Season Preview: Top-10 Class 1A Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='59789' first='Linzie' last='Wernert'] (2023) of Lanesville High School (#23 in blue).</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three weeks from today the 2022-2023 season is set to begin, as more than 90 teams from all over Indiana have their first games set to take place on November 1st. With that said, who are the best teams in Class 1A for the 2022-2023 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+3">CLASS 1A PRESEASON POLL</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">1. Lanesville (<em>26-2, Regional Finalist in 2021-2022</em>)</font></strong><br>The Lady Eagles have won four consecutive Sectional titles, but last season was the first time in those four years that they advanced past the morning Regional game. Is this the year they are crowned Regional Champions and possibly get to Indianapolis? Things could be aligning at just the right time, as they have Senior experience, youthful talent, and key supporting players back. Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='59789' first='Linzie' last='Wernert']</strong> (<em>13.7p, 7.4r, 3.0a, 3.4s</em>) leads the way with her toughness, physicality, and nonstop motor. She can play inside or out, depending on whatever Lanesville needs. Fellow Senior <strong>Morgan Sonner</strong> (<em>8.4p, 5.5r, 2.1b</em>), a 6-0 post, provides a nice frontcourt presence, both offensively and defensively. In the backcourt, Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295760' first='Hadley' last='Crosier']</strong> (<em>7.6p, 3.1r, 3.6a, 3.6s</em>) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324067' first='Hylton' last='Brumley']</strong> (<em>7.0p, 2.4r, 2.0s</em>) saw significant playing time as rookies, and both should be even more impactful in Year-2. Crosier acts as the primary ball-handler most of the time, plus she can score it from all three levels, while Brumley is a high-energy, versatile wing who plays with a great deal of toughness. Junior guard <strong>Ava Kerr</strong> (<em>4.9p, 2.3s</em>) brings yet another experienced player to the lineup, and she can handle the ball or knock down open shots depending on how the defense plays them. Senior <strong>Kaylie Blankenbaker</strong> (<em>16 GP</em>), Juniors <strong>Ella Schneider</strong> (<em>1.8p, 20 GP</em>) and <strong>Emma Davis</strong> (<em>1.3p, 21 GP</em>), plus Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='880516' first='Shelby' last='Allen']</strong> (<em>1.4p, 17 GP</em>) each saw action in more than 15 games a year ago, and they will likely be the top options to add depth this season. Missing from this year's roster, though, are <strong>Kennedy Gordon</strong> (<em>6.0p, 4.1r, 2.2a, 2.4s</em>) and <strong>Emma Campbell</strong> (<em>4.7p</em>), both 2022 graduates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">2. Vincennes Rivet (<em>20-7, Sectional Champion in 2021-2022</em>)</font></strong><br>There is a changing of the guard at Rivet, as 25-year Head Coach Rick Marshall (<em>471 career wins</em>) has sought retirement, but the Lady Patriots shall move on, and with a tremendous amount of size for a Class 1A team. 6-3 Junior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369823' first='Anna' last='Herman']</strong> (<em>10.6p, 8.1r</em>) was the leading scorer and rebounder a season ago, and as she continues to improve her skill, look for big things out of her once again this season. She can control the paint at both ends, and she moves well at her size. 6-2 Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404106' first='Mary' last='Herman']</strong> (<em>4.6p, 5.8r</em>), Anna's younger sister, is even more versatile, mobile, and skillful. I'd look for her as a breakout candidate after she got her feet wet as a Freshman last season. 6-0 Senior <strong>Cadence Mills</strong> is another forward who can offer them additional size, some athleticism, and versatility. Those three have started a few games together in the past, and they certainly make it difficult for opponents to find scoring opportunities. The backcourt is filled with three Seniors and two Sophomores who are all somewhat interchangeable. 5-5 Senior guard <strong>Kenadee Frey</strong> (<em>5.7p, 3.1r, 2.4a</em>) and 5-6 Senior guard <strong>Kenzie Willis</strong> have the most experience of the bunch, but both will also have to step it up even more this time around. