Posted On: 11/3/20 9:42 AM
The featured image is of Hailey Smith
HaileySmith5'8" | SGFishers | 2023StateIN of Fishers High School.
Two weeks ago, teams from all over Indiana were allowed to begin their first official practices. Beginning last night, November 2nd, teams were permitted to begin official games. With that said, who are the best teams in Class 4A for the 2020-2021 season? Below I have attempted to answer that question as best as possible. This preseason outlook is based solely on how I think teams will stack up this season. Past success isn’t meaningless, but year-in and year-out rosters change, players graduate, Freshmen arrive, and other players transfer. Teams can slide up or down the competitive scale for any number of other reasons as well. In Class 4A, that can be magnified even greater, as just a couple of players can shift the balance of power in the State Tournament.
While there are definite favorites as we begin the season, the Class 4A state title in 2020-2021 might be as wide open to claim as any of Indiana’s four classifications. While Lawrence North stunned many around the state with their upset of Northwestern back on Leap Day, both the Wildcats and Tigers suffered significant
The featured image is of Hailey Smith
HaileySmith5'8" | SGFishers | 2023StateIN of Fishers High School.
Two weeks ago, teams from all over Indiana were allowed to begin their first official practices. Beginning last night, November 2nd, teams were permitted to begin official games. With that said, who are the best teams in Class 4A for the 2020-2021 season? Below I have attempted to answer that question as best as possible. This preseason outlook is based solely on how I think teams will stack up this season. Past success isn’t meaningless, but year-in and year-out rosters change, players graduate, Freshmen arrive, and other players transfer. Teams can slide up or down the competitive scale for any number of other reasons as well. In Class 4A, that can be magnified even greater, as just a couple of players can shift the balance of power in the State Tournament.
While there are definite favorites as we begin the season, the Class 4A state title in 2020-2021 might be as wide open to claim as any of Indiana’s four classifications. While Lawrence North stunned many around the state with their upset of Northwestern back on Leap Day, both the Wildcats and Tigers suffered significant graduation losses. Neither team can be counted out this year, however several other programs could rise to the top. Penn and North Central (Indianapolis) should prove to be two of the deepest teams in the state, top to bottom, while Crown Point and Homestead continue to roll along with great talent of their own. Fishers and Bedford North Lawrence each have incredible perimeter play throughout their rosters, while Brownsburg’s focus could turn to their interior play this season. Carmel looks to turn the corner with a couple of the state’s best prospects, and Mount Vernon (Fortville) looks to avenge an early Sectional exit from a year ago after a near-perfect regular season. Beyond that, any number of remaining teams in Class 4A could make a deep tournament run and find themselves travelling to Indianapolis at the end of the season.
PRESEASON POLL
1. Penn (27-3, 2019-2020 Regional Champion)
It feels like Penn is at or near the top of Class 4A just about every year, but this very well could be the deepest, most balanced group they’ve had. Their Junior Varsity team might be able to defeat a majority of Varsity teams around the state. The program is rich with skill, structure, and discipline, plus they should get a full season out of three key players. Senior guard Kaitlyn CostnerKaitlynCostner5'7" | CGPenn | 2021StateIN (12.8p, 4.8r, 2.0s in six games) transferred in last year from Elkhart Central, and she was forced to sit out until the state tournament due to limited eligibility rules. She is one of the most athletic talents in the state, as she could likely have a high-level college career in most track & field events. She is an 84-foot on-ball defender, a playmaker off the bounce offensively, and she brings a ton of energy. She committed to Ohio State University late in the Summer. Senior point guard Jordyn SmithJordynSmith5'6" | PGPenn | 2021StateIN (3.7p, 2.3a in seven games) returned late in the season from a knee injury she suffered late in the Summer of 2019. She had been a key starter throughout her Freshman and Sophomore seasons. She’s a strong guard, a nice game-manager, plus she plays with a good motor, she can knock down open shots, and she’s a strong kid with good toughness. Then there’s Senior forward Grace AdamsGraceAdams5'10" | SFPenn | 2021StateIN (4.2p, 4.3r in 2018-2019), who returns to the team after taking the 2019-2020 season off completely. She is a perfect fit for this team and this system, because you can plug her in just about anywhere and she can affect games. She is long, versatile skillfully, and she has a natural feel for the game. As for the other returnees, there is no shortage of talent there as well. Senior guard Trinity ClintonTrinityClinton5'7" | SGPenn | 2021StateIN (17.8p, 5.4r, 3.3a, 2.6s) stepped her game up to another level last year, and the strong and athletic prospect competes every possession. She is tough, she’ll defend, and she has shown an enhanced ability to score the ball at all three levels. Junior forward Jada PattonJadaPatton5'10" | PFPenn | 2022StateIN (5.5p, 4.0r) will be the "muscle" inside. She is a powerful, but very athletic forward prospect. She gets out and runs in transition, she can defend wings at times, and she is aggressive on the boards. Sophomore forward Julia EconomouJuliaEconomou5'11" | SFPenn | 2023StateIN (2.7p, 3.8r) saw a lot of time as a rookie last season, and the long, wiry strong, and athletic wing is versatile as well. She can play in the mid-post or around the perimeter, and she too plays with a nice motor. Senior guard Grace SchuttGraceSchutt5'6" | CGPenn | 2021StateIN (4.0) and Junior guard Gracie BoboGracieBobo5'9" | CGPenn | 2022StateIN also saw significant Varsity action, and both look to leave their mark on this season. Schutt has committed to Olivet Nazarene University. Senior guard Emily Salwin, Junior point guard Payton AdkinsPaytonAdkins5'7" | PGPenn | 2022StateIN, and Junior forwards Sydney LittleSydneyLittle5'8" | SFPenn | 2022StateIN and Gabrielle HooverGabrielleHoover6'1" | PFPenn | 2022StateIN are all talented prospects who could see quality floor time as well this season.
2. Indianapolis North Central (17-10, 2019-2020 Sectional Runner-Up)
While Penn boasts tremendous depth, North Central likely has the most talent amongst their key rotation players. The Lady Panthers have been snakebitten by injuries and a tough Sectional in years past, but this could very well be the year they finally get past that and make a run to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Regardless of how their season goes, it will likely revolve around the play of Senior forward Meg NewmanMegNewman6'3" | PFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021State#84NationIN (10.7p, 6.2r). The Arizona State University commit has as much talent and skill as just about anyone at 6-3, and she has takeover ability when she wants. The thing is, though, she will need to start taking over high school games like she does during the grassroots season if the Panthers are to make it far in the state tournament. Newman is strong, skilled, and athletic, and she can play like a power forward or a point forward at times. She’s just a problem for the opposition. She gets help up front from classmate Nakaih HunterNakaihHunter5'11" | PFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021StateIN (11.0p, 7.5r). Hunter, an IUPUI commit, is a strong, physical, tough-nosed power forward who loves contact. She is great at the basket, but she also has some touch and finishing moves when in the mid-post. She plays with a ton of energy on the frontline and outworks her matchups most nights. Junior point guard Tanyuel WelchTanyuelWelch5'10" | PGNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2022StateIN (13.6p, 5.1r, 3.1a, 2.5s) has come a long way in just a couple of short years. She has grown, gained strength, plus she’s tremendously long and athletic. She has great feet and can defend just about anyone, she is still probably best off the bounce offensively, but her jump-shot has come a long way and become much more consistent. She had a great end to the Summer, and it looks like she’ll be one of the state’s best guards this Winter. Sophomore wing Ava CouchAvaCouch5'9" | SFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2023StateIN (6.9p, 2.7r) found herself in the rotation a season ago, and the tough-nosed, high-motor youngster played extremely well throughout this Summer/Fall. She makes all of the hustle plays her team needs, plus she is an accurate perimeter shooter who doesn’t need much space. Seniors Alivia TerryAliviaTerry5'8" | SFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021StateIN (4.5p, 2.1r) and Dynasty WitherspoonDynastyWitherspoon6'4" | CNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021StateIN (2.0p, 2.1r) have also seen playing time the last couple of seasons. Terry is another tough-nosed wing who can shoot it outside, while Witherspoon is a big-bodied, 6-4 post who can definitely clog the lane defensively. Also look for Junior power forward Destinee HooksDestineeHooks5'11" | PFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2022StateIN (2.4p) to possibly see a much bigger role this year. She can play in the mid-post or knock down the 3-pointer consistently.
