The Indiana Fever had an impressive showing against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday in their first game back from the Olympic break, completing a season sweep of the Mercury with a 98-89 victory. Now, rookie Caitlin Clark and the Fever are looking to avoid the same fate.

The Seattle Storm will go for the season sweep over the Fever on Sunday after winning the first three matchups this season. They last faced off in Seattle in late June, when the Storm defeated the Fever 89-77. Indiana, however, has been on a roll since the loss and has picked up five wins in its last eight games.

Every win counts for the Fever in the WNBA playoff picture. Indiana currently sits in seventh place at 12-15 with 13 games remaining, while the Storm are comfortably in fourth place in the standings at 17-9 with 14 games remaining.

CAITLIN CLARK shines in return from Olympic break

Here’s how to watch the Fever-Storm game on Sunday:

When is Indiana Fever vs. Seattle Storm game?

• Date: Sunday, Aug. 18
• Start time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Place: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

How to watch Caitlin Clark and Fever vs. Storm

• TV channel: ABC
• Live stream: ESPN3

The Fever game against the Mercury will be broadcast on ABC with streaming available through ESPN3. Upon its conclusion, the contest will be available to watch on WNBA League Pass, which fans can get by downloading the WNBA app.

Caitlin Clark stats in last game

In the Fever’s first game back from the Olympic break, Caitlin Clark finished with a team-high 29 points in a 98-89 win over the Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Clark picked up the 10th double-double of her career, with 10 assists and five rebounds. The Fever rookie shot 8-for-16 from the field, including 4-for-11 from three.

Clark is averaging 17.6 points, a WNBA-leading 8.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game in 26 games this season.

Most of us want to retire on the cheap — but not be in the middle of nowhere. Aspects like access to a decent hospital, a meaningful retail scene, and safe and peaceful neighborhoods are often the bare minimums. A sparkling lake, a pine-speckled mountain, or even quiet forest trails are bonuses. Fortunately, some of Indiana’s most budget-friendly towns boast access to many great outdoor venues. Starting with New Castle, discover below the eight budget-friendly towns in Indiana.

New Castle

New Castle is a cute little town with a population known to be passionate about basketball. It is also fairly tight-knit and boasts a fantastic arts community. In June 2024, the median listing home price in New Castle was $154,900, earning it a spot among the most budget-friendly towns in the state. An empty nester here will be at the doorstep of Henry Community Health, a 2024 recipient of the Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Award. She can canoe the Big Blue River as frequently as she likes, immerse herself in the region’s basketball history at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, or hit up the small but lovely trail at Osborne Park. New Castle residents have a median age of 41, with residents aged 60 and above comprising 24% of the population.

Connersville

Connersville offers retirees the chance to go rafting at the Whitewater River, enjoy daily walks at the John Conner Nature Preserve Trail Park — and occasionally sit down to a slow brunch at one of the best Mexican restaurants in Indiana: El Caballo Blanco Mexican. There is Roberts Park as well, a lovely space with lots of happy squirrels, plus a large grassy area for picnicking. In June 2024, Connersville’s median listing home price was $184,500, a price point that comes with ready access to Fayette Regional Health System, a long-running establishment whose history goes back more than a century. Connersville residents have a median age of 40, indicating a melting pot of demographics, with those aged 60 and above comprising 27% of the population.

Richmond

In June 2024, the median listing home price in Richmond was $169,900, a price point that earns the town a spot among the most budget-friendly Indiana towns. Those who want to retire close to an excellent hospital should particularly pay attention to Richmond. This is because Reid Health, originally founded in 1905, is a 2024 recipient of America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award. Then again, Richmond is home to Earlham College, a private liberal arts college that has been around since 1847. An empty nester here can enjoy floating at Middle Fork Reservoir, boating at the East Whitewater River, or biking at venues such as Glen Miller Park and the Cardinal Greenway. Brace yourself for Richmond’s historic charm, well-preserved historic buildings, including a slew of Victorian-era homes, and its endearing small-town feel. Although the Richmond residents have a median age of 38, those 65 years and above represent a decent 18% of the population.

