Rising Stars Who Shined at the Circle City Classic

The Circle City Tournament was held March 28–29 at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, featuring some of the top programs from across multiple states. Notable teams in attendance included Next Level (KY), <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/kentucky-premier/">Kentucky Premier</a> , Heart of Illinois (IL), Illinois Inferno, and several Indiana-based programs such as West Virginia Thunder, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/indiana-sirens/">[program_tooltip program_id='715841' first='Indiana' last='Sirens']</a> , <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/indiana-basketball-club/">[program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club']</a> , and Team Rush.   This article will highlight two players from five teams. The following teams will be Marlin Academy, Next Level 3SSB, [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U EYCL, IBC 15U 3SSB, and Lady Blackout UA Rise. Take a look at the following players that I've highlighted that had a great weekend.   Marlin Academy   Marlin Academy is a newly launched AAU program in the state of Indiana, focused on developing well-rounded players and providing meaningful exposure opportunities at the next level.   Program Focus Marlin Academy emphasizes skill development across all areas of the game, including ball handling, shooting, and decision-making. The program competes in AAU tournaments while also prioritizing long-term player growth and understanding of the game. In addition, athletes are given opportunities for exposure through competitive events, social media promotion, and recruiting connections.   What They're Known For Marlin Academy is quickly building a reputation for developing guards and perimeter players who can both score and defend at a high level. The program plays with pace, toughness, and consistent effort on both ends of the floor. They are also committed to helping players gain visibility in front of college coaches, especially at key events throughout the AAU season.    [player_tooltip player_id='750923' first='Avery' last='Losh'] is playing really well and has shown significant improvement since her freshman year. Watching her this past weekend, she did an excellent job controlling the ball and consistently splitting defenders to get downhill and finish at the rim. Her ability to navigate traffic and stay composed really stood out.   As she enters her final year, competing on the Puma Circuit should give her great exposure, and with the way she's playing, she's a strong candidate to start picking up offers soon.     [player_tooltip player_id='990166' first='Aaliyah' last='Wilson'] is better than where she's currently ranked and continues to prove that with her play. She does a great job of being strong with the basketball, attacking the rim with confidence, and finishing through contact. Her physicality and control allow her to be effective against pressure and in traffic.   Offensively, she shows a good understanding of how to get to her spots and create quality looks for herself. She's comfortable stepping into perimeter shots, especially in transition where she can capitalize on defensive breakdowns. Her ability to play downhill while also being a threat from the outside makes her tough to guard.   This past weekend, she backed it up with a 20-point performance, showing her ability to produce when given the opportunity. The Park Tudor guard is trending in the right direction and has the tools to make a lot of noise this AAU season, while continuing to put herself firmly on the radar for college programs.    Next Level (KY)   Next Level is a competitive AAU program based out of Kentucky that continues to develop and showcase talent across multiple age groups. The program is built on a foundation of skill development, competitive play, and creating exposure opportunities for its players.   Program Identity Next Level emphasizes hard work, discipline, and consistency on both ends of the floor. Their teams are known for playing with energy and competing possession by possession, while also focusing on improving individual skill sets within a team concept.   Strengths This program does a good job of developing players who can handle the basketball, make smart decisions, and compete in a structured system. They play with pace and look to push the ball in transition, while also valuing half-court execution and defensive effort.   What Stands Out Next Level continues to build a reputation for producing well-rounded players who are ready to compete at the next level. Their ability to combine player development with competitive AAU play makes them a solid program for athletes looking to grow their game and gain exposure.    Honesty Bills is a talented player out of Ohio who continues to make a name for herself with her skill set, poise, and competitive approach to the game. She brings a steady presence on the floor and shows the ability to contribute in multiple ways, making her a valuable asset to her team.   Offensively, Honesty displays a good feel for the game and a balanced approach to scoring. She is comfortable handling the basketball and can operate effectively in pick-and-roll situations or when creating off the dribble. She shows the ability to score at all three levels, whether it's attacking the rim, pulling up in the mid-range, or stepping out to knock down shots. Her decision-making stands out, as she typically plays within the flow of the offense and looks to make the right read.   