Connect with us

Indiana

Last time Fever made playoffs, Caitlin Clark was a freshman… in high school. They’re closing in.

Published

on

Last time Fever made playoffs, Caitlin Clark was a freshman… in high school. They’re closing in.


play

ATLANTA — On Monday night, Indiana accomplished a feat it hadn’t sniffed since Fever legend Tamika Catchings hung up her sneakers in 2016: It won more than 13 games in a single season.

Indiana’s 14 wins this season are the most since the Fever’s 2016 squad went 17-17. Only Fever guard Erica Wheeler was on the Fever that season, completing her first stint with the franchise. Other than that, it’s a completely different team — different players, coaches and front office.

Advertisement

The last time the Fever won 14 or more games in a season, Fever rookie Caitlin Clark was a freshman in high school.

‘I look really soft.’ Caitlin Clark brushes off slight ankle injury in Fever win

It’s been a long turnaround for the Fever since Catchings and coach Stephanie White left eight years ago. Now, they’re rebuilding into something sustainable.

“I think in our locker room, even when coaches talk about it, we focus from game-to-game,” said seventh-year pro Kelsey Mitchell, the longest-tenured Fever player. “But we’re not crazy, you know, playoffs is a big deal for all of us, and I think we try to stay focused on what’s right, and I think the main thing is game-by-game.”

The Fever, who held on to beat Atlanta 84-79 Monday, are full of young players. Three of their five starters (Clark, Boston and third-year NaLyssa Smith) are still on rookie contracts, while Katie Lou Samuelson is in her fifth year. Indiana’s first option off the bench, Lexie Hull, is a third-year player, too.

Advertisement

Not many of the players on the Fever have playoff experience — only Damiris Dantas and Temi Fagbenle have gone deep into the playoff push, winning championships with the Minnesota Lynx in 2015 and 2017, respectively, both coming off the bench.

“We all feel like we can continue to get better in a lot of ways.,” Clark said. “This team is young, has a lot of young talent, and I feel like we’re just starting to put it together a little bit. So, hopefully that continues to come along.”

Based on past seasons, the Fever will likely need to win at least 17 games to have a good shot at the playoffs. A minimum record of 17-23 would put the Fever at a .425 winning percentage in the regular season, and the averaged record of the league’s playoff No. 8 seeds from 2017-23 was .428.

More: How many more wins do Fever need to snap playoffs drought? A look at the schedule.

Advertisement

Plus, the Fever now have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Dream (Indiana is 3-0 vs. Atlanta), and it’s looking more and more likely Indiana will finally break its streak of missing the playoffs. A win against the Sky next Sunday would give Indiana the head-to-head tiebreaker over Chicago as well.

Three teams — New York, Connecticut and Minnesota — have already clinched playoff berths. Seattle is close to officially making the playoffs, as well as Phoenix. Right now, ESPN gives Indiana a 94.4% chance of making the playoffs. The next highest is Chicago, which ESPN predicts a 56.2% chance. Chicago and Atlanta, which has a 47.5% chance, will likely battle for the final playoff spot.

And it will likely take a lot of worry out of Indiana’s camp if it can ensure it has the head-to-head over both of those teams.

There are a bevy of winnable games for the Fever left on the schedule, including their final game against the Dream at home Sept. 8. The Fever also play the three teams who are all but out of the playoffs, including Los Angeles, Washington and Dallas (twice).

Those are six games the Fever will likely be favored to win, and that could put them in great standing for the playoff picture. But that’s easier said than done.

Advertisement

The Fever led by as many as 18 points against the Dream in the second half Monday but allowed them back within two points. The Dream trailed by just three with 30 seconds left and did all they could to force overtime — including grabbing two offensive rebounds in the same possession before the Fever could regain control of the ball.

Winning the game itself was a big step for the Fever — earlier in the season, there were times when they crumbled in those situations, taking the loss without a fight. Indiana is still a young team, still learning how to control those situations. To be truly successful, though, the Fever need to make sure those big end-of-game runs don’t happen in the first place.

“I think just figuring out a way to kind of play with the lead a little bit better; we’ve kind of struggled with that this year, and I think at times we get a little stagnant and don’t play with the same pace that we played with in the first half,” Clark said. “… just don’t get stagnant and find a way to continue to push it and extend the lead out, rather than just letting them hang around.”

Follow IndyStar Fever Insider Chloe Peterson on X at @chloepeterson67.



Source link

Advertisement

Indiana

Boundary commission created to potentially add Illinois counties to Indiana

Published

on

Boundary commission created to potentially add Illinois counties to Indiana


EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – We have new information on a push to expand the Indiana-Illinois state boundaries.

A Boundary Commission was created to explore adding some Illinois counties to the Hoosier state.

Officials say there’s 102 counties in Illinois and 70 of them are going through the state split movement.

