Richard Torres
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Freelance sports reporter. Bylines @ihsaa1 #thbsports @indyhsscores Previously @GDRsports @VYPEci @PBRIndiana @HamiltonCoNews @AP_Sports @TheTimes_Sports
Articles by Richard Torres
It's not nuclear science. Center Grove is dangerous when playing at its best
GREENWOOD – The Center Grove Trojans can never be counted out. On Friday night, the Class 6A No. 7 Trojans proved it during their regular-season finale inside Ray Skillman Stadium behind 28 unanswered points (21 in the second half) to upend 5A No. 2 Bloomington South, 28-14. Derailed by injuries this season and down 14-0 against Bloomington South (7-2) after the first quarter, Center Grove (7-2) pulled off what the program couldn't accomplish a week ago at 6A No. 5 Lawrence North.
Arabians battle to the end, fall to state-ranked Tigers
FISHERS – With everything to gain and nothing to lose, the Pendleton Heights Arabians did not back down Thursday night. Instead, the unranked Arabians looked to strike first, and it put the Class 3A No. 3 Fishers Tigers on their heels immediately during the Hamilton Southeastern Sectional 8 semifinals. kAm(:E9:? E96 82>6’D 7:CDE E9C66 >:?FE6D[ E96 pC23:2?D >@F?E65 2 92?57F= @7 2EE24<D 2?5 7:C65 EH@ 7C2>65 FA D9@ED @?
Arabians reclaim the bell, win finale in shootout
PENDLETON – On paper, there was nothing for the Pendleton Heights Arabians to play for on Thursday night. The Arabians (8-6, 3-2) were mathematically out of the Hoosier Heritage Conference race and narrowly hovering above .500 after a season defined by growing pains and countless ebbs and flows. kAm%96?[ 6G6CJE9:?8 =:?65 FA 7@C 2 7F==\4:C4=6 C656>AE:@?[ 2?5 E96 pC23:2?D 5:5?’E H2DE6 E96 @AA@CEF?:EJ 5FC:?8 E96:C C68F=2C\D62D@? 7:?2=6]k^Am kAm{@4<65 :?
Arabians reclaim the bell, win finale in shootout
PENDLETON – On paper, there was nothing for the Pendleton Heights Arabians to play for on Thursday night. The Arabians (8-6, 3-2) were mathematically out of the Hoosier Heritage Conference race and narrowly hovering above .500 after a season defined by growing pains and countless ebbs and flows. Then, everything lined up for a full-circle redemption, and the Arabians didn’t waste the opportunity during their regular-season finale.
PH rebounds from first loss, routs rival Mt. Vernon
PENDLETON – Perfection is never the prime goal for the Pendleton Heights Arabians. Growth is, and on homecoming night, the Arabians’ in-season development hit a dominating stride against rival Mt. Vernon. A week after losing their first game of the season against New Palestine at John Broughton Field, the 5A No. 7 Arabians (5-1, 2-1 HHC) bounced back royally at home, turning a first-half slugfest into a lopsided 55-20 victory.
A recipe for success? New Palestine cooks up victory with dominating middle
PENDLETON – Kyle Ralph wasn’t a fan of the menu his New Palestine Dragons served on Friday night. While his Class 5A No. 2 Dragons (4-1, 3-0 HHC) prevailed, 38-21, in comeback fashion at John Broughton Field against 5A No. 4 Pendleton Heights (4-1, 1-1 HHC), there was an undeniable aftertaste.
Arabians showcase grit, power past Bearcats
PENDLETON – The potential for another letdown stared down the Pendleton Heights Arabians on Tuesday night, but the volleyball team’s grit and steadfast chemistry peered right back at the perfect moment. After dropping their first game against visiting Muncie Central, 25-20, the Arabians regrouped and won the next three, withstanding a furious Bearcats’ rally in the third set, to win 3-1 (20-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-13). kAm“%96J 42>6 @FE] %96J 5:5 E96:C ;@3D[ 3FE W|F?4:6 r6?EC2=X AFE AC6DDFC6 @?
