Preseason Preview: Class 4A, Sectionals #5-8

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='404107' first='Ashley' last='Cox'] (2025) of DeKalb High School.   Tuesday evening, November 1, marked the official start of the season, as more than 90 teams around the state opened with their first game. With the Class 1A, 2A, and 3A previews already complete, I wanted to finish my thorough, multi-article preview of each Regional throughout the state, looking ahead at each Class 4A Sectional, the top teams, and then the preseason all-state teams. Continuing in Class 4A by taking a look at the second North Regional, which incorporates the winners of Sectional #5 through #8. Below is a look at the teams in each of those Sectionals, along with some general comments and analysis. (SAG = Final 2021-2022 Multiclass Sagarin Rating (395 teams); SOS = Final 2021-2022 Strength of Schedule)   Sectional #5 Fort Wayne Snider (20-4), SAG 7, SOS 24 Carroll (Fort Wayne) (14-9), SAG 33, SOS 20 Fort Wayne Northrop (15-8), SAG 39, SOS 55 DeKalb (9-14), SAG 161, SOS 64 East Noble (4-17), SAG 258, SOS 82 Fort Wayne North Side (2-21), SAG 297, SOS 93   Sectional #5 has been flipped upside down, as key Juniors from two of these schools ended up at a third school within this Sectional. The school benefiting from those transfers is Fort Wayne Northrop, and they are in our Class 4A Preseason Top-10 because of it (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/11/preseason-preview-top-10-class-4a-teams/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/11/preseason-preview-top-10-class-4a-teams/" target="_blank">you can see their team preview here</a>). Fort Wayne Snider was a force a year ago, but they will be remolding themselves after the loss of two key players. 2021-2022 leading scorer Jyah Lovett (18.4p, 4.5r, 2.6a, 3.0s) graduated and headed to a prep school for a fifth year, while Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='177317' first='Destini' last='Craig'] (15.8p, 5.5r, 3.2s) was one of the transfers who headed to crosstown rival Northrop. The Lady Panthers are still strong, however, as their backcourt will continue to be the focal point behind Indiana's #1 Class of 2024 prospect, point guard [player_tooltip player_id='177351' first='Jordyn' last='Poole'] (12.7p, 3.2r, 4.4a, 2.0s). She is such a dynamic playmaker, extremely quick/fast and feisty, plus she's unselfish and finds open teammates regularly. She can control tempo against any opponent, and if she gets help from the other Panthers, all should be good each time out. Fellow Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='177321' first='Joh'nea' last='Donahue'] (8.0p, 4.4r) is another Division-I prospect who should see a jump statistically with the losses of Lovett and Craig. Donahue can play on or off the ball, she's a nice athlete, and she plays with a tremendous motor. Two more Juniors who should contribute are 5-7 wing Ciara Sims (5.0p, 2.7r) and 6-2 front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='298261' first='Tia' last='Phinezy']. Sims is a strong, athletic forward who battles each possession, while Phinezy is a long, wiry, bouncy, and athletic player who can affect the game at both ends of the floor. From there, experience is limited, but expect 5-8 Sophomore wings [player_tooltip player_id='828076' first='Zyann' last='Phinezy'] (1.9p) and Gabriella Barnes (2.4p) to get a crack at starting early and often this season. The Carroll Lady Chargers were also affected by a transfer, as Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='177314' first='Alexis' last='Castator'] (9.0p, 3.2r, 2.1a) made the move to nearby Northrop. Additionally, key contributors Jasmine Anderson (9.1p, 6.8r) and Brooke Pocock (3.4p) collected their diplomas in June. At the same time, Carroll has a nice mixture of veteran returnees and some skillful newcomers who can help fill the voids. How quickly they figure out their new roles will go a long way to what kind of season they put together. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='96079' first='Taylor' last='Fordyce'] (15.2p, 5.5r, 2.5a, 2.3s) was the leading scorer a year ago. She is back and primed for a big Senior season. She has committed to play at the University of St. Francis next season. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='241187' first='Kayla' last='Gibbs'] (11.6p, 3.7r, 2.3a, 2.8s) is another nice ballplayer, capable of playing either guard spot. She and Fordyce will lead the Chargers in 2022-2023. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='295801' first='Jersey' last='Paul'] (4.1p) also saw considerable minutes as a rookie, and the sharpshooter will likely step into a lot more playing time in Year-2. 