THE FAVORITE
Jay County Patriots
The big takeaway is obviously the return of Indiana Junior All-Star Renna Schwieterman, who will return for her senior season already committed to play Division 1 basketball. Schwieterman is on pace to be the second highest scorer in the history of the ACAC and is looking for a three peat ACAC Tournament MVP. She averaged 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season.
While some of the lineup around Schwieterman has changed, Gaby Bilbrey returns after shooting 58 percent from the field last season, averaging 5.9 points per game for the Patriots. Breanna Dirksen (2.1 pts/1.6 reb) will have lofty expectations and a big role to fill vacated by older cousin Madison’s graduation.
THE CONTENDER
Woodlan Warriors
The swan song for coach Gary Cobb has Woodlan right on the tip of contention in the ACAC and that has to be an exciting boost for a team who will want to send Cobb out on a big note into his previously announced retirement after going 19-5 last season.
Avah Smith is back to lead a team who will control the paint very well most nights. Smith averaged 13.6 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last season and not many teams in the area can boast a double double average performer. Taylor Kneubuhler is one of the area’s most underrated players coming into her junior season after averaging 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds last season. The senior class though is stout behind Smith with Addie Goheen, Gabi Klopenstein, Briana Raney and Kaitlyn Crosby all seeing time last season. Sophomores Brooke Kneubuhler and Reagan Widenhoefer are expected to contribute.
“The Lady Warriors look to compete for conference and Sectional honors this year. The Lady Warriors are experienced and will be tough to handle inside,” Cobb said.
THE REST
South Adams Starfires
South Adams went 15-9 in their first season under legendary head coach Wayne Kreiger and have a lot of pieces back to try and make a run at the top of the ACAC including the Pries sisters, who have a been a stellar duo for the Starfires the past two seasons.
Peyton Pries averaged 11.8 points per game last season and will be back to push the pace, as she has done since her freshman year. Macy Pries (10.6 points per game) is also back as a junior. The only other returner of consequence is senior center Cora Baker, who averaged 2.7 points per game. As for who may fill in, Kreiger says a lot will be up for grabs.
“Lost four solid senior role players from last year. Depth will be a concern, need to find additional support on offense,” Kreiger said.
Heritage Patriots
Things went right up the middle for Heritage who went 12-12 overall and .500 in the ACAC. While there are a lot of returning players on the docket, they did graduated 23 points per game and aren’t a very big team overall, needing to rely on some feistiness in the post.
Claire Bickel returns with a lot of experience after 9.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season. She be again be leaned on heavily as she is joined by fellow senior returnees Kendall Zelt (5.4 points), Raelyn Mullins, Lydia Schultz and Ava Pilon. Junior Madi Schueumann is the third leading returning scorer at just 1.6 points per game. Fellow juniors Carly Gerardot and Natalie Otte also return; junior Corinne Bowers and sophomores Lucy Buuck and Danica Fuller could contribute.
“Solid group of returning, experienced players; should be consistent defensively,” said Heritage coach Nicole Sisson.
Bluffton Tigers
There was a lot of experience earning time last season as Bluffton went 7-15, but that experience should be helpful as they look to move up the conference this season. They return five players who saw a lot of time, including sophomore center Maryn Schreiber (6.6 points/5.5 rebounds), who carries a lot of outside intrigue into the season.
Schreiber’s classmates Isabella Stout (5.2 points) and Tressa Renner return as well. Lily King is the top returning senior for this young group while junior Haley Gibson (5.8 points/3.7 rebounds) will be a go to player as well. Freshman Konley Ault will be looked at to contribute as well.
“Going into the 22-23 season the Lady Tigers are looking to continue to grow as we are playing several underclassmen in major roles. Even though we are young we will be athletic and will improve throughout the season,” said Bluffton coach Eric Mounsey.
Adams Central Flying Jets
Kyle Roe is the new head coach at Adams Central after the Flying Jets have had three winning seasons in the last four outings. Gracie Garwood could be a quality shooting threat for Adams Central after averting 6.8 points per game last season. Adams Central should also return Athena Schwartz and Grace Fisher.
Southern Wells Raiders
The Raiders will be looking for their first ACAC win since 2019 and will do so with a rather large senior group. The ACAC may be a good setup for the postseason and a chance to push for a Sectional crown in Class 1A.
Avah Miner (5.6 points) is the top returning scorer and rebounder (5 rpg), but brings a lot of classmates with her into the season. Zoe Needler (3 ppg), Hailey Duncan, Kamryn Leas and Faith Blair (3.9 points/5 rebounds) also return for their senior seasons. Expect more help from a sophomore class led by Ashlie Needler (3 ppg) and Raigyn Leas, while classmates Kenzie Paxson and Collena Reeves could contribute.
“With a big group of seniors who bring who bring great leadership, we look to move up in the win column. Our summer season went well and our team put a lot of work in during the offseason,” said coach Jessica Killingbeck.
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Jay County
2. Woodlan
3. South Adams
4. Heritage
5. Bluffton
6. Adams Central
7. Southern Wells
Be the first to comment