2028 Power Forwards Proving They Belong in the Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The spring AAU season gave several Indiana 2028 power forwards an opportunity to show their development against strong competition, and players like&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999424' first='Ellie' last='Smalligan']</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824397' first='Claire' last='Sisley']</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824387' first='Jayda' last='Sims']</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1262613' first='Morgan' last='Gorball']</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1144618' first='Jayla' last='Ash']</strong>&nbsp;all made strong impressions throughout the travel season. As the game continues evolving, forwards who can play with toughness inside while also showing versatility offensively are becoming more valuable, and this group proved they have the skill sets to fit the modern game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the spring, these players consistently impacted games in different ways. Some dominated around the basket with their physicality and rebounding ability, while others stretched the floor, defended multiple positions, or provided consistent scoring production. Their ability to compete against quality AAU competition and continue producing from event to event helped elevate their stock during the live evaluation period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among this group,&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999424' first='Ellie' last='Smalligan']</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824397' first='Claire' last='Sisley']</strong>&nbsp;were two players who consistently stood out with their overall versatility and presence on the floor. Both showed the ability to impact the game beyond just scoring, whether it was rebounding, defending, running the floor, or making high-IQ plays within the flow of the offense. As the 2028 class continues developing, these forwards are proving they deserve recognition as rising names within Indiana basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["999424"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a1319370777f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='999424' first='Ellie' last='Smalligan'] had one of the stronger spring performances among Indiana's 2028 forwards. She consistently played with confidence, toughness, and energy while impacting games on both ends of the floor. Smalligan's size and physical presence immediately stand out, but what makes her even more intriguing is her ability to move well and contribute in multiple areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, she finishes effectively around the basket, rebounds at a high level, and creates second-chance opportunities for her team. She also showed flashes of skill facing up from mid-range and making smart decisions with the basketball. Defensively, Smalligan competes hard in the paint and does a good job protecting the rim and battling on the glass. Her spring AAU performance showed why she continues trending upward within the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1824397"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a131937077bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1824397' first='Claire' last='Sisley'] continued to prove this spring that she is one of the more skilled young forwards in Indiana's 2028 class. She brings a strong mix of size, basketball IQ, and versatility that allows her to impact the game in several ways. Sisley consistently looked comfortable playing against strong competition throughout the AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She does a great job scoring around the basket while also showing touch from the perimeter and mid-range areas. One of the more impressive parts of her game is her understanding of spacing and timing offensively. Sisley rebounds well, competes defensively, and plays with a high motor every possession. Her consistency throughout the spring helped solidify herself as a player evaluators will continue monitoring closely moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1824387"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a131937077e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1824387' first='Jayda' last='Sims'] had a productive AAU season that helped establish herself as one of the more physical forwards in the 2028 class. She plays with strength, effort, and aggressiveness, which allowed her to consistently impact games in the paint throughout the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sims rebounds at a high level and does a good job finishing through contact around the basket. She also runs the floor hard in transition and creates opportunities by simply outworking defenders. Defensively, she brings toughness and energy while competing for rebounds and loose balls. Her motor and physical style of play made her a difficult matchup for opponents during the spring travel season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1262613"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a13193707802"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1262613' first='Morgan' last='Gorball'] quietly put together a very strong spring while continuing to show growth in her overall game. She brings size and versatility to the forward position and consistently contributed in multiple ways during AAU play. Gorball's ability to impact both ends of the floor helped her stand out against quality competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, she showed improvement finishing around the basket while also demonstrating confidence stepping away from the paint when needed. She rebounds effectively and does a good job using her length to create second opportunities. Defensively, Gorball competes hard and provides solid interior presence. Her overall development this spring showed why she deserves increased recognition within the 2028 rankings conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1144618"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a13193707821"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1144618' first='Jayla' last='Ash'] had several impressive performances throughout the spring AAU season and proved she can consistently compete against strong competition. She brings toughness, athleticism, and energy to the floor while making her presence felt around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ash rebounds aggressively and does a strong job finishing in traffic offensively. She also showed flashes of being able to defend multiple positions and compete in transition situations. What stood out most during the spring was her effort level and willingness to do the little things that help teams win games. As she continues developing her offensive skill set, Ash has the potential to continue climbing within Indiana's 2028 class rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->