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Katie McGuire</strong> has also seen quality Varsity minutes in the past. 5-5 guard <strong>Lissa Willis</strong> and 5-7 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570382' first='Elexus' last='Frey']</strong> (<em>6.7p</em>) look to make their mark on the program, and roles could present themselves immediately this season for each of them. Both are members of the 2025 class, and the younger Frey is another breakout candidate, like the Herman sister in her grade. The graduation losses of 6-1 forward <strong>Meredith Weiss</strong> (<em>9.8p, 5.2r, 2.4a</em>) and guard <strong>Maddi Halter</strong> (<em>8.3p</em>) will certainly hurt, but the Patriots have a lot in the cupboard to create a great deal of optimism entering the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">3. Kouts (<em>20-7, Sectional Champion in 2021-2022</em>)</font></strong><br>The Fillies graduated just one player, 6-0 forward <strong>Lyndsey Kobza</strong> (<em>13.5p, 6.5r, 2.5a, 2.9s</em>), from a highly competitive team in 2021-2022. That means they return a great deal of experience and depth, plus they add another player back into the fold who missed last season injured. Senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='96074' first='Allison' last='Capouch']</strong> (<em>17.8p, 5.9r, 3.0a, 2.3s</em>) will lead the way one final time for Kouts. She is a long, wiry-strong marksman who can bury shot after shot from range. She has also developed a nice, multilevel scoring arsenal to where she can get to the basket or even post up smaller defenders effectively. Capouch is committed to Trine University. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Emma Garavalia</strong> (<em>7.2p, 4.4r, 2.1s</em>) is a really nice athlete who can run and jump, plus she does a great job of using her length to make plays. 5-7 Senior guard <strong>Taylor Moyer</strong> (<em>3.4p, 4.2r</em>), 5-6 Junior guard <strong>Olivia Miller</strong> (<em>2.5p</em>), and 5-7 Junior guard <strong>Macie Sanders</strong> (<em>1.6p</em>) help solidify an experienced backcourt. 6-0 Senior front-liner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372356' first='Lauren' last='Koedyker']</strong> (<em>8.5p, 8.5r, 2.2a in 2020-2021</em>) was a key starter two seasons ago, before missing last year with a knee injury. She could be a huge boost to the Fillies' frontcourt, helping to make up for what left with Kobza. Another player to keep an eye on could be 5-8 Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='489207' first='Ellah' last='Young']</strong>. She is a good perimeter shooter who could impact the lineup immediately. As long as Kouts figures out ways to get Capouch touches each possession, and the supporting cast knocks down their wide-open shots, I can see this team making quite the run in the North in Class 1A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">4. Caston (<em>18-7</em>)</font></strong><br>I go back and forth on what to think about Caston, because while they do return one of the better players in Class 1A, and while they played an eight-player rotation a season ago, three of those eight have since graduated, including second leading scorer and rebounder <strong>Maggie Smith</strong> (<em>12.2p, 5.0r, 2.2s</em>), a 5-10 forward, plus one was a foreign exchange student. Smith's presence helped alleviate some of the pressure on Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239357' first='Isabel' last='Scales']</strong> (<em>14.2p, 5.1r, 3.8a, 3.4s</em>). Scales is difficult to define by position, because she does a lot of things for the Lady Comets. She is strong, physical, and a solid athlete. She can handle the ball at times and run/create offense, but she can also dominate the mid-post and even battle bigger opponents in the paint. Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874149' first='Addison' last='Zimpleman']</strong> (<em>7.5p, 2.7r</em>) and Senior forward <strong>Bailey Harness</strong> (<em>7.2p, 5.0r</em>) possess the next most experience on this roster, and one of them, if not both, will need to step into more of a scoring role for Caston to beat the better teams on their schedule. Senior guard <strong>Kinzie Mollenkopf</strong> (<em>1.9p, 2.8r</em>) played key minutes in a reserve role last season, and she will likely battle to start this season. There are also several members of a strong Junior class who vie for a piece of the action, including <strong>Alexa Finke</strong>, <strong>Annie Harsh</strong>, and <strong>Macie Hinderlider</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">5. Tri (<em>18-6</em>)</font></strong><br>The Lady Titans had a solid season in 2021-2022, despite missing 6-0 Senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='178241' first='Bailey' last='Parham']</strong> (<em>17.6p, 12.1r, 2.4a, 3.3s, 3.1b</em>) for a stretch throughout much of December. Still, though, Tri looks to bounce back this season even stronger and returns a great deal of experience. Parham, one of Class 1A's best rebounders and interior scorers, could approach a 20p/15r average now that she is healthy once again. She will be key to the Titans' success, but she is not all they bring