Class of
2005
(Alphabetical Listing)

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Who are the best seniors in Indiana this season? We have our opinion, and they are included in our SUPER SENIOR 25 pre-season picks for 2004-2005 in alphabetical order.  All of these individuals display outstanding skills and most carry exceptional statistics. Even more so than last season, we found this list incredibly difficult to pare down to just 25 players.  All but seven of our Top 25 have already made their college choices at the Division I level.  We've also included the players who were considered for but did not make our cut for the Top 25. They are listed as Top 25 Honorable Mention. These young ladies will be pushing our SUPER SENIOR 25 throughout the season, and don't be surprised if a few of them push their way near the front of the senior basketball class.  We will be updating this list with college choices as they are announced. (*Indicates players from the Northwest Indiana Region).
   

TRISHA BENNETT

DANA BEAVEN (6'0) F/C, CORYDON CENTRAL - A three-year varsity starter, Beaven has been a mainstay in the Panthers lineup for the past three years. She was named team co-MVP as a sophomore, and MVP and Mid-Southern Conference Player of the Year as a junior. Averaging over 16.0 points per game during her high school career garnered the savvy player Second Team All-State recognition by Hoosier Basketball Magazine in the preseason and the Louisville Courier-Journal in the post-season. She was also named AP All-State Honorable Mention. A Top 100 Showcase underclassman as a sophomore and junior, she also spent the month of June as a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star South Team. Beaven averaged 20.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season while leading her 3A team to a 21-4 record in 2003-04. (BELLERMINE)

KRIS CONER (6'2) F/C, INDIAN CREEK - Playing the past three seasons alongside the state's leading scorer, Adrienne Squire (now at Penn State), has somewhat overshadowed the accomplishments of this outstanding player, but now it's Coner's year to shine. An impact player who has made a significant difference for Indian Creek over the past three seasons (55-10), Coner is considered one of the best post players in the state. With an excellent touch around the basket and a good understanding of the game, her college potential could be unlimited. A member of the Indiana Junior All-Star South Team this past summer, Coner averaged 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game last season while helping her 2A team compile an 18-4 team record. (MIAMI/OHIO)

STEPHANIE FORD (6'3) C, FRANKLIN CENTRAL - The central piece of Franklin Central's offensive scheme, Ford will continue to be the force in the middle for one last season at FC. Next season, she will join Kris Coner at Miami (Ohio), giving the RedHawks an excellent post tandem for the next four years. Ford is a fundamentally solid player with a good variety of skills in the paint. She averaged 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last season for the 12-10 4A Flashes. (MIAMI/OHIO)
Photo from IFBC.

MARA FRESHOUR (6'1) G, BROWN COUNTY - Freshour is a great athlete who excels on both sides of the ball. She plays even bigger than her ample 6'1 size at the guard position, causing an array of matchup problems for opponents. Extremely quick and agile, Freshour shoots the three well, making her a threat anywhere on the floor. She has the ability to make her teammates better, which garnered notice from the powers that be. She was named AP All-State Honorable Mention and was a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star South Team this past June. She averaged 18.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a junior while helping her 3A team to a 13-7 record. (FLORIDA STATE)
Photo from the Brown County Democrat

STEPHANIE GERARDOT (5'10) G, FT. WAYNE BISHOP LUERS - Gerardot has been on the Luers varsity roster since her freshman year, when she exploded onto the scene during the Knights' tournament run to the 2A state finals in 2002. As a junior, she led her 22-4 team again to the state finals, this time in 3A, averaging 14.5 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 45% from the field. A heady guard who can explode for points in bunches, she will be looking to get her team back to Conseco again this season. Last season she was All-SAC, named AP All-State Honorable Mention, and attended the Top 100 Showcase in July. She will appear on the cover of the Indiana High School Basketball Guide this year as a member of the Tremendous 26.   (UNDECIDED)
Photo from the Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel.

