2025‑26 Southwestern Indiana High School Team Of The Year

The 2025‑26 academic year produced a flurry of championship runs and historic milestones across Southwestern Indiana high‑school athletics. A collection of standout teams and individuals have been recognized as nominees for the Courier & Press High School Team of the Year, presented by Orthopaedic Associates. Fans can cast their ballots any number of times before 12 p.m. CT on Friday, July 10, and the final winner will be highlighted in an updated story later this summer.

Barr‑Reeve Volleyball

The Vikings secured their fourth state crown and first title since 2020 with a dramatic five‑set victory over Benton Central. Addison Jones contributed 17 kills and 12 digs in the championship match, while Lanie Graber recorded 22 digs. Barr‑Reeve finished the season 33‑5, with their sole losing effort coming in the opening week.

Castle Volleyball

Castle captured a third consecutive regional championship, maintaining its elite status in Southern Indiana. The Knights advanced through the postseason with a memorable five‑set win over North in the sectional final. Despite losing their top returning player to injury and coaching with a first‑year leader, the program posted a 31‑4 overall record.

Heritage Hills Football

After moving up to Class 4A, the Patriots pushed to within one game of returning to the Indianapolis state finals. Heritage Hills beat Washington, Reitz, Jasper, and Martinsville en route to the semi‑state round before falling to Roncalli. Jett Goldsberry also earned Indiana Mr. Football runner‑up honors that season.

Gibson Southern Football

The Titans concluded the year 12‑2 and barely missed a trip to Lucas Oil Stadium. Their postseason run featured crucial second‑half comebacks, including a win over No. 1 Memorial and Mater Dei to capture the sectional title. This marked the program’s third regional championship in five years and also secured the PAC Big School Division crown.

Washington Girls Basketball

Washington re‑appeared in the semi‑state for the first time since 1997, rolling through the sectional tournament before surviving an overtime thriller against Central in the regional round. The Hatchets amassed 22 victories but fell to Jennings County by six in the semi‑state championship game at Southport.

North Knox Girls Basketball

North Knox ignited in January and advanced to the semi‑state stage for just the second time in four years. The Warriors defeated rival South Knox in the sectional final and later edged Mater Dei in the regional round. The team compiled 19 wins, marking a strong finish for coach Steve Meurer’s final season.

Reitz Girls Basketball

Reitz erased several long‑standing hurdles, achieving its deepest postseason run in 45 years. The Panthers defeated Castle in the sectional final—their first win over the conference rival since 1992—ending a 36‑year title drought. A dominant fourth quarter secured a regional victory over Columbus North, and the season’s 21 wins were the most since the turn of the century.

Princeton Boys Basketball

Princeton capped a remarkable two‑year stretch with another appearance in the state semi‑finals. The Tigers dispatched Washington, Jasper, and Bosse to claim back‑to‑back regional titles for the first time since 1935. No senior class had earned multiple sectional championships since the early 1990s.

Barr‑Reeve Boys Basketball

Barr‑Reeve stunned expectations by winning its third state championship behind a youthful roster and a new coaching staff. The Vikings bested Triton 50‑37 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Josh Miller, Jaylon Graber, and Korben Boyd each scoring in double figures. The season record stands at 28‑1, highlighted by a last‑second basket to topple Liberty Christian in the semi‑state.

Memorial Girls Tennis

Memorial advanced deep into the state tournament, ultimately finishing as runner‑up. The Tigers lost only two individual matches before the finals, defeating North Central and Jasper 3‑2 in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds respectively. This was their first championship appearance since 2012, ending with a loss to Carmel.

Barr‑Reeve Softball

Barr‑Reev earned its inaugural state championship with a 6‑0 shutout of South Central at Purdue University. Haley Huff and Charley Paurazas combined for a six‑hit shutout and 12 strikeouts. The Vikings outscored opponents 60‑13 during the postseason, breaking through to advance beyond the regional round for the first time.

Tecumseh Softball

Tecumseh continued its dynasty, securing a fifth straight state title and a sixth blue medal. The Braves defeated Western Boone 7‑2 in the championship game at Purdue, with Audrey Seiler allowing just four hits and striking out six batters. Kinley Hildebrand cleared the bases with a double. The program finished 29‑4 and tied an IHSAA record with seven state championships.

Castle Boys Golf

Castle posted its best overall season in program history, culminating in a fourth‑place finish at the state meet. The Knights captured the SIAC, sectional, and regional championships during the spring. Freshman Alex Cook delivered the highest individual finish for the squad, placing third at the state tournament.

Gibson Southern Baseball

Gibson Southern enjoyed its strongest campaign in over a decade, finishing with 27 wins—the second‑most in school history. The Titans navigated close calls to win the sectional title before dominating the regional stage. A standout victory over Cathedral in the semi‑state semifinal highlighted the run.

North Baseball

North reinforced its 2025 postseason momentum with another deep tournament run. The Huskies eliminated Castle in extra innings and later ousted Reitz to capture back‑to‑back regional crowns for the first time. A 2‑0 win over No. 1 Center Grove in the semi‑state marked the highlight before a loss to Bloomington South in the championship.

Northeast Dubois Baseball

Northeast Dubois produced its most successful postseason appearance to date, finishing as Class 1A runner‑up. The Jeeps secured four victories by three runs or fewer before a 2‑0 defeat to Kouts at Victory Field. The season’s 23 wins were notable given only one starter graduated.

Mater Dei Baseball

Mater Dei ended a 27‑year championship drought with a 6‑3, eight‑inning victory over Bluffton at Victory Field. The Wildcats were down to their final out before Jackson Schaefer’s swinging bunt tied the game. Max Miller and Dylan Murphy delivered run‑scoring singles in the eighth to clinch the title. The team trailed or went to extra innings in five of its seven postseason games.

The variety of achievements—from first‑time state honors to long‑standing dynasty stretches—illustrates the depth of talent across Southwestern Indiana. As voting continues, the region’s fans have the chance to recognize the exceptional squad that best represents the 2025‑26 season.