Small Schools, Big Stage: Clay City and North Newton Set for State Showdown at Purdue

The bright lights of West Lafayette will shine on two of Indiana’s Class A softball titans this Friday as Clay City and North Newton prepare to battle for the ultimate prize in the IHSAA Class 1A Softball State Championship—and you can hear every inning live on the Champions Radio Network starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Eels, swimming strong with a 21-6 record, are chasing their first-ever state crown. With a lineup built on speed, small-ball, and timely defense, Clay City has slithered its way through the bracket, outlasting bigger bats along the way.

But the Spartans of North Newton, standing tall at 23-3-1, bring an all-out blitz of discipline and power to the diamond. Their playoff path has been marked by shutouts, smart baserunning, and clutch hits—making them one of the most complete teams in the bracket.

This 1A clash kicks off a full weekend of state softball finals hosted at Purdue’s Bittinger Stadium, with Crown Point vs. Center Grove highlighting Friday night’s 4A finale. Saturday’s slate includes Andrean vs. Tecumseh in 2A and Hanover Central vs. Cathedral in the 3A capper.

Whether you back the Eels, root for the Spartans, or just love championship-caliber softball, this one promises to be a grand slam of emotion, strategy, and high-stakes drama. Catch it all live on air—and ride the wave of championship energy from first pitch to final out.