Lillian has been impactful for so long, it seems like she has been in high school for nearly a decade. She is one of the most fundamental, intelligent players you are going to see, and oftentimes it feels like she’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. She has a good feel with the ball in her hands, she can and will find open teammates, but she’s also a multilevel scorer who can bury shots from ‘3’ or get to the rim North/South. She accounted for 2040 points, 755 rebounds, 520 assists, and 518 steals. This year she averaged 21.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 4.9 steals per game.

While Lillian has suited up for the Vikings, Valparaiso is 84-11. She has helped them to 3 Sectional and 2 Regional titles, and they have been most impressive this season. Why her for Miss Basketball?? While she would likely agree she isn’t the most physically talented prospect in the class, I would take her skillset and her basketball mind against anyone else in Indiana’s 2026 group, and probably the entire state, regardless of class. She has scored 2000+ points, grabbed nearly 750 rebounds, handed out more than 500 assists and picked off more than 500 steals. Plus, in fairness, Ball State has typically been a Top 75 team in the NCAA’s Net Rankings, if not higher some years. They might be in the MAC, but they could take on many “high-major” conference teams and win.

Speaking of high IQ, instinctual players, is there anyone better in the state than Lillian?? Her feel for the game, her ability to adjust to adverse situations, and her willingness to adjust to what the defense gives her and utilize her entire arsenal to be productive is most impressive. She can handle the ball, run offense, and she’s a great passer. At the same time, she can make shots outside, plus she’s a nice downhill driver. She is crafty, always aware, and really just wants to do whatever it takes to help her team(s) win. The Ball State University commit is averaging 21.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 5.0 steals per game, while shooting 48% from the field.

Lillian is one of the top returning players in Northwest Indiana as she heads into her senior season. The Ball State commit had an impressive AAU campaign, showcasing her versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she is a true three-level scorer, capable of knocking down jump shots, attacking the rim, and creating her own looks. She is highly effective in transition, pushing the ball with pace to score herself or set up teammates in scoring positions. In the half court, she reads defenses well off ball screens, making the right decision whether it’s finishing at the basket or pulling up for a jumper. With her on the floor, Valparaiso is poised to continue its success, and she is making a strong case to earn recognition as an Indiana All-Star.

I have obviously seen Lillian many times over the years, but I felt like comparing her from last season to this season, she looks a bit more explosive, and some of that could do with her being healthier. She has always been one of the highest IQ, most skilled kids in Indiana’s 2026 class, and she is an absolute playmaker. She has a tremendous feel for the game, good vision, plus she is shooting it better from the perimeter.