Ohio Team Preview- Lutheran East

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2023, the team finished with a 13-9 record highlighted by notable wins over Norton, Rootstown and Toledo Christian. The team last year was full of younger talent, who are now upperclassman players. This should help grow the team and the future players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='999592' first='Dakota' last='Porter'] and Janae “Smiley” Smith are both expected to be key factors according to the coach. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='999592' first='Dakota' last='Porter'], 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A guard who returns as their main offensive threat, and plays well on both ends of the floor. Great at penetrating and scoring in the paint, strong at the rim. Her defense is stellar with good quickness and she is active enabling her to contribute on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='957855' first='Janae' last='Smith'], 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They call her "smiley" and she is able to control the game at both ends of the floor equally. She has a great first step allowing her to contribute well around the rim. She can beat you in a variety of ways. Count on her to make a huge impact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chineyenwa&nbsp;Ibekwe, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Such a strong physical post, count on her to be a major contributor anywhere around the paint. She has good speed and can play the uptempo style of game with the best posts players around. She is a rim-runner and is able to play in all phases of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>More Names to Know</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maliona Martin, 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is capable to handling her game both inside or out, and she is prolific on the boards. Can knock down the long range shot and does a good job running the floor in transition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordynn Jackson, 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordynn plays the game with a high motor and leaves it on the court. Good on the boards and can defend the paint against the taller posts. Solid defender which will be a huge asset to her team this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Danaija Woodard, 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest things she will contribute with is her experience and her overall skillset. She can score from all three aspects of the game, which will be a huge part in the success of the team this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player With Breakout Potential </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ja'Tayvea&nbsp;Caldwell, 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her skill level for an incoming freshman is at a very good level. Nice touch from the midrange and can take it downhill and finish at the rim. Able to defend anyone on the floor, and even with her 5'10 frame, will do a nice job with the taller opponents. Great vision and can find the right player to score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Underclassmen To Keep an Eye On</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aiyanna Smiley, 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Has the frame to defend any position on the court and plays the game with a high motor. Good athletic on-ball defender and can contribute on the offensive end in a variety of ways. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Schedule/Games to Circle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warrensville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brush</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Vincent St Mary's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->