Preseason Outlook: Class 1A
The featured image is of Brooklynn Jones Brooklynn Jones 5'7" | SF Loogootee | 2021 State IN of Loogootee High School. One week ago, teams from all over Indiana were allowed to begin their first official practices. Beginning next Monday,…
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Continue ReadingThe featured image is of Brooklynn Jones Brooklynn Jones 5'7" | SF Loogootee | 2021 State IN of Loogootee High School.
One week ago, teams from all over Indiana were allowed to begin their first official practices. Beginning next Monday, November 2nd, teams are permitted to begin official games. With that said, who are the best teams in Class 1A 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 1A, that can be magnified even greater, as just one player can shift the balance of power in the State Tournament.
To me, it appears as though the South is incredibly strong once again in Class 1A. With six of the top eight teams below hailing from the South, Pioneer might have a slight advantage to return to Indianapolis over Loogootee, though it would certainly be fun to watch those two match up again this year…and very possible. At the same time, schools like Trinity Lutheran, Greenwood Christian, Lanesville, Tecumseh, and traditional power Jac-Cen-Del will having something to say about that in the South, while experienced teams like Northfield, Oregon-Davis, and Union City should put up a good fight in the North. No matter what, Class 1A looks to be as deep and competitive as ever before.
PRESEASON POLL
1. Loogootee (27-2, 2019-2020 State Champion)
The Loogootee Lions are the defending State Champions, but once again their path to Indianapolis will not be easy. Not only will they have to navigate their way through the South during the tournament, but they play one of the toughest regular-season schedules of any Class 1A team. The good news is that they return all five starters to a lineup led by Senior point guard
Kalea Fleming
Kalea
Fleming
5'5" | PG
Loogootee | 2021
State
IN
(12.3p, 3.5r, 3.6a, 2.7s) and Senior wing
Brooklynn Jones
Brooklynn
Jones
5'7" | SF
Loogootee | 2021
State
IN
(14.1p, 4.4r, 2.0s). Fleming is a dynamic lead guard who plays with a great deal of toughness/feistiness and skill. She runs offense and finds teammates, she can score it a little herself, and she’s a harassing defender, though her real value comes via her emotional leadership. Jones is a really nice athlete who can create a basket just about whenever she wants. She is a wiry strong slasher who can finish inside the paint, but she has also proven to be able to knock down an open jumper, plus she can be a problem defensively. Senior guard Isabelle Waggner (3.1p, 2.0a) is the third returning starter in the Lion backcourt, and she provides hustle and energy as well. Up front Loogootee looks to forwards Makenzie (9.1p, 2.8r, 2.2a) and Kylie VanHoy (8.0p, 3.7r). Makenzie, a Senior, has the skill and ability to play outside and knock down open shots, but she also has decent size and strength and can defend the interior. Kylie, a Junior, is more of a true power forward who is most comfortable in the mid-post and around the block. Look for Loogootee to have a chance at repeating as State Champions in 2020-2021.
2. Pioneer (25-3, 2019-2020 State Runner-Up)
I had a tough time not picking Pioneer to be at the top of this list, they will be improved, plus they too will have the luxury of returning five starters. But the biggest advantage for the Panthers should be getting a full, healthy season out of star Sophomore point guard
Ashlynn Brooke
Ashlynn
Brooke
5'7" | PG
Pioneer | 2023
State
IN
(14.7p, 2.2r, 2.0a, 2.4s). Brooke tore her ACL last July and only played in the last 15 games as a Freshman. Even then, she was on a minutes restriction, so while her numbers were solid, they weren’t as gaudy as they could be this year. She is a dynamic playmaker off the dribble, an accurate shooter with deep range, and she has an innate ability to find open teammates. Her backcourt ’mate is high-scoring Junior guard
Hailey Cripe
Hailey
Cripe
5'6" | SG
Pioneer | 2022
State
IN
(16.1p, 6.2r, 2.0a, 3.1s). While Cripe is a star on the softball diamond, she is also a nice basketball player, a dangerous perimeter shooter, and a feisty, physical wing who makes a lot of tough-nosed, hustle plays. Senior forwards
Olivia Brooke
Olivia
Brooke
5'9" | SF
Pioneer | 2021
State
IN
(11.0, 7.0r, 2.8b) and Madison Blickenstaff (8.9p, 7.6r, 2.2s) provide decent size, great effort, and the ability to rebound the ball at a high-level. Brooke is more of a face-up ’4’ with slashing capabilities, while Blickenstaff prefers to play around the block and use her height/length to her advantage. From there, Senior guard Mackenzie Walker (3.3p, 2.8r) and Junior guard Macee Baker (2.9p) both have starting experience as well, but the younger Brooke should supplant one of them in the starting lineup this season. Pioneer will be hungry to get back, and they might have the most talented playmaker in Class 1A on their side.
