IHSAA softball preview 2024: What to know about Central Indiana Class 4A teams

Here is a sectional-by-sectional look at the Central Indiana girls high school softball teams in Class 4A.

2023 state championship game: Penn 2, Roncalli 1 (9 innings)

Teams are listed in alphabetical order. Asterisk denotes defending sectional champion.

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Sectional 8

Carmel (6-16) — The Greyhounds had a rough time last spring, losing Tennessee commit Elsa Morrison to transfer and a number of key players to injury. Things are looking up this spring, though, with their younger players bringing experience playing high-level softball. Butler commit Paxton Law who did not play last season brings a big bat back to the lineup and will provide experience with Jayden Kleiner, who batted .304 with three homers as a freshman. The pitching staff will be by-committee with sophomores Chelsea Bennett and Emily Smith — both coming off injuries — and freshman Gracyn Erickson leading the way. Watch for Grace Sharp and Ellie Goddard as impact freshmen.

Fishers (15-8-1) — The Tigers are perhaps the most well-rounded and experienced team in this loaded sectional with all but one returning starter and one of the state's top arms in junior Kate Murray (10-4, 2.83 ERA, 138 strikeouts). Fishers batted .338 as a team last season and will boast a lineup with Murray (.349, eight homers, 27 RBIs); outfielders Hailey Trueblood (.423, 10 steals), Tori Abel (.333) and Jenna Grubb (.351); and infielders Brooke Johnson (.413, 32 RBIs), Taylor Duplessis, Hailey Kinder, Kendall Jordan and Azstryd Alexander.

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Hamilton Southeastern (20-8) — The Royals arrive with a new coaching staff under the direction of Emily Pusti, but they bring one of the state's top arms in sophomore Grace Swedarsky (242 strikeouts, 1.35 ERA) and a lineup that returns some really good pop after batting a collective .323 with 34 homers and an average of eight runs per game. The bats are led by seniors Addy Justice (.376, 35 hits, 18 RBIs), Lani Wyrick (.292, 12 RBIs, six doubles), Jenna Chase (.304) and Alex Kiemeyer (15 RBIs, five homers).

Noblesville (14-11-1) — The Millers will have a couple big bats at the heart of their lineup with seniors Gabby Fowler (.482, 15 homers, 47 RBIs) and Mack Harvey (.412, 10 homers, 35 RBIs). They'll be supported by fellow infielder Addi Emmerson and outfielders Nevaeh Nash and Delany Rundle. Having those threats in the lineup will be critical as Noblesville tries to navigate a sectional that's stacked with aces. Claire Cullen, Lulu Van Beek and Emme Yee will be the team's three primary pitchers.

Westfield (17-14)* — Pitcher Chloe Tanner maintained her upward trajectory as a sophomore, logging 154 Ks and a 3.04 ERA over 142 innings pitched. She's one of 12 returning letterwinners, a group which includes catcher Ava Kainrath (.341, 10 HR, 34 RBIs), third baseman Grace Fanelli (.282, four homers), second baseman Cara Snedeker (.305, three homers, 22 runs) and center fielder Makaya Watson (.312, 13 steals, 26 runs), who will replace Toledo freshman Maggie Roh as leadoff hitter. Of note: Westfield is breaking in a new shortstop and two underclassmen behind Tanner at pitcher.

Zionsville (8-15-1) — The Eagles had 10 seniors last season, including Notre Dame freshman Syd Poeck, who led the state in batting average and the team in RBIs, hits and home runs. They have just one senior this year, with a large crop of sophomores and juniors ready to lead the way (6-7 returning starters). That group includes catcher Abbie Geib (.308), pitcher/shortstop Leah Helton (.365), catcher/first baseman Maddie Benedict (.311, 12 RBIs), outfielder Liv Kohler (.333) and shortstop/pitcher Charli Westerfield.

Sectional 9

Anderson (6-17-1)

Greenfield-Central (18-9) — First-year coach Gary Roberts has a few pieces to replace after graduating Olivia Roberts, Camille Burelison and Faith Butler. But he does have a solid starting pitcher with Madysen Herbert (8-4, 150 strikeouts) to go along with a few talented bats: junior shortstop Josie White (.530), sophomore second baseman Kristen Wineinger (.410), sophomore Savvanna Riall (.318, five homers), junior Leilani Forshey (.435) and sophomore Charlotte Riehle (.385). Freshmen Addi Heacox and Ailea Dowdy will back up Herbert in the circle.

Mt. Vernon (14-11) — The Marauders will receive a nice midseason pitching boost if all goes according to plan for junior Graci Hines, who underwent surgery this fall after battling through injuries most of last season. Shelby Rakosky will pick up some innings in her stead — she allowed one earned run on one hit with 10 strikeouts across five innings pitched last season — with sophomores Aubrey Lowe and Cora Rush pitching in, as well. Mt. Vernon's lineup returns a couple key pieces with Rakosky (.506, 37 RBIs, 12 homers) and fellow senior Easton Wampler (.421, 37 RBIs, 12 homers), both of whom are as dependable in the field as they are at the plate.

