2026 Watchlist Spring Breakout Candidates
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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…
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Continue ReadingNow 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.
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Olivia Berzai
Olivia
Berzai
5'11" | SF
Bishop Chatard | 2026
IN
, 2026, 5-11 SF, Bishop Chatard H.S.
– After modest numbers and limited opportunity as a Freshman, Olivia really stepped up into a leadership role for the Trojans as a Sophomore. She is a wiry-strong, fluid, versatile athlete who can play a number of roles. She can act as a point forward and create, she can score in the mid-post or at the rim, she’s a willing rebounder, and she can defend multiple positions. As she continues gaining strength, look for her jumper to add consistency.
Mykayla Mast
Mykayla
Mast
5'11" | SF
Fairfield | 2026
IN
, 2026, 5-11 SG/SF, Fairfield H.S.
– Mykayla seems to have grown each time I see her. She is extremely long and wiry, fluidly athletic, and she has some speed to her as well. She was at Westview as a Freshman but transferred into Fairfield this season. She can handle it and run offense like a point forward, but she is also an effective shooter/scorer and likes to attack the basket. She is a glider and can slice by defenders. She’s another one who should continue to improve as she gains strength.
Miley McClellan
Miley
McClellan
6'0" | SF
Columbus North | 2026
State
IN
, 2026, 6-0 SF, Columbus North H.S.
– Miley is an impressive talent who is just starting to scratch the surface. She has an athletic frame, nice length, wiry strength, and she can run, jump, and change directions well at her height. She is more of a forward right now, but she is working to make her perimeter jumper more consistent, plus she is able to step out and defend bigger guards at times. She has a high ceiling and she isn’t close yet, so she could have a big Spring.
Jordan Steele
Jordan
Steele
5'8" | SG
Highland | 2026
State
IN
, 2026, 5-8 SG, Highland H.S.
– Jordan’s sister was a 2018 Highland grad who went on to play at Eastern Illinois, and Jordan might just be better. She is a smooth lefty shooter with nice range, she is a good athlete in most directions, and she really started attacking the basket more aggressively this season. I would like to see her be a little more dynamic off the bounce, especially at 5-8, but if she can continue to be such a dangerous threat from outside, it might not matter.
Miley Wareing
Miley
Wareing
6'1" | C
Bishop Luers | 2026
IN
, 2026, 6-1 C, Bishop Luers H.S.
– Miley had a nice showing throughout the state tournament, often posting double-doubles for the Class 2A State Champion Knights. She is a big, broad-shouldered, strong, and extremely physical front-liner, but she does move reasonably well at her size. She has soft hands, some touch in the mid-post, and she will battle on the boards and defensively. If she continues to work on her explosiveness, she could be a really good one long-term.