Latest news with #HamiltonSoutheastern
Indianapolis Star
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
A year after HSE student died at 17, basketball community honors him with 3-on-3 tournament
FISHERS – The night Baron Spires died, Matt Brandenberger texted his best friend into the early morning hours, hoping beyond hope the news was not true. 'It finally hit me that next morning,' Brandenberger said. 'He wasn't responding. It was reality.' It was a on July 21, 2024, when the 17-year-old Spires, about to begin his senior year at Hamilton Southeastern, died unexpectedly. Baron, who was born with a heart defect, had undergone open heart surgery a month earlier. Everything seemed fine. But on a Sunday night just a few days from the start of school, he died in his sleep. 'It was heartbreaking,' his mother Ginger Spires said. Almost immediately, knowing Baron would not want his family and friends to sit around in sadness, the family went to work formulating plans to honor Baron's life. He loved basketball. Baron was a Steph Curry fan who wore No. 30 throughout his years playing basketball for the Hamilton Southeastern youth program and the Indy Hoops travel team with his coach for eight years, Matt Webster. Memorial contributions for Baron's funeral went toward donations to Indy Hoops Academy, in honor of Baron. But with a year of planning, another idea came to fruition Saturday morning at Pro Net Sports Facility in Fishers: The first Baron Spires Memorial 3 on 3 tournament named 'Beyond the Buzzer.' Nearly 50 teams participated in the event at a cost of $100 per team with all of the proceeds going to the Baron Spires Memorial Scholarship Fund. 'A lot of families will do a memorial walk or different ways to honor their kids,' Ginger Spires said. 'We decided to partner with Matt and donated the facility to honor Baron. Every year in Baron's name, we will do a college scholarship for a kid in Matt's program. We're very fortunate that a lot of people wanted to honor Baron and we wanted to honor Baron in a positive way.' The basketball community showed up in forced to support Baron's parents, Michael and Ginger Spires and their oldest son, 20-year-old Mason, who played on a team with 2023 Mr. Basketball Markus Burton of Notre Dame and former Indiana Elite Central AAU teammates Bryce Hoover of Franklin Central and Spencer White of Carmel. 'It was really cool to see a bunch guys who I played with, and Baron played with and even people who don't really play basketball,' said Mason, who will be a junior at Indiana University. 'Everyone just kind of coming together and being a part of something that is bigger than basketball. It's a cool thing to be a part of.' Barely a year removed from his brother's passing, Mason said some days are better than others. Saturday was one of those better days. 'Hosting a basketball event and doing something for his name is something that motivates me and keeps me going,' Mason said. 'It was all basketball for him for 15 years growing up. It was his favorite thing to do. It's fun to be able to carry it on for him.' Webster, who played at the University of Evansville from 2003-07, said Baron's team is one of the few he stayed with as coach year to year for multiple seasons. 'Baron was a gym rat kid who will listen and do anything you asked him to do,' Webster said. 'On and off the court, just a great kid. He was so coachable. For me, any kid who will do what you say, work hard with no excuses, is a dream to coach. He was just an unbelievable kid with a big heart who would truly do anything for anybody. Those are the kids you love coaching. I'm sure he's looking down on us here and thinks this is just awesome.' Baron never wanted anyone to know about his heart condition, his mother said. Not that he was embarrassed about it — he just did not want anyone to treat him differently or feel sorry for him. He was smart and funny; quiet unless he was around his closest friends. And until that night in July of last year, it seemed his worst health issues were behind him. The night before, the Baron had gone out to eat with his family downtown. He showed no signs of illness. 'He passed away peacefully in his sleep with no symptoms,' Ginger said. 'He literally laid down and took a nap and his heart stopped. (Doctors) thought he had a fatal arrhythmia, which a lot of athletes have.' Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers honored the Spires family at halftime of the annual Mudsock rivalry basketball game in December at the Fishers Event Center. Both teams wore black 'Baron' bands on their jerseys. Other than his family, probably no one in the building on Saturday was as close to Baron as Brandenberger, who will be a manager for the Ball State basketball team this season. They grew up together, first meet up at recess basketball in elementary school. Later, in middle school, they bonded over video games, playing Fortnite until 3 a.m. some nights. 'I'd do anything to go back to that,' Brandenberger said. They were on the same Indy Hoops team from sixth grade on. They sat next to each other on the bench and rebounded for each other before games. 'We were always there for each other,' Brandenberger said. 'I loved that kid. He means so much to me.' Even though Brandenberger never got the response on his phone he was hoping for from Baron, he never stopped. Even now, Brandenberger sends texts when he is thinking of Baron or passes along Instagram reels he finds funny. Or whatever else strikes his interest. 'I still stay in touch,' Brandenberger said. 'I talk to him daily.'