What else? A battle to wire as Cathedral slips past Bishop Chatard in rivalry game Original
INDIANAPOLIS – Everything lined up on Friday night, and then it didn’t. With 1 minute, 16 seconds left on the clock, down 16-14 at home against Class 5A No. 5 Cathedral and no timeouts, the top-ranked 4A Bishop Chatard Trojans played their final drive perfectly.
In John Force tribute car, Jack Beckman delivers a U.S. Nationals masterpiece Original
Jack Beckman won the Funny Car title at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in a tribute car to John Force. • Matt Smith beat his wife, Angie Smith, in the Pro Stock Motorcycle final for his fourth victory in Indianapolis. INDIANAPOLIS – The crown jewel was diamond at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, and the stars of the National Hot Rod Association put on a Labor Day spectacle fitting of the hardware’s brilliance during the Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. Nationals.
Rivalry renewed. The Copper Kettle belongs to Center Grove again after series hiatus
CARMEL – After three years without a Copper Kettle game, another classic chapter between rivals was added Friday night at Carmel Stadium. And it nearly demanded overtime. After two ties in a tug-of-war first-half, Class 6A No. 4 Carmel entered the fourth quarter down by 13 points, 33-20, before two long scoring drives, including a 99-yarder in eight plays, narrowed the gap 36-34.
Rivalry renewed. The Copper Kettle belongs to Center Grove again after series hiatus
Rivalry renewed. The Copper Kettle belongs to Center Grove again after series hiatus Sept. 5, 2026, 4:40 a.m. ET CARMEL – After three years without a Copper Kettle game, another classic chapter between rivals was added Friday night at Carmel Stadium. And it nearly demanded overtime. After two ties in a tug-of-war first-half, Class 6A No. 4 Carmel entered the fourth quarter down by 13 points, 33-20, before two long scoring drives, including a 99-yarder in eight plays, narrowed the gap 36-34.
Trailblazers halt Jets' unbeaten streak
CARMEL – The Anderson Prep Academy Jets soared through their first three soccer matches with an unbeaten 2-0-1 record. On Tuesday at Class A No. 17 University (4-3), the Class A Jets were dealt their first setback of the season. The host Trailblazers grabbed a 1-0 lead by the seventh minute and then added eight more goals over the next 65 minutes, including five overall by halftime, to win 9-0. “It’s a big lesson for us,” APA coach Alex Kosgei said.
Trailblazers halt Jets' unbeaten streak Original
CARMEL – The Anderson Prep Academy Jets soared through their first three soccer matches with an unbeaten 2-0-1 record. On Tuesday at Class A No. 17 University (4-3), the Class A Jets were dealt their first setback of the season. kAm%96 9@DE %C2:=3=2K6CD 8C23365 2 `\_ =625 3J E96 D6G6?E9 >:?FE6 2?5 E96? 25565 6:89E >@C6 8@2=D @G6C E96 ?6IE ed >:?FE6D[ :?4=F5:?8 7:G6 @G6C2== 3J 92=7E:>6[ E@ H:? h\_]k^Am kAm“xE’D 2 3:8 =6DD@? 7@C FD[” p!p 4@249 p=6I z@D86: D2:5] “x E9:?< H6 DE2CE65 E96 D62D@?
'I like the way we’re playing.' Avon shuts door on Ben Davis, keeps momentum going
AVON – The defense handled the heavy lifting initially inside Oriole Stadium on Friday night, but once Avon’s Andre Warfield II found his “mode,” there was no slowing down. A week after racking up 149 rushing yards and a touchdown at Decatur Central, Warfield II upped the production with 176 yards and three scores against Class 6A No. 10 Ben Davis (1-1) on senior night.
