Central's record-setting sophomore leads Courier & Press All-Metro girls basketball team

EVANSVILLE — Central coach Dave Alexander isn’t picking one moment to stand out above the rest.

It’s not so much that he can’t – a few this winter surely come to the forefront – but more than he won’t. What he values in a great player is consistency, every day and every game. Show up in big moments when the team requires it most.

Alexander saw it every day this winter. Her name is Maddy Shirley.

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The sophomore forward became the definition of a consistent, high-level basketball player this season and is the Courier & Press All-Metro girls basketball Player of the Year. The honor and accompanying team is chosen by the sports staff.

“She showed up in big moments when she was supposed to,” said Alexander. “She did it every game. That’s what a great player does.”

The eye test backs up such a declaration. Few also came close in Southern Indiana to matching her numbers.

Shirley averaged 19.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks with 11 double-doubles for the Bears. Each mark was best in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference. She did so efficiently at 53% shooting, often against zone defenses or double teams.

The 6-foot-1 sophomore set the program record for points in a single season (493) and blocks (61). She was also nine rebounds away from setting another. Think of the players who walked through the program over the past decade.

“(My teammates) really helped me get where I needed to be,” Shirley said. “All of the mechanics worked really well. We played a different level of basketball this year. Winning 20 games reflects that. All of the girls are close and like family to me. That’s definitely something special."

This good, this quickly? Alexander refused to put added pressure on an individual player, even one as talented as Shirley. Production happens when skill is paired with hard work. There were also talented players around her. Put all the pieces together and take note.

There were glimpses as a freshman. A preseason injury led to a late start, but a promising postseason made her presence known. The game came easier this winter, as it does for most in the second year of varsity play. As Shirley went, so did the Bears. She was only limited to single digits once.

The sophomore expanded her game beyond the post and adapted to constant defensive pressure.

“The big thing for her was strength,” said Alexander. “We still have some ways to go, but we’re working on it. Double and triple teams didn’t bother her as much this year. She’s starting to understand her outlets in passing. She had a better feel for the game and hopefully that continues as she gets older.”

Her coach may not have a defining moment from this season. Too many in his mind to choose. Her performances in February continue to showcase her potential, though.

Shirley averaged 18.3 points on 51% shooting and 15.3 rebounds in three postseason games. That doesn’t include a 25-point blitz against Princeton a week prior. The highlight was a 22-point, 20-rebound showing in the sectional semifinal.

“She works hard and has a lot of talent with her,” Alexander said. “When you have good players surrounding another good player, it takes some of the pressure off. When she can play one one-on-one, she’s pretty good.”

Of course, how the season ended is her only focus. Central lost in the sectional championship to rival North despite holding a nine-point halftime lead. Shirley had another double-double but was limited in the second half.

Get quicker and stronger. Become a better defender. Those are her individual goals now.

“(The records) are a good accomplishment,” said Shirley. “Those aren’t goals I’m going to set for myself next year. Our goal is to win conference and sectional. Being consistent and playing 32 full minutes.”

She has a reported offer from Central Michigan and other Division I programs were spotted in attendance at games. The program's career scoring record is within shouting distance and the sophomore already has the most career blocks.

One step at a time.

But for as good as she has been – how many underclassmen average nearly 20 and 10 at a Class 4A school? – her trajectory is still pointing up. That is what makes the potential intriguing to ponder.

“I think she has room for more growth,” said Alexander. “We’re really putting an emphasis on quickness this spring. Production happens when you work hard and are skilled. Whether her production stays the same, increases or falls a bit, as long as the team finds success, you’ll still get your recognition as an individual.”

Tyler Choate of North is the Courier & Press All-Metro Coach of the Year. The Huskies went 16-11 and won the Class 4A sectional championship after losing multiple starters from the prior season either to graduation or injury.

2024 Courier & Press All-Metro girls basketball team

Name, School, Ht., Year

First Team

Libby Blythe, North, 5-11, Jr.

Sophie Johnson, Memorial, 6-0, Sr.

Avery Kelley, Memorial, 5-6, Sr.

Norah Miller, Reitz, 5-8, Sr.

Aleyna Quinn, Castle, 5-9, Sr.

Jordan Scott, Castle, 5-6, Jr.

Maddy Shirley, Central, 6-1, So.

Second Team

Myla Browning, Memorial, 5-10, Jr.

Rylee Canaan, Memorial, 6-0, Fr.

Bailey Hape, Reitz, 5-10, So.

Vanessa Nankwenya, 5-5, Sr.

Jayden Scott, Castle, 5-11, So.

Mya Skelton, Central, 5-7, Jr.

Bella Thomas, Harrison, 5-6, Jr.

Chelsea Turner, Mater Dei, 5-7, Sr.

Player of the Year: Maddy Shirley, Central

Coach of the Year: Tyler Choate, North

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Central's Maddy Shirley named All-Metro Player of the Year