Indianapolis Star
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Quarterback Central: Top Indy-area quarterbacks to watch for 2025 IHSAA football season
Any high school football team with high aspirations for the upcoming season better have a quarterback to lead the way. With the season just nine Fridays away, we take a look at 20 Central Indiana QBs to watch going into the 2025 season: Previously: Top-10 Week 1 games in Central Indiana Can the senior make the jump from Class 2A to 6A? Allen, who transferred at the start of his second semester of his junior year, put up outstanding numbers the past two seasons as Cardinal Ritter's starting quarterback. As a sophomore, the 6-foot left-hander completed 55% of his passes for 1,851 yards and 13 touchdowns (eight interceptions) and ran for 317 yards and 11 TDs. Last year as a junior, Allen completed 54.3% of his passes for 1,664 yards and 12 TDs (10 interceptions) and rushed for 350 yards and six TDs as he was named first team All-City. Lawrence Central, coming off a 4-6 season, had a hole at quarterback with Terry Walker III transferring to Hamilton Southeastern. The 5-10, 185-pound senior left-hander was limited to just four games due to injury but was productive in that time, completing 51% of his passes for 584 yards and three touchdowns with five interceptions. Cameron also ran for 85 yards in those four games. He was injured in the Week 3 game against Hamilton Southeastern and missed the rest of the regular season, coming back to play against Brownsburg in the sectional. Cameron was 16-for-31 for 203 yards and one touchdown in that 21-13 loss to the Bulldogs, who went on to win the 6A state title. Avon finished just 3-7 but there are high expectations for the Orioles to make a jump. From a team perspective, it was a disappointing season in the win-loss department for the Greyhounds, who won just one game after a 2-1 start to sputter to a 3-7 mark. A coaching change will be the big story for Carmel going into the 2025 season as Kevin Wright returns to lead the Greyhounds for a second tenure (2010-14 his first). But a secondary storyline will be the play of 6-2, 200-pound Coellner, who is one of the most talented and experienced quarterbacks in the state. The two-year starter and Troy University recruit completed 61% of his passes as a junior for 1,896 yards and 17 TDs (eight interceptions) in nine games. Coellner passed for 937 yards and eight TDs as a sophomore and ran for 298 yards and two TDs. The 6-1, 180-pound senior was named as the IFCA Class 2A Junior All-State quarterback last season after completing 66% of his passes for 3,231 yards and 30 touchdowns (10 interceptions) and rushed for 133 yards and three TDs for a Lapel team that won a sectional championship and finished 9-4. The three-year starter has a 65% completion rate for his career and has 7,568 passing yards and 70 passing TDs overall (30 interceptions) with 243 rushing yards and eight rushing TDs. Craig will easily reach the top 10 in state history in career passing yards with a season similar to his junior year, though his top two receiving targets did graduate. The 6-2, 200-pound senior transferred from Covenant Christian to Mooresville for his junior season and completed 56% of his passes for 2,483 yards and 25 touchdowns (with 15 interceptions) in a 4-7 season for the Pioneers. As a sophomore, Cruz passed for 2,631 yards and 33 TDs (with 14 interceptions) and ran for five touchdowns for Covenant Christian. He has an offer from Indiana Wesleyan. The 6-3, 195-pound senior transferred from Springboro (Ohio) prior to his junior year and helped the Dragons to a 14-0 record and Class 4A state championship. Davis completed 68.1% of his passes for 1,949 yards and a staggering 23-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The Towson University commit also proved to be a dangerous runner, going for 662 yards and 13 TDs on the ground. As the Dragons make the jump this season to Class 5A via the tournament success factor, Davis is one of several experienced players coach Kyle Ralph can count on. The 5-9, 165-pound Dobson helped Greenwood Christian to a 7-3 record in its first season as a sectional-eligible program (the Cougars lost by one point to Eastern Greene in their first sectional game). With Dobson returning and plenty of depth on the line, Greenwood Christian could make another jump in Class A. He completed 