'I like the way we’re playing.' Avon shuts door on Ben Davis, keeps momentum going
'I like the way we’re playing.' Avon shuts door on Ben Davis, keeps momentum going Aug. 29, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET AVON – The defense handled the heavy lifting initially inside Oriole Stadium on Friday night, but once Avon’s Andre Warfield II found his “mode,” there was no slowing down. A week after racking up 149 rushing yards and a touchdown at Decatur Central, Warfield II upped the production with 176 yards and three scores against Class 6A No. 10 Ben Davis (1-1) on senior night.
La Sasso fights off challenge from Rahm, becomes youngest to win LIV Golf event Original
Drenched in champagne, wide-eyed and soaked in the celebratory atmosphere around the 18th hole green at The Club at Chatham Hills on Sunday night, the youngest golfer to ever win a LIV Golf event didn’t let the moment change him. He just kept smiling. After opening LIV Golf Indianapolis in Westfield at 1-over on Thursday, the 22-year-old La Sasso knew his time was coming despite not placing higher than 12th this season – his first as a professional with HyFlyers Golf Club.
NCAA champion Michael La Sasso eyes first pro win at LIV Golf Indianapolis Original
WESTFIELD – For a second straight day, the individual and team LIV Golf leaderboards reshuffled at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield. For a consecutive round, the league's rising star Michael La Sasso put together another impressive performance during LIV Golf Indianapolis to position himself ahead of the pack by one stroke at 13-under with one more day to go.
'That’s his specialty.' Zechariah Wallace pulls down jump ball and Warren Central victory Original
GREENWOOD – J.T. Whitaker wasn’t expecting perfection from his football team on opening night. Instead, the Warren Central head coach wanted grit, and his Warriors delivered with a come-from-behind 20-14 victory at rival Center Grove on Friday.
Top Portal class boosts Boilermaker hopes Original
WEST LAFAYETTE – The Barry Odom era at Purdue University began in historic fashion last season with consecutive non-conference wins against Ball State and Southern Illinois. Odom’s 2-0 start in his first year as head coach marked the first career 2-0 start for any Purdue football coach since Cleo A. O’Donnell in 1916. kAm%96 C6>2:?56C @7 E96 D62D@? 5:5?’E BF:E6 8@ 2D H6==[ 9@H6G6C[ 2D !FC5F6 =@DE 6G6CJ D:?8=6 q:8 %6? 82>6 7@C E96 D64@?5 DEC2:89E J62C E@ 7:?:D9 a\`_ @G6C2== 2?5 _\h :?
AU seeks continued improvement Original
ANDERSON – The numbers are difficult to overlook. With two wins each of the past two seasons and 26 losses overall since Jonathan Coddington took over the Anderson University football program in 2023, the Ravens need a 180-degree turnaround. kAmp ae\a_ G:4E@CJ 2E w62CE=2?5 r@==68:2E6 pE9=6E:4 r@?76C6?46 C:G2= |2?496DE6C @? }@G] ``[ a_ad[ E@ 4@?4=F56 E96 J62C AC@G:565 2 766=\8@@5 7:?2=6 E@ p&’D @G6C2== 5:D2AA@:?E:?8 a\g W`\d wrprX 42>A2:8?]k^Am kAm~?6[ r@55:?8E@?[ 2?
How the “Kailsino” helped with team chemistry
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter INDIANAPOLIS – Guerin Catholic made its first-ever appearance at the IHSAA baseball state finals this past weekend, but once the Golden Eagles walked onto Victory Field, they didn’t look the part. Instead, a program with only two sectional titles in its 22 years of IHSAA membership mirrored the poise most college teams would exude. And it netted Guerin’s first baseball state championship.
‘The guys kept me going every day:’ Schrage reflects on Golden Eagles win
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter INDIANAPOLIS – Dave Schrage had no idea if Guerin Catholic would hire him when he applied two years ago. As a collegiate baseball coach of nearly 40 years, the veteran skipper with stints at Butler, South Dakota State and Notre Dame, among others, wasn’t worried about his job experience. His health was most concerning. “I interviewed for the job and had a heart attack a week after, so I was in the hospital,” Schrage explained.
