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. 30-26.
No. 30 – Tessa Tonkel, Columbia City
Tonkel has taken big strides on becoming a pretty complete player for the Eagles. While her 2.3 points per game average could be deceiving because Tonkel was able to take big swings against some really high level teams. She also added two rebounds and 2.7 assist per game and her growing basketball IQ was a big part of why the Eagles were able to move the ball so well. She really is able to score on all three levels and has bought into her varied roles with this team.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TONKEL:
“Had a good summer shooting the ball and is a skilled three point shooter, can score inside or out, smart defensive player that anticipates well.” – Columbia City coach Amy Shearer
No. 29 – Kloe Krieg, Whitko
Krieg has been on the border of stardom for multiple years at Whitko and really has become the poster child for the rebuild of the program into being a conference title contender this season. Krieg led the Wildcats with 10.3 points per game, scoring 20 twice against Wawasee and Northfield. She is a capable three point shooter, hitting 3 or more on five occasions but her game, especially offensively is incredibly well rounded. That Northfield game showed her diversity well with 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 5 assists to go with her 20 points. She led Whitko with 2.3 steals and 1.8 assists per game.
COACH’S QUOTE ON KRIEG:
“Kloe Krieg has been a staple in what we’ve created at Whitko as far as culture and being a student athlete. She’s on pace to be a 1k scorer this year. She’s an amazing player with having an uncanny way of scoring the basketball and being a vocal leader for the other girls. I’m excited about what her senior year will look like.” – Whitko coach Justin Jordan
No. 28 – Ava McGrade, Lakewood Park
McGrade burst onto the scene last year and was a catalyst for Lakewood Park’s wins as she really became one of the area’s best breakout players in 2022-23. When rebuilding any program, you need a staple and McGrade has become that for the Panthers. McGrade averaged 16 points per game, adding 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per contest. McGrade had 8 games of 20 or more points including an explosion for 39 points against Clinton Christian on 17 of 26 shooting. She also had a 6 steal game opposite Prairie Heights.
COACH’S QUOTE ON MCGRADE:
“Ava is a player every coach wants on their team. She wants to be pushed in everything we do and also is hungry to learn new moves and finishes all the time. She gets after it on both sides of the ball and can fill up the stat sheet in a hurry. Ava is a gym rat and the combo of her and Jade Carnahan could be one of the best Lakewood Park has seen. Ava has really grown in a lot of ways and has helped build our culture of doing things the right way.” – Lakewood Park coach Jared Estep
No. 27 – Taylor Kneubuhler, Woodlan
Speaking of breakout players last season, Kneubuhler really stole a lot of attention at Woodlan with a season that kept Warrior fans excited for this season despite many changes in the program. Kneubuhler was an all-conference player and second on the Warriors in points (13.5), rebounds (4.5), assists (2.4) and steals (1.3) per game. She scored in double figures 16 times including 30 points on 11 of 16 shooting opposite Heritage.
COACH’S QUOTE ON KNEUBUHLER:
“She is three-year letter winner and one of the top players in our conference. She can score in all 3 levels and we will look to her to be the leader of our team on and off the floor. She will be at the top of every opponent’s scouting report when we play them but I know she will be up for the challenge.” – Woodlan coach Dave Randall
No. 26 – Gracie Fields, Huntington North
Fields was a major part in Huntington North’s high end run through last season, becoming a really reliable piece as she averaged 10.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. What is lost on Fields’ scouting report too much is just how good she is defensively. She creates contact, makes defenders uncomfortable and is strong at taking a charge. She averaged a team second best 1.7 steals per game.
COACH’S QUOTE ON FIELDS:
“Gracie is a tenacious defender and provides reinforcement for us in a few different ways. She is becoming an important leader for us on and off the court. Her grit and determination is a great example of what we want in our players and she demonstrates that.” – Huntington North coach Matt Hinds
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