3. Trinity Lutheran (24-4, 2019-2020 Sectional Champion)
Trinity Lutheran looks like a formidable team in the South, especially when you consider the inside-out combination of Sophomore guard
Bailey Tabeling
Bailey
Tabeling
5'10" | SG
Trinity Lutheran | 2023
State
IN
(21.4p, 4.0r, 3.2a, 2.3s) and Senior front-liner
Sydney Jaynes
Sydney
Jaynes
6'3" | C
Trinity Lutheran | 2021
State
IN
(15.3p, 8.8r, 4.1a, 3.3b). Tabeling is a highly skilled and technical ballplayer who can really shoot the ball outside. She filled up stat sheets as a Freshman, but she can also handle it a little and run offense. Over the Summer she looked a little stronger and much more confident, so I anticipate another big Winter out of her. Jaynes has nice size at 6-3, she’s highly skilled as well, and she has even brought the ball up in transition at times in the past. She can shoot it facing the basket, and she’s a really nice passer as well. She has committed to play next year at Butler University. I do think the graduation of power forward
Hannah Sabotin
Hannah
Sabotin
5'11" | PF
Trinity Lutheran | 2020
State
IN
(8.3p, 10.5r) will be tough to replace. She was a workhorse on the boards, a really nice athlete, plus her size and ability to defend inside helped keep Jaynes out of foul trouble. But the Cougars do return Junior guard Kailene Cockerham (5.9p, 3.0r, 3.3a) and Junior forward Emma Schepman (4.1p, 3.8r) to the lineup, who both bring skill and experience to the lineup. If Trinity Lutheran can stay healthy and find a way to replicate Sabotin’s rebounding and defensive contributions, they could find themselves atop this list at season’s end, because they absolutely know how to put it in the bucket.
4. Greenwood Christian (23-6, 2019-2020 Regional Champion)
Speaking of offense, Greenwood Christian will be incredibly difficult to slow down. They can shoot/score it from every position on the floor, led by Senior forward
Isabella Reed
Isabella
Reed
5'9" | SF
Greenwood Christian | 2021
State
IN
(23.8p, 15.3r, 4.4a, 2.5s). Reed is a really nice athlete with wiry strength and a tremendous motor. She is probably the most well-rounded, productive forward in all of Class 1A this season. This Fall she committed to play at Indiana Wesleyan University. From there, the Cougars turn to a couple of experienced returnees in Senior wing
Savvanah Frye
Savvanah
Frye
5'8" | SF
Greenwood Christian | 2021
State
IN
(12.1p, 6.4r, 3.5a, 2.5s) and Junior guard Ellie Bigelow (11.9p, 3.3r, 2.1a, 2.1s). Both players have some versatility to their games, but Frye is probably the more diverse of the two. She can handle it some and run offense, she’s a capable perimeter shooter, but she’s also strong enough to play inside and rebound/defend at times. Bigelow is a longer, wirier wing who can knock down an open shot or slash to the basket as well. Junior post Dorothy O’Dell (4.4p, 3.6r) also returns to the lineup, and while I’m not sure how much she’ll be involved offensively, her improved rebounding and defense should be apparent. The wildcard for the Cougars is the addition of Senior point guard
Brooklyn Stubblefield
Brooklyn
Stubblefield
5'6" | PG
Greenwood Christian | 2021
State
IN
(14.0p, 3.3r, 2.7s), who has transferred in from Greenwood Community. Brooklyn is a quick, fast, and athletic playmaker. She uses her speed to her advantage very well, she can create offense for herself or others, and she can be a pest defensively. She will be a welcomed addition to the lineup.
5. Lanesville (23-4, 2019-2020 Sectional Champion)
The Lady Eagles are about as deep as any team in Class 1A, returning nine players to their lineup who each averaged more than ten minutes per game. The headliner of the group is Senior forward
Gracie Adams
Gracie
Adams
5'9" | SF
Lanesville | 2021
State
IN
(17.5p, 8.0r, 3.0a, 2.7s), whose graduation class has been preparing for this season since they were younger and tearing through middle school competition. Adams is a strong, hard-working, but skillful forward who can play around the perimeter or score/defend inside of 15-feet. She is drawing a great deal of high-level Division-II/NAIA interest at this time. Sophomore wing
Linzie Wernert
Linzie
Wernert
5'8" | PF
Lanesville | 2023
State
IN
(11.0p, 6.1r, 3.3a, 2.5s) put together a really nice Freshman season and is primed to step up even more this year. She is another tough-nosed, somewhat physical, but also athletic and versatile player. She finds teammates, she can score it at all three levels, and she’s a capable defender. Sophomore classmate Morgan Sonner (6.5p, 4.8r) also saw quality Varsity minutes as a Freshman. The 5-11 post should have a bigger role this time around. The Senior class provides much of the depth in the form of wing Elizabeth Turner (4.6p, 2.0r, 2.1a), point guard Georgia Brumley (4.4p, 3.0a), and forward Danielle Haire (4.2p, 3.6r). But the Junior class also has some nice role players in wing Emma Campbell (5.5p), forward Kennedy Gordon (3.0p, 3.0r), and guard Austin Crosier.
