UPDATE: Miss Basketball Race
Earlier this season I wrote an article previewing the race for the coveted Miss Basketball award as it pertains to the Class of 2019. Now that the season is winding down with tournament play having started, I wanted to review…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this season I wrote an article previewing the race for the coveted Miss Basketball award as it pertains to the Class of 2019. Now that the season is winding down with tournament play having started, I wanted to review each of the candidates I highlighted previously. I’ve kept my original remarks for each prospect, and I’ve added additional comments based on their 2018-2019 seasons-to-date. I’ve also maintained the same format and categories and noted whether or not the prospect should move ‘up’ or ‘down’, but I have not rearranged them from their original categories.
Everyone in the Hoosier state is passionate about their basketball, and more so about their favorite candidate. In this article, I’ve done my best to point out who the top candidates likely are based on the history of previous selections, incorporating a multitude of items like talent, skill, individual production, and team success. Those aren’t the only items being considered, but they are what I’d consider to be the “hot button” items that will go the farthest in determining Miss Basketball. Also, this article is not as much about who I would personally choose for the award, as much as it’s about who I think has the best chance at winning the award based on past selections.
With that said, the 2019 Miss Basketball race had a ton of candidates at the beginning of the season and was probably as wide open of a race as it has ever been. I think now, though, the field has narrowed quite a bit. I initially identified as many as 20 ladies during the preseason, and while I know 20 is a lot, I felt there were girls I could see having a legitimate shot at the award if one thing or another went their way. Think about this too…the Indiana All-Star committee only selects 13 girls for the team, so to be able to identify 20 candidates for this award just tells you how wide open the race was back in the preseason, but also how talented this class is in total.
SIGN ME UP!
10/31/18: These first three girls probably have the best chance at the award as it stands right now, due to familiarity throughout the state, team success, and individual accomplishments.
Jorie Allen of BNLJorie Allen, Bedford North Lawrence H.S.
10/31/18: Jorie has the perfect combination to be one of the top candidates in this race. She has obvious skill and talent, she has pedigree with her older sister Jenna having been an Indiana All-Star and now playing at Michigan State University, she herself is committed to Indiana University, and she has been a steady statistical producer throughout her career. Also, Bedford has won 63 games, three Sectionals, and one Regional in her first three years of high school. If they can make another Semi-State run or deeper, it will be difficult to deny her this opportunity.
1/31/19: Jorie has continued down the path of being a favorite. She is averaging 19.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists this season. She now has 1856 points and 906 rebounds for her career. Also, Bedford is 20-5 this season, and they just beat a good Jeffersonville team in the first round of their Sectional.
Shaila Beeler, Warren Central H.S.
10/31/18: Shaila put on a show during the 2018 Class 4A State Tournament, putting up huge numbers at times, and playing outstandingly on TV in the State Finals in front of the entire state. Her regular season numbers weren’t spectacular, but the fact that she made a name for herself during the State Finals, Warren Central has developed into a top-tier team throughout her career with her at point guard, she is committed to Indiana University, and she’s considered a top national prospect, her name will be discussed as a favorite throughout the season.
1/31/19: Shaila’s averages this year include 11.9 points, an impressive 8.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. She is at 1099 points and 497 assists for her career. She definitely checks the boxes for talented player and team success, but I’m not sure how her Senior year averages will affect voters. Warren Central (18-3) was beaten on the opening night of the Sectional by North Central, so her high school career is unfortunately over.
Rikki Harris, North Central H.S.
10/31/18: Rikki is arguably the best talent in the 2019 class, and she can put up huge numbers on any given night. The Ohio State University commit has been productive throughout her career, she has helped lead North Central to 65 wins already, and she has done all of that on a brutal schedule. North Central does only have one Sectional title over her first three years, so a deep tournament run would definitely benefit her in a big way. Additionally, the biggest thing for Rikki is that she is healthy, she stays healthy, and she is able to be on the floor for the entire season. If she can, she’ll be tough to beat out.
1/31/19: On the season, Rikki is averaging 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, but she unfortunately has missed a handful of games again due to more injury woes. Like with Beeler (above), I’m not sure how that will affect voters. Rikki is definitely talented enough, and her team has had success with her there. I think if she can lead them to a deep tournament run, that will help her remain in contention. I think she needs a couple of big performances against top-tier teams, and knocking Warren out on opening night definitely got people’s attention.
IF THIS, THEN THAT…
This next group of a half dozen girls have a really good shot at the award, but they’ll need a break or two in order to move up into the top candidates list. For a couple of them it will depend upon team success, for a couple of others it will just be needing to be better-known statewide. But they are all nice talents deserving to be in consideration.
