For the fifth season in a row, Bounce and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2023-2024 season.
Today, we continue on the girls hoops side with positions No. 40-36.
No. 40 – Kylie Caswell, Angola
Caswell was the sole Hornet to score in double figures last season, averaging 10.9 points per game to go with 2.8 steals and 2.9 rebounds per contest. The feisty senior has had to play a lot of roles for Angola in her career but seemingly has embraced the leadership. After exploding for 20 points last season in a win over West Noble, she did it again in two of the next three games.
COACH’S QUOTE ON CASWELL:
“Kylie is our leader. Her role is vital to our success. She is coming into this season with a renewed desire to compete and win games. She is quick and smart and will be the person on the court that sets the tone for our team with her intensity.” – Angola coach Dave Panning
No. 39 – Khala Williams-Thomas, Northrop
There were several breakthrough moments for Williams-Thomas during her freshman season. Not the least of which was an 18 point outing against Snider in arguably the best girls basketball game of the season in the area. Those little hints we got throughout her freshman season have Williams-Thomas set up to be possibly the biggest breakout performer int he area this season. While averaging just 4.3 points per game last season, Williams-Thomas showcased how scrappy and deliberate of a player she can be.
COACH’S QUOTE ON WILLIAMS-THOMAS:
“A defensive nightmare! She continues to progress as a basketball player and when it is all said and done, she will be one elite player. She has some natural gifts, that make her an absolute joy to coach and Khala will be one that the SAC will remember. She is an electrifying player to watch!” – Northrop coach Katie Jackson
No. 38 – Ashley Cox, DeKalb
Cox is coming off a terrific season where she pushed herself as one of the best players in the NE8 by being fairly well rounded. She averaged a team best 10.9 points per contest, also leading the team with 2.9 steals per game and 41 total offensive rebounds that helped bolster her 42 percent shooting from the field. She also averaged 4.7 rebounds per game over her 24 games played.
COACH’S QUOTE ON COX:
“Ashley would be a terrible cross country runner. She would try to lead the race from the gun until she cross the finish line. When the ball goes up through the final whistle, Ashley is 100% full throttle and never wants to give an inch to her opponent.” – DeKalb coach Noah Stuckey
No. 37 – Whitney Ankenbruck, Homestead
Ankenbruck has just started showing how good she will be as a varsity basketball player as she heads into her sophomore season. She averaged 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game last year for the Spartans but was always in the mix on both ends of the court. Even when Ankenbruck wasn’t putting up numbers, she was making herself involved in games and showing how much of a difference she could be in the lineup, especially as she asserted herself defensively as an agitator.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ANKENBRUCK:
“Whitney will emerge as one of the areas top shooters this season. She plays with great energy, enthusiasm, and toughness. Whitney will bring a level of intensity to our team’s defensive effort, is a solid rebounder, and will provide consistent scoring throughout the season.” – Homestead coach Rod Parker
No. 36 – Niya Bell, Northrop
Bell added an instant presence when she checked into games for a deep Northrop squad which was important for the Bruins to have coming off the bench. Her role will change this season, but she was one of many Bruin backups that showed glimpses last season of true potential. She scored a season high 15 points in a win over Carroll and shot a consistent 47 percent from the field throughout the season. She was 5 of 6 from three in that Carroll win and 4 of 5 from deep opposite South Side.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BELL:
“She shot 48% from 3 point range last year. Her team will always find her when she is open and she will light a gym up when she is on fire. Niya will play a big role for us this year, as most teams tend to zone us due to our athleticism – her shot will be key to forcing opponents out of that zone and her sharpshooting has BRUIN fans excited for the 23-24 season.” – Northrop coach Katie Jackson
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