Stars Step Up: Game 4 Highlights from the Cross State Clash

The holiday season featured one of the most exciting girls basketball tournaments of the year, hosted at Lawrence Central on Tuesday, December 23. The event brought together elite programs from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky, including Male (KY), River Rouge (MI), Fort Wayne Snider (IN), Detroit Mumford (MI), Pike (IN), Big Walnut (OH), Bellville (MI), and Lawrence Central (IN). Every team boasted standout talent, with several players already committed to Division I programs or drawing interest from multiple D1 offers. The tournament was extremely well organized and offered fans the chance to watch high-level competition, featuring fast-paced action, intense defense, and individual skill on display.   Across the tournament, Pike (IN) continued to show why they are considered one of Indiana's deepest teams, combining talented scorers with strong defensive execution. Other standout performers included players from Fort Wayne Snider, Detroit Mumford, and Big Walnut, all of whom displayed scoring versatility, athleticism, and poise under pressure. The tournament provided a glimpse of the future stars in prep girls basketball, highlighting players who can impact games on both ends of the floor and showing the importance of teamwork and basketball IQ at a high level. With so much talent on display, fans were treated to a showcase of competitive, exciting basketball that sets the tone for the rest of the holiday season.   Lawrence Central is one of the top teams not only in the state of Indiana, but in the country. Featuring a senior-heavy starting lineup, the Bears bring a high level of experience and a proven winning culture. Their matchup against Belleville (MI), one of Michigan's top programs, served as a strong test early in the season.   The game was a high-level battle from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets and matching intensity. Belleville was able to take a 26–19 lead into halftime, a position Lawrence Central is not often in but has shown the ability to manage. Coming out of the break, Lawrence Central struggled to find an offensive rhythm, trailing 47–29 at the end of the third quarter.   Despite the deficit, the Bears showed resilience in the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points and making a strong push to close the gap. Lawrence Central was led by Keke Butler, who finished with 19 points, and [player_tooltip player_id='492321' first='Lola' last='Lampley'], who added 15 points. Although the comeback effort fell short, Lawrence Central competed until the final buzzer.   The Bears ultimately fell 65–50, moving their record to 10–3 on the season. Even in defeat, the game highlighted Lawrence Central's toughness and provided valuable experience against elite out-of-state competition.    Butler continues to be a reliable go-to option for Lawrence Central when the team needs a basket. Her matchup against Belleville standout Sydney Savoury was one of the most exciting individual battles of the game, featuring high-level shot-making and competitive intensity on both ends of the floor.   Butler consistently rose to the moment, creating offense off the dribble and knocking down timely shots to keep Lawrence Central within striking distance. What stands out most is her competitive edge and poise under pressure—traits that translate well to the next level. She finished the night with 15 points, once again showing why she is an elite competitor and a strong fit for the Boston University women's basketball program.     What stands out most about McKenzie is how hard she competes and the consistent effort she brings on both ends of the floor. Coming off an injury, it was great to see her back in action and playing with confidence. Defensively, she does an excellent job staying in front of guards, using her size, strength, and lateral quickness to disrupt opposing offenses.   Offensively, McKenzie is effective attacking the rim and finishes well through contact. She also rebounds her position at a high level and runs the floor hard in transition, creating easy scoring opportunities for her team. Her physicality, versatility, and motor make her impact felt beyond the box score. The University of Illinois Chicago is getting a high-level competitor and a player who will add immediate value to their program.     This was my first time seeing Savoury play, and she immediately made a strong impression. She looked every bit like the best player on the floor, impacting the game on both ends. Offensively, Savoury is a complete scorer, capable of knocking down shots from anywhere on the court with a smooth, confident jumper while also using her competitiveness to create opportunities off the dribble.   Defensively, she plays with high intensity, applying pressure and competing on every possession. Her motor, skill set, and poise separate her from others on the floor. With multiple high-major Division I offers, Savoury's ceiling continues to rise. As she continues to expand her game, the next step will be seeing how much more she can add to an already elite skill set.     SeCrette played like one of the top players in Michigan while competing on Indiana soil. This was my first time seeing both her and her team, and she left a lasting impression with her competitiveness and all-around approach to the game. She impacts the game in multiple ways and consistently plays the game the right way.   What stood out most was her willingness to do the little things—defending, rebounding, making the extra pass, and bringing energy on every possession. Offensively, she was efficient and confident, finishing the night with 19 points while remaining composed under pressure. SeCrette's combination of skill, toughness, and unselfishness makes her a high-level player and one who clearly elevates her team.     Stewart is a tough, high-motor basketball player who plays an important role in everything Belleville does offensively and defensively. She consistently impacts the game through her ability to knock down shots, rebound the basketball on both ends of the floor, and defend at a high level.   What made her performance even more enjoyable to watch was learning that she recently returned from an injury that kept her sidelined last season. Seeing her back on the floor competing with confidence and energy alongside her teammates spoke volumes about her resilience and work ethic. Stewart finished the night with 14 points, providing steady production and toughness throughout the game.     Belleville brought out the best in a group of talented basketball players, and this sophomore guard was a major reason why. She played with confidence and expression, controlling the tempo of the game and impacting the floor in multiple ways.   What stood out most was her ability to push the pace in transition, creating scoring opportunities for her teammates while also being comfortable running the offense in the half court. From the point guard position, she showed poise, vision, and the ability to score when needed. She finished the night with 12 points, helping lead Belleville to an impressive victory over a nationally ranked opponent.    Belleville is one of the top teams in the state of Michigan, and they brought a high-level, physical brand of basketball to Indiana. Featuring a roster filled with highly ranked and talented players, Belleville showcased their depth, discipline, and competitiveness against nationally ranked Lawrence Central.   The opening quarter was back-and-forth, with both teams trading baskets and settling into the pace of the game. Belleville began to assert itself defensively in the second quarter, taking control and carrying that momentum into the second half. Coming out of halftime, Belleville made a statement by holding Lawrence Central to just six points in the third quarter, setting the tone on both ends of the floor.   Belleville continued to execute in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points to close out the game and secure a 65–50 victory. The win improves Belleville's record to 4–0 on the season and further establishes them as one of the premier teams in the Midwest.

The holiday season featured one of the most exciting girls basketball tournaments of the year, hosted at Lawrence Central on Tuesday, December 23. The event brought together elite programs from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky, including Male (KY), River Rouge (MI), Fort Wayne Snider (IN), Detroit Mumford (MI), Pike (IN), Big Walnut (OH), Bellville (MI), and Lawrence Central (IN). Every team boasted standout talent, with several players already committed to Division I programs or drawing interest from multiple D1 offers. The tournament was extremely well organized and offered fans the chance to watch high-level competition, featuring fast-paced action, intense defense, and individual skill on display.