Which Indiana high school girls basketball teams have played the toughest schedules thus far?

Video: Destiny Perkins' highlights vs. Roncalli - Regional
See the Lawrence North player in action during last season's playoffs.

Lawrence North, which already has three defeats, has played the strongest girls basketball schedule so far this year in Indiana, according to the MaxPreps Indiana Girls Basketball Computer Rankings presented by the Army National Guard. The No. 12 Wildcats have a 6-3 record and a state-leading 18.1 strength of schedule rating.

In close games, Lawrence North lost to No. 1 North Central 53-43, No. No. 8 Heritage Christian Academy 53-52 and No. 16 Ben Davis 65-63. They hold victories over No. 2 Carmel 55-45, No. 21 Columbus North 65-54 and No. 51 Noblesville 69-58.

Despite a two-point second quarter, the Wildcats beat Carmel when the latter was ranked No. 1 in the state. Trinity Brady, a 5-foot-10 sophomore, scored nine points after missing her first eight shots and 5-5 senior Destiny Perkins sparked a late 7-0 scoring burst which clinched the big upset victory.

Carmel, which also lost to No. 1 North Central, 62-45, has the second-best schedule rating at an even 18.0.

North Central - winner of its first 13 games - has played the fourth-toughest schedule with a 15.8 rating. Besides No. 2 Carmel and No. 12 Lawrence North, the Panthers also have beaten No. 19, Bedford North Lawrence, No. 51 Noblesville, No. 67 Warren Central and No. 71 Greenfield-Central.

In the Carmel victory, North Central was led by 5-10 sophomore Rikki Harris with 17 points, 5-10 senior Ajanae' Thomas with 13 and 5-6 junior Taylor Ramey with 11. Combined they made 14 of 24 shots from the field. The Panthers return all five starters from an 18-6 team and will be a strong contender for the Class 4A state title.

No. 226 Lawrence Central has a 1-9 record, but also has played the third-strongest schedule at 15.9. The Bears have lost to No. 2 Carmel, No. 10 Center Grove and No. 16 Ben Davis.

Following are the top 10 teams with the strongest schedules, their state rank, records and points:


1. Lawrence North (Indianapolis), No. 12 state rank, 6-3 record, 18.1 rating
2. Carmel, No. 2, 10-2, 18.0
3. Lawrence Central (Indianapolis), No. 226, 1-9, 15.9
4. North Central (Indianapolis), No. 1, 13-0, 15.8
5. Greenfield-Central (Greenfield), No. 71, 5-6, 15.1
6. Noblesville, No. 51, 7-6, 14.9
7. Heritage Christian (Indianapolis), No. 8, 9-1, 14.8
8. Warren Central (Indianapolis), No. 67, 6-7, 14.5
9. Avon, No. 124, 4-7, 14.0
10. Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers), No. 4, 12-2, 13.9