2024-2025 Class 4A Top Teams

The featured image is of Ball State University commit [player_tooltip player_id='295782' first='Brooke' last='Winchester'] (2025) of Warsaw Community High School.   Year after year, I have always done an extensive season preview collection of articles that typically include a look at each of the 64 Sectionals in Indiana, as well as a look at the top players and top teams in each class. Last year, I got away from doing articles on the top teams, so I wanted to bring that back once again. Below is a look at how I view Class 4A before too many games have gotten underway. I have included a Top 10, along with 10 more schools to keep in mind throughout the duration of the season. It's not easy, as often there is someone who makes an unexpected run in the tournament in February, but nearly every year the State Finalists in each class have appeared somewhere on these lists.   .   THE TOP 10:   1. Lawrence Central High School (30-1 in 2023-2024) The Bears are the Defending Class 4A State Champions, they return the entirety of their starting lineup, and while they might not be the deepest team in the state, they do have the most talented "first five" to take the floor every evening. The Lampley sisters, 6-2 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='295763' first='Jaylah' last='Lampley'] (18.0p, 5.9r, 2.1s) and 6-3 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='492321' first='Lola' last='Lampley'] (10.4p, 6.0r, 2.7a, 2.2s), are both matchup problems because of their size, their high level of skill and versatility, plus their talent. Both are highly ranked nationally, and both should be considered strong Miss Basketball candidates in their respective classes. Jaylah recently made a verbal commitment to Mississippi State University, while Lola is highly sought after and a member of the prestigious USA Basketball program. 5-7 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='295753' first='Laila' last='Abdurraqib'] (11.2p, 4.1r, 3.7a, 2.3s) takes care of ball-handling duties, she's a top-tier on-ball defender, and she can bury shot after shot from the perimeter, plus she's a pin-point passer. Laila has committed to the University of New Mexico. 6-0 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='492322' first='Aniyah' last='McKenzie'] (11.4p, 6.1r) could be a star on just about any other team in the state, she plays with an incredible motor, toughness, and physicality, plus she is skilled and athletic. Even with all of her talent, her intangible qualities make her one of the best "glue" kids to come along in a while. 5-6 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='468535' first='Mariah' last='Kenter-Garrett'] (3.5p, 2.1r) came over to the East side of Indianapolis last season, after spending two years downtown at Crispus Attucks. She went from being a double-digit scorer to being one of the state's feistiest on-ball defenders. She has elite speed & quickness, and she is a blur in transition. As for depth, look for the combination of Freshmen guards [player_tooltip player_id='990043' first='LeAnah' last='Hyatt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='990166' first='Aaliyah' last='Wilson'] to get an early look in the backcourt, while Seniors Janiyah Russell (1.6p) at 5-10 and Jessica Heavener at 6-0 offer the Bears a little more size, skill, and athleticism up front. Hyatt and Wilson are athletic, shifty, and skilled guards. Lawrence Central lost one game a season ago...by one point to a Kentucky squad...and they will look to duplicate their dominance in Central Indiana once again this year.   2. Homestead High School (23-5 in 2023-2024) The Homestead Spartans might be the deepest team in the state, and their Junior & Freshman classes are incredibly talented. We will see as the season progresses, but this could be their year to rule the North once again. 5-10 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='492319' first='Myah' last='Epps'] (17.8p, 5.7r, 5.3a, 2.4s) and 5-11 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='414465' first='Gabby' last='Helsom'] (16.5p, 5.7r, 45% on 3s) lead the Spartans into action. Epps is an elite talent rising up the National rankings. She is a smooth ball-handler and creator, plus she has the versatility to play any number of roles to help her team win. She really shot it well over the Summer. Helsom is a tough-nosed, strong, high-motor forward who can use her physicality in the mid-post to affect interior play, but she also has a solid handle and a beautiful 3-point shot, with range to near 30 feet. The Junior duo of 5-9 wing [player_tooltip player_id='486540' first='Whitney' last='Ankenbruck'] (11.1p, 4.8r, 39% on 3s) and 5-9 guard [player_tooltip player_id='761179' first='Carley' last='Moellering'] (7.1p, 3.2r) each recently made commitments to NAIA power Indiana Wesleyan University. Ankenbruck is as tough as they come, she's a physical, hard-working player, but she also has nice touch outside and the ability to put it on the floor and get to the rim North/South. Moellering has had a great 15-18 months. She has grown, gotten stronger, and continued to quickly improve her skillset. She is smooth with the ball, and she can score it at all three levels. 