5-6 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='825976' first='Jaidyn' last='Fuller'], 6-1 Freshman post [player_tooltip player_id='486555' first='Lillian' last='George'], and 5-9 Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='486549' first='Ava' last='Myers'] all look to help immediately. George is a strong, physical, low-block presence who will likely start immediately without much size returning to the program.   The Baronesses of DeKalb High School seek double-digit wins in 2022-2023, and with a strong backcourt returning, that seems highly possible. 5-8 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='404107' first='Ashley' last='Cox'] (11.4p, 4.6r, 3.4s) made an instant impact as a rookie, and as she has grown and gained strength, she looks to improve upon those contributions from a year ago. She is long, fluid, and smooth, and she can score it from all over the court. Older sister, 5-6 Senior guard Delaney Cox, along with 5-2 Senior point guard Lillie Cone and 5-5 Senior guard Elizabeth Martin, round out a skilled and rather veteran backcourt ready to take on all comers. From there it gets a little uncertain; but look for 6-0 front-liner Amanda Day and 5-5 Senior guard Evie Pepple to add to an experienced group. East Noble is another program looking to bolster its record, and with just one graduate in Kyndal Mynhier (7.0p, 3.3r), improvement is possible. 5-5 guard Bree Walmsley (5.7p, 3.0r) and 5-7 wing Kya Mosley (3.6p, 3.4r) are a pair of Seniors who have seen their share of minutes over the years. 5-3 Junior guard Bailea Bortner (6.3p) looks to be a breakout candidate for the Lady Knights in her second season. She had a few nice outings during her rookie campaign. Classmate Payton Quake (3.5p, 4.1r), a 5-7 forward, also looks to increase her contributions as a Junior. 5-11 Sophomore forward Taylor Eggering (2.8p, 3.7r) and 5-9 Senior forward Katie West (2.1p, 3.7r) provide rebounding and interior defense, and both look towards expanded roles this season. The Lady Legends of Fort Wayne's North Side High School haven't won more than seven games since the 2003-2004 season, so simply doubling their wins from a season ago would be a nice accomplishment. If you consider the losses of Junior Kyndal Tyree (7.9p, 4.2r, 3.3s), who transferred to Bishop Luers, and Zara Nokour (7.8p, 12.0r, 2.5s), who graduated, that could be quite a challenge this year. 5-7 Sophomore guard Kaleah Williams (6.5p, 3.2r, 2.9s), 5-10 Junior forward Jaliyah Paige (6.0p, 6.2r, 3.1s), and 5-9 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='455937' first='Aniya' last='Woodson'] (5.0p, 2.3r, 4.3s) are a nice trio to build around. Each has versatile skillsets, plus they are nice athletes who can help make the Legends more competitive. They will need several others to step up and round out the lineup/provide depth, if they are to make a major jump in wins this season.   Sectional #6 Homestead (23-2), SAG 3, SOS 12 Columbia City (20-3), SAG 24, SOS 119 Huntington North (18-5), SAG 40, SOS 85 Fort Wayne South Side (5-17), SAG 134, SOS 18 Fort Wayne Wayne (10-12), SAG 171, SOS 116 New Haven (0-19), SAG 365, SOS 124   Sectional #6 is wide open in 2022-2023, with three very sound programs at the top, plus a couple of other teams who can cause problems for them on any given night. The Homestead Spartans graduated one of the best ever to play the game there in University of Connecticut Freshman and 2022 Indiana Miss Basketball Ayanna Patterson (26.3p, 12.0r, 2.6s, 2.0b). Her incredible talent and skill at 6-3 will undoubtedly be missed by the Lady Spartans, as they'll have to make more of a balanced effort this year. Maggie Keinsley (6.8p, 4.6r, 2.5a) also left via the diploma. A combination of skillful upperclassmen and talented youngsters should form the Homestead lineup this season. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='59778' first='Alison' last='Stephens'] (13.0p, 4.7r, 68 made 3-pointers) brings an inside-out approach that is difficult to defend. Senior point guards [player_tooltip player_id='127237' first='Molly' last='Stock'] (9.2p, 4.5a) and [player_tooltip player_id='410035' first='Evie' last='Bottoms'] bring skill, toughness, and the ability to make shots/plays. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='372355' first='Hilary' last='Adams'] is another nice, veteran option to handle the ball. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='300075' first='Sydney' last='Fream'], Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='369834' first='Emma' last='Reust'] (4.7p, 4.4r, 3.1a), and Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='404109' first='Brooklyn' last='Fream'] all bring back talent, skill, and experience, while the Freshmen trio of [player_tooltip player_id='492319' first='Myah' last='Epps'], [player_tooltip player_id='414465' first='Gabby' last='Helsom'], and [player_tooltip player_id='486540' first='Whitney' last='Ankenbruck'] will likely contribute immediately and often. One thing is certain, Homestead is an established program who replaces graduates instead of rebuilding, but the loss of Patterson will be huge. The Lady Eagles of Columbia City should reach 20 wins once again, as they have one of the deepest backcourts in the state. Unfortunately, they don't have a great deal of size, so the graduation of forward Rebekah Marshall (12.0p, 3.3r) will certainly be felt. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='406435' first='Molly' last='Baker'] (10.7p, 5.9r) does return, and she can provide at least some resistance defensively in the paint. But once again, the strength of the Lady Eagles are their guards, and they have plenty. Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='295754' first='Addison' last='Baxter'] (11.7p, 5.7r, 4.5a, 4.0s) and Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='177354' first='Kyndra' last='Sheets'] (10.6p, 4.2r, 3.5a, 2.3s) are as good of a duo as there is in the state, and they'll run the show for Columbia City. Baxter is a smooth, fluid, creative playmaker who can also score it at a high level. Sheets is a knockdown shooter who plays with strength, toughness, and grit. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='455935' first='Tessa' last='Tonkel'] is all energy all the time, and she can make plays at both ends. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='496018' first='Faith' last='Frey'] can play on the wing and knock down open jumpers, plus she'll rebound and defend, while Sophomore guard Laney Ziliak and Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='486514' first='Anisa' last='Tonkel'] look to provide additional contributions to the lineup. Huntington North suffered some significant roster losses, but they can still be the "fly in the ointment" and cause problems for any team in Sectional #6 and Northeast Indiana. Leah Campbell and Grace Sell both graduated in the Spring, but Sophomore twins Emma and Molly Daugherty, who started and contributed last season as Freshmen, moved out of state to Summerville, South Carolina. The top returnee is Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='203658' first='Taylor' last='Double'] (14.4p, 4.3r, 2.4a). She is a really nice athlete, she's skilled at all three levels, and she plays with a tremendous amount of versatility. She has takeover ability for the Lady Vikings, and I'd expect for her to have a big Senior season. The top candidates to play alongside Double are 5-7 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='455938' first='Gracie' last='Fields'] and 5-10 Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='295794' first='Marissa' last='Trout']. Both are skilled, both can knock down shots outside, and Trout can play in the mid-post as well, giving them some interior scoring. The rest of the lineup will be a work in progress early this season, as other players try to fit into key roles, but they have skill, talent, and depth, and those supporting Vikings will just have to work through inexperience.   The Lady Archers of Fort Wayne's South Side High School struggled through a rare losing season last year, but they look to turn to a youth movement to build themselves back into a Sectional competitor. They must do so, however, without the services of 2022 Indiana All-Star [player_tooltip player_id='65535' first='Olivia' last='Smith'] (19.0p, 4.3r, 4.8a, 2.7s). She was key throughout her career, but now they'll lean on Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='372354' first='Justice' last='Billingsley'] (16.5p, 4.4r) for leadership and playmaking. From there, the Lady Archers will have to rely upon a lot of unknowns, as a number of Sophomores and Freshmen will see immediate action. 5-9 Junior forward Ga'naysia White, plus 5-2 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='828087' first='Kamoni' last='Grayson'] and Sophomore post JaMaya Green, are the most experienced of the returnees and look to play bigger roles this time around. 