MORGAN GROOVER (6'0) F/C, ELWOOD - Despite an injury-plagued season as a junior, this blue collar post player received AP Honorable Mention recognition after leading the 3A Panthers to a 16-5 record. During her three-year high school career, she has accumulated stats of 19.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 63% from the field. She has also accumulated 120 career blocks. As a junior, she averaged 14.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game and blocked 35 shots. Groover holds several Elwood records, including career scoring with 1,213 points. She was the first girls basketball player for the Panthers and head coach Shelly Taylor to reach 1,000 points. (BOWLING GREEN STATE)
Photo from IFBC.

JODI HOWELL (6'0) G, ALEXANDRIA - The buzz about this Purdue recruit started before she even played in her first high school game. That hype was well-founded when she was third only to 2002 Miss Basketball Shanna Zolman and 2003 Miss Basketball Katie Gearlds in state scoring, averaging 25.9 points per game during her frosh campaign. As a sophomore, she upped that average to 28.0 points per game to go along with 7.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 4.7 steals per contest. A torn ACL cut short her junior season, where she started out at a 31.0 points per game clip. Despite the injury, Howell was named to the Indiana Junior All-Star Core Team, but missed those games in order to participate in the USA Basketball Developmental Camp. One of the most honored players ever in Indiana high school basketball including being named Student Sports All-America (2002, 2003), Street & Smith All-America HM (2002, 2003, 2004), Nike All-America Camp (2003), ICGSA All-State First Team (2003), AP All-State First Team (2003), AP All-State HM (2002), Area Player of the Year (2002, 2003), County Player of the Year (2003), Deep South Classic 16U White Division MVP (2002).  (PURDUE)

KILEY JARRETT (5'3) G, BLOOMINGTON NORTH - She is only 5'3, but Jarrett's water bug defense and ability to push the ball up the floor on offense cause opponents fits. She is an excellent offensive player who plays with intensity and enthusiasm. Jarrett, a great shooter from beyond the arc, but quick enough and strong enough to penetrate and score inside, averaged 15.2 points per game as a junior. She played lots of minutes as a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star South team this past summer. (BALL STATE)

SAMANTHA JOHNSON (6'5) C, JEFFERSONVILLE - Samantha Johnson recently verballed to Xavier head coach Kevin McGuff. The 6'5 center, who attracted interest from Connecticut, Purdue, UNLV, Arkansas, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky and many other programs early last season, is a true center with great size and power. As Jeff coach Chad Gilbert states, "There is no finesse about Sam's game," speaking of her power in the paint. Gilbert likes Johnson's court awareness and praises her for her ability to rarely be out of position. The power player's scoring stats weren't always impressive on a well-balanced team last season, but the huge upside for Johnson is her potential at the next level and beyond. (XAVIER)
Photo from Louisville Courier-Journal.

KARA KRAMER (5'9) G, TIPPECANOE VALLEY - She didn’t get much press with 2004 Indiana All-Star Rebekah Parker on the same team the past few seasons, but she is definitely one to watch this year. While helping her team to a 21-3 record as a junior, she averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. She impressed at the IBCA/IHSAA Top 100 Showcase in July. Quick on and off the ball, she is a no-nonsense player who is intent on getting the job done. Her potential at the next level is extremely high. (EASTERN ILLINOIS)

CASSIE KERNS* (6'3) F/C, VALPARAISO - One of the top post players in the senior class caught the eye of women's college basketball King Geno Auriemma over the summer. As a result, Kerns will be playing for the National Champion Huskies next season. But this season she will be making her case for consideration as a 2005 Miss Basketball candidate. Excellent quickness and strength in the paint, together with the ability to launch the long ball with consistency, make her extremely difficult to guard. A solid defender with quick hands and feet, Kerns played mucho minutes as a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star Core Team this past summer. She averaged 13.9 points and 8.7 rebounds last year, and will be the central focus of the Vikings offense this season. Honors include AP All-State Honorable Mention, Louisville Courier-Journal All-State Second Team, ICGSA All-State Second Team, and Post-Tribune and The Times 2004 Player of the Year awards.  (CONNECTICUT)
Photo from the Indianapolis Star.