Peru

Small but loveable, Peru has been known as the “Circus Capital of the World.” It hosts one of the oldest and best amateur circus performances on the planet. On parade day, typically held on the third week of July, music and cheers drift down Main Street as the town stages its largest festival. In June 2024, the median listing home price in Peru was $174,500. If under the weather, Dukes Memorial Hospital, which boasts a 24-hour emergency department, is right in town. Wabash River flows through the town, presenting a delicious range of recreational activities. Other venues a retiree will want to pay attention to include the Peru Disc Golf Course, Peru Skatepark, and the Peru Golf Course, which was built in 1926. Peru residents have a median age of 41, with those aged 60 and above comprising 25% of the population.

Logansport

To many retirees, the prospect of owning property for less than $200,000 is bound to be mouthwatering, regardless of location. That is the reason Logansport, which boasts a median listing home price of $178,000, should be of significant interest. Logansport Memorial Hospital is right in town, just in case one is worried about healthcare access. Some of the best recreational venues in and around Logansport include the Wabash River, which runs through the town; Riverside Park — and its paved walking trails — and the aptly named River Bluff Trail, which provides gorgeous views of the Eel River. Logansport residents have a median age of 37. Still, those aged 60 and above comprise 22% of the population. Many residents rave about Logansport’s small-town charm and close-knit community.

Wabash

In June 2024, the median listing home price in Wabash was $175,000. This comes with doorstep access to Parkview Wabash Hospital, which 77% of patients readily recommend. As a retiree here, you will be looking forward to the annual Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity Cookoff, billed as the largest chili cookoff east of the Mississippi River. Safe and friendly for the most part, Wabash boasts several venues where an empty nester will enjoy spending time. This includes the Wabash River, which meanders through the town, Wabash City Park, which is endearingly peaceful and soothing; and the Honeywell Golf Course, a lovely public course suitable for all levels of golfers. Worried about the chances of linking up with fellow empty nesters? Wabash residents aged 65 and above comprise 17% of the town’s population.

Huntington

Decently maintained parks, neighborly attitude (for the most part), and proximity to Fort Wayne, which is just 25 miles down the road — are some of Huntington’s most retirement-friendly features. The median listing home price in Huntington was $239,900 in June 2024, which is an excellent bargain, especially considering what Huntington offers. There is the Parkview Huntington Hospital, readily recommended by 72% of patients — and Lutheran Health Network Orthopedic Hospital in Fort Wayne, a recipient of America’s 50 Best Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Award. On the social landscape, Huntington residents aged 60 and above comprise 22% of the population, meaning one will easily find folks in the same age bracket. Huntington University is in town, adding a layer of academic aura and a dash of vibrancy (and diversity) to the town’s cultural scene. Wabash River, the small but beautiful Sunken Gardens, Little River, and Lake Clare, are excellent boating sites. They all curate an experience that can see an empty nester age like fine wine.

Lake Station

Rounding off the list of the most budget-friendly towns in Indiana is Lake Station, a charming Indiana community that sits next to the waters of Lake Michigan. No one will want to overlook Lake Station, particularly because of its closeness to Chicago, which is just 38 miles down the road. Lake Station, therefore, boasts mouthwatering access to big-city amenities. The median listing home price in Lake Station is just $174,900. St. Mary Medical Center, a heartbeat away in Hobart, is a recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Top-notch outdoor venues in and around Lake Station include Deep River, which flows through the town, Lake Station Pool @ Riverview Park, loved for its huge pool — and Countryside Park, which has a disc golf course, a nice walking path, and a cute, little pond. On the social side, Lake Station residents aged 60 and above comprise 20% of the population, meaning 1 in 5 residents may turn out to be fellow empty nesters.

The Takeaway

The median listing home price in Indiana — as of July 2024 — stood at $309,400. This makes “The Hoosier State” one of America’s most budget-friendly states. But the pricing scene is anything but uniform. The median listing price in the Angola area, for example, almost grazes the $500,000 mark. If you want to save on cash and still enjoy access to numerous desirable amenities, pay attention to spots such as New Castle, Connersville, and Lake Station, a lovely Chicago suburb with many reasonably priced homes.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – For the past two Indiana football seasons, when you looked back to see who was returning kicks? You saw No. 12 in a Hoosier uniform ready to go to work.