Sydney Freeman of Central NobleSydney Freeman, Central Noble H.S.
10/31/18: Sydney has helped lead Central Noble to not only their first State Championship, but also their first two Sectional titles, first two Regional titles, and first Semi-State title. She was great during the Class 2A State Finals in March, and she was solid during the Junior All-Star games in June. She is committed to Ball State University, and she will graduate as the best player ever at Central Noble. For her, like it or not, it’s terribly difficult for 1A and 2A girls to get considered for the award, so the best thing that could happen for her is another run at Bankers Life Fieldhouse this Winter.
1/31/19: Sydney has had an outstanding Senior season, averaging 18.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 5.1 steals per game, all while leading Central Noble to a 22-0 regular season. For her career, she has now scored 1624 points, handed out 539 assists, and made 524 steals. I think she’s someone who could slide into contention now, especially if Central Noble is able to get back to Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Carissa Garcia, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran H.S.
10/31/18: Carissa is one of the best point guard prospects in the state, she has put up good numbers throughout her career, and she is committed to Division-I Northern Kentucky University. Throughout her career Concordia has won 52 games and three Sectional titles, which most coaches would take in a heartbeat. But despite her talent and skill, I think she’s a little lesser-known throughout the state by the average fan or media member, and Concordia will have to make a much deeper tournament run for her to get the proper recognition she deserves.
1/31/19: On the season, Carissa is averaging 19.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 steals, and Concordia is 15-6 on the year. For her career, she has scored 1476 points. While I think she’s one of the most talented players in this class, at this point I think Concordia would need to make a deep run for her to even have a shot.
Lilly Hatton, North Harrison H.S.
10/31/18: Lilly has been tremendously productive statistically, North Harrison advanced to the Class 3A State Finals in both 2016 & 2017, and the Lady Cats are an impressive 76-9 in her career. She’s also committed to Division-I Wofford College. However, North Harrison is now in Class 4A due to the IHSAA’s success factor, and they’re in the same Sectional as Bedford North Lawrence and Jeffersonville. It’s been a couple of years since people statewide have seen Lilly on the big stage, so if North Harrison can escape that tough Sectional and make a run, I think it will elevate her as a candidate.
1/31/19: Earlier this season, Lilly passed the 2000-point mark, and she’s closing in on 1000 rebounds for her career. For the season, she’s averaging 24.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.4 blocked shots per game. North Harrison is 17-6 right now, and they are getting ready to face Bedford North Lawrence in the Sectional. That game could go a long way for her, especially if she can have a great game against Jorie Allen (above) and North Harrison somehow manages to pull the upset and advance deep into the tournament.
Maddie Nolan, Zionsville Community H.S.
10/31/18: I was sitting there in June, watching Zionsville play at a team camp, and all I could think of was that Maddie had to be the front-runner for the Miss Basketball award. They had just made it to the State Finals unexpectedly after upsetting Carmel, and she had put together a tremendous season individually. Then July came and Maddie unfortunately severely injured her knee. She is as tough-nosed as they come, and I’m almost certain we’ll see her at some point during the 2018-2019 season, but when that is and how effective she’ll be will absolutely affect her status in this race.
1/31/19: Maddie returned for the last regular season contest, a victory over rival Brownsburg, and then turned around and put up 19 points in a Sectional first round win over Lafayette Jefferson. At this point, she is only guaranteed a third game, but if they win and make it back to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, are eight games enough in a season to consider someone for the award? That’s going to be a tough question to answer, especially if she’s playing at a high level.
Sylare Starks, Homestead H.S.
10/31/18: Sylare is an obvious talent and a tremendously productive basketball player. She had a really nice season last year after transferring in from Concordia Lutheran, and she should again put up good numbers this season. She is committed to Division-I University of Detroit Mercy. But in her only season at Homestead, they failed to win a Sectional game, so a deep tournament run is a must for her to have a chance. Also, Homestead is loaded this year, and while they should win ball games, her opportunities to put up huge numbers could be affected by the team playing deeper into their bench.
1/31/19: After watching Homestead three times this season, they share the ball so well and are so deep, I can’t imagine she’s putting up astronomical numbers this season (their stats aren’t on MaxPreps). However, if they make a tournament run and she has some good showings on TV, maybe she gets a sniff at this award…?
Cameron Tabor, New Castle H.S.
10/31/18: Cameron is one of the best shooters / scorers in the state in this class, and she led all 2019 grads in scoring last season at a 23.1 ppg clip, while shooting an impressive 53% from the field as a guard. She is committed to Division-I Davidson College (think Steph Curry), and she was solid in her time with the Junior All-Stars in June. For her, it’s not as much about her skill and ability, as it is about team success. The Trojans only won 45 games in her first three seasons, so her best chance at the award is if she can help lead New Castle to around 20 wins this season and make a deep tournament run.
