10 high school softball teams to watch across Southwestern Indiana in 2024
EVANSVILLE — Southwestern Indiana belongs in the conversation across the state in softball.
Take last season, for example: Two state champions, two more regional winners and a handful of ranked teams from start to finish. I've already gone on record in predicting another winner in West Lafayette this spring. Who might those teams be?
One step at a time. Here are 10 teams, listed in alphabetical order, to keep an eye on this spring.
More: 70 high school softball players to watch in Southwestern Indiana in 2024
Barr-Reeve Vikings
Their case begins in the circle with Murray State signee Karlye Graber. Simply put, the senior will win a lot of games as arguably the top pitcher in SW Indiana now. The offense might need only one or two runs. She's that good.
The Vikings lose some pop from the lineup but should still be solid with Graber, Willow Thompson and other returners. I'm already anticipating a tournament matchup with another team on this list if both stay healthy.
Castle Knights
Coach Pat Lockyear has the deepest lineup once again in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference. Four have signed or committed to play in college with more on the way. Emma Bruggenschmidt also enters the conversation of top players in the area despite being a sophomore.
How far the Knights go is dependent on success from a pitching rotation including Gigi Lynch and Sadie Winsett. There's still little reason not to label Castle the preseason conference favorite.
Gibson Southern Titans
The perennial Pocket Athletic Conference contender should have another quality group after advancing to the semistate.
Gibson Southern has another high-contact lineup headlined by Lauryn Adamson, Callie Dickerson (IUPUI) and Ally Malone. If the pitching staff – Dickerson and Carly Potts should be more than enough – and underclassmen rise to the challenge, the Titans will be tough to beat. Copy and paste from every other season in Fort Branch.
Heritage Hills Patriots
The Pats have what every team wants: a lot of pitching.
Mia Kiegel (Southern Indiana) and Miriam Gordon were a solid 1-2 last season. Now add Rylie Schipp after missing almost all of last season with an injury. It might be difficult to distribute innings unless one emerges as a dominant ace. Sophomore Haley Fisher also strengthens a lineup with a few holes to fill due to graduation. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Heritage Hills among the top PAC teams.
Mater Dei Wildcats
A possible wildcard in the SIAC. What could separate the Wildcats from the pack is a blend of pop and experience.
Katelyn Goebel (10 homers and 43 RBIs) emerged as one of the top hitters in the city last season. There are other multi-year starters in the lineup to aid her. The key in softball is always pitching. Mater Dei must count on senior Alessia Baumann and others to provide a lift.
Memorial Tigers
The Tigers haven't had a winning record since 2019. Could this be the year for a jump?
A lot of talent returns including three All-SIAC selections: Lilly Brown (Southern Indiana), Mallory Wollenmann and Annie Blackburn. There is also a solid nucleus of senior leadership. One key piece will be Sicily Aliotta in the circle. If the senior reaches another level, Memorial could be among the contenders in the SIAC.
North Posey Vikings
What happens once the best player in program history graduates? The Vikings will soon find out.
Erin Hoehn did a lot at the plate and in the circle. But North Posey also showed the past two years how complete of a team it possessed. Addie Fullop is a possible ace, while seven starters return in total. That's intriguing potential and could make for another successful season in Poseyville. Like others, the Vikings have earned any benefit of the doubt at this point.
Jasper Wildcats
A contender since joining the SIAC three years ago, including a championship in 2021. Expect another good spring after winning the 3A sectional last season.
The Wildcats' strength lies on offense with their top six hitters returning including all-conference selections Olivia Young and Grace Kaeck. The former in particular had a breakout season with 15 extra-base hits and 48 RBIs. The only question a year ago was pitching. Improvement allows Jasper to contend for titles.
North Huskies
Some questions but also some benefit of the doubt. That's because success breeds success and the defending regional champions were that good last year.
There are multiple key returners in outfielder Jinnis Gerth (Southern Indiana), outfielder Allie Joiner and shortstop Hannah Wilke. The program has been on the rise, so the next wave of talent should enter the lineup. The biggest and legitimate question is how the Huskies replace All-Metro Player of the Year and top pitcher Maci Warner.
Tecumseh Braves
Is it still too early to talk about a potential three-peat? After winning the Class 1A state championship in 2021 and 2022, the Braves are poised for another tournament run. Much of that is based on the impressive talent still returning.
The trio of Katelyn Marx (Southern Indiana), Taylor Ash and Jenna Donohoo (Evansville) gives Tecumseh one of the best top-of-the orders in the area. The entire lineup has speed or power. What helps is the rotation has fewer concerns than last spring with Natalie Feather and Melanie Pfeiffer returning. The program also prides itself on the next group being ready.
Honorable mention: Pike Central, Boonville, Mount Vernon
Follow Courier & Press sports reporter Kyle Sokeland on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA softball 10 teams to watch in Southwestern Indiana 2024