AIMEE LITKA (5'10) G, SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH'S - Litka is a great competitor who has a passion for the game. Very strong and heady, she can slash to the basket or pull up for the open jumper. Quickness, size, and strength make her one of the state’s top players. Litka was a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star North Team in June. She averaged 15.1 points and 6.4 rebounds as a junior while helping her team to a 17-9 record against a difficult schedule. After three seasons of falling a bit short in team expectations, Litka will be looking to lead her team to a coveted 3A state championship in 2005.  (VALPARAISO)

STEPHANIE LYNCH (6'4) C, NEW ALBANY - Although she will play volleyball at Purdue next year, she still has one more season to terrorize the paint in the southern part of the state. Lynch is a large and savvy presence in the post. A tough defender with long arms and great leaping ability makes her an excellent rebounder. She completes a great inside-outside tandem with teammate Trisha Bennett for the Bulldogs. Lynch averaged 16.0 points per game last season on the way to a 17-4 record. Her outstanding play the past three years landed her a spot on the Indiana Junior All-Star Core Team roster this past summer, as well as All-State Second Team recognition by the Louisville Courier-Journal. Rumors indicate she may consider helping out the Boilermakers on the basketball court once she's settled into her volleyball role at Purdue. (PURDUE/VOLLEYBALL)
Photo from the Louisville Courier-Journal.

CHELSEA MILLER (5'9) G, SHENANDOAH - A very frustrating junior season did not keep this 2A state champion down. She injured a knee early into the season and then broke her hand during the tournament series. She still averaged 15.1 points per game and led her team to the 2A semi-state before falling to 2A state runner-up Heritage Christian. Considered one of the top players in the state since her freshman year, Miller was tabbed for the 2002 Hall of Fame Classic All-Tournament Team, the 2002 2A State Finals All-Tournament Team, and to the Muncie Star Press First Team as a junior. Miller also holds the Shenandoah record for season steals (80), and is on track to break the Shenandoah career scoring record. Miller was also a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star North Team this past summer. (OAKLAND CITY)
Photo courtesy of strempkagallery.com.

TARA MILLER (5'10) G, NORTH HARRISON - A combo guard with good size, Miller is an unselfish player who can penetrate to score or dish it off to wide-open teammates. She is one of the most complete senior players in the state. Her excellent court awareness complements her ability to rebound, despite being outsized in many cases. Miller currently holds North Harrison records for single-game assists (15) and single-game treys (8). Named to the Louisville Courier-Journal All-State First Team and AP All-State Third Team. As a junior, she averaged 18.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, garnering her a place on the Indiana Junior All-Star Core team this past summer. (INDIANA)

LEAH PHILLIPS (5'7) G, CASTLE - Considered one of the top point guards in the state, Phillips excels on both offense and defense. She plays 100 percent or better all the time and has an uncanny ability to find the bottom of the hole shot after shot. Her excellent court awareness and ability to raise the level of play of those around her makes her a valuable asset for the Knights, who were 21-4 last season. Phillips was named Evansville Courier Press First Team All-Area, Louisville Courier-Journal All State Third Team, selected as a SIAC All-Conference player the past two seasons, and named AP All-State Honorable Mention in 2004. As a junior, Phillips averaged 17.6 points and 4.3 assists. (INDIANA STATE)
Photo from the Evansville Courier Press.

CASSIE PRUZIN* (5'8) G, CROWN POINT - This crowd-pleasing point guard joins the long line of great players from Crown Point. As a junior, she proved that she can dominate when she wants, taking over the game against a tough Valparaiso squad during the regular season with 28 total points, 24 in the second half for the win. Pruzin excels on both offense (16.9 ppg) and defense (5.9 spg). Extremely quick hands made her the Northwest Indiana leader in steals as a junior. A great penetrator with a nearly limitless shooting range (49 treys last season), she picked up numerous post-season honors, including Louisville Courier-Journal Third Team All-State, ICGSA All-State Second Team and All-Area First Team recognition by both The Times and Post-Tribune. This past summer, she was a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star Core Team and was invited to the ICGSA Top 100 Workout. (DE PAUW)
Photo courtesy of strempkagallery.com.

