East Central Lands on IBCA, ICGSA Polls to Start 2026-27 Season

The Lady Trojans have a ton of talent back from a team that won 21 games last season

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association has released their 2026-27 Girls Basketball Preseason Poll. 

The IBCA poll is a non-class poll, where teams are voted to a Top 20 regardless of school classification. 

There are 22 panelists who vote for the poll -- one voter each from the 16 regionals and six at-large voters (two each from IHSAA Districts 1, 2 and 3). 

Locally, East Central ranks 17th in the state to start the season. The Lady Trojans went 21-4 last season and are expected to be a strong team in Class 4A again this season. The ICGSA agrees, ranking the Trojans 10th in 4A to start the season. 

East Central has the bulk of their key contributors from last year's team back after graduating only three seniors. They are led by junior guard Natalie Stenger. As a sophomore, Stenger averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 4.1 steals. 

The Trojans also return senior guard Audrina Dugan (11.8 PPG) and sophomore forward Lilly Maple (10.3 PPG). 

Seniors Teagan Leihgeber, Kaleigh Meadows, Sydney Campell, and Avery Cable return with plenty of experience. Franklin County transfer Kodie Cox, Kelsey Koth, Gabby Cleary, and Amelia Theising are also expected to contribute. 

East Central will tipoff their season on Wednesday, November 4 at South Dearborn.