The Dispatch is shining a spotlight on the elite group of girls basketball players from central Ohio’s Class of 2028, a cohort that has already begun to shape the state’s high school landscape.
Early Season Momentum
This year’s schedule kicks off on November 23, an unusually early start that promises a rapid dive into conference play and early tournament implications.
Among the standouts, Audrey Bennett of Worthington Kilbourne has already helped the Eagles capture a Division II district championship, while Riley Blankenship at Dublin Coffman earned OCC‑Central Player of the Year honors after guiding her squad to a regional semifinal.
Londyn Brewer from Westerville South is celebrating her 13th straight winning season, a testament to consistent program stability, and Naomie 'Pinky' Burnett of Hartley has added a Division III district title and a regional runner‑up finish to her résumé.
Janay Carter of Harvest Prep has emerged as one of the state’s most feared scorers, earning Division VI district Player of the Year, while Caylin Cox at Johnstown was crowned LCL‑Cardinal Player of the Year after a breakout campaign.
Depth Across the Board
The depth of talent extends beyond the headline names; Hadli Gillum of Fisher Catholic was named district Player of the Year in Division VII and sits on 977 career points, while Kelsey Grubbs from Olentangy Berlin collected first‑team all‑OCC‑Cardinal accolades.
Liv Loftis of Olentangy Orange led her team in scoring last season, and Meira Mullins, also at Hartley, will pair with Burnett to form a potent twin‑tower for the next two years.
Ryleigh Thrapp from Big Walnut played a pivotal role in her team’s march to a Division II state berth, and Dillon Walker of Worthington Kilbourne was a key contributor to the Eagles’ recent success.
With such a rich mix of individual accolades and team achievements, the upcoming season is poised to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer determination across central Ohio’s girls basketball scene.