Jordan Wood’s final game in a Carmel uniform included a double-double in the stat columns, along with a lot of smiles.
Although the Michigan State recruit’s exceptional high school career ended with a loss, unlike her junior season that concluded with the Class 3A state championship, she was having fun.
“That last game, or maybe even all season, I didn’t want to regret anything, like maybe scoring more or if I had gotten more rebounds,” Wood said. “I tried to put it all on the floor.
“I tried not to even think of my legacy. I know I broke a lot of records. Everything I talked about with my mom going into Carmel, I felt I accomplished already.”
Wood, the 2022-23 News-Sun Girls Basketball Player of the Year, averaged 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocked shots this season as she carried the Corsairs (24-9) back to the sectional final, where they lost to Deerfield.
She had 19 points and 19 rebounds in that game, finishing with the program’s career records in points (1,625), assists (337) and blocked shots (127).
“I was in a good place this season,” Wood said. “If I didn’t play good, I didn’t worry about it. I always had the next game. In past seasons, I would beat myself up. I learned how to handle myself better this season.”
Carmel coach Ben Berg said he noticed a different Wood this season.
“Jordan played with more freedom this year than years past,” Berg said. “We needed her to be a better player this year. We needed her to rebound and defend more. But she played with more freedom, allowing her to play with more joy.
“When you come in as an eighth grader with so many accolades, already an offer, that comes with pressure. She handled it very well all four years. But I definitely noticed she was more relaxed this year.”
Wood, a 6-foot-5 guard, flourished in a role with more responsibility after center Grace Sullivan graduated. She was named a McDonald’s All-American nominee, and she made all-state first teams presented by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and The Associated Press.
Full Package Athletics owner Steve Pratt, who has coached numerous WNBA and NBA players over the past two decades and was a Carmel assistant last season, has gained a greater appreciation for Wood’s unique game.
“I think Jordan has pro potential,” Pratt said. “Jordan will decide what level she will play at. She’s got natural talent and can see the entire floor. Six-foot-5 guards are hard to come by who can actually see the game. … I’ve never seen a 6-5 guard like her. I’m excited to see how she progresses and can’t wait to see how her game unfolds.”
Berg said Wood’s impact extends beyond the court.
“For four years, she’s been one of the best not only in the area but the state of Illinois,” Berg said. “What I like about Jordan is she was a great teammate, especially this year. She was a great ambassador for basketball and Carmel women’s basketball. She represented the school, program and the community with class. After games, she would interact with the younger girls from the community or from our feeder program who came to watch her play. She was always willing to talk to these kids.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
