Making Plays on Day-1 of “The Clash”

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis'] (2026) of Marquette Catholic High School and [program_tooltip program_id='715528' first='City' last='Elite'] Supreme 17U.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>April 25th has come, which means the girls' grassroots season is in full-swing, and the first "live" period is upon us. As there are any number of tournaments across the country currently taking place, many of the Indiana grassroots clubs have sent teams to The Clash in Hamilton, Ohio, at the Spooky Nook Champion Mill location. After watching roughly 15 hours of basketball all day Friday, below is a look at seven ladies who were creating opportunities for their teams and themselves with their play when I was able to see them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis'], 2026, 5-8 SG, Marquette Catholic H.S.</strong><br>- Laniah has long been a playmaker for both her Marquette Catholic school team and her [program_tooltip program_id='715528' first='City' last='Elite'] grassroots program. She is very strong, almost powerful as a guard, and she plays with a nonstop motor. She is a physical guard who likes to get downhill and finish in and around the paint. She has developed into a nice on-ball defender, plus she is an outstanding rebounder at her position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486527' first='Carly' last='Davison'], 2026, 5-5 PG, Clinton Central H.S.</strong><br>- Carly is the true definition of point guard. She has a solid handle, nice poise, plus she plays with her head up always scanning the floor looking for open teammates. She is a more-than-willing passer, but she has also proven that she can shoot/score the ball when necessary to help her team. She is a gritty defender, she's physical at the position, and she makes winning plays each time out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772792' first='Aubri' last='Ingram'], 2026, 5-8 SG/SF, Ben Davis H.S.</strong><br>- I have made note multiple times of the immense role Aubri stepped into during the 2024-2025 season, and she has continued her strong play this Spring. She has a wiry-strong, athletic frame, she is explosive off the dribble, and she likes to get downhill and finish at the rim. She has a solid handle, almost like a point forward, good vision, plus she defends and rebounds well for her position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732354' first='Vanessa' last='Rosswurm'], 2026, 5-10 SF, Norwell H.S.</strong><br>- Vanessa has put together about as good of a last 12 months as anyone in the state, steadily improving, while also proving to possess a lot of game-winning qualities. She has a tireless motor, she doesn't mind getting on the floor to make hustle plays, and she is a vocal leader. She has improved her shooting, her handle, and she has turned into an elite 3-and-D wing defender/scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486523' first='Ella' last='Williams'], 2026, 5-10 PG/SF, Washington H.S.</strong><br>- Ella is someone who I first saw when she was entering high school, and she has always oozed potential for the next level. She is starting to play consistent minutes each time out, and her productivity this Spring could help her be a breakout candidate for Washington next Winter. She is long, noticeably stronger, and she's a playmaker off the dribble. When she isn't handling it, she'll battle inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751095' first='Lillie' last='Graves'], 2027, 6-1 SF, McCutcheon H.S.</strong><br>- Arguably Indiana's top prospect in 2027, Lillie is such a tall, long, wiry, fluidly athletic wing prospect. She has a lot of point forward type of playmaker in her, and she has done a tremendous job of building her skill with the ball in her hands. She utilizes ball screens well, turns the corner, and she can finish at odd angles or find open teammates. She also continues to improve her shooting accuracy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716615' first='Elliot' last='Leffler'], 2027, 5-9 SG, Roncalli H.S.</strong><br>- I'm not sure that Elliot needs to wear her mask anymore, but it's part of her persona now, and she almost uses it to draw strength from like a superhero. She is such a strong, physical, and aggressive wing guard. She has great all-around skill, a nice feel and understanding of the game, plus she plays with a nonstop motor. She is one of the most productive Sophomores in the entire state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->