Class 1A Preseason Top 10

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='999408' first='Hillary' last='Labis'] (2028) from Westville High School.   As we continue to prepare for the 2025-2026 season, I wanted to circle back after previewing all 16 of the Class 1A sectionals and offer my thoughts on who I think could be the Top 10 teams throughout the class over the course of the season. These are just simple predictions based on a combination of program history, returning talent, and prospects who might be entering the fold for the first time this year, offering them a nice boost to their rosters.   .   1. Borden (23-5, State Champs in 2024-2025) The Borden Lady Braves were the team to beat in Class 1A during the 2024-2025 season, and they very well could maintain that role this year, as they did not graduate any of their core players. They are well-coached, they work well together, and they shoot the ball from multiple positions. However, 5-11 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='486522' first='Ava' last='Wheeler'] (16.6p, 6.4r, 3.9a, 3.0s, 1.0b) was injured in March and her availability could be limited early, plus she'll need time to get back to where she was as a Division I prospect. When healthy, however, she is a real problem for opponents at the Class 1A level. She can act as a point forward and create offense, plus she's a capable scorer and active rebounder herself. 6-0 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='486550' first='Riley' last='Rarick'] (8.5p, 4.4r, 4.7a, 1.7s, 1.0b) is another matchup problem because of her height and length. She is a skillful point forward who manages the offense well and gets the ball to teammates on time/on target. She has improved her shooting/scoring as well. 5-6 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486552' first='A.J.' last='Mallad'] (9.7p, 3.6r, 2.3a, 2.0s) gives the Lady Braves a legitimate third scoring option. She is a skilled perimeter shooter with range, she can handle it and run offense as well, plus she competes at a high level. Joining those three in the lineup are 5-10 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='797505' first='Emma' last='Hart'] (6.7p, 8.0r, 2.5a, 1.5s) and 5-7 Senior wing McKenna Mullen (8.5p, 3.0r). They are tough-nosed, hard-working kids who defend with effort and versatility, plus they are willing to get on the floor. They are sort of the "glue" that holds everything together if/when they have any tough times. 5-7 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='973276' first='Saylor' last='Schleicher'] (3.7p, 1.8r) got plenty of experience as a rookie and could see a bigger role this year. She has a lot of potential as a scorer. If the Lady Braves continue to play together, share the ball, and attack the season with the common cause of repeating, they could be even tougher this year.   2. Marquette Catholic (23-5, Regional Champs in 2024-2025) Over the past nine seasons, the Blazers of Marquette Catholic have been to 5 Semi-States, 3 State Finals, and have won 2 State Championships. Guess what...they are wanting to get back, and falling just one game short last year (an overtime loss nonetheless) only makes them hungrier. They did graduate a lot of their size, rebounding, and interior defense, however, they return their top three scorers from a season ago. 5-8 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='486528' first='Laniah' last='Davis'] (19.4p, 8.3r, 2.9a, 3.4s) is a handful for opposing coaches to prepare for, because she can score the ball at will when on attack. She has a nice mid-range game, and her ability to absorb contact and finish inside is next level, let alone the fact she is a talented rebounder for a guard. 5-6 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='751101' first='Marissa' last='Pleasant'] (8.0p, 2.3r, 1.9a, 1.4s) enters her third year of Varsity action, and she has been a postseason star for them at times. She brings a scorer's mentality, but she can also create and distribute if necessary. 5-5 Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='486479' first='Addison' last='Penziol'] (6.6p, 2.3r, 1.7a, 1.7s) was a great addition after transferring in last season, and she brings more of a natural floor general's game. She can push in transition, get the offense started, but she has a nice pull-up game as well and is a technical defender. 