2021-2022 Preseason Outlook: Class 1A
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The featured image is of Ally Madden Ally Madden 6'1" | C Blue River Valley | 2022 State IN (2022) of Blue River Valley High School. Two weeks ago, teams from all over Indiana were allowed to begin their first…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Ally Madden Ally Madden 6'1" | C Blue River Valley | 2022 State IN (2022) of Blue River Valley High School.
Two weeks ago, teams from all over Indiana were allowed to begin their first official practices. As of Monday, November 1st, teams are permitted to play official games. With that said, who are the best teams in Class 1A for the 2021-2022 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 1A, that can be magnified even greater, as just one player can shift the balance of power in the State Tournament.
PRESEASON POLL
1. Lanesville (21-4, 2020-2021 Sectional Champion)
This was a tough decision at the top, because while you can definitely make an argument against Lanesville for graduating four members of the 2021 class, taking with them around 31 points per game, in addition to roughly 11 rebounds per game, they still return four of their top five scorers and add a tremendous 2025 class to the equation. Gracie Adams (23.1p, 7.2r, 2.9a, 2.9s) was by far the biggest loss from the Eagle lineup, but Lanesville can now turn to seasoned Junior forward
Linzie Wernert
Linzie
Wernert
5'8" | PF
Lanesville | 2023
State
IN
(11.8p, 6.1r, 2.6a, 2.8s) to help fill that void. She has scored in double-digits each of her first two seasons, plus her motor and toughness are hard to match at the Class 1A level. 6-0 classmate Morgan Sonner (5.3p, 4.3r, 1.0a, 1.1b) helps solidify the frontcourt, while Senior Emma Campbell (6.1p, 2.0r, 1.2a, 1.4s) and Sophomore Ava Kerr (4.9p, 1.4a, 2.0s) bring experience to the backcourt. But the additions of Freshmen guards
Hadley Crosier
Hadley
Crosier
5'9" | CG
Lanesville | 2025
State
IN
and
Hylton Brumley
Hylton
Brumley
5'8" | SF
Lanesville | 2025
IN
might make this roster more dynamic and explosive this time around. Crosier is a long and athletic combo guard who can create her own shot or find teammates, while Brumley is a tough-nosed, high-motor wing who can fill it up as well. Add in Freshman forwards Shelby Allen and Margeaux Stewart, along with improving Sophomore wing Elle Schneider (11 GP in 2020-2021), and something good could be brewing down along the Ohio River.
2. Lafayette Central Catholic (13-3, Class 2A in 2020-2021)
The perfect storm might have hit for the Knights, as they fall back down to Class 1A while nearby Pioneer is elevated to Class 2A due to the state tournament’s success factor. Additionally, Central Catholic welcomes back its top four scorers, in addition to one of the area’s best Freshman guards. The cherry on top just happens to be Senior guard
Karsyn Cherry
Karsyn
Cherry
5'7" | CG
Lafayette Central Catholic | 2022
State
IN
(15.9p, 8.9r, 4.1a, 2.7s). The University of Louisville soccer commit is a dynamic combo guard who can score it in bunches or break down defenses with her athleticism and find open teammates. Teaming up with her in the backcourt is much-improved Junior
Tori Thompson
Tori
Thompson
5'7" | CG
Lafayette Central Catholic | 2023
State
IN
(12.6p, 2.9r, 1.6a, 1.1s). Thompson is one of the state’s best shooters, but she has also improved her handle and decision-making and can play point guard when necessary. The presence of Senior wing
Caitlin Dineen
Caitlin
Dineen
5'7" | SG
Lafayette Central Catholic | 2022
State
IN
(11.3p, 3.1r, 1.4s) makes it terribly difficult for opponents to box-and-1 or even triangle-and-2 the Knights. She can attack the basket or knock down open shots consistently. And if that’s not enough, Junior guard
Kendal Rider
Kendal
Rider
5'7" | SG
Lafayette Central Catholic | 2023
IN
(7.2p, 3.7r, 1.7a, 2.4s) can also keep defenses honest. While Central Catholic is very guard-heavy, they add yet another talented shooter/scorer in Freshman guard
Carley Barrett
Carley
Barrett
5'9" | SG
Lafayette Central Catholic | 2025
State
IN
to the mix. She had an outstanding July and Fall showcase run, and she looks to contribute immediately as well. If there is anywhere the Knights are weak, it’s along the frontline. At just 5-7, Sophomore forward Lizzie Cochran (3.3p, 1.6r) is the most experienced front-liner they have, so expect a lot of uptempo basketball in 2021-2022 out of Central Catholic.
