Grassroots Spring Highlights (17U)

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt'] (2025) of Lawrence North High School and [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last=''] GUAA 17U.   I don't recall ever doing a midseason rundown of highlights during the grassroots season, but I felt like there were quite a few observations worth noting this year. As usual, I am not able to see every single game of every team at every tournament, but I feel like I was able to see most teams multiple times, and on different weekends. These observations come from what I was able to see when I saw these prospects/teams play. Additionally, for the team awards, rosters must consist of at least five Indiana prospects to be eligible, and even though there are some strong non-Indiana prospects on Indiana teams, any individual awards are solely for Indiana prospects.   .   Top 17U Team:   Honestly there were two teams that immediately came to mind, and I'm not sure they have played each other, but if they did, it was likely very early (March) before they had full rosters. With that said, I feel like the [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last=''] GUAA team and the Lady Gym Rats EYBL team have stood out from the crowd in 17U. The [program_tooltip program_id='712550' first='IGB' last=''] group rosters just three Indiana prospects from the 2025 class, but four from the 2026 class and one from the 2027 class, making their performances each weekend all the more impressive. [player_tooltip player_id='486543' first='Brooklynn' last='Renn'] (2026) is a potential star for the next level, because with her combination of height and athleticism, there aren't many things she can't do. I've also been impressed with the backcourt trio of [player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt'] (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='295774' first='Gabby' last='Spink'] (2025), and [player_tooltip player_id='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman'] (2026). Most games, all three of them play well, but when someone is having an "off" game, there are two other highly skilled, able players there ready to run.   The Gym Rats have gotten strong contributions from a couple of Ohio prospects, but the Hoosiers offer plenty of production as well. [player_tooltip player_id='295781' first='Vanessa' last='Wimberly'] (2025) has been dynamic just about every time out. Whether it's breaking down a defender, knocking down an open jumper, or pick-pocketing an opponent to create transition, she has been huge for them this season. [player_tooltip player_id='295763' first='Jaylah' last='Lampley'] (2025) has always been skilled and talented, but she continues to outwork that ability and show her versatility. She has also shot it very well from outside. Younger sister [player_tooltip player_id='492321' first='Lola' last='Lampley'] (2026) is starting to look more comfortable expanding her game as well, while [player_tooltip player_id='570374' first='Ella' last='Bobe'] (2025) has been a key pickup this year for the Gym Rats as a dangerously effective perimeter shooter with a nice basketball IQ.   .   Surprise 17U Team:   I feel like the [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Platinum E40 team has entered most seasons with some intrigue and excitement, but they have struggled through their share of injuries and roster changes over the years. This time around, however, the group has played extremely hard each time out, and they are shooting the ball much better as a group. Over the last month, [player_tooltip player_id='324072' first='Kenzie' last='Garner'] (2025) has been a big addition, as she adds size and nice shooting touch from anywhere on the floor. Athletic guard [player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='Keadriah' last='Butler'] (2026) gives them an attacking style of guard who has nice size and can score against most defenders. [player_tooltip player_id='404111' first='Jacklynn' last='Hosier'] (2025) has spent more time on the ball this year than last, and I think it has helped her game come full circle, while [player_tooltip player_id='295772' first='Ava' last='Shafer'] (2025) has really stepped up over the last few weeks and brings energy to the floor. Together, they have already won three games this Spring against Indiana teams with multiple Division-I prospects, but even still, they aren't void of injury. [player_tooltip player_id='295769' first='Lauren' last='Perry'] (2025) has had her moments knocking down shots outside with range, but she has also struggled with a foot issue, while [player_tooltip player_id='324070' first='Taryn' last='Fisher'] (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='506016' first='Mackenzie' last='Woods'] (2025) have missed time with ailments as well.   .   Under.The.Radar 17U Team:   If you want a team that is just enjoyable to watch, I recommend checking out the [program_tooltip program_id='712570' first='Indiana's' last='Best'] group. There might not be a collective group of prospects who compete as hard as they do every game, and at both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='692232' first='Maddy' last='Bruce'] (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='486495' first='Olivia' last='Jones'] (2026) are everywhere and will run through walls for their teammates. They rebound well for perimeter players, defend multiple positions, and both are willing passers while also being able to score it a little themselves. 5-10 to 5-11 forwards [player_tooltip player_id='923198' first='Riley' last='Vanaman'] (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='828021' first='Ella' last='McCarter'] (2025) give them a pair of nice athletes with length, and both are capable of defending bigger players, pursuing rebounds outside of their area, plus they each have a nice inside-out offensive game. I also think [player_tooltip player_id='496043' first='Lauren' last='Bear'] (2025) gives them a "sniper" on the perimeter who can heat up very quickly. She is one of those kids who you absolutely don't want to challenge to a game of H-O-R-S-E.   .   Most Improved 2025 Prospect:   It took me deciding between about a half dozen ladies for this, but I feel like [program_tooltip program_id='714250' first='Indiana' last='Pride'] Attack's [player_tooltip player_id='366794' first='Madi' last='Allen'] (2025) has done some things much better this Spring than when I last saw her in the Fall. Throughout her career, she has transformed her game from that of a forward to a wing, now to a true guard. She can score it at all three levels, she's a nice athlete with some length, and she plays with an outstanding motor. Her versatility and work ethic are going to make a college program very happy.   .   Surprise 2025 Prospect:   Again, there were a few candidates for this title, but 5-5 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='923097' first='Olivia' last='Fry'] (2025) of the OPS-Krebs team stands out the most to me. She has been great all Spring, but there was one game earlier this Spring I often reflect upon. She is a tenacious defender, an energetic and supportive teammate who brings others up with her, but she can also make plays. She is the ideal small college setup point guard who loves to facilitate, but she also has some touch outside to keep defenses honest. She also always seems to play with a ton of heart and a competitive fire.   .   Playing "Up" & Making Noise:   Another tough choice here, so I decided to offer this to a backcourt tandem. The City Elite Supreme NE2K duo of [player_tooltip player_id='486479' first='Addison' last='Penziol'] (2026) and [player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis'] (2026) began the Spring as if they were seasoned veterans and haven't looked back. Penziol is a strong, left-handed, traditional point guard who sees the floor very well, does a nice job in transition at pushing the ball and knowing when to attack or when to initiate the offense, and she has a nice mid-range game. She is also a fierce defender on the ball and someone who just continues to impress with her understanding of the game. Davis is another strong guard, she has nice all-around size, length, and athleticism, and she is a menace offensively. She is very physical on attack, can get downhill in a hurry, and is a quick jumper and a high jumper who elevates to finish above taller/longer defenders. She actually reminds me a bit in size and scoring ability to 2023 Hobart graduate Asia Donald. Davis can change a game quickly by pouring in the points.   .   Never-Ending Motor:   There were a lot of prospects to consider for this, but in the end, I felt like [program_tooltip program_id='712566' first='Indiana' last='Elite'] Thunder's [player_tooltip player_id='295776' first='Meredith' last='Tippner'] (2025) best fit the bill. She has always been talented, skilled, and worked hard, without question. But this Spring she seems to be playing with a more intense sense of urgency, so much so that she is starting to pick up high-major Division-I offers. She has absolutely worked to put herself in a position to earn these opportunities, as she is a tireless contributor, and she works hard at both ends of the floor.

The featured image is of Kya Hurt Kya Hurt 5'7" | PG Lawrence North | 2025 State IN (2025) of Lawrence North High School and IGB UA Rise GUAA 17U.