Girls Indiana All-Stars flip switch, rout Junior All-Stars in preperation for Kentucky Original
The Indiana Senior All-Stars defeated the Junior All-Stars 80-46 in an exhibition game. • Lampley and Silver Creek's Brooklynn Renn led the seniors with 12 points each. FORTVILLE – A halftime speech is all it took to ignite the IndyStar Indiana girls’ Senior All-Stars. Up by a slim two-point margin against the Junior All-Stars after the first quarter on Wednesday night, and six points at the break, head coach Joe Huppenthal delivered a wake-up call during intermission.
Rocks keep surging, win first-ever regional
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter WESTFIELD – Maddie Moore had one message for her softball players before Tuesday night’s Regional 4 championship. “Enjoy this.” A sectional champion for just the second time in program history, the Class 4A 14th-ranked Westfield Shamrocks entered their first regional appearance since 2023 with home field on their side, and Moore wanted to emphasize that fact.
Eagles end Tigers’ season in sectional finals
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter NOBLESVILLE – The third time wasn’t the charm for the Fishers Tigers. Back in the Class 4A Sectional 8 championship for a third consecutive year and seventh time in nine seasons, the Tigers (16-14) were primed to end their five-year title drought. However, the red-hot Zionsville Eagles (16-14) had other plans at Noblesville’s Dunker Field on Monday night.
Rocks upset Millers, win Sectional 8 title
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter ZIONSVILLE – The last time Westfield’s hitters faced Noblesville’s Addison Retzinger, the Millers’ ace struck out 13 Shamrocks with two unearned runs allowed. In the rematch, 27 days later, for the Sectional 8 championship in Zionsville on Thursday night, the Class 4A No. 14 Shamrocks (16-10-1) claimed the upper hand – with some help from a new hitting drill. “We knew the pitcher, and what we did yesterday, Texas Tech drill.
Rocks, Tigers to meet in Sectional 8 semifinals
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter There will be no rematch in Class 4A Sectional 8 this year. At least not in the championship final. On Sunday, May 3, the IHSAA announced its pairings for the 59th annual baseball state tournament series, and unlike the past two postseasons, Fishers and two-time defending champion Westfield occupy the same side of the bracket.
Tigers beat HSE for Mudsock trophy
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter The Hamilton Southeastern Royals applied the pressure early Thursday night, but the Fishers Tigers provided the finishing touch during their annual Mudsock rivalry game. HSE (11-5, 4-3 HCC) loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the first and grabbed a 1-0 lead before host Fishers (8-9, 4-3 HCC) staved off the threat and charged back to win its sixth straight Mudsock, 4-1.
Royals rally, complete Mudsock three-peat
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter FISHERS – No Grace Swedarsky. No problem for the fourth-ranked Class 4A Hamilton Southeastern Royals. Without their senior ace for Tuesday’s Mudsock rivalry showdown against 4A No. 8 Fishers, the Royals relied on their bats and sophomore pitcher Kaleah McCarter. Neither disappointed.
Rocks rout Tigers, take HCC series lead
By RICHARD TORRES For The Reporter FISHERS – The Westfield Shamrocks hadn’t won a regular-season game against rival Fishers since 2023. On Thursday night, the Shamrocks ended the trend with a decisive 15-4, run-rule victory in six innings to take the first contest during their two-game Hoosier Crossroads Conference series.
Cathedral turns up the heat, finishes job in Class 3A championship over New Haven Original
The Cathedral Irish defeated New Haven 71-61 to win the IHSAA Class 3A boys basketball state championship. • This victory marks Cathedral's third state title in program history and was fueled by a loss in the previous year's tournament. • Julien Smith led the Irish with 21 points, while Keaton Aldridge contributed a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Triton Central's memorable boys basketball season ends at semistate
INDIANAPOLIS – With 1.7 seconds left on the clock, Triton Central coach Mark James gave his players their well-deserved moment inside historic Southport Fieldhouse. Opting to sub-out senior Eli Sego and the other remaining Tigers starters as Class 2A fourth-ranked Parke Heritage finalized their 44-38 semistate semifinal win Saturday morning, the Triton Central fans stood and applauded in appreciation.