5-5 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='923097' first='Olivia' last='Fry'] is one of the most undervalued players in the state. She always brings a ton of energy, she takes care of the basketball, gets it where it needs to go, and she is a willing & capable defender. She helps this team "go". 5-8 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='486546' first='Kendall' last='McLaughlin'], 5-9 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='751059' first='Eva' last='Scarbeary'], and 5-3 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='879921' first='Selin' last='Oezcan'] are all also talented and skilled ladies who might start somewhere else, but they create such incredible depth for Homestead. As for the Freshman class, there are several talented prospects, but 6-1 wing [player_tooltip player_id='888190' first='Suzy' last='Perego'], 5-9 guard [player_tooltip player_id='902152' first='Delaney' last='Noll'], and 5-7 guard [player_tooltip player_id='990167' first='Kenna' last='Taylor'] stand out the most. Perego is a smooth, fluid, and skilled wing, and she is a member of the Italian National Team. Noll is a highly skilled shooter who is developing into a ball-handler as well. Those two are currently Top 5 prospects in Indiana's 2028 class. Taylor is more of a point guard who can also knock down open shots, but none of the three act or play like Freshman. Homestead takes on Lawrence Central December 27th at the annual Hall of Fame Tournament in New Castle, Indiana.   3. Hamilton Southeastern High School (21-4 in 2023-2024) The Royals have won 21 games each of the last two seasons, and assuming they remain healthy, they should see that again this year. Their Sectional, Sectional #8, has historically been the best in the state from year to year, and while it's still strong this season, I feel like the gap between HSE and their opponents right now is a little wider than it has been due to significant graduation losses by their opponents in both 2023 and 2024. Indiana University commit [player_tooltip player_id='295764' first='Maya' last='Makalusky'] (26.1p, 5.6r, 41% on 3s), a 6-3 Senior wing, is back for one more run. She is an accomplished scorer with a quick trigger (and accuracy) from outside, and her height/length allow her to basically shoot over most defenders. If opponents match up with height, she can go by them with ease. She will be another player heavily involved in the Miss Basketball discussion at season's end. Additionally, however, the Royals have a nice combination of talent, skill, and accepting role players who contribute to their depth. 5-8 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='486487' first='Kennedy' last='Holman'] (11.7p, 5.3r, 7.3a, 2.3s) is a natural floor general who can create, distribute, and defend. She has also improved her perimeter shooting, making her a more versatile scoring threat in 2024-2025. 6-0 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham'] (11.9p, 4.1r, 2.9a) is another talented perimeter shooter who can play on the opposite wing of Makalusky and make help defense tough on the opposition. Stidham also has the size and strength to defend/rebound inside. The Senior class provides 5-11 forward [player_tooltip player_id='828094' first='Addison' last='Van Hoesen'] (3.4p, 3.8r), 5-10 forward Kenley Johnson (2.5p, 2.1r), 5-11 forward [player_tooltip player_id='495981' first='Abigayle' last='Clayton'], and 5-8 forward [player_tooltip player_id='506028' first='Maine' last='Hooks'], who returns from a serious knee injury. All are hustle players who screen, rebound, and defend with skill and effort. 5-6 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='906592' first='Kayla' last='Brinley'] (3.8p) and 5-5 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='486488' first='Antonette' last='Green'] (2.1p, 2.0r, 2.1a) are hard-working, skillful, experienced guards who add to their supreme upperclassmen depth. The toughest thing about playing Hamilton Southeastern is everyone working together for a common goal, and they do a nice job of playing complimentary basketball. They are also in the Hall of Fame Classic December 27th in New Castle, and they will play either Lawrence Central or Homestead that evening, depending on results from the early games.   4. Lawrence North High School (18-6 in 2023-2024) The Wildcats are another deep team with a great deal of balance and talent. They did suffer a few graduation losses, but all in all, they return most of their production. The inside-out combination of 5-7 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt'] (11.3p, 3.5r, 4.1a, 2.3s) and 6-1 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='295793' first='Jamaya' last='Thomas'] (10.0p, 3.7r) are enough to cause a problem for most opponents. Hurt, an Illinois State University commit, is a dynamic scorer who loves to use the dribble to get to the rim or create space for her shot. She's also a capable perimeter defender and can facilitate the offense. Thomas, a Northern Kentucky University commit, is a powerful, physical, hard-working interior player who loves to play through contact. From there, Lawrence North can look to 5-9 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='Keadriah' last='Butler'] (6.4p, 2.5r), who is an excellent athlete and continues to build her skillset. I would expect for her to become a double-figure scorer this season. 