5-11 Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='751113' first='Olivia' last='Hazzard'] (1.1p, 1.5r) will need to take on a much bigger role inside of the arc, especially considering the 2025 graduation losses, while 5-9 Sophomore wing Aggie Pezzuto (1.5p, 1.2r) also strives for more opportunity and can definitely utilize her early experience. Following a strong June with the Blazers, I would anticipate Freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='1219778' first='Loyalty' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1219780' first='Allison' last='Zolvinski'] will get their chances as well. Scott is a 5-6 point guard, while Zolvinski is a crafty 5-7 shooter. The Blazers have plenty of quality perimeter depth, but how will they defend the paint?   3. Westville (21-3 in 2024-2025) Speaking of interior play, Westville graduated one of the best Class 1A frontline players in Northern Indiana. Still, they should be strong once again, putting their hopes in their backcourt in competing with Marquette Catholic for the Sectional #49 crown. The brightest of spots for the Blackhawks is 5-10 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='999408' first='Hillary' last='Labis'] (20.9p, 8.3r, 2.3a, 2.5s, 1.7b), who is coming off of an incredible rookie season. She has length, skill, and physical talent. She can initiate the offense or create for herself and teammates, plus she has some touch outside. She is a legitimate star in the 2028 class. 5-7 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1137316' first='Ava' last='Fenters'] (7.6p, 3.6r, 4.1a 3.7s) was more than solid last season, and this year she could add some scoring to her ability to initiate the offense. She is tough-nosed, strong at her size, and she competes each possession. She started to make a name for herself throughout the Spring & Summer in front of small college programs. After those two, there are several unknowns, however, 5-10 Senior forward Kierstin Vargas (5.6p, 5.8r, 1.6a, 1.9s) could take another step forward and be the go-to inside. She is a solid defender and rebounder, but she could pursue double-double type numbers each time they take the floor. Additionally, while 5-7 Senior guard Ella Fortune (1.5p, 1.5r) might not have the stats of Labis or Fenters, she does bring veteran leadership qualities, and she can lean on her experience to help contribute more for the Blackhawks this Winter. The biggest hill for this team to climb will be finding that third and fourth scorer and filling in depth around Labis and Fenters. However, those two could be enough most nights. The Blackhawks are in search of their first-ever Sectional Championship.   4. Lafayette Central Catholic (25-5, State Runners-Up in 2024-2025) Year after year, the Lady Knights are always in the conversation. Over the past 19 years, splitting time between Class 1A and Class 2A, they have won 18 Sectional titles, 8 Regional titles, 5 Semi-State titles, and 2 Class 1A State titles (2006, 2015), and a Class 2A State title (2016). Despite a runner-up finish in March and the graduation losses of three key starters, rest assured they will be in the hunt once again. This time around, the Lady Knights will likely look to 5-8 Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='730754' first='Casey' last='Schuessler'] (10.6p, 3.2r, 1.4a, 2.4s) for leadership. She is a scrapper who does a little of everything to help her team, from score the ball, to defend, and she'll even handle it from time to time. She put together a really nice Summer and can be a sneaky scorer at times. 5-11 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1264854' first='Brooke' last='Thompson'] (9.8p, 3.8r, 1.9a, 1.7s, 1.8b) saw a lot of playing time as a rookie, and she could quickly turn into the team's leading scorer and offensive focal point in 2025-2026. She is extremely long, fluidly athletic, and she has the ability to makes shots from all three levels. She has gotten a bit more physical, so look for her to add to her rebounding and defensive averages this year. From there, experience is thin. 5-5 Senior wing Lyla Gosnell (1.4p) and 5-9 Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1229679' first='Kylie' last='Schuessler'] (1.1p, 1.4r) each saw action in 20 or more games. Both should expect a major uptick in opportunity. Also, 5-3 Junior point guard Lauren Potts (1.4p in 11 games) is a quick little water-bug who can be feisty on defense, but more importantly, she can be a primary ball-handler and help the Lady Knights get into their offense. Knowing Central Catholic, they've typically played a short bench, and they seem to have a "next lady up" mentality, so I fully expect newbies to step into key roles and help them approach 20 wins once again.   5. Elkhart Christian (21-6, Regional Champs in 2024-2025) Elkhart Christian made quite the splash a season ago, winning their first Sectional title and Regional title in school history, and they did so behind a roster of mostly 2026s and 2028s. With six of their top seven players returning, including three double-digit scorers, look for the Eagles to be a top Class 1A team in all of Northern Indiana. 