Muncie Central (0-12)

New Palestine (23-5) — The Dragons graduated a pair of stalwarts from their lineup (catcher Aglaia Rudd and second baseman Alyssa Mumaw), but they remain loaded with talent, boasting a senior class headlined by Kentucky-bound infielder Allie Blum (nine homers, nine doubles) and Mississippi State commit Paige Ernstes (.443). They'll be joined by notable returners Reese Rosenbaum (.327; IUPUI commit), Ella Holman (.324; Dayton), Sydney Oliver (.486, UIndy), Katie Hirschy (six homers, Kentucky) Maddie Engle (.301, IU) and Jersi Gross (.364). Trine track/cross country commit Courtney Study will reprise her role as the team's primary pitcher after going 17-2 as a junior.

Pendleton Heights (25-6-1)* — Coach Rob Davis stated his team's expectations rather simply: "Goals never change, just the faces." That goal — a run at the 4A state title — remains well within reach for the 2023 state semifinalist Arabians, who have an ace in senior Shelby Messer (13-1, 2.71 ERA, 89 strikeouts) and a couple hitters in Katelin Goodwin (.337, 10 homers, 45 RBIs) and Kiah Hubble (.413) who are chasing milestones: Goodwin, the career and season home run records; Hubble, 100 career hits. Pendleton Heights will be deep and tested early on with Westfield, Center Grove and Lake Central (plus Roncalli, Penn and a number of others down the line).

Richmond (4-18)

Sectional 10

Ben Davis (5-17) — The Giants still have more underclassmen than upperclassmen, but nine players have varsity experience, including seniors Devyn Hamilton (.393, seven doubles) and Skylar Bledsoe (.303, 11 RBIs, 14 steals) and sophomore Brooklyn Chambers (.323), and the pitching staff is deep with Hamilton and Chambers supported by sophomore Hannah Waltermire and freshman Riley Gilliland. Gilliland and utility player Bailee Latimer are expected to make an impact in their first varsity season. Among coach Jeremy Vivace's goals for this season: To have no games with more than two fielding errors.

Cathedral (18-10) — The Irish return everyone and might be the favorite within this stacked sectional. The lineup is led by junior shortstop Anna Moore, a Purdue commit who batted .518 last season with 43 hits (team-high five triples), 40 runs, 25 RBIs and 13 steals. She'll be backed up by fellow juniors Angie Valentine (.483, 43 hits, seven homers, team-high 47 RBIs) and Maddie Liter (.403, 31 RBIs), and seniors Mary Hughes (team-leading .520, 51 hits, 33 runs, 22 steals, perfect in the field with 61 putouts), Alyssa Fry (.953 fielding at second base) and catcher Aubrie Wright (21 hits, .967 fielding percentage). Pitching figures to take a step forward with Sydney Feczko entering her sophomore season — she scored 14 wins and 73 strikeouts across 123 innings in 2023 — plus Maddie Liter and incoming freshman Shelby Johnson.

Crispus Attucks (2-9) — The Tigers opened the 2023 season with a 21-20 win over Providence Cristo Rey, then won another high-scoring affair vs. Purdue Poly (24-14) a couple weeks later.

Lawrence Central (7-20) — The Bears bring in a large, talented freshman class eager to contribute. They will have a bigger pitching staff than previous seasons with juniors Zani Dumas and Aubrey Hoppes joined by freshman Eliana Luter, while senior all-county pick Janiya Brogan will anchor the lineup.

Lawrence North (22-8)* — Kate Dowden (.528, five homers, eight triples, 59 runs, 33 RBIs; 9-5, 98 strikeouts) is sidelined with a knee injury, but the Cats have a number of returning standouts ready to help shoulder the load. Those conversations begin with Kentucky commit Anna Mauck, who batted .529 with 70 RBIs, 13 homers. She'll be bolstered by Kaci Kirkpatrick (.490, 24 RBIs), Ella Hogan (.362, 29 RBIs), Gabby Peck (.349, 22 RBIs) and Sydney Moss (.375, 18 RBIs, four homers). In the circle, look for Moss (5-1, 2.25 ERA, 56 Ks) to step in as Dowden's primary replacement with Rachel Peck and Tessa Kramer providing additional depth.

