also missing due to the diploma is <strong>Abigail Adams</strong> (<em>8.8p, 2.0r, 2.0a, 1.4s</em>). Junior <strong>Payton Stephenson</strong> (<em>6.1p, 2.2r, 1.0a, 1.6s</em>) has also opted not to return. That leaves Crawford County with five ladies who played in 19 or more games, but none averaged more than 4.1 points per game. The most productive of them is 5-9 Senior forward <strong>Kaley Lamar</strong> (<em>4.1p, 3.8r, 1.4s</em>). 5-6 Sophomore guard <strong>Ella Howell</strong> (<em>2.5p</em>), 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Sylvia Ferriell</strong> (<em>2.1p, 1.6r, 1.0a</em>), and 5-4 Junior guard <strong>Brynn Ingle</strong> (<em>1.5p, 1.4r, 1.0a</em>) could form a fairly stable backcourt, as they each played several quality minutes last year. 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Alexis Wright</strong> (<em>1.0p, 1.0r</em>) also saw some good Varsity action and can help Lamar inside. Crawford County isn't very big, they don't have a "star" returning, but there are some options in terms of experienced returnees. Continuing that 15-win average will be tough, but 10 wins isn't out of the realm of possibilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">Crawfordsville H.S. (Crawfordsville, IN)</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crawfordsville Athenians have struggled with single-digit wins since the 2014-2015 season, including posting matching 4-win seasons the last two years. Now, they must deal with the graduation losses of their top four scorers, and five of their top six. Gone are <strong>Molly Pierce</strong> (<em>7.9p, 3.6r, 1.6a, 2.1s</em>), <strong>Caroline Melevage</strong> (<em>6.0p, 4.5r, 1.1s</em>), <strong>Olivia Hedrick</strong> (<em>5.3p, 7.1r, 1.3a, 1.3s</em>), <strong>Aubrey Lowe</strong> (<em>3.5p, 2.2r, 1.2a, 1.7s</em>), and <strong>Beatrice Swick</strong> (<em>2.5p, 2.5r</em>). Because of it, scoring could be a real problem this year. 5-6 Senior guards <strong>Olivia Jett</strong> (<em>3.2p, 1.9r, 1.3s</em>) and <strong>Sydney Elizondo</strong> (<em>2.1p, 2.7r</em>), along with 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Laura Viveros</strong> (<em>1.8p, 2.9r</em>), do offer at least a glimmer of hope, as all three are experienced upperclassmen. From there, however, just about everyone else will be a Varsity newcomer or be playing a much bigger role than in the past. Top candidates include 5-9 Junior forward <strong>Addison Huber</strong> (<em>9 games played</em>), 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Dayanara Fernandez</strong> (<em>0.5p in 4 games</em>), 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Hailli Omundson</strong> (<em>0.3p in 7 games</em>), and 5-2 Sophomore guard <strong>Lexi Cox</strong> (<em>0.4p in 9 games</em>). It could be quite the uphill battle for the Athenians this year, especially with so many players in new roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->