5-11 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston'] (6.8p, 5.1r, 2.3s) and 6-1 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='453218' first='Ashiyah' last='Teague'] (2.7p, 2.0r) bring athleticism, length, and playmaking to the frontcourt. They can play opposite each other or together when Thomas is out, providing lineup versatility. Look for 5-4 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='761183' first='Ka'Nyriah' last='Ridley'] (3.5p) and 5-9 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1038866' first='Kalea' last='Bentley'] to get an opportunity early this season as well. Ridley can handle and initiate the offense, plus she's a capable shooter when in rhythm, while Bentley played quite a bit during the June IBCA shootout and was a complimentary shooter as well who opened things up for others. Beyond those seven, maybe 5-4 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='923153' first='Ava' last='Cousin'] or a mixture of tall Freshmen can help the Wildcats. They will play a brutal schedule but be better for it come season's end.   5. Warsaw Community High School (14-8 in 2023-2024) If I heard correctly, the Warsaw Tigers led in the second half of every game last season (or nearly every game), and the return all of their production plus gain a player "back". 6-0 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='295782' first='Brooke' last='Winchester'] (15.4p, 9.5r, 2.3a, 2.0s) has made quite the transformation throughout her career. The Ball State University commit started as more of a physical, hard-working interior player, but she now has good touch outside and can come off perimeter screens hunting jump-shots. 5-8 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='567134' first='Joslyn' last='Bricker'] (16.2p, 4.1r, 3.3a, 2.1s) has really ascended in the last 12-15 months. She is a smooth shooter, but she's an even better point guard who mixes scoring with running offense and distributing well. She has earned her share of Division I offers as well. 5-8 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='403531' first='Brooke' last='Zartman'] (16.3p, 2.0r, 2.4s) is definitely a lethal shooter from the perimeter, but she has sort of become a 3-and-D kid and taken a lot of pride at the defensive end of the floor. She's a nice athlete already committed to Miami University (OH). Returning to the roster is 5-8 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='324082' first='Abbey' last='Peterson'] (8.6p, 3.0r, 2.8a in 2022-2023). She is a Ball State University Golf commit, and she took a year away from the hoop squad, but she is back and brings more backcourt skill, toughness, and a nice work ethic. The Tigers aren't terribly deep, but 5-7 guards [player_tooltip player_id='686307' first='Alexis' last='Neely'] (7.4p, 3.2r, 3.2a), a Junior, and Braylie Chastain (1.5p, 2.0r), a Senior, are incredibly hard workers who just help them win games. Look for 6-0 front-liners [player_tooltip player_id='908500' first='Cayleigh' last='Goheen'], a Sophomore, and [player_tooltip player_id='999399' first='Madison' last='Branum'], a Freshman, to get a look inside as backups and/or sidekicks to Winchester. Warsaw will cause a lot of people problems because of their ability to shoot the ball at a high level. Circle their game at Homestead on January 21st as a potential shootout with several top prospects involved.   6. Northridge High School (24-4 in 2023-2024) Northridge is what I like to call a "cookie cutter" program. They always have a collection of similarly sized, high IQ, skillful players who do a great job of executing a system for the success of the program. This year, they lean on a pair of 5-5 Senior guards for leadership. [player_tooltip player_id='331802' first='Rielyn' last='Goodwin'], a Spring Arbor University commit, is the floor general. She is strong, athletic, and can create offense for herself or her teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='324080' first='Ella' last='Mohamed'], a recent Trine University commit, is the shooter. She has carried that reputation since I can remember her playing back in 8th Grade, but she has also developed a better handle, plus she rebounds her position well. 5-2 Junior guard Macey Riegsecker (0.7p) brings a lot of energy and feistiness to the floor, while 5-8 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1228391' first='Allison' last='Ambers'] looks to join Riegsecker in earning a bigger role in 2024-2025. 5-10 Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='834963' first='Lily' last='Scholl'] (5.5p, 3.4r) is one of the Lady Raiders' best prospects, if not the best, right now. She is strong, physical, and hard-working, she has skill inside & out, and she makes winning basketball plays to help her team. 5-11 wings [player_tooltip player_id='624876' first='Camryn' last='Conley'] (6.5p), a Junior, and [player_tooltip player_id='747044' first='Reagan' last='Huss'], a Sophomore, bring length, athleticism, and versatility to both ends of the floor. Conley was especially good throughout the grassroots season. In the paint, look for 5-11 Senior Taylor Baugh and 5-11 Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1006209' first='Zoe' last='Yeater'] to make the biggest impact. Both are tough-nosed, hard-working forwards who will play bigger than they are, pursue rebounds, but also have some touch to 15-feet. The Raiders will be a team no one wants to face come February.   