For the sixth 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 2024-2025 season.
Want to know how we come up with our rankings? Click here.
Today, we continue the countdown on the girls hoops side with positions No. 40-36.
No. 40 – Aubrey Bleeke, North Side
Despite a less than stellar season as a team, North Side saw Bleeke develop a break out role throughout her junior season. She have a streak of seven games in December scoring in double digits, ending with a career best 26 points against Wayne. On the defensive end, Bleeke tallied seven steals against South Side and six against New Haven on her way to being named 2nd team All-SAC. Bleeke averaged 10.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game on the season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BLEEKE
“Aubrey’s work ethic is the reason she is successful. Some players may be bigger than her, but they will never out work her. She is definitely one out the brightest diamonds in our Lady Legends Jewelry Box.” – North Side coach Michael Wallace
No. 39 – Adriyanna Phillips, Whitko
Phillips wasted no time in helping establish Whitko last season, going for 27 points on 8-of-11 shooting in the opening game of the season. While Phillips never surpassed 27, she did score in double figures 13 more times, including three more games in the 20s. The combo guard also had four games with three or more steals on her way to averaging 11 points, 4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Now a senior, Phillips’ leadership will be a valuable role for Whitko.
COACH’S QUOTE ON PHILLIPS
“Adriyanna Phillips will be one of my 4 returners from last year’s team. She is a tremendous leader and an amazing teammate. I believe Adryianna will have another stellar year, shooting the ball, and hopefully leading us further than the year before.” – Whitko coach Justin Jordan
No. 38 – Paige Traxler, Eastside
One of the most versatile guards in the NECC in each of the last two seasons, Traxler is a true fire starter for the Blazers on both ends of the court, with her offensive vision being a driving force in the success Eastside had a season ago. As Traxler averaged a team second best 11.1 points, she also added 3.3 assists per contest, driving the Blazers to the NECC Tournament title. Traxler also averaged 2.4 steals per game.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TRAXLER
“Paige was our 2nd leading scorer last year and is a very good shooter with a great basketball sense. She works extremely hard everyday and has become one of our very good leaders as a senior.” – Eastside coach Mike Lortie
No. 37 – Mya Turner, Fremont
It is likely that we are far from seeing the best of Turner, who showcased tremendous skill last season as a freshman for the Eagles. She was an assertive presence out of the gate and led Fremont with 5.6 rebounds per game, also becoming a fire starter on the defensive end where she averaged 1.7 steals per contest. Turner found a role amongst the Eagles’ big three offensive players and averaged 9.6 points per game. She was an All-NECC Honorable Mention selection as a freshman.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TURNER
“Mya’s ability to play all 5 positions is what makes her a great versatile player for our team.” – Fremont coach Shae Thomas
No. 36 – Abby Pliett, Central Noble
Pliett’s breakout sophomore campaign was highlighted by the fact that she can play most positions on both ends of the court effectively. The last eight times she scored in double figures last season were all Central Noble wins and the Cougars were 11-3 overall when Pliett scored in double figures on her way to 11.3 points per game overall, including 37 percent shooting from three point range. She also had seven games with 6 or more rebounds, and averaged team second bests with 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
COACH’S QUOTE ON PLIETT
“Abby Pliett is a capable scorer from anywhere on the floor. She has improved her ball handling abilities and shooting range. As Abby’s all-around game improves, her stock for the next level will go up. I am excited for her junior season.” – Central Noble coach Sam Malcolm
PREVIOUSLY IN THE COUNTDOWN
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