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Way-too-early Fab 15: Ranking Central Indiana's best girls basketball teams for 2024-25

brian haenchen, indianapolis star
·6 min read

As we close the book on the 2023-24 girls basketball season, it's only natural to look ahead and start figuring out the top teams entering next season. With so many talented teams across Indiana, I'm splitting these way-too-early rankings into two stories: A Central Indiana Fab 15 and statewide top-5s for all four classes.

Here's our way-too-early Central Indiana Fab 15:

State finals central: Scores, highlights, photos, recaps, stats

IHSAA girls basketball season is over. So who are state title contenders for 2024-25?

1. Lawrence Central (30-1, 4A state champions)

The unquestioned team to beat next season headlined by its two Miss Basketball candidates (Laila Abdurraqib and Jaylah Lampley) and bolstered by an absurdly talented crew behind them (Lola Lampley, Aniyah McKenzie and Mariah Kenter Garrett — watch for MKG's development on the offensive end). Put them in conversation with 2022 Noblesville and 2023 South Bend Washington among the best in recent memory.

Insider: State title run just the beginning for Lawrence Central girls basketball

2. Hamilton Southeastern (21-4)

Hamilton Southeastern Maya Makalusky (3) takes to the court for game start as Zionsville takes on Hamilton Southeastern High School in the S8 IHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball State Semi-finals; Feb 2, 2024; Fishers, IN, USA; at Hamilton Southeastern High School.
Hamilton Southeastern Maya Makalusky (3) takes to the court for game start as Zionsville takes on Hamilton Southeastern High School in the S8 IHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball State Semi-finals; Feb 2, 2024; Fishers, IN, USA; at Hamilton Southeastern High School.

Another team headlined by a Miss Basketball candidate: Maya Makalusky looks to lead the Royals out of sectional for the first time since the Sydney Parrish days. Makalusky will be flanked by Kennedy Holman and Kayla Stidham, giving HSE a nucleus capable of challenging the defending state champs … if they can navigate what promises to be a loaded Class 4A North bracket.

Sectionals wrap: No changing of the guard — yet

3. Plainfield (18-8, regional champion)

Plainfield Quakers sophomore point guard Berkeley Williams drives to the basket Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.
Plainfield Quakers sophomore point guard Berkeley Williams drives to the basket Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.

The Quakers boast a heck of a 1-2 at the top of their lineup with Hannah Menser and Berkeley Williams. The former, a 5-8 freshman, was the team's leading scorer in 2023-24 (15.2 ppg), while the latter capped an excellent season (14.8 ppg) with a dazzling state tournament run. Replacing 6-1 forward Payton Benge and establishing steady scoring beyond its top-two will be Plainfield's biggest priorities.

More: Payton Benge is coming into her own, with dad by her side, and taking Plainfield with her.

4. Noblesville (18-9, semistate runner-up)

Noblesville Millers guard Meredith Tippner (23) yells in excitement Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, during the IHSAA girls basketball sectional Class 4A game at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indianapolis. The Noblesville Millers defeated the Hamilton Southeastern Royals, 49-45.
Noblesville Millers guard Meredith Tippner (23) yells in excitement Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, during the IHSAA girls basketball sectional Class 4A game at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indianapolis. The Noblesville Millers defeated the Hamilton Southeastern Royals, 49-45.

The Millers are nearing the end of their current championship window with 2025 IndyStar Miss Basketball candidate Meredith Tippner taking her turn at the helm. The 5-9 multi-sport star will be the most experienced player returning, though guard Kate Rollins and post CC Quigley both bring some experience, as well.

End of an era for Noblesville seniors. 'They taught us what it means to be a Miller'

5. Center Grove (27-2, semistate runner-up)

Center Grove High School junior Ava Grant (23) reacts after hitting a 3-point basket during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional championship basketball game against Mooresville High School, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Mooresville High School. Center Grove won 61-41.
Center Grove High School junior Ava Grant (23) reacts after hitting a 3-point basket during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional championship basketball game against Mooresville High School, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Mooresville High School. Center Grove won 61-41.

The Trojans graduate three critical pieces in Audrey Annee, Rachel Wirts and Aubrie Booker. But Ava Grant and Lilly Bischoff both took massive strides as juniors and will have this team poised for another deep postseason run entering next season.

'Let's go get it.' Center Grove's defense, balance key girls hoops regional win over BNL

6. Lawrence North (18-6)

Lawrence North High School senior Kamara Mills (11) reacts after scoring during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game against Lawrence Central High School, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School. Lawrence Central won, 61-54.
Lawrence North High School senior Kamara Mills (11) reacts after scoring during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game against Lawrence Central High School, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School. Lawrence Central won, 61-54.

Kamara Mills leaves a sizable hole for the Wildcats to fill, but Naja Winston and Keadriah Butler both played significant minutes as sophomores, while juniors Kya Hurt, Jamaya Thomas and Victoria Guyse were all part of the semistate finals run in 2022-23. Hurt and Thomas were the team's two leading scorers.

7. Fishers (17-7)

Fishers Tigers Allison Scheu (33) yells in excitement Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, during the game at Fishers High School in Fishers. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Zionsville Eagles, 46-38.
Fishers Tigers Allison Scheu (33) yells in excitement Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, during the game at Fishers High School in Fishers. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Zionsville Eagles, 46-38.

The Tigers lose quite a bit to graduation — four critical contributors, in fact — but Allison Scheu, the team's top-returning scorer, was really good in her first year as a starter and junior post Nevaeh Dickman shined in her first full varsity season. Coach Lauren Votaw has mastered the art of getting the most out of her players, and with a strong youth program in place, look for the Tigers to make some noise next winter.

