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IHSAA girls basketball Class of 2026 is loaded. These sophomores stood out this season.

Brian Haenchen, Indianapolis Star
·8 min read

The depth of talent in the Class of 2026 has long been recognized, and these Central Indiana girls basketball standouts used their sophomore seasons as opportunity to solidify their status among the best.

2023-24 All-Freshman team: Meet the next generation of Central Indiana standouts

Aniyah Anthony, Tri-West, guard

Anthony was the Bruins' second-leading scorer at 8.6 ppg on 35% shooting. She finished a point shy of her season-high with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting vs. Perry Meridian, and rounded out her stat line with four rebounds, three assists and three steals per game.

Olivia Berzai, Bishop Chatard, forward

Bishop Chatard Trojans Olivia Berzai (12) shoots the ball Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, during the game at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.
Bishop Chatard Trojans Olivia Berzai (12) shoots the ball Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, during the game at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.

A two-sport standout, the 5-11 Berzai averaged team-highs in scoring (12) and steals (2.4), and was Chatard's second-leading rebounder (6.3 rpg). She ranked top-10 in program history for free throws made (62), rebounds (176) and blocks (24) in a single season. A 46% shooter from the field, Berzai drilled the game-winning 3 in overtime to beat Cathedral in the City championship game.

Komari Booker, Pike, forward

Pike Red Devils Komari Booker (2) runs out to the court during team introductions Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, during the game at Pike High School in Indianapolis.
Pike Red Devils Komari Booker (2) runs out to the court during team introductions Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, during the game at Pike High School in Indianapolis.

The starting post was good for nearly a double-double per game, averaging around 10.6 points and 9.8 rebounds (plus 1.5 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.0 blocks). She shot 40% from the field and clocked a team-high 16 points and 10 rebounds to help beat rival Roncalli in the sectional semifinals.

Ke'Adriah Butler, Lawrence North, guard

Lawrence North High School sophomore Ke'Adriah Butler (25) makes a pass to a teammate during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game against Lawrence Central High School, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School. Lawrence Central won, 61-54.
Lawrence North High School sophomore Ke'Adriah Butler (25) makes a pass to a teammate during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game against Lawrence Central High School, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School. Lawrence Central won, 61-54.

Nicknamed "Keke," the 5-8 guard's best performances came late in the season: a season-high 20 points and seven rebounds vs. eventual Class 4A champion Lawrence Central, 14 points and seven rebounds in an upset of powerhouse Hamilton Southeastern and 11 points in the sectional semis vs. LC. Butler averaged 6.4 points over 24 games.

Makaylee Butts, Avon, guard

Part of the Orioles' youthful core, Butts was good for 8.9 points (38% shooter), 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game — all of which ranked top-3 on the team. She scored a season-high 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting (five 3s) in a 62-58 win over Brownsburg in December.

Charlotte Conyers, University, guard

The 5-4 Conyers was the Trailblazers' leading scorer at 11 ppg. She also chipped in five rebounds and three steals per game. Conyers had seven steals twice, with the first instance coming as part of a 32-point, eight-rebound performance in a 65-56 win over Western Boone.

Taylor Cotham, Tindley, guard

Cotham put together a pretty prolific stat line: 20.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.7 apg and 4 spg. She drilled 57 triples and led the Tigers to an 11-15 finish, their best since 2020-21. The 5-4 guard scored 40 points in a 61-59 win over Tech in January.

Maryrose Felling, Triton Central, guard

Triton Central Tigers Maryrose Felling (22) passes the ball Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 at Triton Central High School in Fairland. The Eastern Hancock Royals defeated the Triton Central Tigers, 49-44.
Triton Central Tigers Maryrose Felling (22) passes the ball Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 at Triton Central High School in Fairland. The Eastern Hancock Royals defeated the Triton Central Tigers, 49-44.

Felling followed a phenomenal freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign, scoring nearly 18 points per game on 40% shooting (36% from 3). She rounded out her line with 4.7 rpg, 2.8 apg and 2.3 spg. Felling scored a career-high 30 points on 9-of-16 shooting (6-for-9 from 3) with four rebounds and four assists in a 19-point win over Cascade.

Kennedy Holman, Hamilton Southeastern, guard

Hamilton Southeastern Royals guard Kennedy Holman (11) searches to shoot the ball Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, during the IHSAA girls basketball sectional Class 4A game at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indianapolis. The Noblesville Millers defeated the Hamilton Southeastern Royals, 49-45.
Hamilton Southeastern Royals guard Kennedy Holman (11) searches to shoot the ball Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, during the IHSAA girls basketball sectional Class 4A game at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indianapolis. The Noblesville Millers defeated the Hamilton Southeastern Royals, 49-45.

The up-and-coming point guard dished out 7.3 assists per game, while also averaging nearly 12 ppg. Holman, who shot 48% from the field and 79% at the line, also collected 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. She scored a pair of double-doubles and went for a season-high 26 points, five assists and four steals vs. North Central.

Denell Jacobs, Warren Central, guard

Warren Central High School sophomore Denell Jacobs (11) shoots a layup during the first half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game against Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High Schoo, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School.
Warren Central High School sophomore Denell Jacobs (11) shoots a layup during the first half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game against Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High Schoo, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School.