As we’ve reported, Edwards, Wabash, White, and Wayne counties have all expressed interest in leaving the state.

Advertisement

Several Illinois residents spoke at today’s meeting saying this is beneficial for both states saying it could make Indiana a “powerhouse state.”

“Our biggest grievance is that we’re not represented. We don’t have government of the people, by the people, for the people. the governor accuses of wanting to kick Chicago out of Illinois. That is not so,” says G.H. Merritt, chair-person of “New Illinois.” “We want to kick ourselves out of Illinois. We do very much appreciate that Indiana sees us and empathizes with our experience.“

Illinois hasn’t appointed anyone to join the commission yet, but it already consists of 6 appointed Indiana members.

The group is required to meet once a year.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Indiana

Between Indianapolis And South Bend Is Indiana’s Charming Town With Unique Festivals And Circus Memorabilia – Islands

Published

on

Between Indianapolis And South Bend Is Indiana’s Charming Town With Unique Festivals And Circus Memorabilia – Islands






There is a sense of nostalgia when thinking of the circus — seeing the lion tamers and clown cars for the very first time. A charming little town in Indiana, known as the “Circus Capital of the World,” lets you experience high-wire acts and family-friendly festivals that will excite your inner child. Visitors can see thrilling trapeze acts and take a walk down memory lane with posters and memorabilia from the golden age of the great American circus. Besides the Big Top action, Peru is surrounded by breathtaking natural areas, perfect for those who love the outdoors.

Situated about 85 miles from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and 80 miles from South Bend International Airport (SBN), Peru’s location provides a mix of convenience and small-town charm. It is close to major travel hubs and respected universities, while retaining its unique flavor as an eclectic circus mecca. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing and camping on nearby Mississinewa Lake, close to the scenic Lost Sister Trail and historic Francis Slocum Cemetery. The area is home to Seven Pillars Nature Preserve, Indiana’s secret oasis, with scenic trails and perfect hiking. This stunning area, located on the southern banks of the Mississinewa River, is home to bald eagles and beautiful wildflower fields. 

Advertisement

Other charming towns in Indiana have bald eagles and forest trails, but this is a place where you can make all your Big Top dreams come true. With all the festivals, museums, and circus acts around, visitors will find plenty of family-friendly entertainment in town. Racing fans will appreciate the two tracks in town: Bunker Hill Dragstrip and Miami County Speedway. The drag strip features stock car racing, while the speedway features a micro sprint track. Birdwatchers will enjoy Mississinewa Reservoir, a lovely place for hiking, biking, and animal viewing.

A city with circus history, festivals, and parades

The town’s circus history began in the late 1880s, when Ben Wallace began his enterprise. He bought some animals and equipment, then debuted his act with a lively parade seen by 5,000 attendees. Wallace’s act became popular on the road, coming back to Peru each winter. The town quickly filled with performers and workers as the circus grew in popularity, with the occasional elephant sighting along the river. Wallace’s show had achieved amazing success by 1907 — rivaling that of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey – until a flood devastated his circus in 1913.  

Advertisement

After Wallace passed away, the land was sold to the American Circus Corporation to house the magnificent menagerie of animals and performers, and later sold to John Ringling in 1929. A variety of circus acts continued to come here in the winters, including Ringling’s. The Great Depression dealt another hard blow to the circus, and the winter quarters were never the same. At the International Circus Hall of Fame, guests can see artifacts and photographs from the more prosperous days of the circus, including the buildings where the Wallace, Ringling, and the American Circus Corporation housed their acts in the winter. Visitors can see circus barns where they kept animals, still standing from the 1920s, and learn about the talented performers who brought the circus to life back in the day. 

Home to the Peru Amateur Youth Circus and Circus City Festival, this circus mecca boasts thrilling trapeze acts and spectacular performances for those who visit. Each July, the Circus City Festival takes center stage to showcase Miami County’s youth circus performers and their astonishing acrobatics. The festival features the second biggest parade in the state, and 6 days of amazing music and performances. 

Advertisement

Explore museums and memorabilia in this Big Top Town

Spectators will be mesmerized by jugglers and precarious balancing acts, effortlessly executed by the 200 performers who train hard for this event. Kids will love the clowns, rides, and games, complete with balloon animals and face paint. Festival attendees can expect thrilling high-wire balancing acts and mouth-watering food at this delightful summertime event, fun for the whole family.

Besides being a circus museum and home of the shows’ winter quarters, the International Circus Hall of Fame features a collection of classic rolling cages, wagons, and carriages used in touring caravans, available for rent as movie props. Visitors can see tiny hand-made miniatures of the Big Top at the Circus Model Builder’s Museum and Hall of Fame, also on the premises. Stay the night in the historic winter quarters, like the circus folk did back in the day, for a truly immersive experience. There are cabins and primitive camping options on the Mississinewa River; the Circus Hall of Fame has camping too, but is temporarily closed until May 2026.