3. Tecumseh (15-7, 2020-2021 Regional Finalist)
Tecumseh is similar to Central Catholic in that they return their top four scorers from a season ago, however three of the four can play along the frontline and offer good size for a Class 1A team. Leading the charge for the Lady Braves is Senior forward
Kaybree Oxley
Kaybree
Oxley
5'9" | PF
Tecumseh | 2022
State
IN
(18.9p, 10.6r, 2.5a, 3.9s). Oxley is a tough-nosed, high-motor athlete who can act as a point forward, score the ball in the mid-post, or attack the basket and play around the rim effectively. Sophomore forward Jenna Donohoo (9.5p, 6.2r, 1.2a) was a welcomed addition last season, and now that she has 19 games under her belt, she looks to be even more impactful this season. Senior forward
Morgan Wilson
Morgan
Wilson
5'11" | PF
Tecumseh | 2022
State
IN
(7.8p, 3.4r, 1.5s) has been a Varsity regular for some time, and her length and athleticism, in addition to her height should really come in handy in her final campaign. Junior guard Karsyn Flowers (9.0p, 3.5r, 5.4a, 2.1s) will be asked to handle a lot of the ball-handling responsibilities, but if Tecumseh is going to find postseason success, they’ll need someone else to step up around the perimeter. Junior forward Penelope Lemen (2.9p, 2.7r, 1.0a, 1.6s) at least provides some depth, though primarily in the frontcourt.
4. Blue River Valley (22-4, 2020-2021 Regional Finalist)
Since the arrival of Blue River’s 2022 class, and especially Senior post
Ally Madden
Ally
Madden
6'1" | C
Blue River Valley | 2022
State
IN
(17.4p, 10.8r, 2.1a, 2.3s, 2.6b), the Vikings have made it to the Regional Final three consecutive years, with one Semi-State appearance in 2019-2020. The good news is that Madden is back, and the hard-working, skillful ’big’ looks to cap off her career with one last deep run through the state tournament. She’ll have to do so minus the loss of 2021 graduates Mallory Cross (8.1p, 4.2r, 2.5a, 2.2s) and Abby Thornburgh (6.4p, 2.6r, 2.9a, 1.7s), however Junior guard
Maci Chamberlin
Maci
Chamberlin
5'7" | SG
Blue River Valley | 2023
State
IN
(15.9p, 2.4r, 3.2a, 2.2s) does return and is primed to have another strong season after transferring in last season. Chamberlin will be relied upon much more heavily to take care of the ball, but she has definitely proven her worth as a high-level perimeter shooter. If the Vikings are to continue their postseason success, it will likely take more than two players carrying the load, and at times last season they went as deep as 10 to 12 players. Seniors Emma Blackburn (5.8p, 3.2r, 2.8a, 1.5s), Samantha Loveless (4.8p, 2.5r, 1.7s), Samantha Webb (2.5p), and Jenna Willis (1.1p) all saw action in ten or more games, as did Juniors Rylee Hallett (3.7p, 2.5r) and Trinity Driskill (1.7r), plus Sophomore Maciah Driskill (1.3p). Hallett missed the second half of last season, but the return of the two-time Varsity letter-winner could be the wildcard Blue River needs to continue their deep tournament runs in 2021-2022.
5. Waldron (18-4 in 2020-2021)
The Waldron Mohawks have been fairly consistent under Coach Thomas’ command the last four seasons, and everything seems to have been building up to this year. Yes, point guard Lauryn Thomas (8.3p, 2.7r, 3.9a, 1.9s) is gone via the diploma, and that will be a huge loss, but literally everyone else returns for the Mohawks, including six highly experienced Seniors. Senior wing
Bella Larrison
Bella
Larrison
5'9" | SF
Waldron | 2022
State
IN
(12.3p, 5.8r, 1.9a, 1.3s) has improved each season, and she had a fantastic Spring and Summer on the grassroots circuit. She is long, athletic, and works as hard as anyone. Senior wing Nichole Garner (10.2p, 3.2r, 2.5a, 2.0s) brings a great deal of versatility to the team, and she will likely take on more ball-handling responsibilities with the loss of Thomas. So too could Senior guard Megan Bogemann (8.7p, 3.7r, 2.0a, 1.6s), though she has proven to be a dangerous long-range sniper, knocking down 45 3-pointers in 22 games last season. An incredibly deep Senior class also contributes forward Hadlie Ross (5.4p, 4.7r, 1.2s), front-liner Mackenzie Shaw (4.0p, 3.2r, 1.1s), and wing Shelby Fewell (2.6p, 1.1r). While Waldron doesn’t possess a great deal of size, they lean on veteran leadership, balance throughout their lineup, plus a lot of hard-working players who fight for every inch.
