South Bend area's best 2026-27 regular season IHSAA girls basketball games
Now that the IHSAA girls basketball season has officially begun in the South Bend Tribune coverage area, let's take a look at some of the most high-profile regular season games across the area. Northridge, Penn and South Bend Saint Joseph notably have tough schedules, particularly in nonconference or tournament action. Here's 15 games or tournaments to look out for on 2026-27 girls basketball schedules around the area. Nov. 7: Penn vs. Valparaiso The Kingsmen and Vikings each won IHSAA 4A sectional championships with at least 23 wins before losing in regional championship games. They'll open up their seasons against one another at 7:30 p.m. ET in Mishawaka, and Valparaiso will be doing it without former Indiana All-Star Lillian Barnes, who is now at Ball State. Penn, however, returns nearly every key player, most notably sophomore Jillian Sanderson. Nov. 19-21: Culver Academies Thanksgiving Classic While only three area teams are competing in this tournament, it's notable because the potential for a 2025-26 IHSAA 3A sectional championship rematch awaits in Culver Academies vs. South Bend Saint Joseph. The Eagles beat the Huskies in that title tilt last season, and these two teams should become very familiar with one another in the next