Aldridge calls game. Cathedral wins Class 3A regional thriller over Brebeuf
Richard Torres, For IndyStar MARTINSVILLE – Three-hundred and sixty-five days. Every huddle this season, that total has been reiterated. A mantra of redemption signifying Class 3A Cathedral's precise postseason calculation toward the program's goal. On Saturday night inside John R. Wooden Gymnasium, Cathedral senior Keaton Aldridge pushed the number to 352 during the Martinsville Regional championship with a clutch, last-second bucket to break the sixth and final tie against rival Brebeuf Jesuit.
Aldridge calls game. Cathedral wins Class 3A regional thriller over Brebeuf Original
Cathedral High School defeated rival Brebeuf Jesuit 69-67 to win its first regional title since 2022. • Senior Keaton Aldridge scored the game-winning layup with 1.9 seconds left on the clock. • Aldridge led all scorers with 22 points, while Chace Ford had a team-high 20 points for Brebeuf. Every huddle this season, that total has been reiterated. A mantra of redemption signifying Class 3A Cathedral’s precise postseason calculation toward the program’s goal. On Saturday night inside John R.
High intensity at the Mill as Carmel stuns No. 1 Fishers in Sectional 8 final Original
The Carmel Greyhounds upset the top-ranked and previously undefeated Fishers Tigers 50-49 to win the Class 4A Sectional 8 championship. • A go-ahead 3-pointer by Carmel senior Ben Bremer with less than 30 seconds remaining secured the victory. NOBLESVILLE – The outcome was all but assumed and scripted before the Class 4A Sectional 8 championship began on Saturday night.
Putting it all together. No. 1 Fishers debuts full lineup in Sectional 8 win over HSE Original
Jason Gardner scored a career-high 24 points in his return from injury to lead top-ranked Fishers past Hamilton Southeastern, 75-65. • Fishers will face Carmel in the Sectional 8 championship after Carmel defeated host Noblesville, 44-30. NOBLESVILLE – Jason Gardner wasn’t in Fishers’ starting lineup on Friday night, but the standout junior made his presence known inside a sold-out Mill during the Class 4A Sectional 8 semifinals. Competing in his first game since suffering a fractured hand on Dec.
'Just go.' Anderson's Bowling beats the buzzer, takes down Pendleton Heights Original
Anderson sophomore Don Bowling hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer to defeat Pendleton Heights 53-51. • Laumanula Jackson led Anderson with 19 points, while Cooper Sims had a game-high 22 points for Pendleton Heights. GREENFIELD – With the game tied and roughly 15 seconds left on the clock, Anderson sophomore Don Bowling only had two words in mind. There was no last-second play drawn up.
‘We're like a whole family.' Roncalli comes up just short in Class 3A state finals
Richard Torres, For IndyStar INDIANAPOLIS – Brennah Cerny leaned in toward the microphone during Roncalli's postgame press conference Saturday night inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and before the senior could complete her first sentence, the tears began to stream down her face. What has it meant to be part of this program? Cerny paused and apologized while wiping her watery eyes before resuming. Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
'We’re like a whole family.' Roncalli comes up just short in Class 3A state finals
INDIANAPOLIS – Brennah Cerny leaned in toward the microphone during Roncalli’s postgame press conference Saturday night inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and before the senior could complete her first sentence, the tears began to stream down her face. What has it meant to be part of this program? Cerny paused and apologized while wiping her watery eyes before resuming.
Cathedral wins wrestling semistate but focused on state championship
NEW CASTLE – The post-tournament celebration was minimal inside New Castle Chrysler Fieldhouse on Saturday night. Not that the seventh-ranked Cathedral Fighting Irish were unappreciative after claiming a 15th wrestling semistate championship overall. They just know, at this stage of the season, the ultimate prize is at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis during next week’s IHSAA wrestling state finals.
