IBCA Team Showcase: Day-1 Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486508' first='Mollie' last='Ernstes'] (2026) of Jennings County High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday, the IBCA/IHSAA "Scholastic Live Period" Charlie Hughes Memorial team showcase got underway, with most of the 93 teams in action at Mt. Vernon High School (<em>Fortville, IN</em>), Mt. Vernon Middle School, and Hamilton Southeastern High School (<em>a few teams will only play today...Saturday</em>). There were some outstanding individual performances, team performances, and a few matchups I think fans would love to see next February in the state tournament. Below is a quick look at a handful of thoughts after watching yesterday's action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">The Bulldogs Do Some Bulldozing</font></strong><br>Brownsburg was the talk of the morning at Mt. Vernon Middle School, as they had two impressive wins and showed they could cause problems from many different aspects. Yes, 6-6 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295789' first='Avery' last='Gordon']</strong> (2025) was dominant, as she often can be. On the block, the Purdue University commit made it as simple as catch, turn, and score most of the time, likely putting up around 30 points in each contest. She works hard and runs the floor hard at her size, plus she has good hands, keeps the ball high, and has great touch from different angles. And as good as Gordon was, there were spurts in each game where wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486533' first='Elle' last='McCulloch']</strong> (2026) stole the show. At 5-11, she has great length, a fluid athleticism, but she also shot the ball very well from the perimeter and just inside the arc. She also handled it against pressure solidly, and she was able to create a number of steals/deflections with her length. Additionally, forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='928873' first='Sammy' last='Clark']</strong> (2026) was very good and will find herself among the new additions this coming week when we update our 2026 rankings. At 6-feet tall, she is long, wiry-strong, and very active in the mid-post and around the basket. She can certainly offer a nice high-low option to pair with Gordon in some double-post actions, plus she wasn't uncomfortable around the perimeter and finding open teammates. 5-9 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='626934' first='Delaney' last='Steers']</strong> (2025) handled the ball quite a bit and showed nice athleticism, while 5-10 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='626933' first='Morgan' last='Montgomery']</strong> (2025) flashed double-double potential as either a power forward or a small forward. Really the only thing missing for the Bulldogs is a traditional point guard, but Brownsburg has nice size, good all-around athleticism, and tremendous length.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">The Red Devils Look to Improve in 2024-2025</font></strong><br>The Pike Red Devils had several talented teams and players in the first two decades of the century, but they haven't posted a winning record since the 2017-2018 season. Yesterday, they showcased a plethora of young talent and could be a headache for Marion County opponents if they can continue to adapt to the Varsity game and work together like they did on Friday. Guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751118' first='Saniya' last='Smith']</strong> (2027) is an absolute playmaker, whether she is facilitating, breaking down defenders off the dribble and attacking the basket, or knocking down shots from the perimeter. Spring addition <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486542' first='Alonna' last='Divine']</strong> (2026), a transfer from Ben Davis, adds another credible threat on the perimeter, scoring the ball from different areas on the floor, and creating opportunities for others. But the Red Devils also boast an impressive young frontline group who could put themselves "on the map" this Winter. 6-0 forwards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='686306' first='Komari' last='Booker']</strong> (2026), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='928878' first='Marley' last='Jeffers']</strong> (2026), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='909349' first='Elyssa' last='Nichols']</strong> (2027) bring athleticism, length, and really nice defense/rebounding around the basket, while 5-11 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922995' first='Samone' last='Rutland']</strong> (2025) can use her strength and power at the rim to score inside. Booker showed improved play in transition, pushing the ball up the floor on several occasions. Also keep an eye on 5-7 shooter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751077' first='Jazlyn' last='Miller']</strong> (2027) and 5-4 playmaker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751076' first='Jayla' last='Miller']</strong> (2027). Jazlyn has put together a strong Spring and gives them a true weapon on offense, while Jayla is incredibly quick &amp; feisty, and she can act as a one-person press at times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Midday Matchups Stand Out</font></strong><br>The Hamilton Southeastern site also hosted some impressive matchups in the middle of the afternoon, starting with host Hamilton Southeastern versus Homestead at 3:15, followed by South Bend Washington versus Lawrence North at 4:30. The "usual suspects" stepped up in each game, making for two entertaining outings. 6-3 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295764' first='Maya' last='Makalusky']</strong> (2025) makes scoring look easy at times, and while she has always been a talented perimeter shooter, she continues to develop as a strong and aggressive finisher at the basket. The Indiana University commit was at the free throw line repeatedly. I also felt like 6-0 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Kayla' last='Stidham']</strong> (2026) and 5-5 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486488' first='Antonette' last='Green']</strong> (2026) gave the Royals good minutes when I was able to see them. Stidham is a nice, physical forward with good touch from the arc, while Green is a strong little guard with speed, quickness, and the ability to make plays at either end of the floor. Homestead's 2026 class is incredibly deep, and they will lean on it often this coming season. 