6. Jac-Cen-Del (21-5, 2019-2020 Sectional Champion)
Jac-Cen-Del has become a place where winning is an expectation, and while they have been good each year, this might be their best team since the group who won the 2015-2016 State Championship. Senior power forward
Paige Ledford
Paige
Ledford
5'11" | PF
Jac-Cen-Del | 2021
State
IN
(15.1p, 10.8r) was just an 8th Grader at the time, but now she’s ready to try and lead her Eagles back to Indianapolis. Ledford is a strong, tough, hard-working kid who can really shoot the basketball in the mid-post and around the perimeter. She is a matchup problem because of her size and versatility. She recently committed to Thomas More College. 6-1 Senior post Anna Hubbard (6.4p, 6.7, 2.8b) has gotten better each year, and her presence inside allows Ledford to play more facing the basket. At the same time, graduated post Regan Carroll (6.4p, 5.2r) will be noticeably missing from her frontline position. In the backcourt, Junior point guard
Annabelle Williams
Annabelle
Williams
5'8" | PG
Jac-Cen-Del | 2022
State
IN
(11.4p, 5.7r, 2.9a, 2.0s) will lead the charge for JCD. She is a disciplined, skillful, and hard-working kid who rebounds her position extremely well. She should be joined outside by Senior wing Kadee Kuhn (4.6p, 2.0r, 2.2a). If the Eagles can control tempo and abuse teams inside, it could be their best shot at reaching the State Finals for the second time in five seasons.
7. Northfield (20-7, 2019-2020 Regional Finalist)
Northfield has been knocking on the door the last few seasons, and they have an outstanding collection of 2021 talent who all possess height, length, and athleticism. Leading the balanced attack is point forward
Emma Hoover
Emma
Hoover
5'10" | SF
Northfield | 2021
State
IN
(11.7p, 3.1r, 2.7a, 2.2s). The Senior wing has great length, fluid athleticism, and versatile skill. She can handle the ball and run offense, she can create off the bounce, and she can knock down rhythm 3-pointers regularly. She had a great Summer and is already committed to Trine University. Senior power forward
Addi Baker
Addi
Baker
5'11" | PF
Northfield | 2021
State
IN
(11.0p, 6.8r, 2.9a) is another talented athlete with good versatility. She’s strong enough to play on the block and score/defend inside, but she moves very well, she can stick a 15-foot jumper consistently, and she isn’t bad around the perimeter. She has already committed to play softball at Southern Illinois University, but she could have drawn plenty of college interest in basketball as well. Senior wing
Kearston Stout
Kearston
Stout
5'9" | SF
Northfield | 2021
State
IN
(9.9p, 5.5r) made a big jump in production last year, and I’d anticipate her scoring in double-figures this year. She, too, is a Trine University commit, and she had a really nice Summer. Stout is a long, slashing athlete, who can score it at all three levels. She is stronger and tougher than she looks, and she plays with an outstanding motor. Senior wing
Kyra Kennedy
Kyra
Kennedy
5'8" | SF
Northfield | 2021
State
IN
missed the 2019-2020 season with an injury, but she’s back. She is one of the most athletic players in the state, regardless of class. Her ability to rebound and defend at a high level will be welcomed with open arms. If they can stay healthy, watch for the Lady Norse to make some noise throughout February.
