Preseason Awards: Class 1A

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486522' first='Ava' last='Wheeler'] (2026) of Borden High School.   Now that I've spent this past week previewing each of the 16 Sectionals in Class 1A, I wanted to take a look at who I think could be the better teams and individuals in Indiana throughout the 2023-2024 season. Taking some ideas from college preview magazines, below I've assembled a variety of preseason awards, preseason all-state teams, plus a preseason honorable mention section. I've given past years' performances some consideration, but the players below are listed based specifically on how I think they will perform this season.   .   TOP TEAMS IN CLASS 1A   1. Caston (20-3) 2. Lanesville (28-2) 3. Borden (17-7) 4. Jac-Cen-Del (17-12) 5. Washington Township (20-7) 6. Bethany Christian (24-4) 7. Faith Christian (21-4) 8. Trinity Lutheran (22-7) 9. Clinton Central (16-7) 10. Wood Memorial (14-11)   The Next-10 (arranged alphabetically): Bethesda Christian (12-14), Blackhawk Christian (13-11), Eminence (17-7), Marquette Catholic (14-9), Morgan Township (14-8), North Central (Farmersburg) (19-6), Rock Creek (15-7), Shawe Memorial (16-6), Springs Valley (17-8), Tri (26-2)   .   TOP CLASS 1A PRESEASON AWARDS   These preseason awards are an attempt at honoring girls who I think stand out in Class 1A. 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 each description 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 statistical merit.   Most Valuable Player: [player_tooltip player_id='177322' first='Kenzie' last='Fulks'], 2024, 5-7 G, Bethesda Christian H.S. - With regards to the MVP award, I look at how the top teams would fair without their best player on the roster. In the case of Bethesda Christian and Fulks, she is tremendously important and makes a huge impact in all facets of the game. She scores the ball at a high level from all areas of the floor, she gives them stability and confidence with her ball-handling and ball security, she can defend the best guard on opposing teams, plus she plays with a great deal of energy and toughness that teammates feed from. Last year she started her season late because of a knee injury, and the Patriots finished 12-14. I'd expect them to approach/eclipse 20 wins this season and make a strong postseason push.   Most Outstanding Player: [player_tooltip player_id='486509' first='Maya' last='Layton'], 2026, 5-8 G, Faith Christian H.S. - With regards to the MOP award, I look at who the best players/prospects are in the entire group of Class 1A kids, and factor in who I think will be the most productive. It's not often Class 1A teams are lucky enough to roster Division-I prospects, but Layton entered high school already possessing multiple offers. Despite the heavy weight of expectations placed on her shoulders, she outperformed them a season ago statistically. The next step for her and Faith Christian is to rack up postseason victories. She is long, athletic, skilled, and constantly improving. Not many opponents have the personnel to contain her, let alone shut her down, but I'd imagine she'll match up against some creative defenses this year.   Most Outstanding Freshman: [player_tooltip player_id='622340' first='Alaina' last='Diamond'], 2027, 6-2 F, Loogootee H.S. - In a Freshman class without many Class 1A standouts, Alaina would likely stand out in Class 4A as well. She has tremendous length, fluid athleticism, and her skill has continually developed throughout the years. She is actually much more comfortable away from the basket than posting up on the block. She has a nice mid-range jumper, plus she can put it on the floor and get somewhere productively. Defensively, she can sit down and defend the perimeter, she can get in gaps and pick up steals/deflections, plus she covers a lot of ground and can block shots from "help". All in all, she is one of the most talented Freshmen in all of Indiana in 2023-2024, let alone in Class 1A.   .   ADDITIONAL CLASS 1A PRESEASON AWARDS   Toughest Player: [player_tooltip player_id='338899' first='Zoe' last='Willems'], 2024, Bethany Christian H.S. Best Motor: [player_tooltip player_id='326492' first='Mariah' last='Stoltzfus'], 2024, Bethany Christian H.S. Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='331817' first='Clair' last='Klinger'], 2025, Washington Township H.S. Best Scorer: [player_tooltip player_id='177322' first='Kenzie' last='Fulks'], 2024, Bethesda Christian H.S. Best Passer: [player_tooltip player_id='486527' first='Carly' last='Davison'], 2026, Clinton Central H.S. Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='572800' first='Hannah' last='Holmes'], 2024, Northfield H.S. Best Shot-Blocker: [player_tooltip player_id='366796' first='Hannah' last='Bledsoe'], 2025, Barr-Reeve H.S. Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='486538' first='Trinity' last='Wilburn'], 2026, Faith Christian H.S. Best Athlete: [player_tooltip player_id='486538' first='Trinity' last='Wilburn'], 2026, Faith Christian H.S. Most Versatile: [player_tooltip player_id='295760' first='Hadley' last='Crosier'], 2025, Lanesville H.S.   .   CLASS 1A PRESEASON ALL-STATE TEAMS   Like the preseason awards, this was another attempt to honor girls who could stand out in Class 1A during the 2023-2024 season. These teams were selected based on equal parts talent, skill, potential, statistical accomplishments, and team accomplishments. While we can debate who should be where, I do think it's at least easy to understand why each of the players listed below were selected to be honored. Disclaimer: Freshmen were not considered for the All-State teams, only Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, however I have highlighted a few Freshmen in the Honorable Mention section.   1st Team All-State [player_tooltip player_id='177322' first='Kenzie' last='Fulks'], 2024, 5-7 G, Bethesda Christian H.S. - 14.1p, 3.4r, 2.6a, 2.9s, committed to Indiana University-South Bend [player_tooltip player_id='239357' first='Isabel' last='Scales'], 2024, 5-8 W, Caston H.S. - 16.4p, 8.2r, 3.2a, 3.3s, committed to Bethel University (IN) [player_tooltip player_id='326492' first='Mariah' last='Stoltzfus'], 2024, 5-2 G, Bethany Christian H.S. - 10.9p, 3.5r, 4.3a, 4.1s, committed to Goshen College [player_tooltip player_id='338899' first='Zoe' last='Willems'], 2024, 5-7 G, Bethany Christian H.S. - 17.1p, 8.2r, 2.6a, 3.4s, committed to Trine University [player_tooltip player_id='486509' first='Maya' last='Layton'], 2026, 5-8 G, Faith Christian H.S. - 20.4p, 8.9r, 4.8a, 4.8s, 2.6b   2nd Team All-State [player_tooltip player_id='572798' first='Kaidin' last='James'], 2024, 5-8 W, West Washington H.S. - 19.5p, 6.8r, 1.4a, 4.3s [player_tooltip player_id='455946' first='Sara' last='Parkison'], 2024, 5-10 F, Clinton Central H.S. - 16.1p, 7.5r, 1.9a, 1.1s [player_tooltip player_id='324077' first='Gracie' last='Little'], 2025, 5-7 G, Washington Township H.S. - 14.6p, 3.7r, 3.4a, 3.8s [player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis'], 2026, 5-7 G, Marquette Catholic H.S. - 18.5p, 6.0r, 1.5a, 2.9s [player_tooltip player_id='486522' first='Ava' last='Wheeler'], 2026, 5-11 F, Borden H.S. - 12.5p, 6.5r, 2.8a, 2.6s   3rd Team All-State [player_tooltip player_id='369830' first='Addyson' last='Viers'], 2024, 6-1 C, Triton H.S. - 14.9p, 10.9r, 1.1a, 2.2b [player_tooltip player_id='295760' first='Hadley' last='Crosier'], 2025, 5-9 G, Lanesville H.S. - 10.4p, 3.0r, 3.3a, 3.6s [player_tooltip player_id='331817' first='Clair' last='Klinger'], 2025, 5-5 G, Washington Township H.S. - 14.7p, 5.2r, 4.5a, 3.0s [player_tooltip player_id='567139' first='Maddie' last='Carnes'], 2026, 5-10 F Springs Valley H.S. - 14.8p, 7.1r, 1.5a, 1.6s [player_tooltip player_id='486538' first='Trinity' last='Wilburn'], 2026, 5-5 G, Faith Christian H.S. - 20.3p, 6.7r, 3.5a, 6.3s   4th Team All-State [player_tooltip player_id='572800' first='Hannah' last='Holmes'], 2024, 5-10 F, Northfield H.S. - 15.7p, 14.4r, 1.2s [player_tooltip player_id='572809' first='Julia' last='Meyer'], 2024, 5-10 W, Jac-Cen-Del H.S. - 13.1p, 6.6r, 3.5a, 2.2s [player_tooltip player_id='366796' first='Hannah' last='Bledsoe'], 2025, 6-0 F/C, Barr-Reeve H.S. - 12.2p, 11.9r, 2.8b [player_tooltip player_id='366798' first='Jalyn' last='Davidson'], 2025, 5-9 G, North Central H.S. (Farmersburg) - 17.1p, 3.3r, 5.0a, 2.6s [player_tooltip player_id='486550' first='Riley' last='Rarick'], 2026, 6-0 G/W, Borden H.S. - 9.5p, 3.9r, 4.2a   5th Team All-State [player_tooltip player_id='825863' first='Samantha' last='Redinger'], 2024, 5-7 G, Argos Community H.S. - 15.3p, 2.0r [player_tooltip player_id='570380' first='Andrea' last='Benefield'], 2025, 6-1 F/C, Westville H.S. - 12.4p, 7.0r [player_tooltip player_id='827997' first='Nevaeh' last='Sanders'], 2025, 5-8 W, Morristown H.S. - 19.8p, 3.2r, 3.2s [player_tooltip player_id='567129' first='Kelis' last='Dansby'], 2026, 5-7 G, Rock Creek Academy - 12.7p, 2.3r, 2.1a [player_tooltip player_id='486527' first='Carly' last='Davison'], 2026, 5-5 G, Clinton Central H.S. - 11.2p, 5.9r, 6.5a, 3.5s   .   Preseason Honorable Mention Alyssa Benson, 2024, Waldron H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='572795' first='Allie' last='Boyer'], 2024, Blackhawk Christian H.S. Caitlyn Brooks, 2024, Lutheran H.S. of Indianapolis [player_tooltip player_id='874116' first='Jade' last='Carnahan'], 2024, Lakewood Park Christian Academy Reagan Danford, 2024, Oregon-Davis H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='369833' first='Jenna' last='Donohoo'], 2024, Tecumseh H.S., committed to the University of Evansville for Softball [player_tooltip player_id='331783' first='Braxtyn' last='Dunham'], 2024, North Vermillion H.S. Jayla Ferguson, 2024, Bethesda Christian H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='326481' first='Liza' last='Froedge'], 2024, Trinity Lutheran H.S. Tina Geer, 2024, Evansville Christian School Sydney Goodin, 2024, Bethesda Christian H.S. Addie Gorski, 2024, Tri-Township H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='496012' first='Emily' last='Hawkins'], 2024, Loogootee H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='326478' first='Peyton' last='Honchar'], 2024, Morgan Township H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='825876' first='Natalie' last='Hubbard'], 2024, Eminence H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='625088' first='Reagan' last='Hughes'], 2024, Jac-Cen-Del H.S. Ava Kerr, 2024, Lanesville H.S. Grace King, 2024, Lutheran H.S. of Indianapolis Davelynn Lindsay, 2024, Cowan H.S. Danica Myers, 2024, Eminence H.S. Zoe Ogden, 2024, Union H.S. (Modoc) Josie Page, 2024, Wood Memorial H.S. Erika Robbins, 2024, Clinton Central H.S. Abagail Rousey, 2024, Lighthouse Christian Academy [player_tooltip player_id='923192' first='Katie' last='Sevier'], 2024, Wood Memorial H.S. Alyssa Simpson, 2024, Rising Sun H.S. Annika Smith, 2024, West Central H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='592657' first='Brianna' last='Smith'], 2024, Randolph Southern H.S. Addysen Standish, 2024, South Newton H.S. Kyah Streeval, 2024, Edinburgh H.S. Sydney Waldron, 2024, Greenwood Christian H.S. Sophia Wascher, 2024, Indiana School for the Deaf [player_tooltip player_id='572826' first='Miranda' last='Wozniak'], 2024, Tri-Township H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='874149' first='Addison' last='Zimpleman'], 2024, Caston H.S.   [player_tooltip player_id='880516' first='Shelby' last='Allen'], 2025, Lanesville H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='923137' first='Hannah' last='Arvin'], 2025, Tri-County H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='1122656' first='Elli' last='Baker'], 2025, Northfield H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='692231' first='Claire' last='Bakker'], 2025, DeMotte Christian H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='366795' first='Sophie' last='Bakker'], 2025, DeMotte Christian H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='496039' first='Kiley' last='Best'], 2025, South Decatur H.S. Kailee Bishop, 2025, West Central H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='570375' first='Kenley' last='Cornelius'], 2025, Tri H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='1218605' first='Glory' last='Ellis'], 2025, Union H.S. (Modoc) [player_tooltip player_id='570382' first='Elexus' last='Frey'], 2025, Vincennes Rivet H.S. Charlee Gibson, 2025, Blue River Valley H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='404106' first='Mary' last='Herman'], 2025, Vincennes Rivet H.S. Madison Keith, 2025, Trinity Lutheran H.S. Camryn Kuhn, 2025, Northfield H.S. Madi Lemmons, 2025, Morgan Township H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='295798' first='Mattea' last='Maggio'], 2025, Faith Christian H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='828004' first='Ava' last='McGrade'], 2025, Lakewood Park Christian Academy [player_tooltip player_id='570379' first='Alivia' last='Peoples'], 2025, Anderson Prep Academy Hannah Prickett, 2025, Fountain Central H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='570378' first='Oaklee' last='Reichard'], 2025, Union City H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='324083' first='Natalie' last='Robinson'], 2025, Marquette Catholic H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='1122802' first='Danika' last='Rutledge'], 2025, Morristown H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='570384' first='Sophia' last='Saucerman'], 2025, Eminence H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='1122822' first='Shelby' last='Seay'], 2025, North Central H.S. (Farmersburg) Samantha Secrest, 2025, North Central H.S. (Farmersburg) Jordyn Smith, 2025, Dugger Union H.S. MaKayla Somers, 2025, South Decatur H.S. Leah Stevens, 2025, Christian Academy of Indiana Elayni Stone, 2025, Shakamak H.S. Tanna Tatlock, 2025, Southwestern H.S. (Shelbyville) Lilly Thompson, 2025, West Washington H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='690125' first='Ava' last='Turner'], 2025, Shawe Memorial H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='828013' first='Sara' last='Zarse'], 2025, Tri-County H.S.   [player_tooltip player_id='761158' first='Haileigh' last='Allen'], 2026, Randolph Southern H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='567991' first='Callie' last='Alston'], 2026, Orleans H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='832676' first='Audrey' last='Barron'], 2026, Shawe Memorial H.S. Hannah Bolton, 2026, Faith Christian H.S. Aleeyah Brown, 2026, Rock Creek Academy [player_tooltip player_id='928900' first='Ava' last='Burkle'], 2026, Rossville H.S. Ivy Clapsaddle, 2026, Elkhart Christian Academy [player_tooltip player_id='1122688' first='Taylor' last='Cotham'], 2026, Tindley Accelerated H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='886356' first='Meredith' last='Deaton'], 2026, West Washington H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='481402' first='Maci' last='Eckerty'], 2026, Springs Valley H.S. Promise Edwards, 2026, Victory College Prep Arianna Flowers, 2026, Anderson Prep Academy Peyton Geer, 2026, Evansville Christian H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='1256446' first='Addisyn' last='Gothrup'], 2026, Daleville H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='486498' first='Lani' last='Graves'], 2026, Bloomfield H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='1256458' first='Bella' last='Hall'], 2026, Evansville Christian H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='797505' first='Emma' last='Hart'], 2026, Borden H.S. Claudia Herman, 2026, Vincennes Rivet H.S. Grace Luck, 2026, Tri-County H.S. A.J. Mallad, 2026, Borden H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='761180' first='Hunter' last='Mote'], 2026, Shawe Memorial H.S. Autumn Reif, 2026, North White H.S. Kenna Streeval, 2026, Edinburgh H.S. Sarah Thompson, 2026, Oregon-Davis H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='489207' first='Ellah' last='Young'], 2026, Kouts H.S.   [player_tooltip player_id='622340' first='Alaina' last='Diamond'], 2027, Loogootee H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='751101' first='Marissa' last='Pleasant'], 2027, Marquette Catholic H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='751114' first='Olivia' last='Pratcher'], 2027, Daleville H.S. [player_tooltip player_id='1137345' first='Carly' last='Stevens'], 2027, Christian Academy of Indiana [player_tooltip player_id='751103' first='Marley' last='Warren'], 2027, Trinity Lutheran H.S.

The featured image is of Ava Wheeler Ava Wheeler 5'11" | SF Borden | 2026 State IN (2026) of Borden High School.