3. Crown Point (26-1, 2019-2020 Sectional Champion)
For much of last season, Crown Point looked like THE team to be reckoned with. Despite knocking off Penn in the Hall of Fame Tournament back in December of 2019, the Bulldogs fell by a single point to the Kingsmen in the Regional first round. They then saw both Dash ShawDashShaw5'7" | CGCrown Point | 2020StateIN (13.5p, 3.3r, 3.0a, 3.4s) and Abby StoddardAbbyStoddard6'0" | PFCrown Point | 2020StateIN (10.2p, 4.8r) leave via graduation. However Crown Point still returns a great deal of talent and potential for the 2020-2021 season. Junior guard Jessica CarrothersJessicaCarrothers5'7" | PGCrown Point | 2022StateIN (19.1p, 4.5r, 3.8a, 4.6s) returns for her third stanza, after leading the Bulldogs in scoring each of the last two seasons. She is a strong, high-energy, tough-nosed guard who is aggressive to the rim and uses the free throw line as a weapon as well as anyone. Junior power forward Lilly StoddardLillyStoddard6'4" | PFCrown Point | 2022State#73NationIN (9.7p, 8.1r, 2.8b) showed glimpses of brilliance last season, and after a strong Summer she should be primed for a breakout year. She does so many good things at 6-4 as a high-level athlete, that she’s incredibly difficult for opponents to match up with at times. Both Stoddard and Carrothers are receiving a great deal of Division-I interest. The Bulldogs also look to get a full, healthy season out of Senior point guard Alyna SantiagoAlynaSantiago5'5" | PGCrown Point | 2021StateIN (5.9p, 2.1r in 14 games). She was injured early in the season, but she returned to the court in grassroots ball this Fall. She is a tough-nosed, athletic guard who is a pass-first kid. She also might be the team’s best on-ball defender, and she will bring a lot of value at that end of the floor. She has committed to Indiana University-Northwest. From there, a trio of players return from last season’s rotation. Senior wing Allie Govert (3.3p), Junior power forward Nikki Gerodemos (3.0p, 2.7r), and Junior wing Alyvia SantiagoAlyviaSantiago5'8" | SGCrown Point | 2022IN (2.4p) should give the lineup flexibility depending on matchups. I don’t know that the Bulldogs can replicate their undefeated season from last year, but I would anticipate them again being a tough out come tournament time this year.
4. Homestead (26-2, 2019-2020 Regional Finalist)
Homestead is another "usual suspect" who finds their way to the top of Class 4A polls most seasons. This year is no different, though they’ll be in need of finding some replacements for a pair of key graduation losses. Gone via the diploma are Sydney GraberSydneyGraber6'0" | PFHomestead | 2020StateIN (15.5p, 8.7r, 2.0a, 2.0s) and Rylie ParkerRylieParker5'6" | SGHomestead | 2020StateIN (13.2p, 3.3r, 2.3a). Graber is now playing at Central Michigan University, while Parker is playing at Purdue University-Fort Wayne. At the same time, when you return a prospect the magnitude of Junior forward Ayanna PattersonAyannaPatterson6'3" | SFHomestead | 2022State#5NationIN (13.5p, 8.4r), you always have a chance. Patterson, considered a Top-5 National prospect in the Class of 2022, is tremendously athletic at 6-3, she has great length, and she has a perimeter skillset. Like Meg NewmanMegNewman6'3" | PFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021State#84NationIN (above), when Patterson wants to take over games, she can, and she’ll need to do so this Winter for the Spartans to make a dent in the state tournament. Senior point guard Grace SullivanGraceSullivan5'4" | PGHomestead | 2021StateIN will likely dictate this team’s personality. She is as tough as they come, gritty, feisty, and very quick/fast. She can defend the ball, she’s great at collapsing defenses offensively, and she just has a nice overall feel for the game. She has committed to Ferris State University. Senior post Amber AustinAmberAustin6'0" | CHomestead | 2021StateIN has paid her dues over the years, and I look for her to provide quite the defensive and rebounding presence for the Spartans. She is strong, quietly tough-nosed, and she plays with a nice motor. She can score it a little in the mid-post as well, and I think she could be a deceptive double-double threat most nights because of the attention that will be paid to Patterson and Sullivan. Junior forward Maggie KeinsleyMaggieKeinsley5'10" | PFHomestead | 2022StateIN has improved each season, and she was outstanding at times over the Summer. She is a long, wiry strong athlete, and she can play at all three levels effectively. She’ll figure out a way to carve out a nice role on this team. Sophomore point guard Molly StockMollyStock5'6" | CGHomestead | 2023StateIN and Sophomore forward Alison StephensAlisonStephens5'10" | SFHomestead | 2023StateIN also saw action a year ago, and both are talented, skilled kids who really know how to play, plus they fit the Homestead system well. This is a Spartan team who I think could surprise Penn or Crown Point in the North.