7. South Bend Washington High School (19-5 in 2023-2024) South Bend Washington has won 19 or more games each of the past five seasons. They look to better last year's 19-5 record and make one last deep playoff run with their talented 2025 class. Purdue University commit [player_tooltip player_id='295770' first='Kira' last='Reynolds'] (16.7p, 11.2r, 4.2a, 2.3s, 6.5b), a versatile 6-4 Senior forward, has averaged a double-double each year of her career, and this year she has a shot at 1500 points and 1150 rebounds. She can score it from all three levels, plus she is one of the best rim protectors in the state, regardless of class. 5-8 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='295780' first='Ryiah' last='Wilson'] (14.6p, 2.5r, 4.3a, 5.2s), a recent Winthrop University commit, adds to their history of athletic backcourt players who step up as elite defenders. She is one of the best guarding the ball, and she has improved each year offensively. 5-11 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='295766' first='Monique' last='Mitchell'] (13.1p, 4.6r), a University of Akron commit, does a little of everything at a high level. She is an elite run-and-jump athlete, she can sit down and defend guards and wings, even undersized forwards, she's a willing and active rebounder, plus she can fill it up outside or get to the rim and finish. Those three bring it almost every night, so the success of the Panthers could come down to bench depth. They do have some nice pieces to mix in, as well. 5-8 wing [player_tooltip player_id='892441' first='Makyla' last='McNeal'] (6.6p, 4.8r) and 5-11 post [player_tooltip player_id='324081' first='Ayanna' last='Nicholson'] (2.2p, 3.5r) are a pair of Seniors who have logged quality minutes each of the last couple of seasons. 5-8 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='834952' first='Kyra' last='Lowe'] (4.4p, 2.2r, 2.2s) showed promise last season, and she was great at times throughout the grassroots season. 5-9 Junior wing Zeya Alexander (3.6p, 3.0r) is an extremely long, fluid athlete who can sit down and defend. And 5-7 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='751127' first='Zakaela' last='Walker'] is a strong, athletic guard who can make plays off the bounce. Also look for 5-8 Senior wing Taliah Alexander (1.6p) and talented 5-10 Freshman forward Isis Robbins to add more depth to the rotation. The Panthers have enough talent to beat anyone on this list; it's just a matter of getting consistency top to bottom against the best teams they play.   8. Center Grove High School (27-2 in 2023-2024) Center Grove was one of the last four Class 4A teams standing in 2023-2024, then they said goodbye to three starters who amassed plenty of starts, points, rebounds, etc., throughout their careers. However, the Trojans will be a top team once again because they play great halfcourt defense, they take care of the basketball, and they received a nice "gift" over the Summer. 5-8 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='295755' first='Lilly' last='Bischoff'] (11.1p, 4.9r, 5.7a) returns one final time, and she is as good as they come at taking care of the basketball and getting it where it needs to go. She can make shots, sure, but she is a quality leader as well. 5-8 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='506025' first='Ava' last='Grant'] (11.6p, 3.0a, 48% on 3s) is one of the best shooters in the state, regardless of class. She has worked on her handle and ability to defend, but at the end of the day, she's a lethal perimeter sniper first and foremost. The big surprise was the arrival of 5-10 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='567130' first='Gracyn' last='Gilliard'] (25.9p, 8.0r, 2.7a, 5.9s), who transferred in after two years at Munster High School in Northwest Indiana. She is a strong, athletic playmaker who can shoot, score, or facilitate, plus she can defend multiple positions. She has Division I offers, including a recent one from a Big East school. 5-10 Freshman forward [player_tooltip player_id='999436' first='Haley' last='Wagoner'] is another newcomer who should help immediately. She plays with the poise of a veteran, she is strong for her age, and she has a balanced, versatile skillset. Looking to help in bigger roles this season are 6-2 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='692242' first='Emerson' last='Vlcan'] (1.5p), a Hanover College commit, 5-5 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486507' first='Hannah' last='Gin'], (0.9p), and 5-7 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='834961' first='MacKenzie' last='Pierce'] (0.7p). Each played in nearly every game last year, but now they look to increase their minutes and productivity. If the Trojans are to make another deep run, they'll need a concentrated team effort once again, but it's nice to know they have offensive weapons to go with their incredible team defense.   