More: Her sister's career casts a big shadow. Now, Talia Harris forming own path with Fishers.

8. Greenfield-Central (17-7)

Greenfield-Central Cougars forward Chaney Brown (12) rushes up the court Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, during the game at Pendleton Heights High School in Pendleton. The New Palestine Dragons defeated the Greenfield-Central Cougars, 42-35.
Greenfield-Central Cougars forward Chaney Brown (12) rushes up the court Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, during the game at Pendleton Heights High School in Pendleton. The New Palestine Dragons defeated the Greenfield-Central Cougars, 42-35.

The Cougars bring back everyone after matching the 2016-17 squad for their most wins since 2015-16. Seniors-to-be Madison Sonsini and Chaney Brown were exceptional on both ends of the floor at forward, Brooklyn McConnell is coming off a career year at guard and Izzy Silcox quietly had a great debut campaign. Add to that group Ainsley Robinson and Juliann Jones, both of whom were sidelined by injuries, and you have a G-C team that's ready to take that next step.

9. Franklin Central (15-9)

It was cool seeing how the youthful Flashes grew between their season opener at Center Grove and Jan. 16 vs. Plainfield. They looked significantly more together on both ends of the floor, with the offense running much more smoothly by the middle of January. They should continue their development over the offseason and with junior Lily Graves and freshmen Payton DuVall and Ashlee Baker all slated to return, this team should be a force in 2024-25.

10. Pendleton Heights (15-10)

Pendleton Heights Arabians guard Kaycie Warfel (12) searches to pass the ball Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, during the game at Pendleton Heights High School in Pendleton.
Pendleton Heights Arabians guard Kaycie Warfel (12) searches to pass the ball Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, during the game at Pendleton Heights High School in Pendleton.

The Arabians get one more crack at this thing with standout Kaycie Warfel, who scored over 25 ppg and averaged six steals as a junior. She's wicked talented, and will be aided by 6-3 post Adah Hupfer and 5-9 guard Olivia Jones, who shined in their freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively. The pieces are there for Pendleton Heights, it's merely a question if they'll be able to break through the sectional barrier.

11. Bishop Chatard (19-9, regional champion)

Bishop Chatard Trojans center Anna Caskey (44) high-fives against Bishop Chatard Trojans Olivia Berzai (12) on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, during the game at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.
Bishop Chatard Trojans center Anna Caskey (44) high-fives against Bishop Chatard Trojans Olivia Berzai (12) on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, during the game at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.

Losing do-it-all senior Addison Davis will sting, but Anna Caskey is a tremendous weapon to have in the post and she'll be bolstered by a strong 2026 class that includes leading scorer Olivia Berzai, Alyx Kendall and Betsy Tragesser. They'll have talent and experience entering the season, and will be well-tested come state tournament time.

12. Danville (24-4, semistate runner-up)

Danville's guard Emma Ancelet (33) rushes up the court against Plainfield Quakers guard Ellison Stewart (1) on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during the game at Danville Community High School in Danville.
Danville's guard Emma Ancelet (33) rushes up the court against Plainfield Quakers guard Ellison Stewart (1) on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during the game at Danville Community High School in Danville.

The Warriors, who lost to eventual 3A champion Gibson Southern at semistate, return their top three scorers in Emma Ancelet, Addison Davis and Maddy Wethington. Ancelet poured in over 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals per game, while Davis averaged 13 points, seven rebounds, a couple assists and three steals.

13. Pike (12-15, sectional champion)

Pike Red Devils guard Saniya Smith (1) attempts a lay-up against Roncalli Royals center Jasmine Horsman (14) on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, during the game at Pike High School in Indianapolis.
Pike Red Devils guard Saniya Smith (1) attempts a lay-up against Roncalli Royals center Jasmine Horsman (14) on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, during the game at Pike High School in Indianapolis.

The Red Devils took some lumps during the regular season, but stayed the course and demanded our attention in February, eliminating Roncalli and Franklin Central in sectionals, before taking Plainfield to the wire in the regional championship game. They have a heck of a coach in Keith Hollins and a wealth of talent returning, led by Saniya Smith and Komari Booker. Really excited to see what's ahead for Pike.

14. Brownsburg (13-12)

Brownsburg Bulldogs junior Center Avery Gordon catches a pass Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.
Brownsburg Bulldogs junior Center Avery Gordon catches a pass Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.

The Bulldogs will have a senior Purdue commit in the paint (Avery Gordon), a rising junior running point (Elle McCulloch) and another senior to help provide leadership (Morgan Montgomery). Finding an established scorer beyond Gordon would really bolster this team's prospects, especially if it's kept in the same sectional as Plainfield.

15. Roncalli (13-9)

Roncalli Royals center Lydia Stahley (10) reaches for a rebound Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, during the game at Pike High School in Indianapolis.
Roncalli Royals center Lydia Stahley (10) reaches for a rebound Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, during the game at Pike High School in Indianapolis.

The Royals are moving to 3A (probably) and bringing one of the area's best 2027 prospects with them. Elliot Leffler led the team in scoring (13 ppg), was second in rebounding (5 rpg) and ranked third in steals (1.5 spg) in her debut season. Sara Rosko is a nice secondary scoring option, Brennah Cerny is an under-the-radar talent and 6-1 volleyball standout Lydia Stahley gives Roncalli some size inside.

'Dang this girl’s insanely good.' Roncalli's Elliot Leffler 'doesn't play like a freshman.'

Others to watch: Avon, Brebeuf Jesuit, Carmel, Eastern Hancock, Lapel, Mooresville.

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IHSAA girls basketball rankings: Early look at top teams for 2024-25