Rising 8th Grade Offensive Scorers at the Crossroads Fall League

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, I had the chance to evaluate the 8th-grade groups from HSE, Fishers, and Westfield at the annual Crossroads Fall League hosted at Avon High School. The event, which runs each weekend through the fall, brings together 4th–8th graders from programs across Indiana in a competitive environment. Each team is scheduled for two matchups against different schools, giving players consistent opportunities to showcase their skills, adapt to different opponents, and gain valuable in-game experience heading into their upcoming school seasons.    Blakely impressed once again with her ability to create off the dribble, using her quick first step and crossover moves to consistently get to the rim. She showed strong decision-making in transition, handling the ball with confidence and making the right reads. In the half court, she spaced the floor effectively and knocked down open threes off good ball movement. Blakely continues to develop her all-around game and has the ability to elevate her teammates with her playmaking and scoring presence.     [player_tooltip player_id='1112872' first='Katelyn' last='Tofani'] is ready for high school basketball, and based on the level of play she showed this past Sunday, she is likely prepared to contribute at the Varsity level next year for the Royals. In the heated HSE vs. Fishers rivalry, she displayed strong fundamentals, coming off screens ready to attack the rim or pull up for a jump shot. She also does an excellent job of quickly moving the ball in transition to set up her teammates. One of her biggest strengths, and what will continue to help her as she enters high school, is her exceptional court vision.     Every time I have the chance to watch Tatum play, she shows a new aspect of her game, but one thing is consistent—she is ready to compete from the opening tip. She led her team in scoring, using her quickness early in the game to attack the rim and get to the free-throw line. What sets her apart is not just her ability to score, but how she elevates those around her through her performance and her vocal leadership on the court and in the huddle. Tatum will be a strong addition to the Tigers program next year.     Jada Reid has shown improvement every season, whether in her ball-handling, shooting, or footwork. She did a strong job of getting into scoring position around the basket, demonstrating the ability to attack both the baseline and the middle with her hook shot. Defensively, she occasionally displayed the skill to get into a low stance and guard the wing effectively. Additionally, I saw glimpses of her confidently handling the basketball in transition, showing her potential to contribute in multiple areas on the court.     Jamiece Barr showcased her scoring ability both around the rim and from the perimeter. She plays with a physical edge on both ends of the floor, which can make her difficult to guard. Her footwork around the basket is impressive, and she effectively uses shot fakes to create space and get defenders off their feet. In transition, she runs the floor hard and handles the basketball with confidence. Jamiece will be a strong addition to the 2030 class for the Fishers Tigers next season.

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, I had the chance to evaluate the 8th-grade groups from HSE, Fishers, and Westfield at the annual Crossroads Fall League hosted at Avon High School. The event, which runs each weekend through the fall, brings together 4th–8th graders from programs across Indiana in a competitive environment. Each team is scheduled for two matchups against different schools, giving players consistent opportunities to showcase their skills, adapt to different opponents, and gain valuable in-game experience heading into their upcoming school seasons.