55% of his passes as a junior for 1,918 yards and 21 TDs (seven interceptions) and 1,029 rushing yards with 15 rushing TDs. Overall, Dobson has 3,236 passing yards and 33 TDs (14 interceptions) and 1,781 rushing yards and 24 rushing TDs. Dobson is one of the few on this list who also punts and returns punts and kicks. The 6-foot, 190-pound senior has been one of Central Indiana's most prolific passers over the past three seasons. As a junior, Edon completed 59% of his passes for 2,172 yards and 19 touchdowns (with nine interceptions) and ran for 396 yards and seven rushing TDs. In his three seasons, Edon has a 58% completion rate with 5,782 passing yards and 55 passing TDs (with 25 interceptions). He has also run for 1,255 yards and 21 TDs to date for his high school career. New coach Josh Holden has been impressed with the team's talent and depth as the Class 2A Royals are coming off a 5-5 season. Edon has an offer from Saint Francis. The 6-2, 190-pound Frye, a junior, did not disappoint in his first year as a starter, playing a key role in helping the Bulldogs to the Class 6A state championship – the program's first state title since 1985. Frye completed 64.5% of his passes for 2,445 yards and 23 TDs (seven interceptions), and added a little bit of running (122 yards). He already has offers from Bowling Green, Louisville, Miami (Ohio), Sacramento State and Toledo and interest from many other FBS programs. With many of the skill position players around him returning, along with several offensive linemen, the Bulldogs should feature one of the best offenses in Class 6A. The 6-1, 205-pound senior completed 65% of his passes as a junior for Chatard for 1,950 yards and 14 touchdowns (with four interceptions) and ran for another four scores. Harrington is a young senior (just turned 17), so coach Rob Doyle is hoping Harrington can take another big step this season and have a big year for the Trojans, who finished 9-3 and battled eventual Class 4A state champion New Palestine to an overtime loss in the regional. The 6-foot, 160-pound senior put together a solid season in his first year as a starter, completing 61% of his passes for 1,528 yards and 11 TDs (with nine interceptions). Koers, who has offers from DePauw and Wabash, helped his team to a 6-4 season. Cathedral will move back down to Class 5A for at least the next two seasons. Koers will have one of his top receivers back in Jackson Harvey and 1,000-yard rusher Xavier Dangerfield. The 6-7 Moore was one of the most productive freshmen in the state last season as he completed 58% of his passes for 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns (with four interceptions). Moore also ran for 57 yards and one TD for the 4-6 Hornets. It will be interesting to see how Moore progresses. He is a three-sport athlete who averaged 11.0 points and 6.4 rebounds as a freshman on the basketball court and batted .438 with nine doubles on the baseball field. The 6-1, 205-pound senior transferred to Franklin Central from Speedway, where he passed for 1,652 yards and 17 passing TDs as a junior and ran for 265 yards and two scores. Moreland also had a big sophomore season for the Sparkplugs, completing 60% of his passes for 1,884 yards and 15 TDs (with six interceptions). Moreland joins a Class 6A Franklin Central team that was 6-4 last season and returns leading receiver Hudson Moritz. The 6-4, 205-pound Nix was 60% passer as a junior, throwing for 1,725 yards and 22 TDs with 11 interceptions. He was also the leading rusher for the 7-3 Eagles, going for 805 yards on the ground with 14 rushing TDs. Leading receiver Andrew Sloan returns for the Eagles, though there will be some changes going into this season for Heritage Christian, starting with new coach Caleb Brink. Nix has 3,332 passing yards and 40 passing TDs (23 interceptions) and 833 rushing yards and 15 rushing TDs in high school. The 6-2, 185-pound senior, a Toledo commit, helped the Hawks to their first state title last year with a victory over Warsaw in the Class 5A title game. Decatur Central makes the jump to 6A this year under the tournament success factor but could be a contender in the larger class. The presence of an experienced quarterback like Polston certainly helps. He completed 64% of his passes last year in an 11-2 season, going for 2,069 yards and 21 passing TDs (eight interceptions). Polston is also a threat on the ground, rushing