Central Indiana's Top Girls Basketball Freshmen Earn IndyStar Spotlight

IndyStar's class of 2029 central Indiana girls basketball spotlight reaches more than 40 programs and names Maliyah Evans, Lillian Clark, and Center Grove's Lillia Tapak among the freshmen who drew recognition from the publication's roster compilation.

Tapak, known as "Lils," is the only one of the three highlighted freshmen with a confirmed school in the detailed rosters. Evans and Clark were both named in the overview without an attached school or position, keeping their programs unconfirmed pending further verification.

The depth of the full list reflects how broadly the class of 2029 has announced itself across the metro. Noblesville leads all central Indiana schools with seven players named across two roster groupings: guards Maya Coverdale, Nelani Render, Maia Blower, and Norah Vetor; guard/forward Aleah Magee; and forwards Blythe Walker and Grayson Wheeler. Park Tudor matches that total with seven of its own: Abi Adams, Sidney Ritz, forward/center Makenzie Johnson, guard Vera Martin, Morgan Reed, guard/forward Leyla Smiley, and guard Aaliyah Wilson.

Guerin Catholic and Hamilton Heights each contributed six freshmen. Guerin's group includes Delanie Cardinal, Emersyn French, Ella Horvath, Lauren Keller, Lorigrace Rockwood, and Cecilia Titus. Hamilton Heights lists Addison Blum, Zoey Curry, Bayleigh Eisele, Gabby Lowe, Riley Suarez, and Stella Taylor.

Ben Davis placed five: Alice Ali, Paige Jones, Leighton O'Connor, Daijah Royston, and Tatum Skibinski. Speedway and Southwestern (Shelbyville) each sent four freshmen. Speedway's contingent features guards Madelynn Matelic and Gracie Tinkey alongside forwards Shavaun Champion and Aubree Loyal. Southwestern lists guards Maddie Barlow, Callie Beck, and Hayden Ramey, plus forward Maci Murray. Central Christian also placed four: Zoey Foerster, Allena Hawk, Amiah McDonald, and Kaylee Noble.

Franklin Central's three freshmen cover three distinct positions: center Ella DuVall, guard Audrey Lloyd, and wing/guard Journey Washington. Warren Central's representatives are Meleena Fowlkes, Myla Harris, and Isis Rogers. Lawrence North adds Heavynne Beard, Camille Hurt, and Jordyn Suggs.

One name stands apart for the program it represents: Carrie Eicher of Indiana Deaf, the only player on the full list from a school for the deaf and the sole entry that extends IndyStar's recognition beyond the traditional public and private school landscape of the Indianapolis metro.

The freshmen section also includes Saniyah Davenport of Avon, Natalie Whelen-Edwards of Carmel, Journey Frederick of Franklin, Annalyse Vermillion of Cascade, and Harmony Burks of Beech Grove. Guards Briley Morelli of Bishop Chatard and Leah Soloria of Brebeuf Jesuit are both listed in the freshmen block, as are Roncalli's trio of Carly Feldman, Addie Gates, and Lola Morelli. Plainfield's Caroline Armstrong, Shania Daniels, and Emma Righter are all listed at guard.

With every player on this list eligible for senior seasons in 2028-29, Noblesville's seven representatives give the program the deepest footprint in the initial spotlight, a distinction that will carry weight in a metro where rebuilding cycles are measured in recruiting classes, not just postseason runs.