North Central (18-8) — The Panthers graduated three seniors, but remain fairly experienced despite their youth. Samantha Saalfrank batted .447 with eight doubles, four homers and 34 RBIs, Taylor Nikols' average was around .400 with 37 hits and 15 RBIs, Evy Krueger logged a .406 average with 21 RBIs, Kennady Johnson clocked 26 hits (four doubles) and Eliza Rammel batted .480 with five doubles and 18 RBIs. Kaelee Jacobs is the lone returning pitcher with experience. She tossed 72.2 innings last season, posting a 9-3 record with a 3.08 ERA and 50 strikeouts.

Pike (5-14) — The Red Devils nearly rallied to beat Ben Davis in their fourth game of 2023 then notched wins in four of their next five (including a three-game win streak). They capped the regular season with a 2-1 win over Park Tudor.

Sectional 11

Franklin Central (14-13) — The Flashes' conference slate is a meat grinder, but they are projected to return starting pitchers Mallory Stinson (6-6, 35 Ks) and Kiley Renick (6-3, 69 Ks), plus Jadyn Tinsley, who hit .442 with four homers, three triples, 12 doubles and 22 RBIs. Sophomore Sarah Miller batted .452; Audrina Yorn and Jenna Thompson hit .368 and .309, respectively.

Tech (9-9) — Tech bounced back from a season-opening loss to Anderson last spring with three straight wins, including an 8-7 triumph over Christel House. It ended the regular season on a high note, scoring a 13-12 win over Herron and a 17-7 win over Tindley.

Perry Meridian (10-17) — Paige McPherson is a tough loss, but sophomores Macy Stroud and Adrianna Chesser were both excellent in their first season. Stroud batted .500 with 49 hits, 34 runs scored and 21 RBIs; Chesser hit .440 with 26 RBIs. Karsyn Naue and Kennedy Simpson both batted above .300.

Roncalli (31-4)* — The hunted have become the hunters, but the Royals remain among the teams to beat in Class 4A with a roster that blends experience — Thomas More commit Emma Fegan (.511, 42 RBIs, 40 runs), Carley Keller (.504, 57 hits, 38 runs), Natalie Summer (.370, 26 runs), Eva Hurrle (.448, 25 runs) and Huntington commit Avery Clark (6-2, 3.62 ERA, only five walks) — with youth — sophomore Elise Baker and junior Addy Poe in the circle and Adrian commit Kendra Clark, who logged 16 plate appearances across 14 games. Look for Fegan and Keller to emerge as this team's leaders, with a number of freshmen capable of producing behind them.

Southport (9-18) — The Cardinals may start a combination of 6-7 freshmen/sophomores this season, but the sophomores have a year of experience under their belt and coach Scott Montgomery is excited about the progress made by returners Ally Kiefner, Malia Breedlove and Molly Hodge at the plate. Another notable returner: Pitcher Ady Stansbury who logged 57 innings and struck out 73 as Southport's No. 2 last season. She'll be supported by senior Molly Hodge and sophomore Ally Kiefner.

Warren Central (4-22) — The Warriors will be led by senior Dillard commit Brooklyn Baltzell. The three-time all-county and all-conference honoree batted .308 with 14 RBIs and four homers last season, and hopes to bolster that home run total this season. Baltzell, Jazmin Harvey and Zori Hairston anchor the pitching staff, with senior Zamiyia Foard and sophomores Natalie Hilliard and Jordan Warbinton among the notable returners to the lineup. First-year coach Joanne Carroll is aiming for 10 wins (only been done once since 2011, per MaxPreps) and to win the program's first sectional game since 2019.

Sectional 12

Avon (24-7)* — The three-time defending sectional champions eye a four-peat with a lineup headlined by senior Murray State commit Hannah Sutton, who hit a school-record 15 homers and drove in 47 RBIs last season, sophomore Lilly Heath (.446, .510 OBP, 41 hits) and senior Emma Stopperich (.351, only struckout five time), plus seniors Jaylee Fansler and Karly Anderson, who combined for 48 RBIs. Madeline Herman (108 strikeouts), Emma Stopperich and Addie Forst (1.59 ERA) will share pitching responsibilities.

Brownsburg (16-11) — The Bulldogs bring both depth and experience, plus a lineup that found its stride down the stretch and an established pitching staff (a luxury it did not have last season). Senior Hailey Thompson (129 strikeouts) and junior Avery Toole (68 strikeouts) will handle the pitching duties, while the lineup will be powered by Thompson (.461, 47 RBIs, nine home runs), outfielder Izzy Neal (.488, 30 runs, 32 steals), catcher AG Pogue (.329, 17 RBIs, four home runs) and second baseman Lexi Gordon (.362, 29 hits, 21 RBIs).

Decatur Central (11-16) — The Hawks will be extremely young and have a couple key bats to replace after graduating Laci Boggs and Ella Phillips. However, their two returning pitchers — Hailey Cruz and Kylie Vaseloff — bring a decent amount of experience (combined 99 innings pitched last season), while seniors Jazlynn Stewart (.356, 15 stolen bases) and Sydney Hazelwood will provide leadership. Vaseloff is another key returner to the lineup after batting .386.