for 301 yards and five TDs. In his three years as a starter, he has 5,366 passing yards and 55 passing TDs (27 interceptions) and 1,108 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs. The debut of the 6-4, 190-pound sophomore will be fun to watch. As a freshman, Sloan was a backup to now-graduated senior Gabe McWilliams, who threw for more than 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Sloan was 6-for-9 passing for 85 yards and a TD in backup duty. But the potential is off the charts. Sloan already has nine Division I offers, which is highly unusual for a player with so little varsity experience. His offer list includes Cincinnati, Maryland and Purdue. Center Grove, coming off an 8-5 season and regional championship, should stay among the Class 6A elite. The 6-4, 200-pound Sorgi, a Louisville commit, is the son of former Colts' backup quarterback Jim Sorgi. Jack is quickly making his own name for himself, completing 59% of his passes for 1,729 yards and 19 TDs (four interceptions) as a sophomore with 225 rushing yards and four rushing TDs. Sorgi should be poised to take another step forward as a junior and the full-time starter at quarterback for the Bruins, who are coming off an 8-5 season and Class 3A regional championship. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior was well on his way to a breakout junior season, completing 62% of his passes for 1,156 yards and 13 TDs (with two interceptions) before he suffered a season-ending injury in a Week 5 31-30 loss to Brownsburg. Sturgill also proved to be an adept runner, averaging 4.0 yards per carry (161 rushing yards total) and running for four TDs. Sturgill, who threw for 344 yards and three TDs as a sophomore, has offers from Butler and Western Illinois. The 6-3, 190-pound Walker, a Duke recruit, transferred from Lawrence Central to HSE before the second semester of his junior year. Last season for the Bears, Walker completed 46% of his passes for 1,467 yards and 17 TDs (with three interceptions). The dual-threat quarterback also ran for 377 yards and four TDs. For his career, Walker has completed 47% of his passes for 2,685 yards and 28 TDs (with six interceptions) and ran for 503 yards and five TDs. He joins a Hamilton Southeastern team that is coming off a 7-4 season. Ward, a junior, has led Danville to a 11-2 record in his starts over the past two seasons. As a sophomore, he completed 59% of his passes for 1,063 yards and 16 TDs (with three interceptions). Ward also ran for 63 yards and four TDs and caught seven passes for 55 yards when he was not playing quarterback. Overall in his two seasons, Ward has 1,780 passing yards and 28 passing TDs with six interceptions. Danville returns a strong group of upperclassmen from last year's 8-2 team that lost in last year's controversial Class 4A sectional game against Brebeuf Jesuit. Collin Ash, Roncalli: Ash, a senior, split time last year with now-graduated Jayden Buchanan. Ash passed for 732 yards and four TDs and ran for 649 yards and 11 TDs. Evan Clark, Indian Creek: The 6-1, 210-pound Clark was one of the most productive freshmen last year, throwing for 1,476 yards and 20 TDs and running for 190 yards and five TDs. Anthony Dennison, Warren Central: In eight games as a sophomore, the 6-1, 205-pound Dennison passed for 754 yards and seven TDs with six interceptions. Jack Quillen, a sophomore, will also be a name to watch at quarterback for the Warriors. Christopher Harris, Park Tudor: In seven games as a freshman, the 5-11, 165-pound Harris completed 63% of his passes for 1,122 yards and 18 TDs with six interceptions. He also ran for 425 yards and nine TDs. Mychael Lewis, Pike: The 5-11, 165-pound sophomore earned some valuable playing time as a freshman for the 6A Red Devils, passing for 343 yards and four TDs and rushing for 164 yards and three TDs. Mason Meyer, Mt. Vernon: The 5-10, 165-pound Meyer completed 49% of his passes for 1,150 yards and nine TDs and ran for 423 yards and nine TDs as a sophomore for the 4-6 Marauders. Bryce Sebanc, Plainfield: The 6-3, 170-pound junior picked up his first offer from Sacramento State this week. Sebanc passed for 559 yards and five TDs and ran for two TDs as a sophomore. Brady Trebley, Cascade: The 6-2, 185-pound Trebley had a big junior season as he completed 65% of his passes for 1,218 yards and 20 TDs and ran for 392 yards and eight TDs for the 10-1 Cadets.