5-7 Senior guard Ivy Clapsaddle (12.9p, 3.8r, 1.7a, 2.4s) is the top veteran of the group, and after winning 17 total games her first two years, she had to be thrilled to welcome this 2028 class and accomplish things the program had never seen last season. Now, she should be able to find open shots with teammates taking pressure off of her. 5-3 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1203491' first='Lily' last='Maxwell'] (12.5p, 3.3r, 1.4a, 3.4s) and 5-5 Sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1225067' first='Kyla' last='Yordy'] (10.5p, 5.0r, 4.3a, 4.2s) form a tough-to-beat duo that can handle the ball, score it from all over the court, and even find time to get after you defensively. Look for the pair to take another big step towards being a force in the North. While the overall roster doesn't possess much size, 5-6 Senior forward Sydni Haviland (5.7p, 7.7r, 1.4s) and 5-5 Senior wing Justine Yordy (4.0p, 3.3r, 1.2a, 2.5s) do provide an element of rebounding and defense for the Eagles, despite not having much size themselves. If Elkhart Christian can add any depth and figure out how to defend size, watch out!   6. Oldenburg Academy (21-5, Sectional Champs in 2024-2025) Following an outstanding 2024-2025 season, the Oldenburg Academy looks to follow that up with an even better 2025-2026. 5-5 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='899127' first='Gina' last='Grote'] (14.1p, 3.8r, 4.2a, 3.6s) is still a bit under the radar, but she is a dynamic playmaker who can create for herself and teammates, plus she can score it at each level, and she is a feisty, crafty defender. I expect her to take another leap and become a standout for the Twisters this year. Grote should draw from the experience both 5-7 Junior guard Claire Niese and Sophomore guard Aubrey Baker picked up a season ago. They should both be improved and more impactful this time around. Up front, the Twisters have a mismatch problem in 6-0 Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='761188' first='Rachel' last='Suttmann'] (10.8p, 6.9r, 2.1a, 2.1s, 1.8b). She plays with size and strength inside, but she also has touch around the perimeter and can stretch the defense, plus she has the ability to put the ball on the floor. Joining Suttmann in the frontcourt are 5-9 Senior forward Norah Haverkos and 6-0 Junior forward Ali Nobbe. Obviously, they have size and the ability to play inside, so being able to get the ball to them and limiting turnovers will be key. Following a dominant run through Sectional #60 last season, the Twisters will look to advance beyond the Regional round in 2025-2026.   7. Fremont (20-7, Sectional Champs in 2024-2025) The Fremont Eagles will be seeking their third consecutive Sectional title in 2025-2026. With their top two scorers and three of their top four players returning, they should begin the year as the Sectional #52 favorites. Leading the way are now-Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='751063' first='Grace' last='Scharlach'] (14.9p, 4.4r, 2.6a, 2.8s) and [player_tooltip player_id='751110' first='Mya' last='Turner'] (12.1p, 5.1r, 1.6a, 2.7s). Scharlach is a dynamic 5-5 combo guard who plays with a great deal of speed, quickness, and competitive spirit. She can create offense for teammates, she can pour in 30 points herself on any given night, plus she is a feisty defender. Turner is a 5-8 wing who had a really nice Spring. She looks stronger and more confident, plus she has continued to build her skillset. Depth could certainly be a problem for the Eagles, but Senior guard Hailey Heller (4.5p, 2.4r, 2.0a, 1.1s) has starting experience and should see an even bigger role this season, while 5-8 Junior wing Mallorie Hufnagle (2.1p, 1.3r, 1.1a) saw critical rotation minutes a year ago and could be relied upon as a starter now. Beyond those four, all options are on the table. Scharlach and Turner should be enough on most nights, but to beat the best, they'll need help from others.   