5-10 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492319' first='Myah' last='Epps']</strong> (2026) and 5-11 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414465' first='Gabby' last='Helsom']</strong> (2026) are two of their biggest players, but they are also two of their most dangerous perimeter threats. Epps does such a nice job of letting the game come to her, while also mixing in a solid jump-shot and a unique ability to "slither" inside and finish athletically around the basket. Helsom shot it extremely well at the Top-100 event on Thursday and continued that touch in Friday's action. If she has any rhythm at all, it's going in. Incoming Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902152' first='Delaney' last='Noll']</strong> (2028) came into the game and immediately got hot from the perimeter, plus she showed impressive poise and comfort for a rookie.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Bend Washington will lean heavily on the 2025 trio of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295770' first='Kira' last='Reynolds']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295766' first='Monique' last='Mitchell']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295780' first='Ryiah' last='Wilson']</strong>. The 6-4 Reynolds, a Purdue University commit, can take over a game when she wants, and she made it look very easy at times. She can handle it in transition, even use a ball screen effectively in the half-court, and she has a solid jump-shot. Mitchell is incredibly active and athletic, and she can get to the rim to score, and through contact, she can bury 3-pointers, plus she's equally effective defensively on the ball or attacking the glass. And Wilson might be the best on-ball defender in the state. She is incredibly quick-footed, stronger than she looks, and has an explosive start-stop ability. I felt like the Panthers also received nice minutes from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834952' first='Kyra' last='Lowe']</strong> (2027). The 5-7 guard handled it against pressure, plus she created offense for herself and others. The Wildcats of Lawrence North were missing point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt']</strong> (2025), and she certainly could have helped in this game. But 5-9 scorer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='Keadriah' last='Butler']</strong> (2026) was aggressive to the rim and got there often, while 5-4 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761183' first='Ka'Nyriah' last='Ridley']</strong> (2026) was incredibly active and uses her strong, compact frame well. 6-1 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295793' first='Jamaya' last='Thomas']</strong> (2025) was strong and physical around the rim, and the recent Northern Kentucky University commit is a unique prospect in this class. Plus, 5-11 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486537' first='Naja' last='Winston']</strong> (2026) had a great day Thursday at the Top-100 showcase, and she carried that play into yesterday's action. She is a nice, strong athlete with playmaking ability in transition. I also like her ability to defend multiple positions and rebound outside of her area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">Final Thoughts from Friday:</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567130' first='Gracyn' last='Gilliard']</strong> (2026) to the Center Grove lineup helps them contend once again, following the graduation of a nice 2024 class. Gilliard has posted huge numbers at Munster High School the last two years, and she brings instant offense, athleticism, and size to the perimeter for the Trojans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Northridge will continue to be a problem for opponents in Northern Indiana, and aside from a bigger post player, they have all the pieces to be a Top-10 team in Class 4A. 5-5 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331802' first='Rielyn' last='Goodwin']</strong> (2025) is a true playmaker for the Lady Raiders and should draw a ton of elite small college interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- After missing the Top-100 showcase on Thursday, wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419439' first='Lillian' last='Barnes']</strong> (2026) was back in action Friday. She has missed significant time this Spring dealing with a knee issue, but she looked strong when I saw her against Brownsburg, picking up right where she left off. She is one of the state's most skilled kids.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Bloomington South's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624879' first='Julia' last='Lashley']</strong> (2026) has really grown on me this Spring. The long, wiry, 5-11 wing is very skilled with the ball in her hands, and she has great vision to find open teammates. But she was equally good shooting the ball Friday, especially in the mid-range game. Don't sleep on her!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Northrop will pose a threat to Homestead in Northeast Indiana. The Bruins will use length, athleticism, plus the transfer of Bishop Luers 6-1 post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624885' first='Miley' last='Wareing']</strong> (2026). Miley was great yesterday, and the combination of her, 5-10 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486518' first='Swynn' last='Jackson']</strong> (2026), and 5-10 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492326' first='Khala' last='Williams-Thomas']</strong> (2026) are a handful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- 5-11 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486508' first='Mollie' last='Ernstes']</strong> (2026) recently moved into the class's Top-10, and she won't be leaving anytime soon. She is a talented perimeter shooter and has showcased that all Spring, but in her early evening matchup yesterday, she hit tough shots from different areas, and she made plays off the bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->