9. Plainfield High School (18-8 in 2023-2024) The Quakers are always a competitive, feisty program, and they have some nice guard talent on the roster this season. 5-8 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='751064' first='Hannah' last='Menser'] (15.2p, 3.6r, 2.7a, 2.5s) made quite the splash as a rookie, and she entered with the reputation of being an elite shooter. But she showed much more than that last year, as she can handle and create, plus she's solid defensively. 5-6 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='486496' first='Berkeley' last='Williams'] (14.8p, 4.2r, 2.2a, 2.0s) is one of the toughest, hardest working traditional point guards in the state. She will run through walls for her team, she plays with a lot of energy, she's vocal, but she also has good skill and the ability to make shots. When those two see a lot of pressure, 5-8 Senior guard Ellison Stewart (4.7p, 3.6r, 4.1a, 3.2s) is a really nice athlete who can act as a primary ball-handler. She will facilitate, defend, plus she rebounds her position well. She will likely pursue college soccer, but she's also a more-than-capable basketball prospect. 5-5 Senior guard Morgan Barnes (4.6p), 5-7 Senior wing Kendal Homan (0.6p), 5-4 Sophomore guard Bryleigh Todd (1.2p), and 5-7 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='992523' first='Abrielle' last='Dugan'] add backcourt depth. Dugan was really good during the grassroots season. Where Plainfield is lacking is in the size department. 5-9 Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='751082' first='Kara' last='Olejnik'] (2.4p) and 5-10 Junior forward Caroline Pugh (1.8p, 3.1r) have the most frontcourt experience, and while they play hard and outwork their opponents, they are about as big as it gets for Plainfield. Now, Plainfield did a great job of ball control last year and they worked to get the ball in the right people's hands, plus they caused problems for Brownsburg all season...arguably the state's tallest team. They will be a handful by February.   10. Brownsburg High School (13-12 in 2023-2024) The Bulldogs are the one team in this Top 10 who have a new coach at the helm. During the IBCA team showcase in June, the players looked like they were out to show their new coach they belonged in the lineup. 6-6 Senior post [player_tooltip player_id='295789' first='Avery' last='Gordon'] (22.0p, 9.7r, 2.1b) belongs in just about any lineup. The Purdue University commit is big, strong, physical, but also skilled. She presents an obvious size mismatch, but her ability to finish above defenders and through contact has become so much more consistent in the last year, plus she gets out and runs the floor well for a post. And if she isn't effective some nights, she's at least drawing double and triple teams, opening up teammates. From there, 5-11 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='486533' first='Elle' last='McCulloch'] (6.9p, 2.7r) is someone I fully expect to have a breakout season. She is a really nice perimeter shooter, she is a long, fluid perimeter player, and she has gotten stronger and improved her handle. Look for her to be a double-digit scorer as a Junior. 5-9 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='626934' first='Delaney' last='Steers'] (4.3p, 2.7r, 2.0a) played on the ball quite a bit during their team activities in June. She is a nice athlete and showed poise for the position. If she can consistently handle the role of lead guard, she would give them good size and versatility at the position. She has committed to Northern Illinois University for volleyball. 5-10 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='626933' first='Morgan' last='Montgomery'] (6.5p, 3.7r) is another upperclassman who looked locked in during their June play. She is a physical, athletic forward who can play inside and out comfortably. 5-9 Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1273479' first='Laniah' last='Walkine'] (2.3p) is a nice athlete who brings energy, while 5-9 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='486497' first='Kenzie' last='Touloukian'] (1.4p), 5-9 Senior wing Claire Miller (1.2p), and 5-11 Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='751299' first='Brianna' last='Brown'] (0.4p) all look for bigger roles this year. Also, 6-0 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='928873' first='Sammy' last='Clark'] got her first look at Varsity action in June and responded very well, while 5-8 Senior forward Housie Diallo and 5-6 Junior guard Aubrey Gallagher seek their first Varsity opportunities in 2024-2025.   .   Others to consider: Carmel (11-12), Fishers (17-7), Franklin Central (15-9), Gibson Southern (26-4), Lake Central (26-5), McCutcheon (21-5), Merrillville (17-9), Noblesville (18-9), Pike (12-15), Zionsville (16-7)

The featured image is of Ball State University commit Brooke Winchester Brooke Winchester 6'0" | PF Warsaw Community | 2025 State IN (2025) of Warsaw Community High School.