Freshman shortstop Dallas Bowen’s impact for Hanover Central has been prompt and profound.
Just ask senior catcher Sienna Stilley, a Jacksonville State recruit.
“I choose her every single time,” Stilley said. “Whether it be a game-clinching hit or a play at short to seal the game, she’s the one I’m going to pick. Every. Single. Time.
“Dallas, although a freshman, carries herself like a vet, like she’s been in these situations before. She is so incredibly hardworking and a talented player. But beyond that, she’s one of the most genuine people you’ll ever be around. The way she can lift your spirits by simply walking into a room with her brightest smile is one of her greatest feats.”
Bowen’s feats have been bountiful as the Wildcats (25-6), who won the Northwest Crossroads Conference title and are ranked No. 10 in the state coaches poll, prepare to play No. 7 New Palestine (24-7) in their second straight Class 3A state championship game at Purdue’s Bittinger Stadium at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Bowen is hitting .371 with six homers, a team-high four triples, five doubles, 28 RBIs, a team-high 38 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. Her sixth homer was a three-run shot on Saturday to open the scoring in Hanover Central’s victory against East Noble in a semistate final, which was completed Monday.
“Just perfect timing and bittersweet,” Hanover Central coach Sam Antkiewicz said of Bowen’s addition. “I graduated my daughter (Sienna), who was playing shortstop last year, did well and helped get us to the state championship game. So it was bitter to see her go. But it was sweet to see Dallas come in and fit right in.
“She’s been just a blessing. She works hard, just as hard as anybody. She’s a gamer. She wants to win. She wants to compete. It’s just good to have her on our side.”
Bowen has taken her role in stride as she tries to help the Wildcats add to their 2002 Class 2A state title. They lost to Indianapolis Cathedral in the state final last year.
“It’s just knowing I have the team behind us and I know I have support,” Bowen said. “Even if I’m down, I know someone’s going to pick me back up, and it’s never just where you feel like you’re kind of lonely without your team. I know I always have my team getting my back.”
That goes both ways for the Wildcats.
“Dallas is one of those teammates that inspires you to be a better person and to push yourself during practice and games,” Stilley said. “Even on her ‘off days,’ she’s still the first one to encourage you.
“There are many talks Dal and I have, but the ones that stick out to me the most are the ones where she asks for help. To know she wants to be a stronger player mentally and physically is such a refreshing feeling.”
Bowen is following in the footsteps of older brothers Drayk and Dylan.
Drayk Bowen, who will be a senior linebacker and captain for Notre Dame next season, was Northwest Indiana’s only Mr. Football and won the Butkus Award as the top high school linebacker in the country in 2022 after leading Andrean to two Class 2A state championship games and the 2021 state title. He also started at third base when Andrean’s baseball team won the 3A state title in 2022.
Dylan Bowen, who graduated from Hanover Central last week, was a four-year starter at shortstop and also played defensive back for three seasons. The Oklahoma State recruit is likely to be picked in the MLB draft in July.
Dallas Bowen, who also plays volleyball, has embraced the sibling dynamic.
“It’s really good,” she said. “It keeps me pushing throughout because I’m seeing them succeed and I also want to be that, but I also am being pushed by them.”
Bowen has aspirations to play at the highest level too.
“I want to go play somewhere down South, somewhere competitive,” she said. “I want to go to the top three like Texas, Florida or Oklahoma.”
Stilley expressed her confidence in Bowen.
“I know she has all the tools to be the greatest athlete she can dream of, but it’s her that needs to believe it as well,” Stilley said. “Seeing her success through this season just filled my heart. I know and see how hard she works, and to see it all pay off makes me the happiest for her and proudest of her. She can bounce back from adversity quicker than anyone I know because she knows the impact role she plays on this team.
“I’m so proud of not only her as an athlete, but her as a person. She’s so mature for her grade, and she has matured greatly over these three months of high school softball. I think I might be the most excited to see where her future takes her. I know she’ll thrive anywhere.”
Still early in her high school career, Bowen aims to thrive one more time as a freshman for the Wildcats. New Palestine has won six state titles, most recently in 2019, and reached the 4A state championship game in 2024.
“It’s exciting,” Bowen said. “It’s a new experience for me, and it’s just exciting to be going down there with this group of girls. We have a really good shot, and the way we stay together just makes it even more fun.
“It’s been a great experience. I knew I had to prove myself this year, but I also knew a lot of the girls, and I knew they were a great group, and I knew we were going to be a great group. We’re always pushing each other, we’re competitive, we never give up and we’re just always staying together with each other.”