The 5-7 guard was second only to her older sister, Denyha, in scoring at 11.8 ppg. Jacobs also logged 5.7 rpg, 3.4 spg and 1.5 apg. She erupted for a season-high 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting (plus seven rebounds) to help beat North Central in the sectional quarterfinals.

Olivia Jones, Pendleton Heights, guard

A defensive menace, the 5-9 Jones totaled 60 steals over 25 games. She logged at least one steal in all but two games and notched a double-double vs. Delta with 24 points and 10 takeaways. Jones also averaged 9.1 points (40% shooter), 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

Audra Kendall, Brebeuf Jesuit, guard

Brebeuf Jesuit's Audra Kendall (12) rushes past Bishop Chatard Trojans center Anna Caskey (44) on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, during the game at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.
Brebeuf Jesuit's Audra Kendall (12) rushes past Bishop Chatard Trojans center Anna Caskey (44) on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, during the game at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.

Kendall maintained her consistency as a scorer, averaging around nine points for a second consecutive season. She shot 35% from the field (up from 31% as a freshman), with her best performance coming in a win over eventual regional champion Chatard: 20 points (7-of-13 shooting), five rebounds, two assists.

Lola Lampley, Lawrence Central, guard/forward

Lawrence Central High School sophomore Lola Lampley (3) drives toward the basket during the second half of an IHSAA class 4A girls’ basketball state finals game against Lake Central high School, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis. Lawrence Central won the school’s first state championship title in girl’s basketball.
Lawrence Central High School sophomore Lola Lampley (3) drives toward the basket during the second half of an IHSAA class 4A girls’ basketball state finals game against Lake Central high School, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis. Lawrence Central won the school’s first state championship title in girl’s basketball.

The 6-2 standout played a starring role in the Bears' 4A championship run, averaging over 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. She tallied a season-high 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal to beat rival Lawrence North by two in the Marion County quarterfinals.

Elle McCulloch, Brownsburg, guard

Brownsburg Bulldog sophomore power forward Elle McCulloch looks to pass the ball Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.
Brownsburg Bulldog sophomore power forward Elle McCulloch looks to pass the ball Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.

The 5-11 guard shot 41% from the field, 37% from 3 and averaged just under seven points for the sectional semifinalists. McCulloch helped spark a late-season upset of Zionsville, clocking 15 points (three 3-pointers) and three steals in the 74-71 overtime win.

Aniyah McKenzie, Lawrence Central, forward

Lawrence North High School senior Ellysa Morris (24) shoots while being defended by Lawrence Central High School sophomore Aniyah Mckenzie (24) during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School. Lawrence Central won, 61-54.
Lawrence North High School senior Ellysa Morris (24) shoots while being defended by Lawrence Central High School sophomore Aniyah Mckenzie (24) during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School. Lawrence Central won, 61-54.

Another of LC's rising stars, the 5-11 McKenzie reset all her career-highs with 11.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg (around three offensive rebounds per game), 1.4 apg and 1.8 spg. A 53% shooter, she scored in double figures in 10 of her final 14 games, including a 12-point performance in the 4A final vs. Lake Central.

Kenadi Passley-Banks, Decatur Central, guard

The 5-6 guard averaged 11.3 points over 21 games with a 35% mark from 3. She finished her line with 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Passley-Banks drilled four-plus 3s on three occasions, including a five-triple effort vs. Whiteland (season-high 22 points).

Robyn Pate, Brebeuf Jesuit, guard

Pate was among the Braves' most-dependable scorers, averaging 10.5 points on 44% shooting (37% from 3). The 5-6 guard pulled in over three rebounds per game, and scored a season-high 19 points, three rebounds and a steal in a four-point win over Tri-West in January.

CC Quigley, Noblesville, forward

Noblesville Millers forward C.C. Quigley (43) loses control of the ball against Hamilton Southeastern Royals Addi Van Hoesen (24) on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, during the IHSAA girls basketball sectional Class 4A game at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indianapolis. The Noblesville Millers defeated the Hamilton Southeastern Royals, 49-45.
Noblesville Millers forward C.C. Quigley (43) loses control of the ball against Hamilton Southeastern Royals Addi Van Hoesen (24) on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, during the IHSAA girls basketball sectional Class 4A game at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indianapolis. The Noblesville Millers defeated the Hamilton Southeastern Royals, 49-45.

The 6-2 forward took strides in the post, checking in with 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Quigley shot 59% from the field and shot 73% (63-for-86) at the line — up from 45% (9-for-20) the year before. Her lone double-double came in December against Westfield: 14 points and 11 rebounds (plus two steals, three blocks and an assist).

Kayla Stidham, Hamilton Southeastern, forward

Hamilton Southeastern Kayla Stidham (20) with a 3 point attempt as Zionsville takes on Hamilton Southeastern High School in the S8 IHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball State Semi-finals; Feb 2, 2024; Fishers, IN, USA; at Hamilton Southeastern High School.
Hamilton Southeastern Kayla Stidham (20) with a 3 point attempt as Zionsville takes on Hamilton Southeastern High School in the S8 IHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball State Semi-finals; Feb 2, 2024; Fishers, IN, USA; at Hamilton Southeastern High School.

