2023 Grassroots Honors: 16U

<!-- 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='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman'] (2026) of Hamilton Southeastern 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 16U 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 16U 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 16U 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 16U Team:</font></strong><font size="+1"> <font size="+1">[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last='']</font> GUAA</font><br>- There were several really good 16U teams this year in Indiana, but this [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last=''] group stood out to me because, not only were they highly competitive, but of the 11 ladies who consistently played for them throughout the year, they rostered four 2026s and a 2027 who if they didn't start each game, played "starter's minutes". As a group, they were 11-4 overall in the GUAA, finishing near the Top-5 teams in 16U (<em>out of 32</em>). There are so many good players on this group you can talk about, but I felt like Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham']</strong> probably improved her recruiting the most this Summer. She looked leaner and more explosive, and she seemed to turn the corner in becoming a multilevel scorer instead of a perimeter shooter. She can still shoot it at an extremely high level, but I really enjoyed seeing her start to attack the rim more aggressively, while also being quicker laterally at the defensive end of the floor. Sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486543' first='Brooklynn' last='Renn']</strong> also turned some heads this Summer with her improved skillset. She is so smooth and fluid as a 6-2 athlete, but now her abilities to put it on the floor or shoot over defenses are making her a standout in her class. I'm not convinced she's finished growing either, but as she gets stronger, she will be a legitimate National prospect. I also felt like Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570374' first='Ella' last='Bobe']</strong> helped herself, especially during the Spring. There isn't a lot of familiarity with her on a statewide level, being from the Vincennes area, but she is a strong, versatile, athletic combo guard who does most things at a high level. I would expect to see her (<em>and her school team</em>) make deep playoff runs these next two high school seasons. Other members of this [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last=''] team include: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324072' first='Kenzie' last='Garner']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295793' first='Jamaya' last='Thomas']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295797' first='Kaycie' last='Warfel']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295779' first='Mylie' last='Wilkison']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506028' first='Maine' last='Hooks']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills']</strong>, and <strong>Hannah Menser</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Most Outstanding Player: </font></strong><font size="+1">[program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last=''] GUAA</font><br>- While I realize "K.K." was playing "up", in what I was able to see, she was the most consistently impactful player for her team, and it wasn't always about just scoring the basketball. She is a tremendous floor general with unique vision, passing, and ball-handling skills. She is incredibly long, still growing, and quick, fast, and athletic in all directions. She made more non-scoring plays than anyone, but she did score it too, plus she plays with poise, and she has become an excellent defender who can guard both on and off the ball. As she continues to get stronger, look for her to take off even more...if possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Best Leader: </font></strong><font size="+1">[player_tooltip player_id='295755' first='Lilly' last='Bischoff'], 2025, 5-8 PG, Center Grove H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712566' first='Indiana' last='Elite'] Prime 3SSB</font><br>- This was a tough call, because there are several really nice candidates for this spot. However, while there might be more talented prospects out there, I felt like Lilly had the pulse of her team much better than any other player in the 16U age group. She is a competitor, she communicates, and she understands situational basketball and plays with poise against pressure. Additionally, her energy raises up teammates. She can handle and run offense, she doesn't force the action, but she can also knock down an open jumper, and she will play with urgency defensively as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Biggest Stock-Riser: </font></strong><font size="+1">[player_tooltip player_id='567134' first='Joslyn' last='Bricker'], 2026, 5-8 CG, Warsaw Community H.S., OPS Black-Jordan E40</font><br>- Another youngster playing "up", Joslyn spent the Spring &amp; Summer going from relatively unknown to drawing college interest of all levels. She is a long, fluid, and smooth ballplayer who can play a number of roles. I felt like she was more of a wing or even a point forward back in the early Spring, but as the season progressed, she showed the ability to defend true guards and to play on or off the ball as an offensive guard as well. She has a solid handle, she's a very good shooter, and she plays with effort and a nice basketball IQ. Once she gets a little stronger, watch out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+1">Comeback Player of the Year: </font></strong><font size="+1">[player_tooltip player_id='295792' first='Alexis' last='Stillman'], 2025, 5-11 CF, Angola H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Stars NE2K</font><br>- The Comeback Player of the Year award tends to either go to someone who has dealt with an injury, or who essentially took a year off and returned to action. Lexi has dealt with her fair share of injuries over the last year or so, therefore it was good to see her back on the floor with this Stars team. She has tremendous length, she's getting noticeably stronger, but she can also play at all three levels. Skillfully, she is more of a wing offensively, as she can shoot it and put it on the floor. Defensively, until she regains her full explosiveness, she has defended a variety of forwards, both inside and out. Once she regains that explosion, look for her to be a full-time wing prospect once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">ADDITIONAL 16U HONORS</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Toughest Player:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='295766' first='Monique' last='Mitchell'], 2025, South Bend Washington H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Takeover E40<br><strong>Best Motor:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='295811' first='Ayla' last='Krygier'], 2025, Lake Central H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712566' first='Indiana' last='Elite'] Prime 3SSB<br><strong>Best Defender:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='295780' first='Ryiah' last='Wilson'], 2025, South Bend Washington H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Takeover E40<br><strong>Best Athlete:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='295770' first='Kira' last='Reynolds'], 2025, South Bend Washington H.S., Legends U S40<br><strong>Most Versatile:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='553157' first='Nina' last='Garner'], 2025, Munster H.S., City Elite Supreme<br><strong>Best Playing "Up":</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='567131' first='Indiah' last='Hutchinson'], 2026, Hammond Central H.S., Lady Gym Rats EYBL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Additional 16U 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 16U 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='366794' first='Madi' last='Allen'], 2025, North Decatur H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='714250' first='Indiana' last='Pride'] Xplosion<br>Naomi Barfield, 2025, Bishop Dwenger H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Suns<br>Danica Barnes, 2025, Elkhart H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Showtime<br>[player_tooltip player_id='295754' first='Addison' last='Baxter'], 2025, Columbia City H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Elite 3SSB<br>[player_tooltip player_id='570376' first='Libby' last='Blythe'], 2025, Evansville North H.S., Indiana S.W.I.S.H.<br>[player_tooltip player_id='570387' first='Leonie' last='Boyer'], 2025, Rushville Consolidated H.S., Indiana Showcase Red BSJL<br>[player_tooltip player_id='324066' first='Chaney' last='Brown'], 2025, Greenfield-Central H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712574' first='Indy' last='Magic']-Blanding E40<br>[player_tooltip player_id='495981' first='Abigayle' last='Clayton'], 2025, Hamilton Southeastern H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last=''] UA Rise-Clayton<br>Avery Elsworth, 2025, Blackhawk Christian H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Force<br>[player_tooltip player_id='692235' first='Lauren' last='Goodman'], 2025, Concordia Lutheran H.S., OPS Blue-Friend<br>[player_tooltip player_id='295800' first='Lily' last='Graves'], 2025, Franklin Central H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712566' first='Indiana' last='Elite'] Drive S40<br>Tanea Hairston, 2025, Fort Wayne Wayne H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Dream<br>[player_tooltip player_id='366799' first='Paulecia' last='Isom'], 2025, Michigan City H.S., City Elite Force<br>[player_tooltip player_id='331768' first='Anyah' last='Jordan-Turley'], 2025, University H.S., Lady Gym Rats Orange<br>[player_tooltip player_id='828063' first='Elysia' last='Laub'], 2025, Lowell H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='715993' first='NWI' last='Select']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='496055' first='Makenzie' last='Mason'], 2025, Jeffersonville H.S., Louisville Legends<br>[player_tooltip player_id='495982' first='Addisyn' last='McKee'], 2025, Linton-Stockton H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712574' first='Indy' last='Magic']-Andrus<br>[player_tooltip player_id='570372' first='Kassie' last='McMasters'], 2025, Southport H.S., West Virginia Thunder-Garrett<br>[player_tooltip player_id='295767' first='Avah' last='Montgomery'], 2025, Southridge H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='715504' first='Pocket' last='City Basketball']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='295769' first='Lauren' last='Perry'], 2025, Carmel H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Platinum<br>[player_tooltip player_id='295802' first='Ellie' last='Richardson'], 2025, Scottsburg H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='712566' first='Indiana' last='Elite'] Drive S40<br>[player_tooltip player_id='506022' first='Katy' last='Rooney'], 2025, Silver Creek H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716083' first='Indiana' last='Prospects']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='692240' first='Caroline' last='Sampson'], 2025, Zionsville Community H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='715841' first='Indiana' last='Sirens']-Pruitt<br>[player_tooltip player_id='692242' first='Emerson' last='Vlcan'], 2025, Center Grove H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='714253' first='Indiana' last='Red Storm']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='686306' first='Komari' last='Booker'], 2026, Pike H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='715826' first='Showtime' last='Academy']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='Keadriah' last='Butler'], 2026, Lawrence North H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Platinum<br>[player_tooltip player_id='486474' first='Nylah' last='Peoples'], 2026, Lawrence North H.S., Ty Harris Elite UA Rise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->