Everyone begins a new season with certain expectations and usually high levels of excitement. This week was the opening week of girls basketball practices as we venture ever closer to games being played to tip off a new season.
But for the top teams in each conference and those in the area, there are others who are looking to find ways to rise up, maybe even those on the verge of title contendership. So who are the five girls basketball teams that Bounce sees as having something, of some sort, to prove as we get going on this new season.
NORWELL
First of all, it will forever be difficult to say that Norwell girls basketball ever has anything to prove. Yet, with all of the changes they have to make coming out of a state finals appearance, eyes will be on the Knights differently than usual to start this season. You don’t just replace a player of Kennedy Fuelling’s calibar and the reigning OTH Player of the Year has gigantic shoes to fill. But Vanessa Rosswurm’s development as a top three option last season leaves a lot to be intrigued about.
Norwell was stacked program wide last season, finding high levels of success and titles on almost every level, but the fact they are able to bring in players from a 20-0 junior varsity team is massive. The Knights are looking for their fifth 20-or more win season in the last 6 years and haven’t won less than 19 games since the 2017-18 season.
BLUFFTON
Coach Doug Curtis is 21 wins from the 300 win mark in his career and he certainly will be chasing the narrowing of that mark from the get go this season; he has surpassed that mark three different seasons of his career. But Curtis has proven what he needs to prove, so what does Bluffton need to prove this season? Its simple…that they can win the ACAC.
This is – lets not get confused – Jay County’s conference until someone proves otherwise. Last season, it was Bluffton with the best shot at that in the conference but the Tigers were held to a season low 24 points in the loss. With Isabella Stout leading the way as arguably the best player in this conference, Bluffton has to prove that they can bring the hammer when Jay County comes to then in January, right before a potential second matchup in the ACAC Tournament.
COLUMBIA CITY
The Eagles haven’t had much to worry about in the past few years because they have been absolutely loaded from top to bottom of the playing varsity lineup. But no area power was hit as hard by graduation as the Eagles. That said, we get it, they also return one of the best players in Northeast Indiana and maybe the state in Addison Baxter, so that helps a little bit.
But can they develop around her quickly? That is something that Columbia City has to prove pretty quick this season with Carroll, Whitko, Snider, the Fishers Classic and three out of area opponents right out of the shoot in November. Anisa Tonkel brings back what will be really valuable experience, but behind her and Baxter, the Eagle group hasn’t gotten much varsity time yet. Will Columbia City stay in the top of the contender race in the NE8?
SNIDER
When you say young future core, look no further than Snider. The Panthers are also right in the thick of things in their conference despite being hit heavily with graduation, especially in terms of Division 1 players Jordyn Poole and Johnea Donahue. But just like last time that Snider needed to reload, their freshman class is going to lead to tremendous initial value with Janaya Cooper and Mackenzie Carter coming in to contribute immediately, at least the Panthers hope.
Cooper and Carter may be the next wave of Poole and Donahue and those two meant a tremendous amount to the program through multiple transition fazes. What benefits Snider while those two are working hard to prove themselves as varsity players is that there is a hungry upperclass that gets to prove alot too. The senior class has seen the ebb and flow of contributions in their careers, but Kyra Parker, Saniah Sandlin, Brie Barnes and Zy Phinezy all bring something important to the table.
BISHOP LUERS
Again we mention a team that went to the state finals last year, but these defending champs have something to prove in a far different way than Norwell. That is because the cupboard is, at the very least, is rearranged from last season’s team. A big part of that is Mary Hathaway moving up the bench to the head coach position replacing Mark Pixley. Yes, Hathaway had spent a decade on Pixley’s bench as part of some high end teams including last season but being in the first seat always brings change.
The big test for Hathaway and the Knights is how to replace all five starters. Luers was hit hard due to graduation and move outs with Miley Wareing now at Northrop and Maggie Parent moving to Florida. Senior Reese Rhodehamel though is back after playing in after playing in 26 games and averaging 6.8 points per contest. Who fills in? How do they fill in? Luers will have to play some proving on that to be a threat either in the SAC or postseason.
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
Be the first to comment