South Knox girls basketball coach suspended for undue influence violation
· Yahoo Sports
South Knox girls basketball coach Hollie Anson-Eaves has been suspended two games for violating the Indiana High School Athletic Association's undue influence policy, superintendent Jeff Cochren confirmed Wednesday. Additionally, the program has been placed on probation for the remainder of the season.
Rule 20-1 of the IHSAA bylaws prohibits the recruitment or attempted recruitment of a prospective student through the use of undue influence, which is described as "the act of encouraging or inducing a prospective student to attend a school for athletic purposes."
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Anson-Eaves may resume coaching after serving her two-game suspension, but, according to the IHSAA by-laws, must immediately file a report with the IHSAA outlining any corrective actions taken or to be taken by the coach.
In an email to IndyStar and The Courier Press, Cochren said the violation occurred some time in May 2026. The South Knox administration was informed of "the potential for a violation" by the IHSAA in July, and was then "required to respond" to the alleged violation. They did so via written letter in August, then received official notification of the punishment on Nov. 5.
Cochren did not immediately respond to a request for further comment regarding the violation itself.
Anson-Eaves served the first game of her suspension Tuesday, sitting out South Knox's 62-47 win over Class 3A Washington. The Spartans travel to Corydon Central this weekend for the Cluckers Battle at the First Capital. They open the two-day, three-game event against Evansville Central on Friday night.
When reached for comment, an IHSAA spokesperson said per their policy, they do not comment on rules violations or suspensions and instead leave it up to the school if they wish to offer a response.
South Knox added one transfer from Vincennes over the summer, sophomore Azaria Easley, who played for the soccer team in the fall.
Jesse Easley, Azaria's father, addressed allegations of recruiting by SK in a public Facebook post, stating the decision to transfer was rooted in concerns with the Vincennes Lincoln girls soccer program.
Opponents are allowed to drop the Spartans from their 2026-27 schedule without penalty, per IHSAA Bylaw Rule 9-16(b) (3), if alleged to violate Rule 20 concerning undue influence.
Two teams have already canceled games with South Knox: Sectional foe Eastern Greene, its season-opening opponent (Nov. 7), and Vincennes Lincoln, which was scheduled for Jan. 16.
The Spartans have picked up a game vs. Evansville Reitz and is working to add another game to its schedule, according to Cochren.
Anson-Eaves, who will return to the sidelines following her two-game suspension (expected to return Saturday), is 195-114 in 13 seasons at South Knox, with three sectional titles and a Class 2A state championship (2025).
The Spartans are among the favorites to win 2A this season, boasting a veteran lineup headlined by Indiana All-Star candidate Kendal Hill, who averaged 19.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.3 steals. Seniors Grace Detweiler, Ellie Burke, Kalissa Lavely and Laya Thomas, and juniors Zoe Glimore and Brynley Millspaugh round out the list of returners.
Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen and Kyle Sokeland at @kylesokeland. Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: South Knox girls basketball coach suspended for undue influence violation