Aside from circus memorabilia, visitors can explore Cold War-era aircrafts at the Grissom Air Museum. The museum features a B-58 Rocket Sled, a unique prototype known as “The Texas Hustler.” It was the first supersonic bomber, and additional testing was required to make it safe for pilots. Visitors can sit in the cockpit of an F-4 Phantom and see a variety of military aircraft that have been used in wars throughout recent history. A fascinating place to learn about the area’s natural history is the Miami County Museum, featuring pioneer artifacts from 1910. You’ll see vintage carriages and vibrant exhibits detailing the town’s early history. 



Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Indiana

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti praises UCLA as ‘undefeated’ in wake of midseason surge

Published

on

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti praises UCLA as ‘undefeated’ in wake of midseason surge


As UCLA prepared to try to topple its highest-ranked opponent in nearly two decades, one coach talked about the challenges of beating an undefeated team, of stopping its vaunted rushing attack, of halting its quick starts.

The coach was Curt Cignetti.

His team just happened to be No. 2 Indiana, the pop-up juggernaut that the Bruins will try to take down on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

“We’re playing a 3-0 football team that’s undefeated, that’s 3-0 in the conference since they have retooled their staff,” Cignetti told reporters. “Very impressive football team.”

Advertisement

So startling is the transformation that the Bruins have made since their winless start that they are the ones now being praised by the coach of one of the nation’s top teams.

Surging UCLA (3-4 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) is only the third Big Ten team to lose its first four games and win its next three, joining 1963 Indiana and 2001 Penn State.

Of course, the Bruins hope the parallels end there given that those Hoosiers went on to lose their final two games and those Nittany Lions finished with a losing record.

Cignetti made the 2025 Bruins sound like a team for the ages, pointing out that they were averaging 233 yards rushing per game over the last three games while dominating the time of possession battle and outscoring opponents 58-17 in the first half over that same span.

UCLA will head into a nationally televised “Big Noon” showdown against Indiana (7-0, 4-0) having already taken down a top-10 team this season, though their 42-37 victory over then-No. 7 Penn State earlier this month has lost considerable luster given the Nittany Lions’ ensuing free fall.

Advertisement

Fortunately for the Bruins, interim coach Tim Skipper played for Pat Hill at Fresno State, meaning he embraces the “Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere” mindset that made the scrappy Bulldogs a national phenomenon because of their fearlessness.

UCLA wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer catches a pass over Maryland defensive back Jamare Glasker during the Bruins’ win on Oct. 18.

(Harry How / Getty Images)

“That’s always part of me; I’ve been brainwashed that way, to be honest with you,” Skipper said. “But, yeah, I mean, to me, once the whistle blows, it’s just us against you. I mean, it’s time to go. Let’s see who had the better week of practice, let’s see who’s more prepared, let’s see who wants this thing. So that’s how I see it. We’re going to kick it off, we’re going to have to be ready to strain for every inch and let’s see what happens.”

Advertisement

Asked to assess Indiana, Skipper heaped praise upon a team that is among the best in the nation in almost every major statistical category.

“I am still trying to identify weaknesses,” Skipper said. “Like, it is crazy how disciplined they are.”

UCLA last beat a team ranked as high as Indiana in a game that many Bruins fans will forever cherish — their 13-9 triumph over No. 2 USC in 2006 at the Rose Bowl.

A recruiting win

At a time of great uncertainty, when it would be easy for UCLA’s staff to worry more about their own futures than those of high school prospects who may never play for them, the Bruins have continued to recruit.

They landed another verbal commitment Monday from Travis Robertson, an offensive tackle from West Bloomfield, Mich., who was previously committed to Bowling Green.

Advertisement

“They have shown me that no matter what situation they are in,” Robertson told The Times, “they will always get the job done with the coaching staff and players. And I’m rooting for this staff 100%.”

UCLA’s staff has also continued to pursue recruits who have backed out of their verbal commitments, including Cooper Javorsky, an offensive lineman from San Juan Hills High who spent time visiting with offensive line coach Andy Kwon before the Bruins’ game against Maryland last weekend.

“We’re grinding over here, we’re not letting anything go to waste or not giving effort in one area or another,” Skipper said of his staff’s recruiting efforts. “It’s full speed in everything that we’re doing.”

UCLA’s 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 78 nationally by 247Sports.com, with 12 players committed.

Injury updates

Skipper said he would wait to further assess quarterback Nico Iamaleava and running backs Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas before providing injury updates.

Advertisement

Iamaleava returned from an apparent right knee injury sustained late in the game against Maryland to lead the Bruins on their winning drive. Woods and Thomas were sidelined after “both guys kind of got rolled up on,” Skipper said.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending