2025 Watchlist Spring Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that the IHSAA State Tournament has concluded, travel teams are starting up practices. Several programs will eye the annual Shamrock Classic as a starting point to their season, while others will host their own individual showcases, jamborees, etc., showcasing the different teams in their programs. Either way, as crazy as it sounds, the grassroots season is already here. Below is a look at five ladies who we feel could have a breakout Spring and really improve their stock with their play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='828060' first='Cecilia' last='Mason'], 2025, 5-7 SG, Munster H.S.</font></strong><br>- Munster is a sneaky good program in Northwest Indiana, and while it starts with their stars, kids like Cecilia get little to no publicity, even locally. She is a long, fluid athlete, she has been a dangerous shooter throughout her career, but this year she took another step and really started to handle the ball quite a bit for the Mustangs. If she can carry that growth into the Spring and become more of a point guard, her recruiting could really take off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='692559' first='Laila' last='Mathis'], 2025, 5-6 PG, Warren Central H.S.</font></strong><br>- I first saw Laila at our PGH Indiana Top-250 Showcase, and she was a standout. She is quick, fast, and explosive, and she can get by defenders and put a lot of pressure of defenses. She saw some action at Warren Central, but they had quite a bit of depth, especially a strong Senior class. Next season, she could shine for the Warriors, but this Spring look for her to stand out on the grassroots scene with her ability to really make plays in the open floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='828004' first='Ava' last='McGrade'], 2025, 5-8 SG, Lakewood Park Christian Academy</font></strong><br>- Ava has been a nice player for LPCA over the years, but this season she looked noticeably stronger and more confident. She has really nice length, fluid athleticism, and she plays with a motor. She's a capable perimeter shooter, but she's often looking to knife through defenses and get to the basket. She could stand to continue getting stronger and defending a little better, but her ability to score it in bunches at all three levels should stand out this Spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='506024' first='Sam' last='Price'], 2025, 6-2 C/PF, Westfield H.S.</font></strong><br>- Sam is one of those frontline prospects who just needed time to grow into her frame and figure it out. This Winter, she really started to show a new confidence and physicality, while also playing with nice mobility and effort. She has tremendous length, a little bounce, and some skill facing the basket. But again, for how she's built, she doesn't shy away from physicality, and their schedule at Westfield has helped prepare her to have a big Spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='570383' first='Kahlen' last='Robinson'], 2025, 5-6 CG, Bowman Leadership Academy</font></strong><br>- I have heard that Kahlen could be showing up on a more high-profile grassroots team this Spring, so if that happens, it could really help spark her recruiting interest. She is a really nice athlete with some length, she's an outstanding defender, and she is a playmaker on offense who likes to attack the basket. She still needs a little polish and to cut down on turnovers, but she can make an open shot, and I'm anxious to see her up against better players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->