For the first time in our history, Outside the Huddle decided that we needed to recognize some other talents outside of our 15 player All-Area team.
So now we introduce to your our top 5 picks for the best defensive players and best freshmen in the Northeast Indiana coverage area with our inaugural teams to honor each category from the 2023-2024 season.
OTH 2024 ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
Johnea Donahue, Snider
Donahue is arguably the best in the last decade-plus in Northeast Indiana when it comes to stealing the basketball. The Snider senior broke the school’s steal record this season and it seemed like she was always changing the game, including in the Sectional title game. Donahue averaged 4.7 steals per game to lead the area, finishing her career with 362 total steals over four seasons. This season, Donahue had 12 games of five or more steals including double digit takeaways twice.
Addison Baxter, Columbia City
If you needed to relay on multiple steals every game, then Baxter was a great choice for that role, often coming up with 5 or more in a single contest as the Eagles competed for a NE8 title. The Indiana Junior All-Star averaged an area best 5.4 steals per game while also pulling down 6.9 rebounds and constantly fighting for possession of the ball for Columbia City.
Khala Williams-Thomas, Northrop
There is no doubt that Williams-Thomas was one of the best breakout players in all of Northeast Indiana this season and her defensive prowess was a big reason for it. The sophomore averaged a team best 3.4 steals per game on a team full of defensive turnover led players. Her 71 steals was up significantly from the 18 takeaways she had a freshman and she also blocked 1.3 shots per game. She had five or more steals on 7 occasions, swiping a season high 11 against Bishop Dwenger. Williams-Thomas also a five block game against Concordia and a six block game opposite Westfield.
Sophie Saxman, Jay County
Winning matters and defense, they say, wins championships. Saxman, a senior, helped lead Jay County to 22 wins and another sweep of the ACAC with her exemplary defensive effort. Saxman averaged 3.2 steals per game and was also a hound of the defensive glass, where she pulled down 4.1 defensive rebounds per game of her 7.5 total rebounds per contest. She had seven games with five or more steals for the Patriots, taking a season best eight away from Muncie Central. Saxman helped close the season with games of 5, 5 and 4 in a row between January 20-30.
Kennedy Fuelling, Norwell
A lot of what Norwell did on offense this year can be directly drawn back to their defensive efforts as they got going well in transition by turning the other team over. Fuelling was a monster when it came to stealing the ball, averaging 3.8 steals per game and helping the Knights to the Class 3A state title game. In that state title game, Fuelling tied a Class 3A state finals record with seven steals, cementing her rightful spot as one of the state’s best on ball thieves of all time.
OTH 2024 ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
Grace Scharlach, Fremont
With a lot of hype surrounding her, Scharlach exploded during her freshman season and made the Eagles a team that could contend near the top of the NECC. She averaged 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and two steals per game during her first year of high school basketball.
Hallie Schwieterman, Jay County
Jay County didn’t fall in their record or their standing in the ACAC and the next Schwieterman up was a big reason for that. Schwieterman led Jay County with 12.5 points per game, also grabbing 4.3 rebounds and becoming one of the highlighted defenders in the area with 2.7 steals per game.
Averi Amstutz, East Noble
East Noble was another team in the area who soared to greater heights on the hands of newcomers and freshmen. Amstutz was at the top of that freshman list as one of the best players in the Class of 2027. She averaged 9.5 points per game for this diverse offense, adding 2.4 rebounds and two steals per contest.
Izzie Eke, Bishop Dwenger
Eke’s emergence throughout the season was a steady rise but really took hold down the stretch for Bishop Dwenger. By the end of the season, Eke’s 10.2 points per game was leading the Saints, as she added 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game with a career best 23 points in a win over Wayne.
Madison Jones, Fairfield
With Fairfield needing to fill in multiple spots following a state title season, Jones’ emergence has to give the Falcon faithful great continued hope for the future. The freshman appeared in 23 games, averaging nine points for an offense that was fairly low scoring while still being successful. Jones added in 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per contest.
Jayma Stonebraker, Whitko
As Whitko took home the TRC title, Stonebraker is likely their next big star. She averaged 11 points over 21 contests for the Wildcats, also added 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and an area top 10 3.1 steals per contest for Whitko.
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