8. Wood Memorial (14-9 in 2024-2025) Despite changing coaches last season for the first time in more than a quarter century, the Trojans have a history of success, including a 2017 State Championship. Last season, Wood Memorial spent last year adjusting to a new coach, while also seeing several players step into new roles. Now, they are the experienced group in Sectional #64, and they could sneak up on people this postseason. At the top of the list for the Lady Trojans is 5-7 Senior guard Bailey Schoonover (12.6p, 5.0r, 1.4a, 1.9s). She can do a little of everything, from handle the ball, to score it at each level, to rebound and defend. She is a really nice small college prospect who is still flying way under the radar; however, she is a really nice multisport kid as well. She will likely get backcourt help first from 5-6 Senior guard Macy Bigham and 5-5 Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='751042' first='Berkleigh' last='Collins']. Each has significant experience, they can handle the ball and run offense, and they give good effort at both ends of the floor. Adding to the mix of returnees is 5-9 Junior forward Addy Phillips, who will be counted on for rebounding and interior defense, while also being able to play out on the floor some as well. She might now overwhelm you with height, but she has the ability to more than affect the game inside-out. I fully expect Wood Memorial to be that team who quietly makes their way through the season, surprising opponent after opponent.   9. Kouts (12-10 in 2024-2025) Maybe my biggest wildcard, and a surprise team to watch out for this year could be the Kouts Fillies. After going through a youth movement with a strong 2027 class taking the lead the last two seasons, they finally have a nice group of experienced players who possess skill and talent alike. 5-4 Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1137299' first='Bella' last='Birky'] (10.5p, 3.7r, 2.3a, 3.0s) and 5-7 Senior sharp-shooter [player_tooltip player_id='489207' first='Ellah' last='Young'] (5.7p, 2.4r, 1.3a, 1.2s) are each in their third year starting. Birky is a crafty, heady guard who can create for herself and teammates, while Young is a nice athlete who can get into hot-shooting rhythms. 5-11 Junior forward Ellie Nemeth (9.8p, 9.1r, 1.1a, 1.6s) and 6-1 Junior post [player_tooltip player_id='1137353' first='Elizabeth' last='VanKley'] (7.8p, 9.4r, 1.4s, 2.4b) offer Kouts experienced size, and both ladies hit the boards hard at the defensive end of the floor. 5-6 Junior guard Alyssa Twedt (3.5p, 2.7r, 1.5a, 1.6s) has also played some critical minutes in the past and looks to contribute more this year. But as is often the case each year in Class 1A, a Freshman can turn the tables for a program and help them take that big leap into the Top 10. That Freshman this year could very well be 5-10 wing [player_tooltip player_id='1147726' first='Avery' last='Elijah']. She is a skillful player who can fill it up offensively, she can create for herself and teammates off the bounce, plus she has the versatility to play multiple positions. Look for her to potentially lead them in scoring as a rookie. If the veterans are accepting of their young star, they could be a team who makes that turn for the better and wins 20+ games in 2025-2026.   10. Tri (16-8 in 2024-2025) Since the 2018-2019 season, the Tri High Titans have been one of the more successful Class 1A teams in the state, posting winning records and losing just single-digit games each year. 2025-2026 shouldn't be much different for the Titans, as they have a nice Senior nucleus to begin with. They return a talented scorer in 5-7 Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1131939' first='Jillian' last='Chew'] (14.5p, 4.3r, 4.8a, 4.8s). She does it all for the Titans, from make big shots, to create and distribute, to lead the defensive charge as well. I have been impressed with her ability to get to the elbows and put pressure on defenses regularly. 6-0 Senior post Olivia Parham (6.8p, 3.8r, 1.1s) will team with 6-0 Senior front-liner Nakaya Cridge (4.5p, 7.2r, 1.4a, 2.4s, 2.8b) to present one of the most physical frontcourt tandems in Class 1A. Parham is a powerful people-mover who does a nice job of boxing out and securing rebounds, plus she has a little touch in the mid-post. Cridge is a strong, physical athlete who can play facing the basket to near the perimeter. Her versatility teams nicely with Parham. 5-6 Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='992364' first='Lia' last='Bohn'] (4.6p, 2.5r, 1.7a, 1.6s) could be their wildcard this season. She saw quite a bit of opportunity last year as a rookie, but now she'll be relied upon to play major minutes for the Titans. If Tri can lean on its star guard (Chew) and its interior play, then build some depth around them, they should once again post a winning season and be a favorite to make a nice tournament run.   .   10 more Class 1A schools to keep an eye on: Christian Academy of Indiana, Daleville, Evansville Christian, North Miami, Orleans, Shawe Memorial, South Central (Elizabeth), Trinty Lutheran, Vincennes Rivet, and Waldron

The featured image is of Hillary Labis Hillary Labis 5'11" | SG Westville | 2028 State IN (2028) from Westville High School.