Indianapolis Star
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana school districts hire Black teachers, then fail to keep them
In 2024, I received an invitation to a diversity teacher recruitment fair in Carmel. The featured districts included Noblesville, Hamilton Southeastern, Carmel Clay, Zionsville and Westfield Washington, all places with important questions about the recruitment and retention of Black educators at traditional public schools. Here are the numbers on the proportions of Black staff members at each district last year: Hamilton Southeastern stood out, employing more Black educators than the other four combined. Whatever they were doing seemed to be working, but when the district's Black, female superintendent resigned, I worried the momentum wouldn't last. My concerns were further confirmed when I learned three Black principals had left the district in a year. This is not an isolated trend. In districts across Indiana and beyond, diversity efforts too often stop at hiring. What follows can feel more like tokenism than inclusion, where educators of color must constantly prove their worth while receiving limited institutional support. Educational historian Vanessa Siddle Walker has documented how, following the desegregation of the U.S. public education system, many experienced Black principals lost their roles. This was not due to performance, but because systems weren't ready to share power equitably. The context of today may look different, but similar dynamics persist. For example, school governance remains predominantly White. With politically charged debates over curriculum and policy, diverse educators can find themselves navigating complex environments with limited support. In education, this affects not only adults, but also students. When students of color rarely see themselves reflected in leadership, it sends an unspoken message about who belongs — and who leads. Opinion: Indianapolis schools have once-in-a-generation chance for transformation These patterns have broader implications. I'm in an interracial marriage, raising children who will soon enter Indiana's K-12 educational system. Comments from public leaders, such as Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith referring to the Three-Fifths Compromise as 'a great move,' or past remarks from now-Gov. Mike Braun questioning the legality of Loving v. Virginia, have lasting impacts. For families like mine, these are reminders that belonging is still conditional for many. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful. Charter schools in Indiana are showing real potential in supporting Black educators. With greater flexibility, many are leading efforts in culturally responsive curriculum, leadership diversity and student engagement. They aren't without challenges, but their agility often allows them to implement equity-focused practices more swiftly than traditional districts. To be clear: All schools, whether district or charter, must be held to high standards, but recognizing and supporting innovative models that center inclusion is both fair and necessary. Briggs: Indiana's school letter grades will help housing prices more than parents Ultimately, doing so is not about blame. It's about accountability. Diversity in education should not be performative. It must be embedded in policy, practice and culture. When educators of color are hired, we must also be heard, valued and empowered to lead authentically. Our students of all races benefit from inclusive leadership. They deserve to see educators who reflect their communities and are committed to equity not as a buzzword, but as a standard. This work is deeply personal and ongoing, but I believe change is possible when we center truth, listen with humility, and act with courage. Indiana has the talent, the opportunity, and the responsibility to do just that.
Indianapolis Star
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana school districts hire Black teachers, then fail to keep them
In 2024, I received an invitation to a diversity teacher recruitment fair in Carmel. The featured districts included Noblesville, Hamilton Southeastern, Carmel Clay, Zionsville and Westfield Washington, all places with important questions about the recruitment and retention of Black educators at traditional public schools. Here are the numbers on the proportions of Black staff members at each district last year: Hamilton Southeastern stood out, employing more Black educators than the other four combined. Whatever they were doing seemed to be working, but when the district's Black, female superintendent resigned, I worried the momentum wouldn't last. My concerns were further confirmed when I learned three Black principals had left the district in a year. This is not an isolated trend. In districts across Indiana and beyond, diversity efforts too often stop at hiring. What follows can feel more like tokenism than inclusion, where educators of color must constantly prove their worth while receiving limited institutional support. Educational historian Vanessa Siddle Walker has documented how, following the desegregation of the U.S. public education system, many experienced Black principals lost their roles. This was not due to performance, but because systems weren't ready to share power equitably. The context of today may look different, but similar dynamics persist. For example, school governance remains predominantly White. With politically charged debates over curriculum and policy, diverse educators can find themselves navigating complex environments with limited support. In education, this affects not only adults, but also students. When students of color rarely see themselves reflected in leadership, it sends an unspoken message about who belongs — and who leads. Opinion: Indianapolis schools have once-in-a-generation chance for transformation These patterns have broader implications. I'm in an interracial marriage, raising children who will soon enter Indiana's K-12 educational system. Comments from public leaders, such as Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith referring to the Three-Fifths Compromise as 'a great move,' or past remarks from now-Gov. Mike Braun questioning the legality of Loving v. Virginia, have lasting impacts. For families like mine, these are reminders that belonging is still conditional for many. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful. Charter schools in Indiana are showing real potential in supporting Black educators. With greater flexibility, many are leading efforts in culturally responsive curriculum, leadership diversity and student engagement. They aren't without challenges, but their agility often allows them to implement equity-focused practices more swiftly than traditional districts. To be clear: All schools, whether district or charter, must be held to high standards, but recognizing and supporting innovative models that center inclusion is both fair and necessary. Briggs: Indiana's school letter grades will help housing prices more than parents Ultimately, doing so is not about blame. It's about accountability. Diversity in education should not be performative. It must be embedded in policy, practice and culture. When educators of color are hired, we must also be heard, valued and empowered to lead authentically. Our students of all races benefit from inclusive leadership. They deserve to see educators who reflect their communities and are committed to equity not as a buzzword, but as a standard. This work is deeply personal and ongoing, but I believe change is possible when we center truth, listen with humility, and act with courage. Indiana has the talent, the opportunity, and the responsibility to do just that.