back. In fact, their top five scorers from a year ago return. Seniors <strong>Abi Clarke</strong> (<em>9.2p, 6.9r</em>), a 6-0 post, and <strong>Amber Rich</strong> (<em>7.5p, 3.0r</em>), a 5-5 guard, plus 5-6 Junior wing <strong>Rylee Boyd</strong> (<em>6.0p, 3.5r</em>) and 5-6 Sophomore point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570375' first='Kenley' last='Cornelius']</strong> (<em>8.0p, 4.1r, 2.9a, 2.1s</em>) give Tri a starting unit capable of big things this time around. Cornelius flashed a lot of potential last year, so she could take that next step and give Parham a perimeter running 'mate. 5-10 Junior wing <strong>Kennedi Knepley</strong> and 5-7 Sophomore forward <strong>Soraya Cridge</strong> played limited minutes a season ago, but they will likely play their way into key role positions this year. The Titans could also look to a couple of Freshmen to impact the Varsity from the outset, but as long as Parham is on the floor, they have a chance to win games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">6. Trinity Lutheran (<em>16-9, Sectional Champion in 2021-2022</em>)</font></strong><br>The Lady Cougars are coming off of five consecutive winning seasons, in which they have won four Sectional titles over that span. They, like Lanesville (<em>above</em>), also look to escape the Regional this time around and make a Semi-State appearance. To do so, they will once again lean heavily on Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='59779' first='Bailey' last='Tabeling']</strong> (<em>19.8p, 7.8r, 4.7a, 3.0s</em>). She is a four-year Varsity starter, she is a high-level perimeter shooter, and she's a smooth athlete. She can handle the ball and run/initiate offense, but she can also play off the ball and find scoring opportunities. She has already committed to play at Division-I Ohio University. Junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326481' first='Liza' last='Froedge']</strong> (<em>10.5p, 4.1r, 2.0a</em>) put together a fine Sophomore campaign, and with a little more consistency shooting it, she could average in the neighborhood of 15 ppg this season. She plays with length and fluidity, and she can also score it in a variety of ways. The graduation loss of guard <strong>Kailene Cockerham</strong> (<em>8.3p, 2.8r, 2.2a</em>) will be significant, as she was a four-year contributor, but the Cougars hope to get more production from Sophomores <strong>Madison Keith</strong> (<em>6.4p, 5.8r</em>), a 5-9 forward, and <strong>Jordan Brewer</strong> (<em>3.3p</em>), a 5-5 guard. Both saw plenty of action as rookies, but they'll be counted on even more in Year-2. Trinity Lutheran will also look to a variety of other youngsters to provide needed depth, but the combination of Tabeling and Froedge will be difficult enough to stop most nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">7. Washington Township (<em>17-6</em>)</font></strong><br>The Senators welcomed three key players from the 2025 class a season ago, and they posted their first winning season since 2015-2016 and their most wins since the 2002-2003 season. 5-7 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324077' first='Gracie' last='Little']</strong> (<em>16.0p, 4.1r, 3.1a, 3.8s</em>), 5-4 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331817' first='Clair' last='Klinger']</strong> (<em>15.7p, 4.1r, 3.0a, 4.4s</em>), and 5-5 guard <strong>Jaycee Jackson</strong> (<em>5.8p, 2.6r</em>) proved their worth from the jump, and they should continue to be a strong backcourt for years to come. Little is a dynamic guard who can create for herself or others, she defends with good length and ability, and she can really shoot the ball, and with range. Klinger is another nice scorer who can find points at all three levels, plus she's strong, tough, and plays with a great motor. Jackson is another nice, young guard who can both score and defend a little. Toss in 5-8 Senior forward <strong>Addison Graf</strong> (<em>13.1p, 6.5r, 2.0a, 2.1s</em>), and Washington Township looks for a big season behind their three double-digit scoring threats. 5-3 Senior <strong>Josie Whitcomb</strong> (<em>4.0p, 5.0r</em>) and 5-10 Junior post <strong>Sarah Boby</strong> (<em>1.6p, 3.6r</em>) add formidable depth to the Senator rotation. The only unfortunate thing for Washington Township is that they share Sectional #49 with Kouts, so monitor that battle when they meet on November 29th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">8. Bethesda Christian (<em>15-8, Regional Finalist in 2021-2022</em>)</font></strong><br>The Lady Patriots suffered a striking blow in July, when Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177322' first='Kenzie' last='Fulks']</strong> (<em>22.5p, 5.1r, 5.3a, 3.1s</em>) suffered a severe knee injury. However, I've been assured Kenzie is well-ahead of schedule in her rehab, and since this is a season-long preview, watch out for Bethesda Christian this season. When healthy, Fulks is one of the best playmakers in Class 1A. She can flat out fill it up from anywhere on the floor, she is dynamic off the bounce, and she willingly finds teammates as well. She is a major part of what they do and who they are, so it is critical she regains top form quickly. 