ISABELL RHENWRICK* (5'7) G, GARY WEST SIDE - On a balanced Gary West Side squad that prides itself on sharing the offense, Rhenwrick doesn't get much as much pub as some of her higher-scoring counterparts in this class, but she should. Quick feet and hands make her a tough defender that any team would be happy to have on the roster. She will be called upon to score more her senior season as the Cougars have designs on getting past that Regional hump that has stopped them the past three seasons. Rhenwrick has lots of untapped potential that will most likely surface at the next level. After averaging 11.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists as a junior for the 22-3 Cougars, she was selected First Team All-Area by The Times and Second Team All-Area by the Post-Tribune. (INDIANAPOLIS)
Photo courtesy of strempkagallery.com.

KIM ROBERSON (5'9) G, INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL - Roberson is highly regarded around the state as a player who is strong enough to post up inside, but can score from anywhere on the floor. A great athlete with exceptional all-around skills, she has good body size for the guard position at the next level. She was a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star North Team, but played in both games while called upon to serve as a Core Team alternate. Roberson logged an outstanding all-around stat line of 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 4.6 steals per game as a junior.  (INDIANA)

KAHLA ROUDEBUSH (5'9) G, HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN - Roudebush has been a mainstay of the Hamilton Southeastern offense since her freshman season, but made a name for herself as a Junior All-Star in the second exhibition game against the 2003 All-Stars. In that upset win on her home floor she led the junior squad with 21 points in just 24 minutes of play. One of the state’s most heavily recruited players, Roudebush is an outstanding offensive player who has the ability to simply put the ball in the basket. With good size and strength, she will only get better on the collegiate level. As a junior, she averaged 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds while leading her team to a 20-2 record. (CINCINNATI)

PAIGE RUDOLPH (5'7) G, EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL - Rudolph is an athletic floor general with excellent all-around skills who has the ability to make her teammates better players. Although her stats are not earth-shattering, her value to the Tigers is undisputed. She is a fundamentally strong player who can penetrate to score, hit the outside jumper or set up her teammates for the big play. Last season she averaged 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. She was a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star South Team in June. (UNDECIDED)

JERRI TAYLOR (5'8) G, SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON - After being somewhat overlooked for post-season awards last season, Taylor should be ready for a banner senior season to make a point. Last season as a junior she led a balanced Panthers team in scoring (12.0 ppg) to an undefeated regular season before falling to Gary West Side in the Valparaiso Regional. The super-quick Taylor has an excellent all-around game and reminds many of former South Bend Riley star Suntana Granderson, who will be Taylor's teammate at Xavier next season. Taylor was an alternate for the Indiana Junior All-Star North Team this past summer, but didn't play like one. She scored 13 points in an almost perfect shooting performance from the field in a victory over the 2003 Indiana All-Stars. (XAVIER)
Photo courtesy of strempkagallery.com.

WHITNEY THOMAS (6'0) F, BLOOMINGTON NORTH - This hard-working post player was named to the Junior All-Star North Squad despite playing in only eight games last season. She came back to the court in January  after recovering from an off-season ACL injury. Her presence was extremely welcomed by the state-ranked Panthers, who finished 18-4.  As a freshman and sophomore, Thomas averaged 16.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. The two-time All-Conference Indiana player is considered one of the top post players in the state, as confirmed by her placement on the Louisville Courier-Journal All-State Third Team and AP All-State HM listings as a junior despite missing half the season. She will stay home in Bloomington for her college career, suiting up for Hoosiers head coach Kathi Bennett. (INDIANA)
Photo from IFBC.

KARISSA WALTER* (5'6) G, BOONE GROVE - Since she appeared on the scene as a freshman point guard for the Wolves, Walter has been the mainstay of the Boone Grove offense. A player with a lot of heart and good leadership skills, Walter dictates the fortunes of her team. How Walter goes, so do the Wolves, and they've been going pretty darn good the past three years. As a junior, Walter led her team to a 17-5 record while averaging 15.0 points, 6.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 steals per game. A very physical player who always plays 100%, she always finds a way to score. Her load is usually doubled, as she will always be assigned to the opposing team's best player. Walter is one of the top point guard prospects in the state. She was named the Porter County Conference MVP last season and garnered First Team All-Area Honors by The Times. (OAKLAND CITY)
Photo courtesy of strempkagallery.com.