6. Trinity Lutheran (20-5, 2020-2021 Sectional Champion)
Trinity Lutheran has made a lot of noise the last several years in Southern Indiana, and they are looking to be a power down South once again in 2021-2022. But the loss of 6-3 front-liner Sydney Jaynes (19.0p, 9.0r, 3.4a, 2.3s, 3.7b) can’t be overstated, as the 2021 Indiana All-Star finished her career as the Cougars’ all-time leading scorer, before heading to Butler University this season. It’s one thing to lose such a talented player at the Class 1A level, but there just aren’t many girls with her combination of size and skill that come along at any level, let alone in Class 1A. The focus now shifts almost exclusively to the perimeter, where Trinity Lutheran is still very strong and dynamic. Junior guard
Bailey Tabeling
Bailey
Tabeling
5'10" | SG
Trinity Lutheran | 2023
State
IN
(19.6p, 4.8r, 4.9a, 3.7s) has done nothing but put up big numbers since arriving on campus two years ago. She has great touch and range outside, but she has taken on a much bigger role as the team’s creator and facilitator as well. Senior guard Kailene Cockerham (8.2p, 3.2r, 2.8a, 1.8s) is another skilled veteran who acts as a threat with her ability to bury shots outside or create openings for teammates. Sophomore wing
Liza Froedge
Liza
Froedge
5'10" | SF
Trinity Lutheran | 2024
IN
(7.7p, 4.3r, 1.7a, 1.3s) put together a solid rookie campaign, and I’d expect her to have a much bigger impact this year. She was consistent when I saw her throughout July, and she possesses the skill and talent to step into a much bigger role without Jaynes there anymore. Senior forward Emma Schepman (3.8p, 3.8r) will provide at least some presence up front, but the Cougars will need someone else to contribute on the boards and in the paint this season.
7. Blackhawk Christian (19-7, 2020-2021 Sectional Champion)
When you think Fort Wayne basketball, Homestead, Carroll, South Side, Snider, and several of the other bigger schools come to mind almost immediately. But the Lady Braves have won 47 games and two Sectional titles over the last three seasons, and they look to cap off a strong run with this 2022 class this season. The best of the bunch is undoubtedly Senior guard
Hailee Kline
Hailee
Kline
5'7" | SG
Blackhawk Christian | 2022
State
IN
(17.8p, 6.2r, 4.0a, 3.2s). She is a dynamic scorer who can make shots at all levels, but she’s also capable of creating for others and making plays at the defensive end of the floor. Guard Lily Helmuth is another Senior playmaker who is a nice scoring compliment to Kline, while classmates Regan Miller and Hallie Kramer return experience as well. Miller is a forward, while Kramer is a guard. Perhaps the biggest addition, both literally and figuratively, is 5-11 forward Aubrie Swain, a move-in from nearby Carroll High School. Swain is a long, fluid, versatile forward who can play a little inside and out, but who is terribly productive from the mid-post. If Blackhawk Christian can get another strong season from Kline and Helmuth, and if Swain can produce and help them overcome the graduation losses of Aubree Vander Dussen and Lydia Stayton, the Lady Braves could again be up for big things in 2021-2022.