What stands out most about Honesty is her composure and consistency. She plays with confidence but also with control, rarely forcing the action. That balance allows her to be effective in both high-pressure situations and throughout the course of a game.     Jai Johnson is an emerging guard out of Kentucky who continues to build a name for herself with her well-rounded skill set and competitive edge on the floor. She plays with confidence and a strong understanding of how to impact the game on both ends, making her a tough matchup for opposing defenses.   Offensively, Jai shows the ability to score in a variety of ways. She can create her own shot off the dribble, get to the rim, and finish through contact, while also displaying a capable perimeter game that keeps defenders honest. Her ability to handle the basketball allows her to initiate offense and make plays for herself and others.   What stands out most about Jai is her competitiveness. She plays with a chip on her shoulder and a desire to make an impact every time she steps on the floor. That mindset, combined with her growing skill set, gives her the potential to continue developing into a reliable contributor at the next level.   As she continues to refine her game, improve consistency, and gain experience against high-level competition, Jai Johnson has the tools to become a player college programs should keep an eye on coming out of Kentucky.    [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U EYCL   [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U is a competitive group on the EYCL circuit that continues to establish itself as a tough, well-coached unit out of Indiana. Known for their physicality and disciplined approach, this team competes at a high level against some of the top programs on the circuit.   Team Identity [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U plays with a strong emphasis on toughness, defensive intensity, and team execution. They do a great job of competing on every possession, making it difficult for opponents to get comfortable offensively. Their ability to defend, rebound, and play with effort sets the tone.   Strengths This group thrives when they are playing fast and feeding off their defense. They have players who can make plays in transition, attack the paint, and create opportunities for others. Their balance of guard play and physical presence allows them to match up well across different styles of play.   What Stands Out One of the biggest takeaways with [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U is their competitiveness. They play hard, stay engaged, and don't back down regardless of the matchup. On the EYCL stage, that edge gives them a chance to compete with some of the top teams in the region.    [player_tooltip player_id='999444' first='Leila' last='Wells'] is a key piece on a very talented [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U team that continues to improve. She does a great job of seeing the floor and plays with a physical presence when the ball is in her hands, allowing her to handle pressure and make strong decisions.   Wells is effective on the wing, where she operates comfortably on the perimeter. She moves well without the ball, understands spacing, and can make plays within the flow of the offense. Her versatility and toughness give her the ability to impact the game in multiple ways.     Although Lila has primarily played the shooting guard position throughout her career, she has the ability to run the point when needed. She does a great job coming off ball screens and staying ready to shoot, which makes her a consistent scoring threat.   In transition, she is often the first player down the floor, ready to spot up for a catch-and-shoot three if she doesn't have the ball in her hands. When she does push the pace herself, she looks to attack the rim or pull up into a mid-range jumper, showing confidence in her scoring ability at multiple levels.    IBC 15U 3SSB   IBC 15U is a competitive group on the 3SSB circuit that continues to show why they're one of the more respected programs in the region. With a strong foundation and a clear identity, this team plays with confidence and purpose every time they step on the floor.   Team Identity IBC 15U plays an up-tempo style while maintaining control and structure. They do a great job of sharing the basketball, making the extra pass, and putting players in positions to be successful. Their balance offensively, paired with their effort defensively, makes them a tough matchup.   Strengths This group is loaded with guards who can handle, make decisions, and score at all three levels. They are especially effective in transition, where they can push the pace and create easy opportunities. Defensively, they compete, apply pressure, and look to turn defense into offense.   What Stands Out IBC 15U's ability to play together stands out. They don't rely on just one player—multiple guys can step up and impact the game. Their poise, pace, and willingness to compete on both ends gives them a strong presence on the 3SSB circuit.    I've paid close attention to [player_tooltip player_id='1306677' first='Elle' last='Miller'] since she was in 6th grade, and her development has been impressive to watch. Competing against older players has clearly accelerated her growth, to the point where she looks like she could already compete in the class of 2030—a strong class.   