1/31/19: Cameron has tried to do everything within her power. She has helped New Castle to a 13-9 record and they have a chance at winning their Sectional, which is a must for her to have any shot at the award…it will likely take a miracle deep run by the Trojans this postseason. She is averaging 24.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists this season, and she recently became New Castle’s all-time scoring leader with 1570 points.
SO YOU’RE TELLING ME THERE’S A CHANCE…
The remaining group of girls are likely a longshot for the award at this point, but they should all be in the discussion for one reason or another. In my opinion, they will need several breaks to go their way. They are all talented ballplayers, but they’re probably on the outside looking in at this point.
Jordyn Barga, Monroe Central H.S.
10/31/18: Jordyn is a really nice basketball player who has been consistently productive throughout her career, and Monroe Central put together an undefeated regular season en route to a 25-1 record overall. But the Golden Bears were upset in the Sectional, and they’ll need to make a deep tournament run this time around for her to have any shot at all.
1/31/19: Monroe Central is a solid 17-5 so far this season, and Jordyn is averaging 16.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. She has scored 1360 points and grabbed 704 rebounds for her career, but at this point, it’s going to be difficult to argue her over some of the other girls above on this list.
Addy Blackwell, Bloomington H.S. South
10/31/18: Addy is one of the toughest, feistiest kids in the state, and there’s no challenge too big for the 5-3 point guard. She has been fun to watch, and she’s consistent statistically. But Bloomington South is just 36-33 throughout her 3-year career, and she doesn’t have a lot of help around her this year either. In order for her to have any shot, she’ll almost have to put them on her back and help them to several upsets throughout the season.
1/31/19: Well…apparently Addy was listening. Bloomington South is sitting at an impressive 19-3 right now and a favorite to win their Sectional. They have beaten Pike, Jeffersonville, Castle, and Columbus North, and they lost to Bedford by just 3. Addy is the biggest reason for their success. I’m not saying to vault her to the top of this article, but I think she has at least proven her worth as a legitimate Indiana All-Star candidate.
Cydni Dodd, Warren Central H.S.
10/31/18: Cydni is one of the most influential players in any game because of her sheer size. She helped lead Warren to the 2018 Class 4A State Title, but throughout the season her statistics were just okay. Playing alongside Shaila Beeler (above), Cydni will need to almost outshine Shaila, while helping lead Warren to another deep tournament run to have a chance. Cydni is capable, though, as she is committed to Michigan State University.
1/31/19: Warren Central had another fine year at 18-3, but they are now done and Cydni is out of chances to impress. She averaged 12.3 points and 6.6 rebounds, and in relationship to my above comment that she almost needed to outshine Shaila Beeler, I think Shaila still had the better season on the whole.
Grace Hunter, Bellmont H.S.
10/31/18: Grace is a tremendous high school player, and she has helped transform the Bellmont program from rough to tough in just three seasons. They are now a contender, and she puts up great numbers on a nightly basis. Unfortunately, as evidenced by her lack of selection to the Junior All-Star team, she doesn’t have much of a name on the statewide stage, so Bellmont will need to be almost dominant and make a deep run.
1/31/19: Grace and Bellmont (20-2) have had another outstanding season, and the Squaws have knocked off highly ranked Norwell twice in the last couple of weeks. I don’t know that Grace will get much Miss Basketball consideration, but her Indiana All-Star candidacy has certainly been helped a great deal.
Tai-Yanna Jackson, East Chicago Central H.S.
10/31/18: Tai-Yanna is one of the most talented players in the state, regardless of class. At 6-5, she runs like a gazelle and can affect the game in so many ways. She is also committed to the University of Mississippi. But she put up modest numbers at best on a team that lost 13 games last season, and she hasn’t won a Sectional yet. She’ll have to be almost dominant statistically, and the Cardinals will need to make a deep run for her to have a shot at Miss Basketball.
1/31/19: I still really like Tai-Yanna as a big-time talent, but at this point East Chicago is 13-9 and not a Sectional favorite, plus her stats have been solid but not spectacular on a consistent basis. Hopefully we’ll see her on the All-Star team, because she can be fun to watch when she gets it going.
Madison Jones, Western Boone H.S.
10/31/18: (Madison was an omission on my part, so I have no comments from October on her at all. She has had a deserving season and career to be mentioned in this article.)
