As the Lawrence Central High School girls’ basketball team prepares for the 2024-25 season, fans are eagerly anticipating another strong showing from the reigning Class 4A state champions.
The Bears captured their first-ever state title last season with a decisive 55-28 win over Lake Central, ending a remarkable 30-1 season that put the program firmly on the map in Indiana basketball.
This year’s roster brings back familiar faces, including sisters Lola and Jaylah Lampley. Lola, who recently won gold with the U17 USA national team, has gained national recognition as one of the best players in her class.
“I am excited for the new season,” Lola said. “There are people out there who think we can’t be as good as we were last year, and I think our team can prove them wrong.”
Lola is also the only person in the history of Indiana basketball to make the team twice in their career.
Jaylah, a powerhouse in her own right, set a new school scoring record with 1,276 career points, breaking a record set in 2003. She earned the Gatorade Player of the Year title for her impressive performances. Her contributions last season were integral to the Bears’ championship run.
Head coach Jannon Lampley, instrumental in last season’s success, remains confident in the team’s drive and cohesion.
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“It takes a phenomenal group of young ladies to go on that journey towards a championship,” Coach Lampley said. “It was a fun year. We talk about success not being an end result, but a habit. They put in the work and have the work ethic to maintain that type of success.”
Last year, the squad fell one point short of capturing a perfect season. Despite this, Lampley became the first Black female coach to win a state championship in the IHSAA’s 122-year history.
Coach Lampley notes that this year’s group is filled with great student-athletes who are driven to do their best on and off the court.
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Te Bears’ season is slated to begin against Carmel High School on Nov. 7, followed by another challenging matchup against Westfield Nov. 13.
Both games will test the team early on, but their blend of talent and experience may set them up as one of the top contenders in the state again. Lawrence Central is not only looking to repeat its championship success but also to solidify its place among Indiana’s top programs.
Back-to-back championships or not, Coach Lampley is already thankful that she has gotten to coach a driven squad of young basketballers destined for greatness.
“It is an honor to coach them,” Coach Lampley said. “It is an honor to be a part of their basketball journey, where ten to fifteen years from now, I will be a part of their basketball journey, and I am honored to be a part of that chapter in their lives.”
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral.
