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Courier & Press high school girls basketball preseason power rankings for 2023-24

kyle sokeland, evansville courier & press
·4 min read

EVANSVILLE — Crazy to think it's been eight months since the last high school girls basketball game.

Forest Park won its second straight state championship in February at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A lot has changed in the interim due to graduation, injuries and the enrollment of what could be a strong freshman class across Southwestern Indiana.

We'll learn more over the next three months who are the true contenders in the area. But waiting is no fun. With the benefit of numerous practice stops and conversations, it's time for the preseason Courier & Press girls basketball power rankings.

It's good to have basketball back.

Gibson Southern Head Coach Kyle Brasher strategizes with his team in the fourth quarter of their Class 3A regional against Princeton at Charlestown High School Saturday night, Feb. 11, 2023. Gibson Southern beat Princeton 71-55 to advance to semi-state next Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023.
Gibson Southern Head Coach Kyle Brasher strategizes with his team in the fourth quarter of their Class 3A regional against Princeton at Charlestown High School Saturday night, Feb. 11, 2023. Gibson Southern beat Princeton 71-55 to advance to semi-state next Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023.

1. Gibson Southern

The top spot shouldn't be a surprise. The Titans return three starters after winning a regional championship including high-scoring guards Chloey Graham and Gabby Spink. Throw in a solid group of role players, including defensive pest Ally Malone, and Gibson Southern has the pieces. The key might be how quickly 6-1 freshman Paige Schnaus adjusts to varsity basketball.

"They all have high expectations and big goals," said Gibson Southern coach Kyle Brasher. "What are we going to do to make sure we try to achieve those goals? You don't lose a (Alexis) Tucker and a (Ava) Weisheit to just blink and find someone else to replace them. Got to find some physicality. If we can rebound, we'll be in good shape."

2. Memorial

This is equal part known quantity but also potential. The Tigers have three All-SIAC caliber players in University of Evansville commit Avery Kelly, plus Sophie Johnson and Myla Browning. The former was a Junior All-Star. Memorial is an obvious contender to win the conference or sectional. A couple of questions, though: How quickly will Johnson get back to form after offseason knee surgery? And does freshman Rylee Canaan give the Tigers a needed post presence?

3. North Knox

The Warriors graduated one starter after nearly beating the eventual state champion. This team is prepared for a run not just this year but the next. I like their balance — four players averaged between 7 and 11 points — and their 3-point shooting prowess. Might not have size, but North Knox will compete.

The Central Bears celebrate their victory over the North Huskies in the semifinal round of the 2023 IHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball Sectional at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.
The Central Bears celebrate their victory over the North Huskies in the semifinal round of the 2023 IHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball Sectional at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.

4. Central

No longer a surprise to anyone. The Bears return four starters after winning the sectional championship, including the best forward in the city with sophomore Maddy Shirley. There is a notable piece missing in the backcourt. However, Central showed its potential last February. It gets the edge here over the next team in this list.

5. Castle

The Knights will contend for the SIAC and sectional titles. Copy and paste from every other season, right? Most of the group who won a share of the conference championship is back. You know Castle will play strong defense and shoot threes. Jayden and Jordan Scott could also be in line for a stellar season.

6. Princeton

The Tigers were perhaps a year ahead of schedule last season with 16 wins and a sectional championship. Coach Travis Connor returns every contributor from that run to put this team in a good position. The sophomore class at Princeton has the potential to be good for a few years.

7. Reitz

This is likely the year the Panthers take another step forward. Norah Miller is among the best guards in the SIAC, but Reitz also has good size and plays with pace. The key question will come at point guard. Regardless, it should be an interesting season on the West Side.

Reitz’s Norah Miller (23) drives to the net as the Reitz Panthers play the Jasper Wildcats during the semifinal round of the 2023 IHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball Sectional at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.
Reitz’s Norah Miller (23) drives to the net as the Reitz Panthers play the Jasper Wildcats during the semifinal round of the 2023 IHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball Sectional at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.

8. Washington

Another team that was probably a year ahead of schedule last year at 14 wins. Most of the roster is back, plus the addition of 5-10 freshman London Gilley. The Hatchets, along with Princeton, are the biggest competitors to Gibson Southern in the Pocket Athletic Conference.

9. Vincennes Lincoln

The Alices seem to be under the radar in the SIAC but shouldn't. Ari Gerkin is one of the top forwards in the conference. Macy Sexton gives them a secondary option and rebounding. If Vincennes can find solid backcourt play, it will be a tough out.

10. Southridge

Two things going for the Raiders. First is junior Avah Montgomery, one of the top area guards in her class. The other is their grind-it-out style of play. The combo will continue to win games after producing 18 victories last year.

Honorable mention: Jasper, North Posey

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA girls basketball: Courier & Press preseason power rankings