5. Fishers (23-2, 2019-2020 Sectional Champion)
I am anxious to see how this Fishers group plays in 2020-2021, especially considering the depth and potential they have in the backcourt. In fact, the biggest concern for the Tigers this year will be frontcourt play/depth. While Tamia PerrymanTamiaPerryman5'8" | SFFishers | 2020StateIN (7.7p, 4.7r, 2.2a) and Kaitlynn FeaganKaitlynnFeagan5'8" | SFFishers | 2020StateIN (7.3p) both graduated, there are a number of options at the guard and wing positions for Fishers. Let’s start with Senior guards Katie BurtonKatieBurton5'9" | SGFishers | 2021StateIN (15.4p, 4.7r, 2.0s) and Audra EmmersonAudraEmmerson5'6" | PGFishers | 2021StateIN (7.2p, 2.2r, 2.4a). Burton is a high-energy, tough, physical guard who loves to attack the basket off the bounce. She is athletic, acrobatic at times, and she can finish in a variety of ways with either hand. She has continued to make her perimeter jumper more consistent, and she’s starting to be more of a facilitator as well. I also like the amount of attention she’s paying to the defensive end of the floor now. Emmerson is the consummate teammate and lead guard. She is a pass-first kid who finds open teammates on time/on target. She is a good perimeter shooter with deep range, but she also understands how to play efficiently. She is feisty/gritty and quick at the defensive end of the floor as well. From there, the Tigers will turn to "the twins", in Sophomore guards Hailey SmithHaileySmith5'8" | SGFishers | 2023StateIN (7.1p, 3.4r) and Olivia SmithOliviaSmith5'8" | CGFishers | 2023StateIN (4.6p, 2.3r). They are extremely tough-nosed, aggressive, and athletic in all directions. They defend their matchups 84-feet, and they are on attack from the catch offensively. Senior wing Katie HowardKatieHoward5'7" | SFFishers | 2021StateIN (3.4p) could see an increase in minutes and step into Feagan’s role from a year ago as the wing and deep-corner sniper. Howard has a good IQ for the game, she moves well without the ball, and she can make rhythm jumpers consistently. Sophomore Karina ScottKarinaScott5'4" | CGFishers | 2023StateIN, a transfer from Pike, plus Freshmen Joirdyn SmithJoirdynSmith5'2" | CGFishers | 2024StateIN and Talia HarrisTaliaHarris5'7" | PGFishers | 2024StateIN could find their way into playing time depending on how coach wants to play all of these talented guards.
6. Bedford North Lawrence (21-6, 2019-2020 Regional Champion)
For as deep as Fishers is with backcourt talent, Bedford North Lawrence has assembled a quality group of guards and wings as well. While the Stars thrived on frontcourt play over the last few years, they will now turn their attention to the perimeter, where they’ll be incredibly difficult to match up against in the Southern part of the state. Double-figure scorers Chloe McKnightChloeMcKnight5'8" | SGBedford North Lawrence | 2021StateIN (14.1p, 4.9r, 2.1a) and Irye GomezIryeGomez5'9" | SGBedford North Lawrence | 2021StateIN (12.5p, 3.2r, 2.3a) both return as Seniors, and the two guards should provide a dynamic duo on the wings. McKnight is a knockdown shooter with one of the quickest releases from 3-point range. She understands how to find space, and she is a threat anywhere on the offensive side of half-court. Gomez is a long, wiry strong, athletic slasher. She can knock down a perimeter jumper, but she’s much better as a playmaker off the bounce. While those two are the top two returning scorers, look for Sophomore point guard Karsyn NormanKarsynNorman5'6" | PGBedford North Lawrence | 2023StateIN (8.1p, 2.2r, 2.7a) and Freshman guard Chloe SpreenChloeSpreen5'9" | CGBedford North Lawrence | 2024StateIN to have as much, if not more of an impact this season. Norman is a true floor general who is always aware of the situation. She plays with her eyes up scanning the floor, she communicates well, and she typically makes the correct play. She has started to assert herself more offensively, so I look for her to score it even better this Winter. Spreen is a fluid and smooth athlete. She is tremendously skilled with the ball in her hands, and she can shoot/score it at all three levels consistently. She is great off the bounce, she changes directions well, but she can also bury a variety of shots outside. She should be a double-figure scorer immediately. From there, the Stars have some options. Senior forwards Haley Deckard (3.5p, 2.5r) and Makena Moore can provide support up front, while gritty Senior guard Jenna LoudenJennaLouden5'3" | CGBedford North Lawrence | 2021StateIN (2.7p, 2.0r) is yet another skillful guard with a good feel for the game. Louden has committed to play at Franklin College. Freshman guard Madisyn BaileyMadisynBailey5'8" | SGBedford North Lawrence | 2024IN could also add quality backcourt depth to this team.
7. Carmel (15-8, 2017-2018 Sectional Champion)
This Greyhound group may have lost eight games a season ago, but with two of the state’s best prospects, they will have a chance to surpass the 20-win mark this season. 6-1 Junior wing Kate ClarkeKateClarke6'1" | SFCarmel | 2022State#56NationIN (17.1p, 3.7r, 2.5a) has proven to be a lethal scoring threat who can fill it up outside or attack the basket and finish inside. She has gotten stronger, more physical, and more assertive off the bounce, which only makes her perimeter shooting that much more dangerous. I would like to see her be just a little more impactful both defensively and on the boards considering her talent and size, but she can definitely score the ball from anywhere in the gym. Clarke recently gave a commitment to the University of Michigan. Senior forward Bridget DunnBridgetDunn6'3" | PFCarmel | 2021StateIN (12.3p, 9.9r, 1.8b) has quietly put together a really nice career, and I still maintain that she was under-recruited over the years. She has tremendous length, good North/South athleticism, and she has nice perimeter skill for a player at 6-3. I feel like Kent State University got quite a steal in Dunn, and I’m anxious to see how she does at the next level. Senior Riley PenningtonRileyPennington5'9" | PFCarmel | 2021StateIN (6.4p, 5.6r) and Junior Emily RoperEmilyRoper6'0" | CCarmel | 2022StateIN (2.5r) are a pair of frontline prospects who might star on another team. Both are nice soccer players, but on the basketball court they provide necessary interior defense and rebounding. Pennington is a strong and athletic forward who can play in the mid-post and even step out and defend some wings/guards. Roper is a 6-0 post who does a nice job of establishing and holding her position, both offensively and defensively. Sophomore wing Hannah LachHannahLach5'9" | SFCarmel | 2023StateIN (5.6p, 2.7r, 2.0a) saw significant Varsity action as a Freshman, and she could step into that third-scorer role to compliment Clarke and Dunn this year. She is a wiry strong kid with good touch from the perimeter. She should find open shots playing off of those two upperclassmen. From there, the Greyhounds can go a variety of directions. 6-1 Sophomore post Mackenzie ThomasMackenzieThomas6'1" | CCarmel | 2023StateIN has really improved, plus Junior point guard Laura ValienteLauraValiente5'7" | CGCarmel | 2022StateIN has shown flashes of talent and could see a role in the Varsity lineup this year. I also wouldn’t count out the diminutive Senior point guard, Brooklynn EdwardsBrooklynnEdwards4'11" | PGCarmel | 2021StateIN. She is a quick, fast, and dynamic playmaker off the bounce.
