McCutcheon girls basketball receives competitive boost by determined JV players

LAFAYETTE — McCutcheon sophomore Camille Gaddis scanned the floor from the top of the key and attacked from right to left while defended by senior Aubri Mullendore.

It was a hard-pressed practice consisting of varsity players mixed with Gaddis, fellow sophomores Ella Anderson, Claire DeFreese and Emma Wykoff, and freshman Ameria Gibson.

Gaddis shot a layup that missed but was followed by Gibson and DeFreese, who each worked to outmuscle 6-foot-2 junior center Kalea Washington in the paint.

They were all part of a scout team meant to impersonate Kokomo High School, a team McCutcheon later beat 36-33 in the IHSAA Class 4A semifinals last Friday.

The quintet was feisty, unwilling to simply bow to Washington or any player from the varsity squad. Gaddis, Gibson, DeFreese, Wykoff and Anderson were all junior varsity players this season.

"We are all competitive people that want to win," Gaddis said.

Gaddis, Gibson, DeFreese, Wykoff and Anderson have been key to McCutcheon's overall success in 2023-24. Their preparation and knowing an opposing team's offense and defense has been critical in helping the Mavericks win four games decided by 10 points or fewer this season.

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"They've been valuable for us," McCutcheon coach Jeff Knoy said. "They know what we want, they know what we are looking for and I know they are going to play hard. They are going to challenge our varsity."

Even more impressive is the fact Gaddis, Gibson, DeFreese, Wykoff and Anderson were all leading members of a junior varsity team that finished 17-0. Anderson and DeFreese are effective post players who rebound and block shots, Wykoff and Gaddis make knowledgeable passes around the perimeter and to the post. Gibson stands 5-foot-9, can penetrate and score around the basket, and is a reliable 3-point shooter.

"We want to win no matter who we are playing," Anderson said. "A lot of it comes with pushing the varsity but a lot of it is about yourself and making sure that the coaches see you're working hard too and making sure you're pushing everyone else."

McCutcheon's culture is allowing the program to not only win games but to develop varsity-ready players. Practices against the varsity are key to both the program's overall and individual player development.

"Playing hard is our motto every day," McCutcheon junior varsity coach Erik Moore said. "Our JV motto is that our defense by playing hard will take care of our offense. They come in, they buy into that and they play their tails off. They have an exceptional amount of fun and it's been a great run with this group. They are fun and easy to coach."

Senior captain Emily Kendall explained their appreciation for the effort given by Anderson, Gibson, Gaddis, DeFreese and Wykoff to help sharpen the varsity team.

McCutcheon (21-4) will need all the preparation as it gears up to play against Homestead led by sophomore guard and Purdue University commit Myah Epps.

"They never slack off," Kendall said. "Every possession you have to try your best or you're going to lose. They are always doing their best so it makes us do our best."

Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at [email protected], on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: McCutcheon girls basketball receives boost from junior varsity players