County champs: Plainfield rolls to first Hendricks County title in 17 years
DANVILLE After years of what ifs and could have beens, the Class 4A seventh-ranked Plainfield Quakers made sure 2026 was their time. On Thursday night, the Quakers avenged last years Hendricks County Tournament finals against Avon by dismantling the rival Orioles, 75-36, in the semifinals.
Noah Smith leads Plainfield to Hendricks County championship over Brownsburg
County champs: Plainfield rolls to first Hendricks County title in 17 years Jan. 11, 2026, 12:11 a.m. ET DANVILLE – After years of what ifs and could have beens, the Class 4A seventh-ranked Plainfield Quakers made sure 2026 was their time. On Thursday night, the Quakers avenged last year’s Hendricks County Tournament finals against Avon by dismantling the rival Orioles, 75-36, in the semifinals.
Carmel stays unbeaten in thriller over Irish. 'They believe they can win.'
INDIANAPOLIS – The recipe for defeat stared down the Carmel Greyhounds on Saturday night, but they weren’t biting. Instead, the seventh-ranked Class 4A Greyhounds regrouped and served up a comeback, winning a thriller, 63-62, at top-ranked 3A Cathedral (7-3) to remain unbeaten. Scoreless for nearly eight minutes in the first half and down by 17 points midway through the second quarter, the Greyhounds (8-0) rallied back and survived an early January playoff atmosphere that featured 11 ties.
Carmel stays unbeaten in thriller over Irish. 'They believe they can win.'
Carmel stays unbeaten in thriller over Irish. 'They believe they can win.' Jan. 4, 2026, 6:29 a.m. ET INDIANAPOLIS – The recipe for defeat stared down the Carmel Greyhounds on Saturday night, but they weren’t biting. Instead, the seventh-ranked Class 4A Greyhounds regrouped and served up a comeback, winning a thriller, 63-62, at top-ranked 3A Cathedral (7-3) to remain unbeaten.
Westfield's appearance in 6A title a reflection of how far program has come
Westfield's appearance in 6A title a reflection of how far program has come INDIANAPOLIS – Westfield’s Cash Ballard was named with the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award winner after the IHSAA Class 6A football state championship, but the senior center immediately deflected the recognition.
Fake field goal send Dwenger to 4A title over Roncalli: 'That's my first pass'
Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger defeated the Roncalli Royals 36-29 to win the IHSAA Class 4A state football championship. The Saints secured the victory with a 37-yard touchdown pass on a fake field goal in the fourth quarter. The game was a back-and-forth contest with seven lead changes between the two rival teams.
Cascade completes perfect season, wins state title: 'Adrenaline rush is insane'
The Cascade Cadets defeated Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 29-14 to win their first IHSAA state football championship. Cascade completed a perfect 14-0 season, a significant turnaround from a 3-win team in 2020. Quarterback Brady Trebley was named the Blake Ress Mental Attitude Award recipient for his performance.
New Palestine returns to title game for 6th time: 'Standard is the standard'
New Palestine returns to title game for 6th time: 'Standard is the standard' NEW PALESTINE – After two weeks of what they dubbed sub-par offensive showings, the top-ranked Class 5A New Palestine Dragons got back on track Friday night at Kelso Stadium.
DePauw continues dominance of Wabash, clinches playoff berth: 'We never lost a (Monon) Bell' Original
The DePauw Tigers defeated the Wabash Little Giants 41-20 to win their fourth consecutive Monon Bell Classic. DePauw overcame in-game technical issues with their coaching communication systems to secure the victory. Tigers quarterback Scott Ballentine threw for 328 yards and four touchdowns, with one going to his brother, Robby Ballentine.
Westfield advances to semistate with 20-10 regional title over Fishers: 'We're coming for it all'
WESTFIELD – The regular-season meeting between Class 6A No. 6 Westfield and No. 9 Fishers last month was a dogfight.
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