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. 20-16
No. 20 – Hallie Schwieterman, Jay County
If nothing else, Jay County and the last name Schwieterman have become abundantly synonymous in the last decade and during her freshman season, this Schwieterman made sure that the connection didn’t miss a beat. She took the ACAC by storm as the Patriots continued their stranglehold on the conference. She averaged a team high 12.3 points per game as she led the senior-laden group, also adding 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.2 assists per game. Schwieterman scored 20 points in her high school debut and then in double digits 5 of her first 6 games and 19 times overall on the season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON SCHWIETERMAN
– Jay County coach Sherri McIntire
No. 19 – Jersey Paul, Carroll
A two way guard for the Chargers, Paul led the team last year with the most made three pointers (74) and was second in scoring per game (14.3 ppg) and total assists last year (83). The Thomas Moore University commit has exceptional shooting prowess and while AAU ball doesn’t factor into these rankings, it is important to note in May she had a 7-of-9 shooting game from deep for Always 100. She had double figure scoring in all but four games and scored a career best 31 in a game against Wayne and hit four or more three pointers in a game 10 times.
COACH’S QUOTE ON PAUL
“Jersey has improved herself in moving without the ball and able to be a threat in a two-person game. This is a great example of Jersey being a complete offensive player and the ability to do whatever the team needs for the team to be successful. Her up-bringing as a coach’s daughter provides her with great basketball knowledge and the feel of the game. Jersey has a high basketball I.Q. and her leadership ability makes her a valuable asset to any team. This is why she is considered one of the best players in the area.” – Carroll coach Mark Redding
No. 18 – Emily Bleke, Bellmont
Bleke is an extremely explosive player and adds a high layer of athleticism to the Bellmont offense. She had a really solid season last year and will look to follow it up by being the catalyst in Bellmont’s run in the NE8. Last season, Bleke averaged 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Her aggressive style of play allows her to create scoring opportunities in a variety of ways. She’s not afraid to mix it up in the paint, showing toughness and a willingness to battle for rebounds or contest shots.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BLEKE
“Emily is without a doubt one of, if not the best, athletes I have ever coached. She is explosive off the dribble and can also shoot the three, which is a dangerous combination. She has always been driven, but her drive this summer and pre-season has been an amazing thing to watch. She will open some eyes this year…and has a good shot at reaching 1,000 career points and 500 career rebounds.” – Bellmont coach Andy Heim
No. 17 – Isabella Stout, Bluffton
Stout emerged as one of the area’s top breakout players last season, showcasing a strong offensive game that continues to evolve. With a natural scoring ability, she consistently found ways to put up points, making her even more dangerous as she refines her shot selection and improves her ability to read defenses. Leading Bluffton to being a top team in the ACAC last season, she averaged 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Along the way, Stout scored double figures 18 times with eight games of 3 or more steals including five against Heritage.
COACH’S QUOTE ON STOUT
” Bella is our unquestioned leader as she plays 100% every minute of every possession at both ends of the floor. I believe Bella’s offensive game will continue to flourish this season even more as we will purposefully get her the ball in more situations based on her reliability last season and over the summer.” – Bluffton coach Doug Curtis
No. 16 – Whitney Ankenbruck, Homestead
Ankenbruck brings exceptional energy, toughness, and competitiveness to the game. She can consistently sink a variety of spot-up jumpers at a high level, especially when she finds her rhythm. One of her standout strengths is her off-the-ball movement, allowing her to excel in transition on both offense and defense. Last season in the stacked Homestead lineup, Ankenbruck averaged 11 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per contest.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ANKENBRUCK
“Whitney is a tenacious competitor who brings toughness to a talented Homestead team. She is a great shooter who possesses a basketball IQ which allows her to make teammates better. Whitney is a skilled player who plays basketball with passion and understands the effort needed to win basketball games.”
– Homestead coach Rod Parker
PREVIOUSLY IN THE COUNTDOWN
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