BROWNSTOWN— The Lady Braves girls basketball program celebrated their eventful season on Thursday evening at the Brownstown High School Auditorium.

The team had a memorable 2023-24 season to say the least, finishing with a 21-9 record and crusing all the way to the Class 2A State Final. They also won their fifth straight sectional, fifth regional title and second semistate title in school history.

“When you look at the season from start to finish, it was just incredible. It is awesome to see a dream turn to reality,” Allman said. “Even though the outcome of that final game didn’t go our way, these girls and our coaching staff having nothing to hang our heads about. We achieved many accomplishments that were not expected.”

“The only way that happens is through hard work, determination, understanding, and buy-in,” he continued. “Something else that is difficult to do that these girls accomplished was accumualting 21 wins this season, against a tough schedule, and defeating two county opponents.”

It was never just one girl for Brownstown, during the course of the year, they had eight different girls lead the team in scoring during a game.

‘Grind Together, Shine Together’ was the motto of the team during the season.

“They did everything as a team all season long,” Allman said. “That showed on both the offensive and defensive side.”

Brownstown is looking to build off the 2023-24 season, only losing 1 senior this season in Kelsey Schneider, who’s on her way to playing softball at DePauw University in the fall.

The coach spoke on Schneider leaving the program.

“We are definitely going to miss her especially on the defensive end becasue she helped set the tone on that end,” Allman said. “She also did a phenomenal job and showed senior leadership by buying in and understanding her role on the offensive end. Kelsey really bonded and took in some of our underclassmen to help show them the ropes this season.”

“She has grown and matured as much as any player I have coached over 4 years,” he added. “I have no doubt she is going to be successful beyond basketball and high school.”

Coach Allman also mentioned that he hopes the second place finish for Brownstown in Class 2A is a driving force for the team for the future.

“I know it will be for me. We just need to continue to work on our offensive skill set and become more versatile on that end,” he said. “Ideally, we’re hoping to get a few girls who can score at all three levels. Next, we have to continue to work on our fitness and nutrition. We have to continue to get stronger and more athletic.”

The success from the Braves comes in the first season of a new system on offense and defense.

“We implemented a whole new system on both sides of the ball this past season, so hopefully we will continue to improve on those and be able to adapt to throw in some wrinkles to both of those,” Allman said.

Brownstown was also chosen as a team on the HBCA Honors Court for their hard work in the classroom. All the 13 players who dress varsity for the Lady Braves had a team GPA of 3.84 out of the 4.0 scale. This is the fifth straight year the girls basketball team has accomplished this feat.

Allman ended the banquet speaking about the future for the Lady Braves.

“Nothing will take away the satisfaction of the success we had this season,” Allman said. “I’m excited for the journey that lies ahead for us. There’s no limit to what we can acheive here, this is a really special school and place to be. I’m happy to be a small little part of it.”

The Braves will look to continue their sustained success in 2024-25.

Awards

Team MVP: Sophie Wischmeier

Highest Field Goal Percentage: Kinzee Dean

Highest Free Throw Percentage: Kinzee Dean

Most Rebounds: Sophie Wischmeier

Most Assists: Jenna Klosterman

Outstanding Defense: Kelsey Schneider

Lady Braves Mental Attitude Award: Hailey Hobson

JV Awards

Rising Lady Brave Award: Claire Brock

Most Improved: Kassie Helton