2023 Grassroots Honors: 15U

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><span style="font-size: 8pt"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='419439' first='Lillian' last='Barnes'] (2026) of Valparaiso High School.</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that the Spring &amp; Summer grassroots seasons have come to an end, I wanted to take the time to offer up a handful of awards based on how participants in 15U performed during that stretch from March of 2023 through July of 2023. As it concerns many of these awards, my decision was based on a number of criteria, from skill, ability, and basketball IQ to production and impact on their team when I was able to see them, while also taking into consideration the level of competition they were playing against. There are obviously multiple candidates for each award below, and I'm sure I missed a big performance here or there, but this is simply an attempt to honor those who I thought stood out when I had the opportunity to see them, and their teams play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">TOP 15U HONORS</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These postseason awards are an attempt at honoring girls who I thought stood out in the 15U division. Typically, there are multiple candidates for each award, and every award can be easily debatable, but I chose the individuals below based on who I thought filled the description the best. Each award is determined through different criteria, as some awards are based primarily on opinion, while others are decided with a heavy influence from success and statistical productivity when viewed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Top 15U Team:</font></strong><font size="+1"> [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Elite 3SSB</font><br>- There were some really nice teams in the 15U division throughout the Hoosier state this year, but I felt like this [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] group stood out above the rest of the group. They have as many quality wings as any team of recent memory, and they attack you with their versatility, length, and athleticism at just about every position. Among the group, I felt like Sophomore wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492326' first='Khala' last='Williams-Thomas']</strong> helped herself as much as anyone throughout the grassroots season. She is extremely long, wiry-strong, quick, fast, and bouncy. She plays with some attitude inside the paint, outplays her size, but she also is highly effective in the mid-post and has shown improved perimeter skill. She is one of the best athletes in this 2026 class in Indiana, so she has a high ceiling she can reach these next three years before college ball. Versatile wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419439' first='Lillian' last='Barnes']</strong> draws a lot of attention because of her motor and her incredibly high IQ for the game. She has tremendous vision, can put passes on a dime, and she always seems to be about one step ahead of everyone else, including her teammates. Her college list is already long and distinguished. The May addition of point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486509' first='Maya' last='Layton']</strong> made them that much deeper, especially when facing top National competition. She is so long, fluidly athletic/smooth, and she can create offense or cause havoc on defense. Having an additional ball-handler who can put pressure on opponents off the bounce, really helped alleviate Barnes and others from seeing double-teams too often. Other members of this talented [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] outfit include: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492319' first='Myah' last='Epps']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486518' first='Swynn' last='Jackson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624876' first='Camryn' last='Conley']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492316' first='Piper' last='Brumm']</strong>, <strong>Jaelyn Jones</strong> (KY), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486555' first='Lillian' last='George']</strong>, <strong>Miley Waring</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='610126' first='Rylee' last='Canaan']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Most Outstanding Player: </font></strong><font size="+1">[player_tooltip player_id='492319' first='Myah' last='Epps'], 2026, 5-10 CG, Homestead H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Elite 3SSB</font><br>- I think it's almost easier to ask what Myah didn't do this Spring &amp; Summer than list off the things she did do. She has continued to excel at developing her skillset, as she has gone from more of a small forward a year ago to a combo guard now. Offensively, she can play on the ball, run offense, create off the dribble, plus the consistency of her perimeter shooting has gone way up. She is getting through traffic and absorbing contact much better because of improved strength, and that should continue. She will still need to get a bit quicker laterally to defend true water-bugs, but overall, she has improved her defense and uses her length well. She was great each time I saw her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Best Leader: </font></strong><font size="+1">[player_tooltip player_id='486496' first='Berkeley' last='Williams'], 2026, 5-6 CG, Plainfield H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] GUAA</font><br>- Berkeley saw a great deal of opportunity at Plainfield as a Freshman, and it has helped her to continue building her understanding of the game. She is constantly involved in the action, whether that's because of her awareness, or because she plays with an outstanding motor and toughness. She is strong for her age, she isn't afraid of anything, and she plays with urgency at both ends of the floor each possession. Additionally, I feel like her handle has improved, as has her ability to deal with pressure. She also displays leadership beyond her actions by being involved vocally and creating energy for her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Biggest Stock-Riser: </font></strong><font size="+1">[player_tooltip player_id='486508' first='Mollie' last='Ernstes'], 2026, 5-10 G/W, Jennings County H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712570' first='Indiana's' last='Best'] South</font><br>- For this award in 15U, I went with someone I was already familiar with. I felt like each time I saw Mollie throughout the Spring &amp; Summer, she only got better and trumped her previous performances. She has so much length, wiry strength, and she plays with a nice pace and motor. She is tougher and more physical than her long frame might suggest, and she will get inside to finish or battle for rebounds. I was also impressed with how well she shot the ball from game to game, and with a quick release. Her ability to score at all levels, along with her ball-handling and versatility defensively, should pair nicely with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177362' first='Juliann' last='Woodard']</strong> (2024) this Winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Out-of-Nowhere Stock-Riser: </font></strong><font size="+1">[player_tooltip player_id='761106' first='Savannah' last='Walker'], 2026, 6-1 C, Homestead H.S., OPS Black-McCall</font><br>- With 15U it's typically tough to come up with a "Comeback Player of the Year", so I created this award and went with someone I had zero familiarity with before the grassroots season began. Savannah is a part of an incredibly strong 2026 class at Homestead, but oddly enough she didn't play on the school team this past season. She is extremely long, fluidly athletic, and almost smooth at her size/position. She is bouncy, runs the floor well, and has solid hands and footwork. She will need to get stronger, but she tries to play physical inside, and she keeps the ball high to finish around the basket. Additionally, she can be an intimidating presence altering shots. She has a lot of upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">ADDITIONAL 15U HONORS</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Toughest Player:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='486540' first='Whitney' last='Ankenbruck'], 2026, Homestead H.S., OPS Black-McCall<br><strong>Best Motor:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='419439' first='Lillian' last='Barnes'], 2026, Valparaiso H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Elite 3SSB<br><strong>Best Defender:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='486538' first='Trinity' last='Wilburn'], 2026, Faith Christian H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712570' first='Indiana's' last='Best'] Court Queens<br><strong>Best Athlete:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='492326' first='Khala' last='Williams-Thomas'], 2026, Fort Wayne Northrop H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Elite 3SSB<br><strong>Most Versatile:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='624879' first='Julia' last='Lashley'], 2026, Bloomington H.S. South, [program_tooltip program_id='715818' first='[program_tooltip program_id='715818' first='[program_tooltip program_id='715818' first='[program_tooltip program_id='715818' first='DistinXion' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] Champions Black<br><strong>Best Playing "Up":</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='751095' first='Lillie' last='Graves'], 2027, McCutcheon H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712570' first='Indiana's' last='Best'] Court Queens</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Additional 15U Prospects Who Also Stood Out:</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I felt like the above awards limited the number of prospects I was able to mention, so I went back through each 15U roster I have in hand and wanted to mention a player from each team who wasn't mentioned above, but who I felt stood out when I was able to see them. If someone else played better when I wasn't around, I apologize, but these are the individuals I felt needed mentioning from when I was in attendance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='567128' first='Ahniyah' last='Bennett'], 2026, Connersville H.S., Lady Gym Rats-Goss<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486535' first='Kenedi' last='Bradley'], 2026, Chesterton H.S., Illinois Lady Lightning Select<br>[player_tooltip player_id='481402' first='Maci' last='Eckerty'], 2026, Springs Valley H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='715779' first='Southern' last='Indiana Gold']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='434719' first='Eliana' last='Grubbs'], 2026, Bremen H.S., 5Star<br>Makayla Hatcher, 2026, Westfield H.S., Team Indiana<br>[player_tooltip player_id='761166' first='Taryn' last='Hill'], 2026, Goshen H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Sonic<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486505' first='Devyn' last='Johnson'], 2026, Noblesville H.S., Indiana Showcase Black BSJL<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486495' first='Olivia' last='Jones'], 2026, Pendleton Heights H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712574' first='Indy' last='Magic']-Rosko<br>[player_tooltip player_id='832671' first='Kiersten' last='Judd'], 2026, Eastern Hancock H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] UA Rise-Judd<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486530' first='Alyx' last='Kendall'], 2026, Bishop Chatard H.S., Ty Harris Elite<br>[player_tooltip player_id='761173' first='Audra' last='Kendall'], 2026, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] UA Rise-Epp<br>Alaina Maki, 2026, Bloomington H.S. South, [program_tooltip program_id='715841' first='Indiana' last='Sirens']-Flatt<br>Allison McColley, 2026, West Lafayette Harrison H.S., Hoosier Force Blue<br>[player_tooltip player_id='761180' first='Hunter' last='Mote'], 2026, Shawe Memorial H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] UA Rise-Dues<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486549' first='Ava' last='Myers'], 2026, Carroll H.S. (Fort Wayne), OPS Blue-Pontius<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1131983' first='Robyn' last='Pate'], 2026, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, Lady Gym Rats-Barnes<br>[player_tooltip player_id='492323' first='Kamri' last='Rowland'], 2026, Rensselaer Central H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716009' first='Indiana' last='Elite Supreme']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486494' first='Jayden' last='Scott'], 2026, Castle H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] UA Rise-Scott<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486477' first='Hannah' last='Stepp'], 2026, West Vigo H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='714250' first='Indiana' last='Pride'] Xtreme<br>[player_tooltip player_id='624884' first='Shaniyah' last='Stout'], 2026, Elkhart H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100']-Wright Black<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486522' first='Ava' last='Wheeler'], 2026, Borden H.S., Dana Evans Elite<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1256524' first='Nina' last='Whitehead'], 2026, North Central H.S. (Indianapolis), Garden Sparks<br>[player_tooltip player_id='750718' first='Adah' last='Hupfer'], 2027, Pendleton Heights H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712566' first='Indiana' last='Elite'] Platinum 3SSB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->