Plainfield (17-11-1) — The Quakers are young, but they are athletic and have a pair of strong pitchers with Sidney Parks and Kami Arnett, who combined for 207 strikeouts over 127 innings as sophomores. The lineup will be anchored by a trio of sophomores: Kylie Fish (.310, 14 RBIs, four homers), Ava Broyles (.308, 22 RBIs, four homers) and Ayva Mayes (17 hits, eight RBIs). Arnett batted .292 with six doubles.

Terre Haute North (12-15)

Terre Haute South (12-14-1)

Sectional 13

Bloomington North (6-17)

Bloomington South (13-10)

Center Grove (22-6) — The Trojans are built to challenge defending state champion Penn for 4A supremacy. The lineup is stacked with highlights including Ohio State commit Hannah Haberstroh, Louisville commit Riley Janda, Evansville commit Kynadee Warner and Dartmouth commit Sydney Herrmann, plus sophomore Riley Fuhr stepping into the pitching circle (they hope to have Indiana State-bound ace Riley Henson back, as well).

Greenwood (4-20) — The Woodmen will open the season on April 1 with new coaches (head coach Sara Allison), new uniforms and a year-end goal of posting a winning record. They have a strong foundation with senior third baseman Emma Chism, the team's top returning hitter (.479, 25 RBIs, four home runs), and senior pitcher/shortstop Courtney Hankenhoff, who batted .405 with 14 RBIs and five homers, and logged 68 strikeouts across 62.1 innings in the circle. Chism and Hankenhoff will be bolstered by Bella Blythe in the circle and shortstop Haylie Hendricks.

Martinsville (17-12) — The sectional runner-up Arties' experience should aid them defensively, while the lineup returns most of its core, led by seniors Paycee Lewis (.358, four homers, 20 RBIs) and Alaina Lambert (.346, 20 RBIs), and sophomore Mylee Jarrett (newcomer). Pitching duties will be handled by junior Destiny Forler, senior Alaina Lambert and freshman Neveah Dillon.

Mooresville (29-4-1)* — Pitching will be a strength for the Pioneers this season, but they'll have a different approach offensively after graduating a number of their power hitters from 2023. The pitching staff will be headlined by Franklin College commit Zoey Kugelman (11-0, 1.36 ERA, .186 OBA) and Reagan Bauer (1.88 ERA, 110 strikeouts). Kugelman will also be a key piece for Mooresville at the dish after batting .407 with 50 hits and 37 RBIs. Indiana State commit Madison Poulson hit .415 with 51 hits and 14 steals, Sofia Guy batted .271 with four homers and 25 RBIs and Cierra Cramer hit .312.

Sectional 14

Columbus East (16-12)

Columbus North (25-2-1)

East Central (11-18)

Franklin (15-14-1) — A fun storyline to monitor over the next couple seasons: Junior Adeline Blackwell's pursuit of the state's stolen base record, which is currently held by her older sister, former Roncalli standout Lyla Blackwell (now at Virginia Tech). Adeline, a shortstop, swiped 50 bags last year to go with a .540 average. She's at the top of a Grizzly Cubs lineup that's not lacking for speed and has a few other notable returners with senior infielder Mia Herbert (.263) and sophomore outfielders Aubrey Leugers (five homers) and Addy Martin (.447). Bryleigh Haltom-Carlisle (9-5) and AB Ritcher (39 strikeouts) will handle pitching duties.

Shelbyville (20-9)* — The Golden Bears have graduated two SEC recruits over the past two seasons. But they're still a legit contender out of the south with a number of younger players taking significant strides during the offseason, according to first-year coach Megan Cory. The returners include senior pitcher Cheyenne Eads who posted 10 wins and a 2.30 ERA with 193 strikeouts over 127.2 innings pitched, while also batting .344 with 23 RBIs and four homers. Junior Addison Stieneker is another to watch for Shelbyville. The do-it-all (including pitch) utility player batted .436 with 41 hits (12 doubles), 40 RBIs and seven homers. Juniors Addysyn Wettrick and Kali Laycock and freshman Gracie Crafton will all log significant innings, as well.

Whiteland (13-12) — There will be some gaps to fill following the graduation of Emma Piercy and Hallie Nett (among others), but the Warriors have a solid core with Kiley Sullivan (.518, 44 hits, 40 RBIs, three home runs), Huntington commit Josslynn Harbert (.505, 48 hits, 44 runs scored, five triples) and Grace Whitaker (.328). Maddy Myers was among the team's RBI leaders with 20 (four homers), while Sullivan figures to reprise her pitching duties after collecting 12 wins and 43 strikeouts across 133.1 innings pitched.

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school softball Class 4A season preview 2024