8. Lawrence North (26-4, 2019-2020 State Champion)
The Wildcats finished off a storybook ending in 2019-2020, and while they return 2021 Purdue commit Jayla SmithJaylaSmith5'11" | SGLawrence North | 2021State#73NationIN (13.9p, 3.1r, 3.5s), they must deal with the loss of a huge 2020 class. Gone are Katie DavidsonKatieDavidson5'10" | SFLawrence North | 2020StateIN (12.2p, 5.3r, 2.1a), Kristian YoungKristianYoung5'4" | PGLawrence North | 2020StateIN (11.4p, 4.7r, 4.3a, 2.3s), Lauren GunnLaurenGunn5'9" | SFLawrence North | 2020StateIN, Justis OdomJustisOdom6'1" | CLawrence North | 2020StateIN, and Kalyn ErvinKalynErvin5'5" | SGLawrence North | 2020StateIN. Lawrence North will still be talented, and the Senior Smith is a great place to start. She is so long, fluidly athletic, and explosive in all directions. She can fill it up, and with range to about 30-feet. She will be relied upon to handle it more and create offense for the team this year, but I feel like she’s ready to step into that role at this point in time. Sophomore wing Monica WilliamsMonicaWilliams5'9" | SFLawrence North | 2023StateIN (5.2p, 2.4r) saw a lot of minutes as a Freshman, and she is a budding star who could break out and be the #2 this year to Smith. She is long, wiry strong, and very athletic. She’s starting to be more of a playmaker off the bounce, but she has always been a really nice defender, both on and off the ball. Junior power forward Ariel HelmArielHelm6'0" | PFLawrence North | 2022StateIN transferred in midseason last year from North Central, and she could have an immediate impact for the Wildcat frontline. She is strong, physical, and athletic. She should serve as a nice rebounder/defender type, and I feel like she could be a double-double threat on the block as well. Senior power forward Sydnee HughesSydneeHughes5'11" | PFLawrence North | 2021StateIN transferred in last Fall from nearby Horizon Christian, and she provided that defensive and rebounding presence off the bench the Wildcats so desperately needed. I’d look for her to again patrol the paint at both ends of the floor. There are a few other girls who could make an imprint this season, depending on their skill development and productivity. Senior wing Shamaria WalkerShamariaWalker5'7" | SFLawrence North | 2021IN has always been a nice, strong athlete with playmaking ability. She’ll need to play more efficiently, but she can be a problem at times. Sophomore wing Laniya EarlyLaniyaEarly5'8" | SFLawrence North | 2023StateIN has a lot of athletic talent and potential. She’s another one who if she can take care of the ball a little better and score it more consistently, she could see a major uptick in minutes. And Junior forward Kaitlyn Fasbender is a long, wiry strong, and fairly fluid kid who can knock down an open jumper or play in the mid-post if need be. The Wildcats will again be formidable, just with a mostly new cast.
9. Mount Vernon (Fortville) (22-2, 2018-2019 Sectional Champion)
Despite a 22-1 regular season, with wins over quality programs like North Central, Westfield, Noblesville, and others, the Lady Marauders unfortunately fell in the first round of the Sectional to conference rival New Palestine last season. This year, they look to repeat last year’s regular season, only to advance much farther come state tournament time. Mount Vernon will have to play without 2020 graduates Sydnee PerrySydneePerry5'7" | SGMount Vernon-Fortville | 2020StateIN (15.0p, 3.8r, 2.4a, 3.5s) and Tessa Freeman (4.3p, 4.0r, 2.8a), who had seven years of Varsity experience between them. At the same time, they return four Varsity regulars and welcome the addition of a talented newcomer to the mix. Senior forward Lexi SheltonLexiShelton5'8" | SFMt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2021StateIN (16.0p, 5.9r) was the team’s leading scorer last season, and the University of Saint Francis (IN) commit returns in that capacity again this season. She is as tough as they come, she plays extremely hard, plus she has a high basketball IQ and a pure jump-shot from the perimeter. Senior front-liner Olivia YeleyOliviaYeley6'0" | PFMt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2021StateIN (8.8p, 5.5r) has been quite a nice find for them, as the tall, strong, and athletic forward gives them a quality presence around the paint. She can score it a little inside of 15-feet, plus she’s active defensively and on the boards. Senior point guard Abby WorleyAbbyWorley5'3" | PGMt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2021StateIN (7.9p, 2.2r, 4.5a, 3.2s) followed up a nice Junior campaign with a strong Summer this year. She does a tremendous job of taking care of the basketball, she runs offense well, and she has proven to be able to make open shots when the defense plays off of her. Senior forward Riley Hasseld was the other player who saw action in all 24 of their games a season ago, and she’ll add frontcourt depth this time around. But Marauder fans are excited about the entrance of 6-2 Freshman wing Ellery MinchElleryMinch6'2" | SFMt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2024StateIN. She is long, wiry strong, and she can create offense off the dribble like a point forward or play in the mid-post equally well. She should make an immediate impact and add another scoring threat to the lineup. Junior forward Maddie Swingle is another player who could help immediately.
10. Brownsburg (21-9, 2019-2020 Regional Finalist)
Brownsburg is a team who could be transitioning away from a more perimeter-oriented approach, to one of size, strength, and inside-out play. With the graduations of Allison BosseAllisonBosse5'7" | CGBrownsburg | 2020StateIN (16.9p, 3.9r, 2.2s), Mackenzie StienMackenzieStien5'10" | SFBrownsburg | 2020StateIN (8.6p, 2.7r, 2.2a), and Mackenzie Bedrick (3.2p, 2.9r), look for the Bulldogs to possibly start feeding the post a lot more. Brownsburg does return a healthy Ally BeckiAllyBecki5'8" | PGBrownsburg | 2021StateIN (11.5p, 7.2r, 3.9a, 3.0s), which will be scary for opposing teams. The Senior point guard was not quite 100% at the start of last season, recovering from a knee injury, but she looked great over the Summer, and I’d expect for her to be an Indiana All-Star candidate and possibly a Miss Basketball candidate. She is dynamic off the bounce, she plays with a ton of energy, and she can score it all over the floor. She has committed to play next year at Ball State University. Joining her in the backcourt should be Sophomore guard Kailyn TerrellKailynTerrell5'6" | CGBrownsburg | 2023StateIN (4.2p). Terrell was strong last season, and she too plays with an outstanding motor and great toughness. She is a defensive-minded guard who can handle the ball and run offense or knock down an open jumper as well. I’d expect her numbers to increase, as she helps make up for the loss of Bosse. From there, the Bulldogs have quite a lot of quality size. 6-0 Leah YarbroughLeahYarbrough6'0" | PFBrownsburg | 2021StateIN (2.3p, 2.7r), 5-11 Novalee GlassNovaleeGlass5'11" | PFBrownsburg | 2022StateIN (2.2p), 6-0 Quinci ThomasQuinciThomas6'0" | PFBrownsburg | 2023StateIN (2.0r), and 6-0 Allison ShafferAllisonShaffer6'0" | PFBrownsburg | 2021StateIN could provide an intimidating presence up front. Yarbrough, a Senior committed to the University of Illinois-Chicago, moved in last year from Illinois, and she is a strong, very athletic talent who is just starting to scratch the surface. I’d look for her to see a significant increase in minutes and production. Glass is a hard-working, high-energy Junior power player who likes contact but also possesses good skill and understanding away from the basket. Thomas, another athlete, is a wiry strong Sophomore who will only continue to get better and better with more game reps. And Shaffer, a long, wiry Senior, has good touch and skill, plus she can float outside some and play around the perimeter. Add to that group Junior Swiss Army Knife Ra’Mya MiltonRa’MyaMilton5'9" | PFBrownsburg | 2022StateIN (2.2p, 2.1r), and Brownsburg should be ready to roll. Milton is a strong, physical forward, but she is a nice athlete who can defend a variety of positions.