5-8 Senior wing <strong>Paige Vawter</strong> (<em>10.7p, 5.3r, 3.2a</em>) is another double-figure scorer, a multiyear Varsity contributor, and she is capable of scoring in bunches herself. The rest of the Patriots' depth comes from a strong 2024 class, most notably 5-11 post <strong>Jayla Ferguson</strong> (<em>5.7p, 7.5r</em>), 5-7 wing <strong>Sydney Goodin</strong> (<em>4.9p, 3.8r</em>), 5-7 guard <strong>Lindsey Dodson</strong> (<em>3.3p, 3.0r</em>), and 5-8 forward <strong>Leah Heim</strong> (<em>1.2p, 2.6r</em>). Still, though, Fulks and Vawter will be who defenses target, and if they light it up, they can beat anyone in Class 1A this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">9. Bethany Christian (<em>11-12</em>)</font></strong><br>Most years Bethany Christian hovers around the .500 mark, but this year they could approach 20 wins, despite last season's 11-12 record. For some context, they are led by a pair of Junior guards, and when they were Freshmen two years ago, they posted a 17-7 season. Last season, however, Junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326492' first='Mariah' last='Stoltzfus']</strong> (<em>9.9p, 3.8r, 3.4a, 3.7s</em>) didn't begin her season until January and only managed ten total games due to a significant injury. She is their heart, she is incredibly tough and feisty, and she plays with an outstanding motor, while also being a capable ball-handler, distributor, shot-maker, and defender. If she is their heart, then Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338899' first='Zoe' last='Willems']</strong> (<em>19.3p, 10.2r, 2.8a, 3.1s</em>) is their lungs. She stepped up HUGE in Stoltzfus' absence and proved she had star-power as well. She nearly doubled her scoring and finds additional ways to always contribute. The two of them alone are scary for opponents, but they'll have help as well. 5-3 Senior guard <strong>Julia Moser</strong> (<em>6.9p</em>), 5-10 Senior post <strong>Kiersten Todd</strong> (<em>5.0p, 3.1r</em>), 5-7 Junior forward <strong>Morgan Chupp</strong> (<em>2.9p, 2.1r</em>), and 5-6 Senior wing <strong>Kolette Kern</strong> (<em>2.6p</em>) return as their next four leading scorers from a year ago, plus they have quality experience under their belts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">10. Northeast Dubois (<em>17-6</em>)</font></strong><br>With one of the more unique nicknames across the state, the Lady Jeeps are a wildcard in the Top-10, as they suffered key graduation losses in <strong>Hadley Fuhrman</strong> (<em>12.5p, 5.7r, 2.0a, 2.6s</em>) and <strong>Brinley Royer</strong> (<em>4.6p, 6.8r</em>). They were their first and third leading rebounders, and their second and fourth leading scorers. To overcome those losses, they'll need others to step up, including Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='300081' first='Rhylan' last='Kalb']</strong> (<em>17.4p, 6.6r</em>). She is a tough-nosed, hard-working, and very versatile player. She can battle down low or play a little outside, but she's best as a mid-post weapon. 5-8 Senior classmate <strong>Reagan Knies</strong> (<em>6.6p, 4.2r</em>) gives Northeast Dubois another credible forward who they can lean on for leadership and experience. 5-7 Senior forward <strong>Sara Livingston</strong> (<em>3.5p, 2.5r</em>), 5-8 Junior forward <strong>Kelli Merkel</strong> (<em>2.1p</em>), and 5-2 Senior guard <strong>Grace Lueken</strong> (<em>1.9p</em>) could be the next ones to step up. 5-7 Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218635' first='Emmersen' last='Kalb']</strong> (<em>1.2p</em>), and Rhylan's younger sister, could see an expanded role this season, and 6-1 Sophomore post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044775' first='Lyllee' last='Schnell']</strong> (<em>0.9p</em>) is very intriguing with her height, length, and potential. The Jeeps will need some things to fall into place for them, but they have a star in Rhylan, and they have other experienced players throughout their roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">FIVE MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:</font></strong><br>Blue River Valley (<em>24-3, Sectional Champion in 2021-2022</em>)<br>Faith Christian (<em>9-14</em>)<br>North Central (Farmersburg) (<em>19-7</em>)<br>Northfield (<em>13-9</em>)<br>Tecumseh (<em>20-8, Class 1A State Champion in 2021-2022</em>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->