1/31/19: Madison has been absolutely explosive this season. Earlier in the year she put up 40+ points a couple of times, but just last week she had 50 and 59 in two games. She’s averaging 28.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 4.4 steals per game, but Western Boone is just a solid 14-9 right now. If they can make a deep run this year, it will really benefit her candidacy for the Indiana All-Stars after unfortunately not being selected for the Junior team. For her career, she has scored 2013 points and has a career average of 20.8 points per game, but Western Boone is just 57-40 during that time, so a deep run is probably key.
Emma & Sophia Nolan, Marquette Catholic H.S.
10/31/18: The twins are undoubtedly talented and skilled, they’ve put up good numbers, they helped lead Marquette to the 2018 Class 1A State Title, and they are committed to Saint John’s University. The combination of them being in Class 1A and being so far North will hinder their visibility on a statewide platform, but they are playing an enhanced schedule this year, and another trip to Bankers Life Fieldhouse would certainly help.
1/31/19: Marquette is a favorite to repeat as Class 1A Champions, after posting a 20-2 regular season record, with their losses coming to 4A North Central (by 2 points) and a good Chicago team. They’ve beaten solid 4As like Elkhart Central, Michigan City, East Chicago, Roncalli, and South Bend Saint Joseph. Emma is averaging 22.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.7 steals. She has career totals of 1875 points and 852 rebounds. Sophia is averaging 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. She has career totals of 1835 points and 736 rebounds. It would be tough to choose one twin over another, plus it has been tough for small school kids to earn Miss Basketball.
Hannah Noveroske, Michigan City H.S.
10/31/18: Hannah had one of the best statistical seasons of any 2019 in the state, and she was voted to the core unit of the Indiana Junior All-Star Team. But she was unfortunately injured in the Spring, and she’ll have to prove her effectiveness once again this Winter and show she’s back to 100%. Also, Michigan City is under .500 at 32-37 during her career, so they will without question have to be a near 20-win team that makes a deep tournament run this time around.
1/31/19: Hannah’s stock has been elevated from this category for sure, with Michigan City putting together an 18-4 record so far and Hannah putting up good numbers once again. Whether or not voters will look at her career record at Michigan City and their strength of schedule will be the primary question now, but she likely has an outside chance.
Riley Ott, LaPorte H.S.
10/31/18: In other seasons, we might be talking about Riley as more of a favorite. But this class has several really good point guards, and while she is talented and skilled, it’s going to be difficult for her. LaPorte hasn’t had quite the visibility in recent years, so she’s not as well-known on the statewide platform. She has been consistently productive, and the Slicers have won some games, but they’ll need to beat the best teams in their region and advance deep for her to have a shot at Miss Basketball.
1/31/19: LaPorte has had a solid 15-7 season so far, and Riley has improved all of her averages to career highs, as she’s at 17.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. For her career she’s now at 1461 points. She’s another kid who probably deserves to be in a higher category at this point, but it’s a tremendously deep guard class.
Elise Scaggs, Mooresville H.S.
10/31/18: Elise is a really nice high school player, she can play physical inside, and she can score around the perimeter. She has put together a nice career statistically, and Mooresville has good seasons year after year, playing a brutal schedule. But, in order for her to have a shot at this award, she’ll need to have consistent statistical outputs in games against the “big dogs” on their schedule, and Mooresville will need to make a deep tournament run.
1/31/19: I still like Elise as a very nice basketball player, but Miss Basketball might be well in the distance at this point. Mooresville is again solid at 15-9, but not spectacular. Elise has averaged 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, and she should eclipse the 1000-point mark with Mooresville in their next Sectional game (she’s currently at 995 over the last three seasons; she scored 164 points playing at Cathedral her Freshman year).
Grace Waggoner, Vincennes Rivet H.S.
10/31/18: Grace is one of the most versatile, complete players in the state. She helped lead Rivet to the Class 1A State Finals in March, but Rivet really struggled offensively on the big stage in that game. In order to have any shot at this award, I feel like she’ll have to again put up great numbers across the board and help lead Rivet to another State Finals appearance, but a convincing win might be necessary as well.
1/31/19: Grace has again had a stellar season statistically, and Vincennes Rivet is an impressive 23-0 entering tournament play. I think she has an outside chance at it, but again, I think they need to win the whole thing and cap off their season 30-0 with her having a big game in the State Finals.
Header photo of 2018 Indiana Miss Basketball Amy Dilk; photo courtesy of Ginny Dilk’s Twitter account. Photo of Jorie Allen courtesy of dailyjournal.net. Photo of Sydney Freeman courtesy of journalgazette.net. Photo of Maddie Nolan courtesy of timessentinel.com. Photo of Addy Blackwell courtesy of her own Twitter account. Photo of Tai-Yanna Jackson courtesy of nwitimes.com. Photo of Riley Ott courtesy of chicagotribune.com.