20 MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Ben Davis (13-12)
Castle (17-8)
Center Grove (20-6)
Columbus East (16-8)
Columbus North (16-9)
East Central (23-6)
Fort Wayne Carroll (17-7)
Fort Wayne South Side (16-10)
Hamilton Southeastern (22-3)
Martinsville (20-4)
McCutcheon (15-12)
Mooresville (16-8)
Noblesville (10-13)
Northridge (10-15)
Northwestern (29-1)
Plainfield (12-12)
Roncalli (17-7)
Warsaw Community (16-8)
Westfield (14-11)
Zionsville Community (6-17)
HaileySmith5'8" | SGFishers | 2023StateIN of Fishers High School.
Two weeks ago, teams from all over Indiana were allowed to begin their first official practices. Beginning last night, November 2nd, teams were permitted to begin official games. With that said, who are the best teams in Class 4A for the 2020-2021 season? Below I have attempted to answer that question as best as possible. This preseason outlook is based solely on how I think teams will stack up this season. Past success isn’t meaningless, but year-in and year-out rosters change, players graduate, Freshmen arrive, and other players transfer. Teams can slide up or down the competitive scale for any number of other reasons as well. In Class 4A, that can be magnified even greater, as just a couple of players can shift the balance of power in the State Tournament.
While there are definite favorites as we begin the season, the Class 4A state title in 2020-2021 might be as wide open to claim as any of Indiana’s four classifications. While Lawrence North stunned many around the state with their upset of Northwestern back on Leap Day, both the Wildcats and Tigers suffered significant graduation losses. Neither team can be counted out this year, however several other programs could rise to the top. Penn and North Central (Indianapolis) should prove to be two of the deepest teams in the state, top to bottom, while Crown Point and Homestead continue to roll along with great talent of their own. Fishers and Bedford North Lawrence each have incredible perimeter play throughout their rosters, while Brownsburg’s focus could turn to their interior play this season. Carmel looks to turn the corner with a couple of the state’s best prospects, and Mount Vernon (Fortville) looks to avenge an early Sectional exit from a year ago after a near-perfect regular season. Beyond that, any number of remaining teams in Class 4A could make a deep tournament run and find themselves travelling to Indianapolis at the end of the season.
PRESEASON POLL
1. Penn (27-3, 2019-2020 Regional Champion)
It feels like Penn is at or near the top of Class 4A just about every year, but this very well could be the deepest, most balanced group they’ve had. Their Junior Varsity team might be able to defeat a majority of Varsity teams around the state. The program is rich with skill, structure, and discipline, plus they should get a full season out of three key players. Senior guard Kaitlyn Costner
KaitlynCostner5'7" | CGPenn | 2021StateIN (12.8p, 4.8r, 2.0s in six games) transferred in last year from Elkhart Central, and she was forced to sit out until the state tournament due to limited eligibility rules. She is one of the most athletic talents in the state, as she could likely have a high-level college career in most track & field events. She is an 84-foot on-ball defender, a playmaker off the bounce offensively, and she brings a ton of energy. She committed to Ohio State University late in the Summer. Senior point guard Jordyn SmithJordynSmith5'6" | PGPenn | 2021StateIN (3.7p, 2.3a in seven games) returned late in the season from a knee injury she suffered late in the Summer of 2019. She had been a key starter throughout her Freshman and Sophomore seasons. She’s a strong guard, a nice game-manager, plus she plays with a good motor, she can knock down open shots, and she’s a strong kid with good toughness. Then there’s Senior forward Grace AdamsGraceAdams5'10" | SFPenn | 2021StateIN (4.2p, 4.3r in 2018-2019), who returns to the team after taking the 2019-2020 season off completely. She is a perfect fit for this team and this system, because you can plug her in just about anywhere and she can affect games. She is long, versatile skillfully, and she has a natural feel for the game. As for the other returnees, there is no shortage of talent there as well. Senior guard Trinity ClintonTrinityClinton5'7" | SGPenn | 2021StateIN (17.8p, 5.4r, 3.3a, 2.6s) stepped her game up to another level last year, and the strong and athletic prospect competes every possession. She is tough, she’ll defend, and she has shown an enhanced ability to score the ball at all three levels. Junior forward Jada PattonJadaPatton5'10" | PFPenn | 2022StateIN (5.5p, 4.0r) will be the "muscle" inside. She is a powerful, but very athletic forward prospect. She gets out and runs in transition, she can defend wings at times, and she is aggressive on the boards. Sophomore forward Julia Economou
JuliaEconomou5'11" | SFPenn | 2023StateIN (2.7p, 3.8r) saw a lot of time as a rookie last season, and the long, wiry strong, and athletic wing is versatile as well. She can play in the mid-post or around the perimeter, and she too plays with a nice motor. Senior guard Grace SchuttGraceSchutt5'6" | CGPenn | 2021StateIN (4.0) and Junior guard Gracie Bobo
GracieBobo5'9" | CGPenn | 2022StateIN also saw significant Varsity action, and both look to leave their mark on this season. Schutt has committed to Olivet Nazarene University. Senior guard Emily Salwin, Junior point guard Payton AdkinsPaytonAdkins5'7" | PGPenn | 2022StateIN, and Junior forwards Sydney Little
SydneyLittle5'8" | SFPenn | 2022StateIN and Gabrielle HooverGabrielleHoover6'1" | PFPenn | 2022StateIN are all talented prospects who could see quality floor time as well this season.
2. Indianapolis North Central (17-10, 2019-2020 Sectional Runner-Up)
While Penn boasts tremendous depth, North Central likely has the most talent amongst their key rotation players. The Lady Panthers have been snakebitten by injuries and a tough Sectional in years past, but this could very well be the year they finally get past that and make a run to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Regardless of how their season goes, it will likely revolve around the play of Senior forward Meg NewmanMegNewman6'3" | PFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021State#84NationIN (10.7p, 6.2r). The Arizona State University commit has as much talent and skill as just about anyone at 6-3, and she has takeover ability when she wants. The thing is, though, she will need to start taking over high school games like she does during the grassroots season if the Panthers are to make it far in the state tournament. Newman is strong, skilled, and athletic, and she can play like a power forward or a point forward at times. She’s just a problem for the opposition. She gets help up front from classmate Nakaih HunterNakaihHunter5'11" | PFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021StateIN (11.0p, 7.5r). Hunter, an IUPUI commit, is a strong, physical, tough-nosed power forward who loves contact. She is great at the basket, but she also has some touch and finishing moves when in the mid-post. She plays with a ton of energy on the frontline and outworks her matchups most nights. Junior point guard Tanyuel WelchTanyuelWelch5'10" | PGNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2022StateIN (13.6p, 5.1r, 3.1a, 2.5s) has come a long way in just a couple of short years. She has grown, gained strength, plus she’s tremendously long and athletic. She has great feet and can defend just about anyone, she is still probably best off the bounce offensively, but her jump-shot has come a long way and become much more consistent. She had a great end to the Summer, and it looks like she’ll be one of the state’s best guards this Winter. Sophomore wing Ava CouchAvaCouch5'9" | SFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2023StateIN (6.9p, 2.7r) found herself in the rotation a season ago, and the tough-nosed, high-motor youngster played extremely well throughout this Summer/Fall. She makes all of the hustle plays her team needs, plus she is an accurate perimeter shooter who doesn’t need much space. Seniors Alivia Terry
AliviaTerry5'8" | SFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021StateIN (4.5p, 2.1r) and Dynasty WitherspoonDynastyWitherspoon6'4" | CNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021StateIN (2.0p, 2.1r) have also seen playing time the last couple of seasons. Terry is another tough-nosed wing who can shoot it outside, while Witherspoon is a big-bodied, 6-4 post who can definitely clog the lane defensively. Also look for Junior power forward Destinee Hooks
DestineeHooks5'11" | PFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2022StateIN (2.4p) to possibly see a much bigger role this year. She can play in the mid-post or knock down the 3-pointer consistently.