8. Tecumseh (19-6, 2019-2020 Regional Finalist)
Tecumseh actually rated out as the second best team in Class 1A at the end of the season by the Sagarin Ratings formula based on strength of schedule, success, home vs. road, etc. While they were a very nice team a year ago, they will have to deal with as much graduation loss as anyone on this list, starting with
Chloe Holder
Chloe
Holder
5'11" | PF
Tecumseh | 2020
State
IN
(10.4p, 6.8r, 2.0a), Layne Pemberton (7.5p, 2.7r), and Ella Green (5.1p)…their second, third, and fourth leading scorers. But have little fear when the likes of Junior do-everything forward
Kaybree Oxley
Kaybree
Oxley
5'9" | PF
Tecumseh | 2022
State
IN
(20.9p, 11.6r, 3.1a, 3.9s) returns to the lineup. Oxley is a tough, strong, aggressive inside-out forward with really nice all-around athleticism. She is a playmaker, she battles against bigger players, but she can also defend guards and wings. Really the only thing she doesn’t do for her team is bury 3-pointers, but she is a complete player otherwise, and in multiple sports. The Lady Braves will be looking for several players to step up this year. Senior point guard Gracee Sullivan (4.3p, 2.3a) has always been on the cusp of breaking out, and this could be her year. I’ve also seen glimpses of athletic talent out of Junior power forward
Morgan Wilson
Morgan
Wilson
5'11" | PF
Tecumseh | 2022
State
IN
(3.1p, 2.4r). If she can put together some consistency, she could become a problem for opponents inside. Sophomore guard Karsyn Flowers (4.2p, 2.4a) had a really nice start to her high school career last season, and Senior wing Lillee Sullivan (2.2p, 2.3r) could find a bigger role as well.
9. Oregon-Davis (19-5, 2019-2020 Sectional Champion)
O-D has been an almost dominant force in Northwest Indiana over the last decade or so, winning multiple State Championships. Last year they were as deep as they have been in a while, and while they did lose some significant production to graduation in 2020, they still return a great deal of talent, skill, and experience. Point guard
Katie Sauer
Katie
Sauer
5'0" | PG
Oregon-Davis | 2020
State
IN
(10.9p, 2.0r, 5.4a, 3.3s) and post
Jayden Worthington
Jayden
Worthington
6'0" | C
Oregon-Davis | 2020
State
IN
(13.8p, 6.9r) are the two most notable losses, as both started their entire careers. Guards Reece Danford and Sydney Williams will also be missed a lot. One player sure to bring excitement to Hamlet, Indiana, though, is Senior wing
Mercedes Rhodes
Mercedes
Rhodes
5'8" | SF
Oregon-Davis | 2021
State
IN
(26.7p, 7.9r, 3.5a, 3.5s), a 2020 Indiana Junior All-Star selection. Rhodes is long, fluidly athletic, and somewhat smooth. She can score the ball everywhere, she pursues rebounds outside of her area, and she can use her length defensively to create problems for opponents. Another nice player who should step up her production this year is Junior post
Maddie Hudspeth
Maddie
Hudspeth
6'1" | C
Oregon-Davis | 2022
State
IN
(7.6p, 8.8r). Hudspeth transferred in from John Glenn a year ago and provided an immediate boost to the Bobcat frontcourt. She has a strong frame, good size, and she plays with a nice motor. From there, they could lean on any number of youngsters, including Freshman Regan Danford. One thing is for certain, though…whenever you count out the Bobcats, they usually step up and play their best.
10. Union City (16-8, 2016-2017 State Runner-Up)
I have been excited to see what Union City can come up with this year and next. Their talent lies in the 2022 class, as they have a couple of really nice wings and a solid post player as well. Though they did graduate four key role players in the 2020 class, the Indians should still be one of the better Class 1A teams in the state. Gone via the diploma are guard Mackenzie Green (8.4p, 2.1a), forward Luzy Corona (4.2p, 2.9r), front-liner Maddy Cox (3.7p, 3.6r), and wing Shadaisy Smith (2.1r). But even at 8.4 points per game, Green was just their fourth leading scorer. Now come the Juniors…guard Skylie Lutz (16.1p, 5.2r, 3.6a, 2.2s), wing
Mariah Claywell
Mariah
Claywell
5'7" | SG
Union City | 2022
State
IN
(10.9p, 6.1r, 3.9a, 3.1s), and post Emily Livingston (9.7p, 8.4r). Lutz is a scorer first and foremost. She can shoot/score it from just about anywhere on the floor, and she’s always looking to make plays. Claywell is kind of a point forward for them. She has length and a nice smoothness to her game. She plays mostly off the bounce, and she is a willing passer who can also get inside and rebound/defend. Livingston is a solid/strong post who nearly doubled her scoring and rebounding from her Freshman to Sophomore year. I’d anticipate another nice jump in productivity from her this season. After those three, Senior guard Jodi Carpenter (4.3p, 2.8r, 3.4a) has the most experience, and really anyone beyond that will be getting their first significant Varsity time this season. If they can round out their roster with someone who is just steady, they could make a deep playoff run this year.
FIVE MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Blue River Valley (16-10)
Morgan Township (23-4)
North Central (Farmersburg) (19-8)
Orleans (16-8)
Tri (16-8)