Indianapolis Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Noblesville and its 'incredibly impressive' offense dethrone defending 4A state champion
FISHERS — The Noblesville softball team typically likes to show up early for games, especially when they're at home. But there were conflicting reports (briefly, at least) as to how early the Millers were for Monday's Class 4A Sectional 8 opener vs. Hamilton Southeastern. "We got here kind of around normal game time," Brookelyn Grayson said. "We pulled in before 4," teammate Addi Emmerson quickly corrected. "Oh, we did?" Grayson replied, before explaining that, yes, the Millers were in fact very early for their first state tournament game. "We got here and the other team was nowhere to be found. 'Are we here too early? Are we at the right spot?'" the senior infielder laughed. "We normally get there early for games. … But yeah, we were definitely here earlier than normal." More: Defense has carried Lapel softball. And the gloves were on point again Monday. It's better to be ahead of schedule than behind it and Noblesville's unusually early arrival allowed the players to take their time warming up and gave them an opportunity to calm the pregame nerves. The vibes were immaculate. Noblesville was ready. And when the first pitch was thrown, it set about executing its gameplan. Facing arguably the state's top pitcher in Hamilton Southeastern junior Grace Swedarsky, the Millers looked to attack early in the count so as to avoid seeing her up-spin later in the at-bat. Delaney Rundle ripped a lead-off triple on Swedarsky's third pitch of the game, then came around to score when Grayson doubled on the second pitch of her at-bat. "After the first inning, I felt really hype for our team, just getting a run early," Grayson said following her 3-for-3, two RBI, two-run performance. "We only had one run (against her during the regular season), so that was huge." Noblesville remained aggressive, and when the Royals scratched across runs in the second and fifth to tie, it unleashed a seven-run barrage in the bottom of the fifth, setting itself on course for a decisive 9-4 victory. Seven of those runs came against Swedarsky, who allowed nine hits, issued one walk and struck out four. The Virginia Tech commit has allowed multiple runs in three of her 11 postseason starts (five shutouts). It's happened twice vs. Noblesville. "Grace is a really fantastic pitcher, but we're also really good hitters here," Emmerson said. The Millers spent the past few practices with the speed dialed up on the pitching machine to prepare for Swedarsky's speed and focused on laying off pitches up in the zone. Force her down in the zone, said catcher Maggie Kern, who initiated the fifth-inning rally with a bases-clearing double. From there, approaches were more individualized. Emmerson doubled on a pitch inside in the fourth, so her coaches told her to watch for an outside pitch. "I was like, 'OK, let's see it." The senior infielder took the first pitch then, as promised, Swedarsky went outside with her next pitch — and Emmerson launched it over the right-field wall for a two-run home run, her fifth of the season and third over the past four games. "When I saw it go over, I was ecstatic," beamed Emmerson, who finished 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored. "I'm never looking for a home run, but when they go over, I'm always OK with it." Rundle finished with two hits, two walks and two runs scored; Izzy Zapp tallied two hits and a run scored and pitcher Addison Retzinger notched a hit, while also allowing just two runs on three hits with six strikeouts and seven walks over 6.2 innings. Noblesville out-hit HSE, 11-4, and boasts a team season average of .365 with 25 homers and 39 doubles. It's averaging around eight runs per game, and has seven-plus in four straight games. "Noblesville's always been an incredibly impressive offensive team," HSE coach Emily Pusti said. "Their bats are good. They've got really fast slappers. And their talent being really aggressive challenges the defense. … We got checked on that in the first inning, but our girls figured it out from there and improved. I'm so proud of them." Noblesville advances to face Fishers on Tuesday.