3. Crown Point (26-1, 2019-2020 Sectional Champion)
For much of last season, Crown Point looked like THE team to be reckoned with. Despite knocking off Penn in the Hall of Fame Tournament back in December of 2019, the Bulldogs fell by a single point to the Kingsmen in the Regional first round. They then saw both Dash ShawDashShaw5'7" | CGCrown Point | 2020StateIN (13.5p, 3.3r, 3.0a, 3.4s) and Abby StoddardAbbyStoddard6'0" | PFCrown Point | 2020StateIN (10.2p, 4.8r) leave via graduation. However Crown Point still returns a great deal of talent and potential for the 2020-2021 season. Junior guard Jessica CarrothersJessicaCarrothers5'7" | PGCrown Point | 2022StateIN (19.1p, 4.5r, 3.8a, 4.6s) returns for her third stanza, after leading the Bulldogs in scoring each of the last two seasons. She is a strong, high-energy, tough-nosed guard who is aggressive to the rim and uses the free throw line as a weapon as well as anyone. Junior power forward Lilly StoddardLillyStoddard6'4" | PFCrown Point | 2022State#73NationIN (9.7p, 8.1r, 2.8b) showed glimpses of brilliance last season, and after a strong Summer she should be primed for a breakout year. She does so many good things at 6-4 as a high-level athlete, that she’s incredibly difficult for opponents to match up with at times. Both Stoddard and Carrothers are receiving a great deal of Division-I interest. The Bulldogs also look to get a full, healthy season out of Senior point guard Alyna SantiagoAlynaSantiago5'5" | PGCrown Point | 2021StateIN (5.9p, 2.1r in 14 games). She was injured early in the season, but she returned to the court in grassroots ball this Fall. She is a tough-nosed, athletic guard who is a pass-first kid. She also might be the team’s best on-ball defender, and she will bring a lot of value at that end of the floor. She has committed to Indiana University-Northwest. From there, a trio of players return from last season’s rotation. Senior wing Allie Govert (3.3p), Junior power forward Nikki Gerodemos (3.0p, 2.7r), and Junior wing Alyvia SantiagoAlyviaSantiago5'8" | SGCrown Point | 2022IN (2.4p) should give the lineup flexibility depending on matchups. I don’t know that the Bulldogs can replicate their undefeated season from last year, but I would anticipate them again being a tough out come tournament time this year.
4. Homestead (26-2, 2019-2020 Regional Finalist)
Homestead is another "usual suspect" who finds their way to the top of Class 4A polls most seasons. This year is no different, though they’ll be in need of finding some replacements for a pair of key graduation losses. Gone via the diploma are Sydney GraberSydneyGraber6'0" | PFHomestead | 2020StateIN (15.5p, 8.7r, 2.0a, 2.0s) and Rylie ParkerRylieParker5'6" | SGHomestead | 2020StateIN (13.2p, 3.3r, 2.3a). Graber is now playing at Central Michigan University, while Parker is playing at Purdue University-Fort Wayne. At the same time, when you return a prospect the magnitude of Junior forward Ayanna Patterson
AyannaPatterson6'3" | SFHomestead | 2022State#5NationIN (13.5p, 8.4r), you always have a chance. Patterson, considered a Top-5 National prospect in the Class of 2022, is tremendously athletic at 6-3, she has great length, and she has a perimeter skillset. Like Meg NewmanMegNewman6'3" | PFNorth Central (Indianapolis) | 2021State#84NationIN (above), when Patterson wants to take over games, she can, and she’ll need to do so this Winter for the Spartans to make a dent in the state tournament. Senior point guard Grace SullivanGraceSullivan5'4" | PGHomestead | 2021StateIN will likely dictate this team’s personality. She is as tough as they come, gritty, feisty, and very quick/fast. She can defend the ball, she’s great at collapsing defenses offensively, and she just has a nice overall feel for the game. She has committed to Ferris State University. Senior post Amber AustinAmberAustin6'0" | CHomestead | 2021StateIN has paid her dues over the years, and I look for her to provide quite the defensive and rebounding presence for the Spartans. She is strong, quietly tough-nosed, and she plays with a nice motor. She can score it a little in the mid-post as well, and I think she could be a deceptive double-double threat most nights because of the attention that will be paid to Patterson and Sullivan. Junior forward Maggie Keinsley
MaggieKeinsley5'10" | PFHomestead | 2022StateIN has improved each season, and she was outstanding at times over the Summer. She is a long, wiry strong athlete, and she can play at all three levels effectively. She’ll figure out a way to carve out a nice role on this team. Sophomore point guard Molly StockMollyStock5'6" | CGHomestead | 2023StateIN and Sophomore forward Alison StephensAlisonStephens5'10" | SFHomestead | 2023StateIN also saw action a year ago, and both are talented, skilled kids who really know how to play, plus they fit the Homestead system well. This is a Spartan team who I think could surprise Penn or Crown Point in the North.
5. Fishers (23-2, 2019-2020 Sectional Champion)
I am anxious to see how this Fishers group plays in 2020-2021, especially considering the depth and potential they have in the backcourt. In fact, the biggest concern for the Tigers this year will be frontcourt play/depth. While Tamia PerrymanTamiaPerryman5'8" | SFFishers | 2020StateIN (7.7p, 4.7r, 2.2a) and Kaitlynn FeaganKaitlynnFeagan5'8" | SFFishers | 2020StateIN (7.3p) both graduated, there are a number of options at the guard and wing positions for Fishers. Let’s start with Senior guards Katie BurtonKatieBurton5'9" | SGFishers | 2021StateIN (15.4p, 4.7r, 2.0s) and Audra Emmerson
AudraEmmerson5'6" | PGFishers | 2021StateIN (7.2p, 2.2r, 2.4a). Burton is a high-energy, tough, physical guard who loves to attack the basket off the bounce. She is athletic, acrobatic at times, and she can finish in a variety of ways with either hand. She has continued to make her perimeter jumper more consistent, and she’s starting to be more of a facilitator as well. I also like the amount of attention she’s paying to the defensive end of the floor now. Emmerson is the consummate teammate and lead guard. She is a pass-first kid who finds open teammates on time/on target. She is a good perimeter shooter with deep range, but she also understands how to play efficiently. She is feisty/gritty and quick at the defensive end of the floor as well. From there, the Tigers will turn to "the twins", in Sophomore guards Hailey SmithHaileySmith5'8" | SGFishers | 2023StateIN (7.1p, 3.4r) and Olivia Smith
OliviaSmith5'8" | CGFishers | 2023StateIN (4.6p, 2.3r). They are extremely tough-nosed, aggressive, and athletic in all directions. They defend their matchups 84-feet, and they are on attack from the catch offensively. Senior wing Katie HowardKatieHoward5'7" | SFFishers | 2021StateIN (3.4p) could see an increase in minutes and step into Feagan’s role from a year ago as the wing and deep-corner sniper. Howard has a good IQ for the game, she moves well without the ball, and she can make rhythm jumpers consistently. Sophomore Karina Scott
KarinaScott5'4" | CGFishers | 2023StateIN, a transfer from Pike, plus Freshmen Joirdyn Smith
JoirdynSmith5'2" | CGFishers | 2024StateIN and Talia HarrisTaliaHarris5'7" | PGFishers | 2024StateIN could find their way into playing time depending on how coach wants to play all of these talented guards.