5-11 Sophomore forward Lai'Lonie Waller-Thomas will also look to make her mark as a second-year player. The Generals of Fort Wayne's Wayne High School didn't play a Senior a season ago, so they return all of their production and look to be a real "sleeper" in Northeast Indiana who can certainly surprise some teams this year. The guard trio of 5-8 Senior [player_tooltip player_id='372361' first='Emilia' last='Diaz'] (11.0p, 4.5r), 5-3 Senior Aniah Hill (10.7p, 7.1r, 2.8a, 2.4s), and 5-8 Junior [player_tooltip player_id='298263' first='Sydney' last='Gorman'] (8.8p) are seasoned, talented, and skilled. They will cause problems for opponents with their speed and quickness. The biggest re-addition, if you will, is that of Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='127213' first='Shabrea' last='O'Quinn']. She is a monster inside and a double-double waiting to happen each time out. She is back after time away last year. 5-9 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='825979' first='Khalise' last='Collins'] (8.5p, 5.8r) adds to the interior attack, while 5-8 Sophomore twins Tani Hairston (6.6p, 5.2r) and Tanea Hairston (3.9p, 4.0r) can play in the mid-post or around the perimeter some. 5-3 Junior guard Mariah Luna can add depth to the backcourt as well. The Lady Bulldogs of New Haven High School struggled to score a season ago, averaging just 15.5 points per game offensively. They'll look to get into the win column repeatedly in 2022-2023, and a big reason for optimism is a strong Freshman class. First, the return of 5-6 Junior guard Janiya Johnson (8.1p, 3.8r, 2.2s) is a good place to start for the Bulldogs. However, the additions of 5-7 guard A'lanah Webb, 5-8 guard Aries Odom, 5-2 guard Ja'anah Ware, 5-8 forward Hannah Goodrich, and 5-11 post Monty Stewart-King, all Freshmen, should pay immediate dividends at both ends of the floor.   Sectional #7 West Lafayette Harrison (15-8), SAG 45, SOS 35 McCutcheon (14-10), SAG 77, SOS 80 Kokomo (15-7), SAG 84, SOS 123 Logansport (8-19), SAG 220, SOS 105 Lafayette Jefferson (4-20), SAG 292, SOS 99 Marion (4-18), SAG 338, SOS 214   The Harrison Lady Raiders have one of the best regular season records in the state over the past six seasons (98-30, .765), and they're primed for a run at 20 wins this year. They have size, skill, and talent, and they return a great deal of production from last season. They did lose Haley Thomas (9.5p, 7.5r, 2.0a), Olivia Lowry (8.4p, 5.3r, 4.5a, 4.2s), and Morgan DesEnfants (5.0p, 2.8r, 2.6a), but they have a strong program deep in talent, so I'd expect them to simply replace a lot of that productivity with capable newcomers. Up front is where they are strongest, as Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='59747' first='Riley' last='Flinn'] (15.1p, 7.5r, 4.5a, 4.4s), Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='369827' first='Riley' last='Whitlock'] (11.0p, 5.7r, 2.5s), and Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='241186' first='Campbell' last='Moore'] (6.8p, 6.3r, 2.1s, 3.2b) all return. Flinn is as versatile as they come, and she can act as a scorer or a playmaker for others. Whitlock is a nice athlete with a true mid-range game, while Moore is strong, physical, and imposes her will around the low block. 5-8 Junior forward Chelsea Parker and 5-6 Junior guard Alia Mengler saw a little action last season as well, and both work towards enhanced roles in 2022-2023. Also keep an eye on 5-10 Junior forward Kiersten Guyer, 5-6 Sophomore wing Ashley Dunk, plus Sophomore twins Ava Ahnert, a 5-8 guard, and [player_tooltip player_id='828096' first='Elsie' last='Ahnert'], a 5-9 forward, all of whom could fulfill pivotal roles for the Lady Raiders as the season wears on. The McCutcheon Mavericks will need to find a number of players to step up, as they graduated three of their top four scorers and rebounders from the 2021-2022 season. Gone are Teresa Maggio (23.4p, 4.5r, 5.5a, 4.7s), Marya Farrell (12.7p, 2.4r, 2.0a, 3.6s), and Shelby Carrico (4.4p, 4.8r). Maggio will be a huge loss, as she was so dynamic and gave the Lady Mavericks hope they could beat anyone each time out. 5-8 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='127230' first='Caitlyn' last='Miller'] (9.9p, 5.7r, 3.2a, 2.0s) does return, and she has shown the ability to pour in points in the past. 5-5 Senior forward Daija Shepherd (4.4p, 4.3r) outplays her size, giving them someone tough on the boards. 5-9 Senior forward Sammy Wood (3.1p, 4.9r) is another strong rebounder who could see her scoring opportunities increase. From there, look for a strong Freshman class to step into playing time right away, learning on the fly. Guard Chloe Finney, guard Aubrey Miller, and wing Braelyn Williams could contribute immediately.   Despite the graduations of Chloe McClain (15.0p, 4.7r, 2.0a, 2.7s) and Brooke Hughes (5.7p, 5.4r), the Kokomo Wildkats will be a tough out come Sectional time, as they have athleticism and a little size inside. Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='369835' first='Aijia' last='Elliott'] (10.3p, 7.7r) is a nice starting point, as she uses her power and physicality to establish herself early each possession at both ends of the floor. 5-2 Junior guard Kamaria White (4.1p, 4.0r, 2.8a, 2.1s) and 5-3 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='496053' first='MaKaela' last='Drake'] (3.2p) are quick, fast, and athletic guards who can be an absolute disruption to opponents at times. 5-5 Junior guard Lilly Hicks (5.8p, 2.3r) is a perimeter shooting threat who finds shots off of Elliott, White, and Drake. 5-7 Sophomore guard Regan McClain could see an expanded role this year, possibly picking up where her older sister left off. Junior guards Mia Castillo and Delaney Truax could also get opportunities early this season. The Berries of Logansport look to reach double-digit wins in 2022-2023, and that seems very probable, as they did not graduate any of their key rotation players. Back to lead the Lady Berries is 5-4 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='241191' first='Gabby' last='Richie'] (15.4p, 4.3r, 2.2a, 2.6s). She is a quick, dynamic little guard who can hurt opponents from outside or get by them and collapse defenses. Junior guard Lydia Goad (9.0p, 2.3r), Senior forward Kendra Sutton (7.7p, 7.4r), and Senior forward Ryann Wylie (6.3p, 6.3r) help to balance the lineup. Senior guard Chloe Crook (2.2p) is a good shooter who can stretch defenses, while Sophomore guard Kellen Cripe (2.6p) looks to build upon a solid Freshman season. Sophomore forward Daisy Jones is another youngster who could help provide depth up front. Between 2016 and 2019, the Bronchos of Lafayette Jefferson won 55 games and were a threat every season in the Sectional. In the three seasons since, they have won just 13 games combined. They look to improve on last season's win total, but they must do so in wake of the graduations of Amaya Milian and Sophie Wenrick. Back to help the Lady Bronchos are 5-6 Senior guard Trinity Fields, 5-7 Junior wing Ava Adriano, plus 5-4 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1122682' first='Amani' last='Byrd']. The Marion Giants are another program looking to find their footing, following a couple of tough seasons. They will lean heavily on 5-7 Senior guard Culeeya Jones and 5-5 Senior guard Adison Weaver, both of whom have put in their time and bring a great deal of experience to the lineup. In total, they have eight Seniors and Juniors on their roster, so improvement is very possible.   Sectional #8 Noblesville (25-4), SAG 1, SOS 1 Fishers (20-5), SAG 5, SOS 2 Westfield (18-5), SAG 8, SOS 5 Carmel (15-8), SAG 11, SOS 3 Zionsville Community (16-7), SAG 12, SOS 8 Hamilton Southeastern (14-8), SAG 13, SOS 4   Top to bottom, Sectional #8 is unparalleled right now. All six teams finished the 2021-2022 season in the Top-15 of the Sagarin ratings, all play incredibly difficult schedules, and all are capable of beating anyone on any given night. I already featured the Fishers Lady Tigers, the Zionsville Lady Eagles, and the Hamilton Southeastern Lady Royals in our Class 4A Preseason Top-10 (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/11/preseason-preview-top-10-class-4a-teams/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/11/preseason-preview-top-10-class-4a-teams/" target="_blank">you can see all of their team previews here</a>). But the other three are also worthy of consideration, as their talent, skill, and depth are impressive as well. The Noblesville Millers were the 2022 Class 4A State Champions, but there is a noticeable omission, as University of Connecticut signee and Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='59773' first='Ashlynn' last='Shade'] (20.9p, 8.3r, 4.1a, 3.7s) is now playing at La Lumiere Preparatory School. However, the Lady Millers did not graduate anyone, and they have nearly everyone else returning. One more blow to the lineup, however, was an injury to 6-4 post [player_tooltip player_id='127235' first='Brooklyn' last='Smitherman'] (3.1p, 3.2r), who will miss most, if not all, of her Senior season. Back to what the Millers do have, and those returning are worthy of Top-10 consideration. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='177361' first='Reagan' last='Wilson'] (10.0p, 3.2r, 4.4a, 2.3s) and Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='295776' first='Meredith' last='Tippner'] (9.5p, 6.2r, 2.3a, 2.6s) are as tough of a backcourt as there is in the state, and both have already garnered a great deal of mid to high-major Division-I interest/offers. Wilson is a vocal leader, incredibly energetic, skilled, and tough defensively. Tippner is a nice athlete with versatility, she is extremely tough-nosed, physical as a guard, and she can score it at all three levels. From there, the Lady Millers look to the Shoemaker sisters. [player_tooltip player_id='264991' first='Kaitlyn' last='Shoemaker'] (9.1p, 2.2r) is a quick, feisty, highly skilled Senior point guard who is a dangerous shooter with deep range. While defenses worry about the other two guards, she finds space and buries shot after shot. [player_tooltip player_id='264119' first='Ava' last='Shoemaker'] (5.0p, 2.6r) is a Junior forward who can play effectively on the wing, but she's also tough-nosed and gritty in the mid-post. 5-5 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='127222' first='Brooklyn' last='Ely'] (3.0p) is another skillful, capable shooter, who has some past starting experience and can help off the bench. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='178230' first='Dani' last='Mendez'] (3.4p, 3.8r) is a strong, high-motor forward who plays with physicality. She brings defense and rebounding to the lineup for Noblesville. Also look for Freshman post [player_tooltip player_id='486478' first='Caroline' last='Quigley'] to get a look early this season, especially with Smitherman injured.   The Westfield Lady Shamrocks are coming off of an 18-win season, and despite the graduation loss of Indiana All-Star Alyssa Crockett (18.5p, 8.6r, 2.3a), the 'Rocks look to be a young, feisty, competitive team once again. The reins of leadership are now passed over to Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='177334' first='Elizabeth' last='Kelleher']. She is a high IQ, smooth, and skillful lead guard who is one of the best guards in Indiana's 2024 class. Sophomore guards [player_tooltip player_id='366803' first='Lindsey' last='Van Dyke'] and [player_tooltip player_id='295759' first='Aubrey' last='Crockett'] will flank Kelleher on either side, while Senior wings [player_tooltip player_id='300072' first='Emmrey' last='Collinsworth'] (5-9) and Maren Dee (5-10) provide veteran presences within their roles. 6-1 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='239350' first='Kiarra' last='Loveless'] is a really nice, skillful forward who can play inside or out, while 5-5 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='825986' first='Reagan' last='Lorenzen'] can find open shots on the wing, playing off of everyone else. For whatever Westfield lacks in experience, they will learn throughout the season, as they play a brutal schedule that should prepare them for postseason play. That leaves us with the Carmel Greyhounds, and they will have to make up for the graduations of Kate Clarke (11.7p, 2.7r in 13 games), Emily Roper (10.5p, 7.2r, 2.9a, 2.5s), and Laura Valiente (5.3p, 3.4r, 3.6a, 2.0s). The Lady 'Hounds have a number of talented youngsters, but experience will be hit and miss, especially with a number of players dealing with injuries. Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='127238' first='Mackenzie' last='Thomas'] (11.9p, 5.4r) won't be available to begin the season, but if/when they can get her back, she'll be a welcome addition inside because of her skill and size. Wing [player_tooltip player_id='127210' first='Hannah' last='Lach'] (8.8p, 2.7r, 2.4a) is the Senior representative right now, and she is looking to have her most consistent season of her career. From there, a talented and skilled Sophomore class looks to step into key roles. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='506016' first='Mackenzie' last='Woods'] (3.2p, 2.0r) and [player_tooltip player_id='324070' first='Taryn' last='Fisher'] (2.1p) saw a little opportunity a year ago, they are both talented athletes and playmakers, and they could find starting opportunities this season. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='295812' first='Isabelle' last='Shepherd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='324065' first='Mallory' last='Bourquein'], plus 6-2 wing [player_tooltip player_id='295769' first='Lauren' last='Perry'] could get plenty of minutes from the outset, after they each had really nice grassroots seasons. They formed a dominant Junior Varsity core in 2021-2022. All five of those aforementioned ladies are 2025 prospects. The 2024 class is also responsible for providing wing [player_tooltip player_id='369825' first='Ava' last='Carter'] (3.6p), wing [player_tooltip player_id='496027' first='Jamie' last='Elliott'] (2.2), guard [player_tooltip player_id='298258' first='Keaton' last='Gatlin'], and forward Brooke Thoren. Any of them can step into critical roles as well, and Carter is a dangerous perimeter shooter.

The featured image is of Ashley Cox Ashley Cox 5'8" | CG DeKalb | 2025 State IN (2025) of DeKalb High School.