8. Jac-Cen-Del (22-4 in 2020-2021)
For the first time in four years, the Eagles will be without the services of graduated 6-0 front-liner Paige Ledford (14.8p, 11.0r, 1.8a, 1.8s). She was a staple in the lineup, she played with toughness, physicality, but also skill, and she brought energy for them each time out. 6-2 post Anna Hubbard (5.2p, 6.1r, 2.9b) helped Ledford solidify the frontline, while wing Kadee Kuhn (5.3p, 2.0r, 2.2a, 1.3s) helped outside. They are both gone via the diploma as well. Now everything falls on a 2022 class with several experienced perimeter players who could really blossom this season. Senior point guard
Annabelle Williams
Annabelle
Williams
5'8" | PG
Jac-Cen-Del | 2022
State
IN
(11.0p, 4.8r, 3.6a, 2.7s) has been a Varsity regular for years, and she’ll be the de facto leader this time around. She will have to score the ball for Jac-Cen-Del, but she can also create offense for others, and she will give great effort at both ends of the floor. Fellow Seniors Jalee Rider (7.3p, 1.2r, 1.2a, 1.8s), Desiree Sparks (3.9p, 3.1r), and Aundrea Cullen (2.7p, 1.1r, 1.1a) will all need to step up for the Eagles to find the same success this year. Look for Sophomore guard Reagan Hughes (6.2p, 1.8r, 1.4a, 1.5s) to step into a much bigger role this time around, as she could become the second option after a solid Freshman season one year ago. Also, Freshman guard Kelsey Borgman could see an immediate opportunity to begin the season.
9. Caston (15-7 in 2020-2021)
Last season’s Comets made a 10-win improvement over the group from 2019-2020, and a big reason for that was the play of a pair of Freshman. Wing
Isabel Scales
Isabel
Scales
5'8" | SF
Caston | 2024
State
IN
(13.0p, 5.0r, 3.4a, 3.1s) and guard Addison Zimpleman (8.3p, 3.0r, 2.3a, 2.2s) were each either first or second in every statistical category for Caston, but both look to improve in year-2. Scales put together a really nice Spring and Summer, so I’d expect for her to be a real handful for opponents this season. Front-liner Jordan Clingler (6.6p, 4.9r, 1.0s) did graduate, and that will be a big loss for the Comets, however their other three primary rotation players do return. That list includes Senior forward Abby Williamson (5.2p, 3.7r), Senior front-liner Maddi Smith (5.1p, 4.8r, 1.2s), and Junior forward Bailey Harness (4.3p, 4.8r, 1.0a, 1.0s), so they do have a solid frontcourt in the making. The noticeable problem will be Caston’s depth, however three more returnees played in 10 or more games, plus a couple of Freshmen might find their way into the lineup as well. At least a couple of those players will need to step up at times. Regardless, this team will likely follow Scales and Zimpleman, so if those two can stay healthy, stay out of foul trouble, and improve upon 2020-2021 just a little, look for the Comets to approach 20 wins this year.
10. North White (17-5 in 2020-2021)
I had a number of choices to fill this final spot in our Top-10, but I chose North White due to their return of a number of Seniors and Juniors to the lineup. In fact, they may not need to play an underclassman major Varsity minutes all year, and there is something to be said about that kind of experience. Guard Olivia Allen (9.2p, 2.9r, 2.2a, 1.8s) and forward Kinsey Westerhouse (3.8p, 3.9r, 1.0a) will be significant losses, as both graduated last Spring. However, so much more does return. Senior wing
Lynzi Heimlich
Lynzi
Heimlich
5'10" | SF
North White | 2022
State
IN
(11.3p, 6.1r, 1.7a, 1.7s) is back for one more tournament run, and her versatility, skill, and ability are definitely welcomed. Juniors Tessa Robertson (9.0p, 7.3r, 1.0s, 1.0b), a forward, and Abigale Spry (8.2p, 3.5r, 2.9a, 2.0s), a guard, both flash the potential to be double-figure scorers this season. I would look for Spry to be a primary ball-handler all season along with Cosgray (below), especially with Allen now gone. A trio of Seniors will likely fill the other two starting spots and the primary sub role in 2021-2022. They are guard Hannah Cosgray (4.4p, 2.6r, 3.3a, 2.0s), forward Caitlin Conn (4.3p, 3.8r), and wing Lauren Annis (3.4p, 2.6r). Once again, that kind of experience and Senior leadership will be tough to combat come state tournament time, plus the Vikings don’t have to deal with Pioneer in the Sectional anymore and just have to battle Caston (above) now for the title.
FIVE MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Bethany Christian (17-7 in 2020-2021)
Kouts (17-7, 2020-2021 Sectional Champion)
Northeast Dubois (10-13 in 2020-2021)
Triton (12-12, 2020-2021 Regional Finalist)
Union City (14-9 in 2020-2021)