6. Bedford North Lawrence (21-6, 2019-2020 Regional Champion)
For as deep as Fishers is with backcourt talent, Bedford North Lawrence has assembled a quality group of guards and wings as well. While the Stars thrived on frontcourt play over the last few years, they will now turn their attention to the perimeter, where they’ll be incredibly difficult to match up against in the Southern part of the state. Double-figure scorers Chloe McKnight
ChloeMcKnight5'8" | SGBedford North Lawrence | 2021StateIN (14.1p, 4.9r, 2.1a) and Irye GomezIryeGomez5'9" | SGBedford North Lawrence | 2021StateIN (12.5p, 3.2r, 2.3a) both return as Seniors, and the two guards should provide a dynamic duo on the wings. McKnight is a knockdown shooter with one of the quickest releases from 3-point range. She understands how to find space, and she is a threat anywhere on the offensive side of half-court. Gomez is a long, wiry strong, athletic slasher. She can knock down a perimeter jumper, but she’s much better as a playmaker off the bounce. While those two are the top two returning scorers, look for Sophomore point guard Karsyn Norman
KarsynNorman5'6" | PGBedford North Lawrence | 2023StateIN (8.1p, 2.2r, 2.7a) and Freshman guard Chloe SpreenChloeSpreen5'9" | CGBedford North Lawrence | 2024StateIN to have as much, if not more of an impact this season. Norman is a true floor general who is always aware of the situation. She plays with her eyes up scanning the floor, she communicates well, and she typically makes the correct play. She has started to assert herself more offensively, so I look for her to score it even better this Winter. Spreen is a fluid and smooth athlete. She is tremendously skilled with the ball in her hands, and she can shoot/score it at all three levels consistently. She is great off the bounce, she changes directions well, but she can also bury a variety of shots outside. She should be a double-figure scorer immediately. From there, the Stars have some options. Senior forwards Haley Deckard (3.5p, 2.5r) and Makena Moore can provide support up front, while gritty Senior guard Jenna LoudenJennaLouden5'3" | CGBedford North Lawrence | 2021StateIN (2.7p, 2.0r) is yet another skillful guard with a good feel for the game. Louden has committed to play at Franklin College. Freshman guard Madisyn BaileyMadisynBailey5'8" | SGBedford North Lawrence | 2024IN could also add quality backcourt depth to this team.
7. Carmel (15-8, 2017-2018 Sectional Champion)
This Greyhound group may have lost eight games a season ago, but with two of the state’s best prospects, they will have a chance to surpass the 20-win mark this season. 6-1 Junior wing Kate ClarkeKateClarke6'1" | SFCarmel | 2022State#56NationIN (17.1p, 3.7r, 2.5a) has proven to be a lethal scoring threat who can fill it up outside or attack the basket and finish inside. She has gotten stronger, more physical, and more assertive off the bounce, which only makes her perimeter shooting that much more dangerous. I would like to see her be just a little more impactful both defensively and on the boards considering her talent and size, but she can definitely score the ball from anywhere in the gym. Clarke recently gave a commitment to the University of Michigan. Senior forward Bridget Dunn
BridgetDunn6'3" | PFCarmel | 2021StateIN (12.3p, 9.9r, 1.8b) has quietly put together a really nice career, and I still maintain that she was under-recruited over the years. She has tremendous length, good North/South athleticism, and she has nice perimeter skill for a player at 6-3. I feel like Kent State University got quite a steal in Dunn, and I’m anxious to see how she does at the next level. Senior Riley PenningtonRileyPennington5'9" | PFCarmel | 2021StateIN (6.4p, 5.6r) and Junior Emily RoperEmilyRoper6'0" | CCarmel | 2022StateIN (2.5r) are a pair of frontline prospects who might star on another team. Both are nice soccer players, but on the basketball court they provide necessary interior defense and rebounding. Pennington is a strong and athletic forward who can play in the mid-post and even step out and defend some wings/guards. Roper is a 6-0 post who does a nice job of establishing and holding her position, both offensively and defensively. Sophomore wing Hannah Lach
HannahLach5'9" | SFCarmel | 2023StateIN (5.6p, 2.7r, 2.0a) saw significant Varsity action as a Freshman, and she could step into that third-scorer role to compliment Clarke and Dunn this year. She is a wiry strong kid with good touch from the perimeter. She should find open shots playing off of those two upperclassmen. From there, the Greyhounds can go a variety of directions. 6-1 Sophomore post Mackenzie ThomasMackenzieThomas6'1" | CCarmel | 2023StateIN has really improved, plus Junior point guard Laura ValienteLauraValiente5'7" | CGCarmel | 2022StateIN has shown flashes of talent and could see a role in the Varsity lineup this year. I also wouldn’t count out the diminutive Senior point guard, Brooklynn Edwards
BrooklynnEdwards4'11" | PGCarmel | 2021StateIN. She is a quick, fast, and dynamic playmaker off the bounce.
