SIAC girls basketball preview: five storylines to watch in 2023-24 season

You know how the saying goes: ‘In 49 states, it’s just basketball.’

It’s that time again with the high school girls basketball season officially staring in Indiana. Very soon, we’ll be debating sectional favorites or possibly state contenders. A lot will and needs to happen in the interim.

The thought exercise today, what to make of the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference? Last year only saw one team advance to the second weekend in February. Who has the edge on paper in the preseason?

More: 60 players to watch in SW Indiana for 2023-24 season

A look at five storylines to follow at the start of the 2023-24 season.

Are Castle and Memorial still the favorites?

These programs have won the last six SIAC championships, including a share last winter. All signs points to both being in the top tier again.

Start with Castle. Three of its top five scorers return plus other key contributors. Jayden and Jordan Scott appear primed for a big season and having Aleyna Quinn for a full season would be a plus. You know the Knights will shoot, push the floor and play defense. Depth and interior size is a concern after senior forward Lola Allen had another ACL tear in the fall.

"We have a lot of girls who have played a lot of basketball against a lot of good talent," Castle coach Bob Meier said. "They're becoming more competitive. Central handed it to us last year, and that wasn't fun. They've done a good job of digging in. The fall and summer was good."

Memorial had the look of a possible state championship run last year until injuries hamstrung the roster. The Tigers are still among the top teams in the area with three returning starters plus the addition of a solid freshman class.

The positives start with Indiana All-Star candidate Avery Kelley at the point. Myla Browning has an opportunity for a breakout season. But Memorial's ceiling depends on two things: how is All-SIAC wing Sophie Johnson following knee surgery? Are the freshmen, notably 6-0 forward Rylee Canaan, ready?

"Those last two spots are pretty open," Memorial coach Lee Auker said. "Three returning starters and three other varsity letter winners. Some that got some varsity minutes, plus the biggest freshmen class we've had in a while. We expect a few of them to contribute."

Can Central continue last season's progression?

The Bears finished in a three-way tie for third in the SIAC last year but went on a strong run to win the sectional. And the program returns most of that roster.

Central belongs in the top SIAC tier to start the season. Sophomore forward Maddy Shirley entered the conversation with as impressive of a sectional as you'll find. The rest of the roster can play defense and/or shoot. There is one piece missing with Delaney Steers moving to Brownsburg in the summer. Find it, and the potential is intriguing.

"We can't let (last year) get our heads high," Central coach Dave Alexander said. "We have to put together a full year and keep building on that success. One day and one game at a time trying to get better hopefully gets us to where we want to be at the end. We have kids that are ready to step up."

Is North able to reload?

The Huskies have nine straight winning seasons, the last seven with Tyler Choate in charge. To continue this streak would be his biggest challenge yet.

North graduated 80 percent of its scoring and faces another obstacle with junior Evie Sale, arguably the Huskies' top returner, suffering a torn ACL shortly before the first practice. What the roster lacks in size or known contributors, it will need to make up for in effort. A talented freshmen class also needs to learn quickly.

"Evie was the heartbeat of even last year's team," said Choate. "Her leadership and ability to do things on the floor that don't show up in a stat sheet. Other girls will have to step up. We could struggle early, but hopefully, learn through failure and play better in February."

How do the West Side programs fare with new coaches?

Reitz and Mater Dei share one thing in common this winter: new faces on the bench.

How both adjust to the change makes each season intriguing. The Panthers have been trending up since 2019, including back-to-back double-digit victory seasons. They also haven't had a winning season in 20 years. Brock Stone has head coaching experience in Kentucky but makes his SIAC debut with a solid roster led by All-SIAC guard Norah Miller.

"Our motto is defend, rebound and run," said Stone. "Let's try to get easy buckets. A lot of our girls worked harder than they ever have in this offseason. We really decided as a coaching staff to push the girls outside their comfort zone. We've really responded."

Lucious Wagner takes over a competitive Mater Dei program with some spots to fill. There's less size compared to previous years, but expect an increase in tempo. Brylee Delano and Chelsea Turner, in particular, will need to be key contributors on the wings.

Wagner will have an experienced staff to help him, one which now includes former Mater Dei standout Maura Muensterman.

Who stands out from the rest of the SIAC?

A top tier appears to be established of Memorial, Central and Castle. What other teams could stand out?

Reitz or Vincennes Lincoln are the likely candidates. The Panthers return most of the starting lineup and will push the tempo. It likely takes one victory against a top team to give Reitz another upward boost. Meanwhile, the Alices have the top forward in senior Arianna Gerkin plus coach Tim Young (263 career wins) on the sideline.

Jasper is another interesting case after advancing to the sectional championship. Brittany Maners won 12 games in her first season with the Wildcats and returns four of her top six scorers. Jasper starts with North and Mater Dei in a middle tier going into the season.

Harrison also returns multiple three- or even four-year starters in Oties Epps' second season. Improvement on defense and cutting turnovers will be key for the Warriors taking a step forward.

Follow Courier & Press sports reporter Kyle Sokeland on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA girls basketball: who are the SIAC favorites, contenders