Hoosier Hotbeds: Honorable Mention

Over the years, we've taken the time to look at how different counties from Hoosierland stack up against each other. This year, we're back at it, but we're having more of a countdown spread over a few articles, instead of one article highlighting just a few prospects. We will begin by taking a quick look at eight counties who were close to making our Top 10, pointing out a handful of key prospects from each of those counties. We will reveal the Top 10 list one by one throughout the weekend and early next week. Disclaimer: we specifically used the classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027 to determine the strength of each county, since the 2028 class has yet to play a high school game.   .   Delaware County   Located just Northeast of Indianapolis, Delaware County includes the city of Muncie and is currently home to eight IHSAA member schools. Making her initial appearance in a Wapahani uniform this year after spending three seasons elsewhere, 6-3 Senior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='295783' first='Kimber' last='Abshear'] (11.5p, 7.7r, 2.2a, 2.1s, 3.2b) headlines the Delaware County prospects. She is a long, fluidly athletic forward who can play in the mid-post or along the baseline effectively, plus she can occasionally step outside the 3-point line. She has already committed to Division-I Oakland University in Michigan. Also standing out in Delaware County are a trio of Juniors in 5-9 forward [player_tooltip player_id='832654' first='Jillian' last='Barr'] (15.3p, 10.2r, 3.8s, 3.3b) of Delta, 5-9 forward [player_tooltip player_id='486126' first='Lilly' last='Sylvester'] (14.5p, 7.0r) of Yorktown, and 5-6 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1256446' first='Addisyn' last='Gothrup'] (12.6p, 2.2r) of Daleville. Barr and Sylvester are nice mid-post forwards with a nose for the ball, plus they can also defend and play around the perimeter, while Gothrup is the primary ball-handler for the Broncos, as she is asked to do a lot, leading a rather young nucleus into action. Also look for Wapahani Junior twins [player_tooltip player_id='1131972' first='Megan' last='Luce'] (9.6p, 3.8r, 2.1a) and [player_tooltip player_id='1131968' first='Emily' last='Luce'] (8.8p, 3.2r, 2.6a, 2.7s) to have big years for the Lady Raiders.   .   Harrison County   Home to back-to-back Class 1A State Champion Lanesville and 2023 Class 3A State Runner-Up Corydon Central, Harrison County only hosts four IHSAA member schools, but there is quite a bit of talent currently in the county. Lanesville will still be a force to reckon with in 2024-2025, although they have moved to Class 2A. 5-9 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='295760' first='Hadley' last='Crosier'] (15.4p, 4.6r, 4.0a, 4.0s) plus 6-3 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='880516' first='Shelby' last='Allen'] (12.5p, 6.8r) pose a major problem for opponents as a formidable inside-out duo. Crosier is a selfless creator first, but she can also score it from all three levels, while Allen is a traditional back-to-the-basket "big" who operates in and around the paint. Crosier is committed to Division-II Maryville University in St. Louis. 5-5 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='324096' first='Josie' last='Vaughn'] (14.8p, 3.4r, 3.5a, 3.0s) leads Corydon Central into action. She is quick/fast and dynamic off the dribble. She is a playmaker in every sense of the word, but she can also shoot/score it herself. 5-11 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='665452' first='Grace' last='Goldman'] (11.6p, 6.6r, 2.0a) has the Lady Cats of North Harrison headed in the right direction, while Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='886428' first='Gracelynn' last='Bartoszek'] and Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='743640' first='Hailey' last='Conder'] have brought excitement to South Central with their backcourt play.   .   Johnson County   Johnson County has really grown over the past 20 years, and it is home to seven IHSAA member schools plus the city of Greenwood. Center Grove and Franklin have battled for county supremacy the last few years, and Center Grove found themselves in the Class 4A Final Four back in February. While the Trojans graduated quite a bit, they do return an experienced backcourt with 5-8 Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='295755' first='Lilly' last='Bischoff'] (11.1p, 4.9r, 5.7a) and [player_tooltip player_id='506025' first='Ava' last='Grant'] (11.6p, 3.0a). Bischoff has proven to be one of the most poised, traditional floor generals in the class, while Grant is one of the state's best perimeter shooters. Additionally, Center Grove has gained 5-10 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='567130' first='Gracyn' last='Gilliard'] (25.9p, 8.0r, 2.7a, 5.9s), following two outstanding seasons at Munster H.S. She is a strong, athletic playmaker, who can play any of three positions. The Grizzly Cubs of Franklin saw a talented 2024 class graduate, so they'll be going through a youth movement, but 5-8 Senior wing Aubrey Runyon (6.2p, 2.1r) will be counted on to step up and lead early on. Indian Creek also suffered major graduation losses, but 5-7 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='506021' first='Ayla' last='Lollar'] (11.0p, 2.8a, 2.6s) does return with great experience. She can shoot/score the ball, or she can slide over and run offense as well. 5-11 Junior forward Sophia Dyer (10.4p, 6.3r) is one of the better front-liners in the county, and she tops the list of Whiteland's four returning starters. She has nice length, a wiry-strong frame, plus skill in the mid-post facing the basket.   .   Knox County   Knox County might be home to only four schools, but North Knox and South Knox shared the top spot in Class 2A throughout the 2023-2024 season and return nearly everyone, while Vincennes Rivet and Vincennes Lincoln have flexed their muscles with highly successful teams over the years as well. 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='420275' first='Lexi' last='Primus'] (13.0p, 3.5r, 2.4s) of North Knox is an athletic guard who can handle, create, or knock down shots from the outside. Fellow 5-8 wing [player_tooltip player_id='295765' first='Alex' last='McKinley'] (12.5p, 3.5r, 2.1s) is now a Senior for North Knox, and she adds athleticism, experience, plus versatility and toughness. South Knox leans on 5-9 guard [player_tooltip player_id='570374' first='Ella' last='Bobe'] (19.1p, 4.8r, 4.3a, 2.1s) and 5-11 forward [player_tooltip player_id='626932' first='Bren' last='Hill'] (8.2p, 7.3r, 3.2a, 2.5s), both Seniors. Bobe does just about everything as a strong combo guard, including burying shots from range, while Hill is a long, bouncy athlete who can play outside or in the mid-post with her versatility. Then there is 6-3 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='404106' first='Mary' last='Herman'] (11.1p, 6.8r) of Vincennes Rivet. She brings obvious size to the frontcourt, but she also has touch at 15-feet and is a versatile defender. 5-7 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='570382' first='Elexus' last='Frey'] is an athletic, versatile backcourt compliment to Herman for Rivet.   .   Kosciusko County   Located in North Central Indiana, Kosciusko County is home to the city of Warsaw plus Lake Wawasee...Indiana's largest natural lake. There are just four schools spread throughout this county, but they always see talent come through. Warsaw High School is primed for a big year, and they boast great depth. 6-0 forward [player_tooltip player_id='295782' first='Brooke' last='Winchester'] (15.4p, 9.5r, 2.3a, 2.0s), a 2024 Junior All-Star and Ball State University commit, has become a much better perimeter shooter, to go along with her physicality, rebounding, and interior play. 5-8 Junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='567134' first='Joslyn' last='Bricker'] (16.2p, 4.1r, 3.3a, 2.1s) and [player_tooltip player_id='403531' first='Brooke' last='Zartman'] (16.3p, 2.0r, 2.4s) each had outstanding Summers and have both picked up multiple Division-I offers. Bricker is a smooth and fluid point guard who can shoot/score it, while Zartman is a talented perimeter shooter but also becoming a problem at the defensive end of the floor. 5-7 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='923155' first='Mackenzie' last='Hackleman'] (11.3p, 4.5r, 2.2a, 4.0s) leads Wawasee into action. She is a nice, physical athlete who plays with an outstanding motor. Tippecanoe Valley is typically strong but graduated a lot of production in 2024. However, Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='928922' first='Gaby' last='Gonzalez'] (6.8p, 2.2r, 2.3a, 2.8s) is a high-motor playmaker who creates problems for opponents at both ends of the floor. Add to that mix Senior guard Katie Reimink (11.0p, 4.8r, 3.0a, 4.3s) of Lakeland Christian, and the county will once again be strong in 2024-2025.   .   LaPorte County   LaPorte County is probably a little bigger than people think, home to seven IHSAA member schools, as well as the cities of LaPorte and Michigan City. There is a lot of talent spread throughout the county as well. Marquette Catholic is fresh off of a Class 1A State Finals appearance, and the combination of 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis'] (19.9p, 6.3r, 2.6a, 3.2s) and 5-11 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='324083' first='Natalie' last='Robinson'] (7.0p, 6.1r, 2.7s) bring options and versatility to the lineup. Davis is a strong, physical guard who has always scored the ball at a high level. Robinson is a nice, long athlete who can play inside or out. 6-1 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='570380' first='Andrea' last='Benefield'] of Westville has double-double potential each time out, and colleges are just starting to learn about her. She is extremely long, bouncy, and skilled at all three levels. 5-3 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='366799' first='Paulecia' last='Isom'] of Michigan City is another dynamic guard who can score it in bunches. She is little, quick, and extremely explosive at both ends of the floor. 