8. Lawrence North (26-4, 2019-2020 State Champion)
The Wildcats finished off a storybook ending in 2019-2020, and while they return 2021 Purdue commit Jayla SmithJaylaSmith5'11" | SGLawrence North | 2021State#73NationIN (13.9p, 3.1r, 3.5s), they must deal with the loss of a huge 2020 class. Gone are Katie DavidsonKatieDavidson5'10" | SFLawrence North | 2020StateIN (12.2p, 5.3r, 2.1a), Kristian YoungKristianYoung5'4" | PGLawrence North | 2020StateIN (11.4p, 4.7r, 4.3a, 2.3s), Lauren GunnLaurenGunn5'9" | SFLawrence North | 2020StateIN, Justis OdomJustisOdom6'1" | CLawrence North | 2020StateIN, and Kalyn ErvinKalynErvin5'5" | SGLawrence North | 2020StateIN. Lawrence North will still be talented, and the Senior Smith is a great place to start. She is so long, fluidly athletic, and explosive in all directions. She can fill it up, and with range to about 30-feet. She will be relied upon to handle it more and create offense for the team this year, but I feel like she’s ready to step into that role at this point in time. Sophomore wing Monica WilliamsMonicaWilliams5'9" | SFLawrence North | 2023StateIN (5.2p, 2.4r) saw a lot of minutes as a Freshman, and she is a budding star who could break out and be the #2 this year to Smith. She is long, wiry strong, and very athletic. She’s starting to be more of a playmaker off the bounce, but she has always been a really nice defender, both on and off the ball. Junior power forward Ariel HelmArielHelm6'0" | PFLawrence North | 2022StateIN transferred in midseason last year from North Central, and she could have an immediate impact for the Wildcat frontline. She is strong, physical, and athletic. She should serve as a nice rebounder/defender type, and I feel like she could be a double-double threat on the block as well. Senior power forward Sydnee HughesSydneeHughes5'11" | PFLawrence North | 2021StateIN transferred in last Fall from nearby Horizon Christian, and she provided that defensive and rebounding presence off the bench the Wildcats so desperately needed. I’d look for her to again patrol the paint at both ends of the floor. There are a few other girls who could make an imprint this season, depending on their skill development and productivity. Senior wing Shamaria WalkerShamariaWalker5'7" | SFLawrence North | 2021IN has always been a nice, strong athlete with playmaking ability. She’ll need to play more efficiently, but she can be a problem at times. Sophomore wing Laniya EarlyLaniyaEarly5'8" | SFLawrence North | 2023StateIN has a lot of athletic talent and potential. She’s another one who if she can take care of the ball a little better and score it more consistently, she could see a major uptick in minutes. And Junior forward Kaitlyn Fasbender is a long, wiry strong, and fairly fluid kid who can knock down an open jumper or play in the mid-post if need be. The Wildcats will again be formidable, just with a mostly new cast.
9. Mount Vernon (Fortville) (22-2, 2018-2019 Sectional Champion)
Despite a 22-1 regular season, with wins over quality programs like North Central, Westfield, Noblesville, and others, the Lady Marauders unfortunately fell in the first round of the Sectional to conference rival New Palestine last season. This year, they look to repeat last year’s regular season, only to advance much farther come state tournament time. Mount Vernon will have to play without 2020 graduates Sydnee PerrySydneePerry5'7" | SGMount Vernon-Fortville | 2020StateIN (15.0p, 3.8r, 2.4a, 3.5s) and Tessa Freeman (4.3p, 4.0r, 2.8a), who had seven years of Varsity experience between them. At the same time, they return four Varsity regulars and welcome the addition of a talented newcomer to the mix. Senior forward Lexi SheltonLexiShelton5'8" | SFMt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2021StateIN (16.0p, 5.9r) was the team’s leading scorer last season, and the University of Saint Francis (IN) commit returns in that capacity again this season. She is as tough as they come, she plays extremely hard, plus she has a high basketball IQ and a pure jump-shot from the perimeter. Senior front-liner Olivia YeleyOliviaYeley6'0" | PFMt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2021StateIN (8.8p, 5.5r) has been quite a nice find for them, as the tall, strong, and athletic forward gives them a quality presence around the paint. She can score it a little inside of 15-feet, plus she’s active defensively and on the boards. Senior point guard Abby WorleyAbbyWorley5'3" | PGMt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2021StateIN (7.9p, 2.2r, 4.5a, 3.2s) followed up a nice Junior campaign with a strong Summer this year. She does a tremendous job of taking care of the basketball, she runs offense well, and she has proven to be able to make open shots when the defense plays off of her. Senior forward Riley Hasseld was the other player who saw action in all 24 of their games a season ago, and she’ll add frontcourt depth this time around. But Marauder fans are excited about the entrance of 6-2 Freshman wing Ellery MinchElleryMinch6'2" | SFMt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2024StateIN. She is long, wiry strong, and she can create offense off the dribble like a point forward or play in the mid-post equally well. She should make an immediate impact and add another scoring threat to the lineup. Junior forward Maddie Swingle is another player who could help immediately.
10. Brownsburg (21-9, 2019-2020 Regional Finalist)
Brownsburg is a team who could be transitioning away from a more perimeter-oriented approach, to one of size, strength, and inside-out play. With the graduations of Allison BosseAllisonBosse5'7" | CGBrownsburg | 2020StateIN (16.9p, 3.9r, 2.2s), Mackenzie StienMackenzieStien5'10" | SFBrownsburg | 2020StateIN (8.6p, 2.7r, 2.2a), and Mackenzie Bedrick (3.2p, 2.9r), look for the Bulldogs to possibly start feeding the post a lot more. Brownsburg does return a healthy Ally Becki
AllyBecki5'8" | PGBrownsburg | 2021StateIN (11.5p, 7.2r, 3.9a, 3.0s), which will be scary for opposing teams. The Senior point guard was not quite 100% at the start of last season, recovering from a knee injury, but she looked great over the Summer, and I’d expect for her to be an Indiana All-Star candidate and possibly a Miss Basketball candidate. She is dynamic off the bounce, she plays with a ton of energy, and she can score it all over the floor. She has committed to play next year at Ball State University. Joining her in the backcourt should be Sophomore guard Kailyn Terrell
KailynTerrell5'6" | CGBrownsburg | 2023StateIN (4.2p). Terrell was strong last season, and she too plays with an outstanding motor and great toughness. She is a defensive-minded guard who can handle the ball and run offense or knock down an open jumper as well. I’d expect her numbers to increase, as she helps make up for the loss of Bosse. From there, the Bulldogs have quite a lot of quality size. 6-0 Leah YarbroughLeahYarbrough6'0" | PFBrownsburg | 2021StateIN (2.3p, 2.7r), 5-11 Novalee GlassNovaleeGlass5'11" | PFBrownsburg | 2022StateIN (2.2p), 6-0 Quinci ThomasQuinciThomas6'0" | PFBrownsburg | 2023StateIN (2.0r), and 6-0 Allison ShafferAllisonShaffer6'0" | PFBrownsburg | 2021StateIN could provide an intimidating presence up front. Yarbrough, a Senior committed to the University of Illinois-Chicago, moved in last year from Illinois, and she is a strong, very athletic talent who is just starting to scratch the surface. I’d look for her to see a significant increase in minutes and production. Glass is a hard-working, high-energy Junior power player who likes contact but also possesses good skill and understanding away from the basket. Thomas, another athlete, is a wiry strong Sophomore who will only continue to get better and better with more game reps. And Shaffer, a long, wiry Senior, has good touch and skill, plus she can float outside some and play around the perimeter. Add to that group Junior Swiss Army Knife Ra’Mya Milton
Ra’MyaMilton5'9" | PFBrownsburg | 2022StateIN (2.2p, 2.1r), and Brownsburg should be ready to roll. Milton is a strong, physical forward, but she is a nice athlete who can defend a variety of positions.
20 MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Ben Davis (13-12)
Castle (17-8)
Center Grove (20-6)
Columbus East (16-8)
Columbus North (16-9)
East Central (23-6)
Fort Wayne Carroll (17-7)
Fort Wayne South Side (16-10)
Hamilton Southeastern (22-3)
Martinsville (20-4)
McCutcheon (15-12)
Mooresville (16-8)
Noblesville (10-13)
Northridge (10-15)
Northwestern (29-1)
Plainfield (12-12)
Roncalli (17-7)
Warsaw Community (16-8)
Westfield (14-11)
Zionsville Community (6-17)Indiana All Access Pass
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