Jaylin Lucas handled kick returns almost exclusively in 2022 and 2023 and then added punt return duties in 2023.

He was explosive too. Lucas scored three kick return touchdowns, one of them kick-starting a comeback in 2022 as the Hoosiers overcame a 31-14 second-half deficit at Michigan State to eventually earn a 39-31 victory in overtime.

Lucas, however, was part of the exodus when Curt Cignetti replaced Tom Allen as head coach. Lucas will ply his trade for Florida State in 2024.

Along with Lucas, every other Hoosier who had multiple returns also left the team or ran out of eligibility after the 2023 season. So get used to some new faces.

Personnel

#18 Solomon Vanhorse: graduate student, 5-foot-8, 185 pounds, played seven games at James Madison.

#4 Myles Price: senior, 5-foot-9, 183 pounds, 42 games at Texas Tech.

#5 Ke’Shawn Williams: senior, 5-foot-9, 189 pounds, 46 games at Wake Forest.

Top expected contributors: Myles Price, Sean Vanhorse, Ke’Shawn Williams.

Contributors who departed from the 2023 team: Jaylin Lucas (to Florida State).

Transfer infusion

Myles Price, Ke’Shawn Williams and Solomon Vanhorse.

What do they have in common? Those three Hoosiers are the only ones on the roster with five career returns or more – and they all come to Indiana from different places.

Of the trio, the most intriguing is wide receiver Myles Price, a transfer from Texas Tech. Price will have an impact on Indiana’s passing game, but he is also explosive as a punt returner.

Price returned nine punts for Texas Tech in 2023. He was below the minimum NCAA standard to qualify for the punt return average crown.

That’s a shame for Price, because his average of 21.8 yards in nine punt returns would have put him a yard ahead of Southern California’s Zachariah Branch, the NCAA punt return leader.

As is common in 2020s football, many teams kicked away from Price in 2023. He played in 10 games in 2023 for the Red Raiders, but only returned punts in six of them. In just one of those games did he return more than one punt.

Given that he broke punt returns of 43, 33 and 29 yards, it’s no wonder opponents wanted no part of him. However, Price remains determined to get his first career punt return touchdown.

“I need to get some touchdowns,” Price said during a spring press conference. “I think that’s the biggest thing. I’m doing a good job fielding the punts and getting a lot of yards, but I don’t have a touchdown yet.” 

On the kick return side, Wake Forest transfer Williams averaged 19.8 yards on 33 career kick returns for the Demon Deacons.

Williams returned kicks in all four of his seasons at Wake Forest. He averaged 23.4 yards in 2023, though with only eight returns to his credit.

Cignetti signaled that he wants competency on kick returns.

“Not many kicks get returned,” Cignetti said. “When you look at it, it’s some 30%. But we’ve got guys that are good with a ball in their hand. The most important thing to me is at the end of the play, we have possession of the ball.” 

Vanhorse came from James Madison, where he returned three kicks and two punts over two seasons for the Dukes. He had punt returns of 35 and 25 yards against Bucknell in 2023.

A running back in a crowded backfield, Vanhorse’s path to the field might be via return duties. Cignetti said all three were good punt and kick return candidates.

Four other players – Miles Cross, Kaelon Black, Elijah Green and Justice Ellison – all have either a kick or a punt return on their career ledger, but none are expected to be part of the return mix in 2024.

Returning talent

As mentioned, Indiana doesn’t return any of its return crew from 2023. Omar Cooper Jr. does have four career kick returns, but they occurred in 2022. Camden Jordan returned one punt for the Hoosiers in 2023.

The bottom line

It will be interesting to see what Big Ten opponents do with Price. Given his explosiveness, enemy punters might avoid him entirely. If that equates to positive field position for the Hoosiers, his presence is worth it even if he doesn’t get to show his stuff.

Lucas will be missed on kick returns. Williams was serviceable at Wake Forest and Vanhorse could be good, but until proven otherwise, those two will have to show they can match Lucas’s standard of recent seasons.