5-8 Senior Jayde Pryor (14.8p, 7.6r, 3.7s) of Tri-Township had a standout Junior season and looks to duplicate that in 2024-2025. She is a talented 3-sport star, and a nice mid-post to perimeter forward. Then there is 5-8 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='832674' first='Samantha' last='Marks'] (8.3p, 5.1r, 2.0s) of South Central High School in Union Mills. She is the next in a line of sisters to lead the Satellites, and she plays with athleticism, versatility, and skill.   .   Madison County   Madison County has almost become a suburb of Indianapolis now, considering the growth of the state's largest city. Madison County is home to the city of Anderson and the town of Pendleton, among others. There are eight schools located in the county lines, while Madison-Grant High School is located just inside Grant County but draws kids from each county. This season, there are a number of talented individuals representing this area. 6-0 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='486521' first='Laniah' last='Wills'] (19.3p, 12.8r, 2.0s) of Lapel is probably the most talented individual in the county, and her athleticism and motor have helped the Bulldogs to 45 wins, plus a State Finals appearance, over the past two seasons. She has a number of Division-I offers already. Pendleton Heights is the most talented team in the county, and they boast three players who can each be stars on different nights. 6-3 Sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id='750718' first='Adah' last='Hupfer'] (10.6p, 11.3r) is a problem inside and already has Division-I offers/interest, but she also has skill facing the basket to the perimeter. 5-9 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='295797' first='Kaycie' last='Warfel'] (25.2p, 5.8r, 2.0a, 5.6s) is a talented athlete on the perimeter who scores it at a high level. She has already committed to Taylor University. 5-8 wing [player_tooltip player_id='486495' first='Olivia' last='Jones'] (9.1p, 4.8r, 2.4a, 2.4s) is another nice athlete, but she is all motor and energy, and she consistently makes winning plays. Throw into that county mix 5-8 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='404111' first='Jacklynn' last='Hosier'] (24.4p, 6.2r, 4.4a, 5.7s) of Alexandria-Monroe, and you have another elite scorer with speed and a nonstop motor. She has already committed to the University of Vermont. 5-11 Senior front-liner [player_tooltip player_id='570379' first='Alivia' last='Peoples'] (12.1p, 9.5r, 2.9s) of Anderson Prep offers a little size, nice athleticism, plus some face-up skill in the mid-post.   .   Porter County   Porter County is another Northwestern Indiana county, home to the city of Valparaiso, the towns of Chesterton and Portage, plus Indiana Dunes National Park. There are nine schools that reside in Porter County and plenty of talent to go around. The best of the bunch right now is 5-11 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='419439' first='Lillian' last='Barnes'] (17.0p, 6.6r, 5.4a, 4.4s) of Valparaiso. The highly regarded Division-I prospect draws double teams on a nightly basis because of her tremendous skillset and playmaking ability. 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486512' first='Cadynce' last='Clark'] (8.7p, 2.3r) continues to improve and offers some relief to Barnes at Valparaiso. Clark is a nice perimeter shooter who can play some point guard as well. Chesterton has a pair of Juniors who have also received some Division-I interest in 6-1 forward [player_tooltip player_id='624858' first='Tenley' last='Davis'] (15.7p, 9.0r, 2.0s) and 5-8 guard [player_tooltip player_id='486535' first='Kenedi' last='Bradley'] (14.8p, 3.6r, 3.9a, 3.9s). Davis is a long, bouncy front-liner who can affect the game inside of 15-feet, while Bradley is a fast and explosive playmaker around the perimeter. A third duo who should have a strong season are the Senior backcourt pair of [player_tooltip player_id='331817' first='Clair' last='Klinger'] (14.7p, 5.2r, 4.5a, 3.0s) and [player_tooltip player_id='324077' first='Gracie' last='Little'] (13.3p, 2.8r, 2.8a, 3.1s) of Washington Township. Klinger, a 5-5 guard, is a talented perimeter shooter with a competitive motor and versatile skill. She has already committed to Marian University Ancilla. Little, a 5-7 guard, is a long, fluid playmaker who can also shoot it or create off the bounce. Two years ago, they made it to the Class 1A Semi-State round, and they look to repeat that run as Seniors.

Over the years, we've taken the time to look at how different counties from Hoosierland stack up against each other. This year, we're back at it, but we're having more of a countdown spread over a few articles, instead of one article highlighting just a few prospects. We will begin by taking a quick look at eight counties who were close to making our Top 10, pointing out a handful of key prospects from each of those counties. We will reveal the Top 10 list one by one throughout the weekend and early next week. Disclaimer: we specifically used the classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027 to determine the strength of each county, since the 2028 class has yet to play a high school game.