Whiteland guard Gwen Higdon puts up a jumper during last season’s sectional game against Franklin.
Daily Journal file photo
Whiteland’s step-by-step improvement in win totals the past few seasons likely doesn’t happen without Gwen Higdon as part of the equation.
The Warriors’ program continues to build momentum, and Higdon, a three-year starter at forward, is fanning the flames.
“I actually think it’s cool to see the progression,” said Higdon, who was part of a five-win team as a freshman, one that won six two seasons ago in coach Kellie Burgeson’s first season, and the squad that finished 12-11 last winter.
“Kellie came in, and is really a good coach. We had a good summer, so I think we can win at least 16 or 17 games.”
Wait … what?
Whiteland girls hoops has reached the upper teens in victories only twice in the past 13 years. As for the other 10 prior to last season, the Warriors averaged just under nine.
A 5-2 record against Mid-State Conference opponents last season positioned the Warriors alone at third in the final standings.
Higdon, who at 5-foot-8 has benefited her team at various spots on the floor during her career, led the 2022-23 team in scoring with a 12.5 average, and was second in steals (2.1) and third in rebounds (4.7).
One statistical category that could be on the rise is assists — particularly now that 5-11 sophomore frontliners Sophia Dyer and Carly VonDielingen have a year of varsity experience after playing significant minutes as freshmen.
“As a 3, I feel like it gives me a lot of opportunities to get assists because I can see into the post,” said Higdon, who averaged 1.2 assists as a junior. “Sophia and Carly, they know what they’re doing, so it makes me look for them.”
Higdon attempted (144) and made (49) the most 3-pointers among Whiteland players last season. Junior guards Sukhman Bains (15 made 3s) and Addison Emberton (13) also benefit from Dyer and VonDielingen starting at the 4 and 5, respectively.
“My freshman year, I was definitely a shooter, but as a sophomore, we didn’t really have a post, so they put me down there,” Higdon said. “I didn’t mind it, but you sometimes would play other schools, and their post player was a lot taller.”
Burgeson’s squad features one of the area’s more seasoned starting fives, but the coach needs solid play off the bench to ensure the Warriors continue their ascent as a program.
Initially, she’s counting on sisters Brookelyn and Lana Johnson, both 5-7 forwards, as dependable backups, along with freshman guard Alexa Lee. Others, however, could step into reserve roles as the season progresses.
As the team’s most experienced varsity player, Higdon’s presence will be vital.
“With Gwen, I’ve seen the most progress on the defensive side of the court,” Burgeson said. “She’s becoming more committed playing on-ball defense and team defense. Most kids are more focused on the offensive end of the game.
“I had to convince them that playing good defense will lead to better offense. You can push the pace more, and score in transition.”
Points. Rebounds. Steals. Passes.
Just know one way or another, Gwen Higdon will be involved.
SCOUTING THE WARRIORS
Coach: Kellie Burgeson
Last season: 12-11, lost to Franklin in Class 4A sectional semifinal
Key returnees: Gwen Higdon, senior; Sukhman Bains and Addison Emberton, juniors; Sophia Dyer and Carly VonDielingen, sophomores.
Top newcomers: Brookelyn Johnson, senior; Lana Johnson and Sam Roadruck, juniors; Alexa Lee, freshman
Outlook: The projected five starters — Higdon, Bains, Emberton, Dyer and VonDielingen — combined forces last season to score 76% of the Warriors’ points and collect 77% of the rebounds. Now in her third season as coach, Burgeson (nee Kirkhoff) likes the direction her program is going in as it attempts back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2017-18 and 2018-19.
“I love how hard-working and competitive this group of kids is,” Burgeson said. “Honestly, it has taken a while. There were definitely glimpses of it last season, but we got after it over the summer and in our workouts in the fall. Our ceiling is really high with this team. We’re an experienced group that knows what it takes to have success.
“I don’t really talk about wins with the girls. As long as we can focus on getting better every day, the wins will come.”
The 5-8 Higdon is back for her third season as a starter. She led Whiteland with her 12.5 scoring average, while 2 guard Emberton scored 9.6 per outing. VonDielingen and Dyer, both 6-1 sophs, averaged 7.2 and 6.9 rebounds, respectively, gained valuable court time as ninth-graders, and should again create mismatches along the interior.
Improved perimeter shooting would benefit the Warriors greatly. Last season’s squad converted 120 of 390 3-point attempts (30.7%), and was 211 of 321 (65.7%) from the free throw line.