As a current 7th grader, she is quickly making noise around the state. She does a great job of handling the basketball and pushing the tempo in transition, where she is at her best. When she shoots the ball, you have to take note of her range—she is comfortable shooting from well beyond the volleyball line.   Her recruitment is also beginning to take shape, as she has recently taken unofficial visits to Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, and UCLA, which speaks to the level of attention she is already receiving at a young age.     [player_tooltip player_id='1247914' first='Journie' last='Johnson'] is another young, talented guard who is continuing to rise. Coming out of the class of 2030, she will be heading to Carmel this winter for her freshman year, where she'll join a program that already has a strong group of returning guards. Adding Journie to that mix could be a major boost for the program.   She plays with a high level of confidence, especially when attacking the rim. Her ability to finish around the basket, combined with her skill set, makes her a tough matchup. She also shows the ability to stretch the floor by knocking down shots, which keeps defenders honest.   One of her more effective moves is her step-through when going downhill, allowing her to create separation and finish through defenders. Her craftiness and ability to score in multiple ways make her a difficult guard. She has also taken an unofficial visit to the University of Cincinnati, showing that college programs are already beginning to take notice of her potential.    Lady Blackout UA Rise   Lady Blackout is a competitive program on the UA Rise circuit, known for its toughness, athleticism, and ability to compete with energy on both ends of the floor. This group continues to build a strong reputation through its effort, style of play, and player development.   Team Identity Lady Blackout plays with intensity and physicality. They embrace a fast-paced style while staying aggressive defensively, looking to disrupt opposing teams and create scoring opportunities in transition. Their edge and competitiveness show up consistently throughout games.   Strengths This team thrives on defensive pressure and effort. They have multiple players who can guard, rebound, and push the break. Offensively, they are effective when attacking downhill, getting into the paint, and making plays for themselves and teammates. Their athleticism allows them to impact the game in a variety of ways.   What Stands Out Lady Blackout's energy and toughness separate them. They play hard, compete on every possession, and don't shy away from physical matchups. On the UA Rise circuit, that mentality gives them a chance to be a problem for a lot of teams.    [player_tooltip player_id='751066' first='Havana' last='Thompson'] is a standout from Decatur Central who continues to draw attention with her energy, skill, and competitive mindset on the court. She brings a well-rounded game and plays with a level of confidence that allows her to impact winning on both ends of the floor.   Offensively, Havana shows the ability to create scoring opportunities in a variety of ways. She can handle the ball and make plays in the open court, while also being effective in half-court situations. She has a good feel for attacking gaps, getting downhill, and finishing at the rim. In addition, she is capable of knocking down shots, which helps keep defenders honest and opens up driving lanes. Her ability to play within the offense while still being aggressive makes her a tough matchup.   One of the most noticeable traits in Havana's game is her competitiveness. She plays with toughness and a desire to make an impact every possession, which sets a strong tone for her team. That mindset, combined with her skill set, gives her a solid foundation as she continues to develop.     [player_tooltip player_id='909349' first='Elyssa' last='Nichols'] from Pike continues to emerge as a player to watch, especially being ranked in the top 50 overall and the 8th best forward in the state, bringing a strong combination of finishing ability, energy, and a relentless motor every time she steps on the floor. She plays with a level of effort and intensity that stands out immediately and allows her to consistently impact the game.   Offensively, Elyssa excels at attacking the rim and finishing through contact. She does a great job of getting into the paint and converting opportunities around the basket, using her strength, timing, and touch to score in traffic. Her ability to finish at a high level makes her a reliable scoring option, especially when the game speeds up. She doesn't shy away from contact and is comfortable playing downhill, which puts pressure on defenses.   What really separates Elyssa is her motor. She plays hard on every possession, whether she's sprinting the floor, crashing the boards, or defending. That constant effort creates extra possessions for her team and often leads to hustle plays that can swing momentum. Her energy is contagious and sets a tone for her teammates. Heading into the spring and summer, [player_tooltip player_id='909349' first='Elyssa' last='Nichols'] is a player who should absolutely get noticed by college coaches.

The Circle City Tournament was held March 28–29 at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, featuring some of the top programs from across multiple states. Notable teams in attendance included Next Level (KY), Kentucky Premier , Heart of Illinois (IL), Illinois Inferno, and several Indiana-based programs such as West Virginia Thunder, Indiana Sirens , Indiana Basketball Club , and Team Rush.