Next-Up Prospects: JV Standouts Showing Varsity-Ready Skills

I had the opportunity to watch a junior varsity matchup between two of the strongest JV programs in Hamilton County, and the talent on the floor made it clear why both schools continue to produce varsity contributors year after year. Hamilton Southeastern and Brownsburg entered the game undefeated, each boasting a deep group of underclassmen who are either on the verge of moving up to varsity or already contributing at both levels.   Both varsity programs are currently ranked in the top 10 in Indiana—HSE at No. 3 and Brownsburg at No. 9—which speaks to the depth and development happening within each program. Their JV rosters are stacked with freshmen and sophomores who not only play significant minutes but also play winning basketball. Every player on the floor brought something to the table, showcasing the kind of potential that translates well to the varsity stage.   This article will highlight the JV players who stood out in this matchup—athletes who are taking the next steps in their development and proving they're ready for bigger roles at the next level.   Game Review: Hamilton Southeastern vs. Brownsburg   The game opened with a low-scoring first quarter as both teams struggled to find early rhythm offensively, but each brought strong defensive energy to keep the matchup tight. Momentum shifted in the second quarter, with both squads finding better looks and finishing more efficiently around the rim.   Brownsburg's defensive aggression stood out, led by Lola Crawford (14 points) and [player_tooltip player_id='999444' first='Leila' last='Wells'] (11 points), who were the most impactful players on both ends. Another solid performer for the Bulldogs was Brooklynn Sharpe and Reese Yoder who played with relentless effort throughout the game. Inside, [player_tooltip player_id='992138' first='Naomi' last='Oniyide'], who also competes at the varsity level, made her presence felt with 6 points and 3 blocks, changing shots and controlling the paint. Brownsburg put together strong scoring runs in both the second and fourth quarters, but ultimately couldn't complete the comeback. The loss marks their first of the season. They will return to action on December 5th in an HCC matchup against a talented Franklin Central JV team.   Hamilton Southeastern opened the game with early scoring and controlled every quarter except Brownsburg's late run in the fourth. This HSE JV group is unusually deep for the JV level—a team that plays everyone and still maintains a high standard of play. Freshman guard Aubrey Scott did an excellent job running the offense and added 8 points on the night. HSE also received strong contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='750923' first='Avery' last='Losh'], [player_tooltip player_id='1277816' first='Cami' last='Catlin'], Claire Gilbert, Anna Hellmann, and Lauren Van Hoesen, each providing valuable minutes and production. A 15-point second quarter helped HSE build an 11-point halftime lead, and their defensive consistency allowed them to hold off Brownsburg's final push. HSE closed out the matchup with a 39–32 victory. The Royals will be back at home on December 3rd for another HCC matchup, this time against a solid Noblesville JV team.    [player_tooltip player_id='999444' first='Leila' last='Wells'] continues to show why she's one of the key sophomores in Brownsburg's program. She uses her size extremely well, especially when attacking the rim, and she's become a reliable three-point shooter—forcing defenses to guard her at all levels. Her scoring versatility has been a major reason she's off to a strong start this season, consistently averaging in double figures.   What stands out just as much as her scoring is her leadership. Leila does an excellent job guiding a talented Brownsburg JV group, bringing poise and confidence every night. Against HSE, she finished with 11 points and made several momentum plays that kept the Bulldogs within striking distance.   Leila is clearly taking the necessary steps in her development, and with her size, scoring ability, and improving decision-making, she's positioning herself well to make an impact at the varsity level in the near future.     Lola Crawford showcased exactly why she's becoming one of Brownsburg's most reliable two-way guards. She demonstrated the ability to both run the offense as a point guard and step into a scoring role when her team needed it. Against HSE, Lola consistently found ways to break down the defense—splitting double teams, getting downhill, and finishing through contact.   She also proved she's a threat from beyond the arc, knocking down perimeter shots that forced HSE to guard her tighter and opened up more driving lanes. Her versatility kept the defense off balance all night, and she ended the game with a team-high 14 points.   Lola is stepping confidently into her role as another solid guard in Brownsburg's lineup. With her ability to defend, handle the ball, and score at multiple levels, she continues to look more and more prepared for the jump to varsity minutes.     Naomi had a strong two-way performance, and her impact was immediately noticeable the moment she stepped on the floor. HSE clearly had to adjust the way they attacked the rim because of how disruptive she was defensively. Her athleticism, timing, and ability to read drives allowed her to alter and block multiple shots, making it difficult for HSE to finish anything clean in the paint.   Offensively, she provided a steady inside presence, sealing well, finishing plays, and giving Brownsburg valuable touches around the basket. Even though she only played in the first half due to her varsity responsibilities, Naomi still made her presence felt and showed just how much her game has grown as a sophomore.   Her combination of size, athletic ability, and defensive instincts continues to develop, and performances like this highlight why she's on track for an even bigger varsity role in the future.     Aubrey Scott is showing all the signs of becoming HSE's next standout point guard—one capable of running the offense, defending at a high level, and knocking down shots from the perimeter. In the win over Brownsburg, she finished with 8 points, including two key threes that stretched the defense and shifted momentum in HSE's favor.   Her quickness immediately jumps out, whether she's applying pressure on the ball or creating off the dribble. She defends with energy, stays in front of her assignment, and forces turnovers, while also playing with confidence and composure as the floor general.   As just a freshman, Aubrey is already showing noticeable growth and gaining valuable game experience each week. Her trajectory is trending upward, and she's positioning herself well for future varsity opportunities. She's definitely a young guard to keep an eye on within the HSE program.     [player_tooltip player_id='750923' first='Avery' last='Losh'] brings something to this HSE JV group that every successful program needs: experience. Coming off a season where HSE dropped just one game, she understands what it takes to win and carries herself with the composure of a player who has been in big moments before.   Avery continues to improve her offensive game, showing confidence as a shooter while also becoming more effective at getting to the rim. Her ability to score in multiple ways adds balance to HSE's lineup, and her decision-making helps keep the offense steady when the pace picks up.   She also dresses for varsity, which is an important step in her development and gives her valuable exposure to the speed and physicality of the next level. That experience translates back to JV, where she plays a leadership role for a young and talented roster. Avery's presence, both as a scorer and a leader, is a major factor in HSE's strong start—and she's positioning herself for another impactful season as she continues to grow.     [player_tooltip player_id='1277816' first='Cami' last='Catlin'] brings a level of aggressiveness and energy that has been huge for this HSE JV team. She comes off the bench with instant impact—defending hard, pushing the pace, and making the kind of effort plays that keep HSE in the win column. In the game against Brownsburg, she consistently attacked the rim and drew fouls, putting real pressure on the defense and creating scoring opportunities.   What's becoming more noticeable in her development is her growing confidence as a shooter. She's starting to knock down shots more consistently, which adds another layer to her offensive game and makes her a more complete threat.   As a sophomore, Cami is taking all the right steps in her progression. Dressing for varsity is giving her valuable experience, and it's clear that exposure is helping her elevate her play at the JV level. Her effort, energy, and improvement make her an important piece for HSE moving forward.

I had the opportunity to watch a junior varsity matchup between two of the strongest JV programs in Hamilton County, and the talent on the floor made it clear why both schools continue to produce varsity contributors year after year. Hamilton Southeastern and Brownsburg entered the game undefeated, each boasting a deep group of underclassmen who are either on the verge of moving up to varsity or already contributing at both levels.