Stidham tended to catch fire in crunch time, evidenced by her performance in wins over Noblesville and Fishers and a narrow loss to Lawrence North. The 6-0 standout averaged 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals over 25 games — all career-highs. She shot 38% from the field and went 63-for-80 at the line.

Betsy Tragesser, Bishop Chatard, guard

Bishop Chatard Trojans guard Betsy Tragesser (25) passes the ball Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, during the City Tournament semifinals at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. The Bishop Chatard Trojans defeated Heritage Christian, 56-45.
Bishop Chatard Trojans guard Betsy Tragesser (25) passes the ball Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, during the City Tournament semifinals at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. The Bishop Chatard Trojans defeated Heritage Christian, 56-45.

An unsung hero for the Trojans, their offense ran through Tragesser, whose 105 assists rank 11th most in program history. She averaged 3.9 assists, 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 27 games.

Trinity Taylor, Heritage Christian, forward

Heritage Christian Eagles forward Trinity Taylor (11) reaches for the ball as it rolls out of bounds Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, during the game at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.
Heritage Christian Eagles forward Trinity Taylor (11) reaches for the ball as it rolls out of bounds Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, during the game at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.

The 5-11 Taylor was a rebounding machine for the sectional runner-up Eagles, averaging 10.2 rebounds — half of which came on the offensive end. She hauled in 10-plus boards in 15 games, highlighted by a 19-rebound (12 offensive) showing vs. Southport and her 16 boards vs. Brebeuf. Taylor also averaged 5.5 points and 1.4 steals.

Maddy Wethington, Danville, guard

Danville's Maddy Wethington (5) rushes up the court against Plainfield Quakers guard Morgan Barnes (5) on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during the game at Danville Community High School in Danville.
Danville's Maddy Wethington (5) rushes up the court against Plainfield Quakers guard Morgan Barnes (5) on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during the game at Danville Community High School in Danville.

Wethington was a dependable scorer for the Warriors, pouring in 9.7 ppg on 36% shooting from 3 (86% at the line). She put up 13 points to help beat 4A McCutcheon late in the regular season, then tallied 11 points in the semistate final vs. Gibson Southern.

Berkeley Williams, Plainfield, guard

Plainfield Quakers Berkeley Williams (4) attempts to score against Danville's forward Ava Walls (15) on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during the game at Danville Community High School in Danville.
Plainfield Quakers Berkeley Williams (4) attempts to score against Danville's forward Ava Walls (15) on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during the game at Danville Community High School in Danville.

Williams saved some of her best performances for the state tournament, including a 29-point, seven-rebound, seven-assist showing in the sectional semifinal vs. Brownsburg and a clutch 18-point, six-rebound effort vs. Pike at the regional. The 5-6 Quaker finished the season averaging 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2 steals.

Laniah Wills, Lapel, forward

Lapel Bulldogs Laniah Wills (11) rushes up the court Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, during the game at Lapel High School in Lapel. The Hamilton Heights Huskies defeated the Lapel Bulldogs, 53-41.
Lapel Bulldogs Laniah Wills (11) rushes up the court Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, during the game at Lapel High School in Lapel. The Hamilton Heights Huskies defeated the Lapel Bulldogs, 53-41.

The 6-0 Wills poured in 19.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.0 steals and nearly a block per game for the regional champion Bulldogs, with a 54% conversion rate from the field. In a season littered with dazzling performances, one of her most memorable came in the regional final: 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting, plus 12 rebounds, three blocks and two assists.

Naja Winston, Lawrence North, guard

Lawrence North High School sophomore Naja Winston (13) reacts after drawing charging call against Lawrence Central High School during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School. Lawrence Central won, 61-54.
Lawrence North High School sophomore Naja Winston (13) reacts after drawing charging call against Lawrence Central High School during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Sectional semi-final basketball game, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Cathedral High School. Lawrence Central won, 61-54.

Winston averaged 6.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.6 assists in her first season as a Wildcat. She had a season-high 19 points, eight rebounds and five steals in a two-point win over eventual 3A runner-up Norwell, and went for 17 points and six rebounds in a win over defending 4A champ Bedford North Lawrence.

Honorable mentions

Avon: Kaylii Williams; Ben Davis: Laila Brown, Alonna Divine, Aubri Ingram, Aleia Sultzer; Bishop Chatard: Alyx Kendall; Heritage Christian: Jelyza Lapsley; Indian Creek: Lexi Sichting; Perry Meridian: Aubrey Hall, Aubriana Haugh; Pike: Marley Jeffers; Roncalli: Brennah Cerny, Lydia Stahley; Scecina Memorial: Reggi'nae Potts; Shortridge: Kamariona Garrett, Keara Stewart; University: Hannah Grubbs, Mackenzie Feeney, Leah Norvell, Meg Rohloff; Westfield: MaKayla Hatcher.

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Top sophomores in Central Indiana girls basketball from 2023-24 season