The NE8 has a bit of a facelift this season. Norwell has been dominant but graduated a lot of the state runner up team. Columbia City was hit by graduation hard. Everyone is going to have a bit of a different look and a different position this season.
This is a pretty tight conference. I really feel like any of the top four teams could find a way to win this conference and any of the top seven could win on any given night in conference.
THE FRONT RUNNER
NORWELL
Despite the loss of seven seniors from their state runner up squad, things in the NE8 all still run through Norwell.
Returning players Vanessa Rosswurm, Addison Norris and Ryland Graft bring essential experience, even though the team’s returning statistical output is limited outside of Rosswurm, who averged 11.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Norris is a fellow junior to Rosswurm while Graft is the only senior returner to this group. Mekynzi Beck, who did not play last season, is also a senior for this group.
This year’s squad is bolstered by a group of new varsity players who are eager to showcase their skills. The Norwell junior varsity team, which was undefeated over the last two seasons, offers a solid talent pool with additions like juniors Jada Dale, Macie Saalfrank, Larkin Smith and Ashley Waldman, along with sophomores Haley Williamson and Alivia Green. Sophomore Bella Swineford will also be expected to contribute off last year’s freshman squad.
“Going into the season, our thought is that we have a level of comfort with how we want to play from each of our players. Playing in a system where they’ve literally grown up in it allows us to hit the ground running early on,” said coach Eric Thorton. “That’s huge coming off a dream season where we lost so many great players. Last names might not be as well known outside of our program, but the depth in skilled players we have is probably at a level we haven’t seen. Because many have had to be patient for their varsity opportunities, they’re excited to make this team their own.”
THE CONTENDER
BELLMONT
Returning seniors Emily Bleke (12.6 ppg), Gwen Laurent and Kamryn Jarvis (6.1 ppg), along with sophomores Lanie French and Kate Kitson, bring a solid foundation and a familiarity with varsity-level play. Jarvis’ height and presence at 5’10” in the forward and center positions will be key in the post. Bleke is one of the area’s more talented guards and can really change the tempo of a game. They will get some more experienced help in juniors Bri Converset and Emma Fuelling, as well as sophomore Katlyn Borne all vying for time.
Complementing this veteran core is an impressive freshman class, including standout additions like 5’11” Mary Bleke and 5’10” Hadley Caffee, who could make an immediate impact in the forward and center roles. The Braves will also add additional freshmen in Oni Krueckeberg, Ashely Bleke, Katlyn Barton and Ella Schumm. With this new influx of talent, the team anticipates a season of steady growth as they build team chemistry and adapt to the varsity level’s pace. The addition of many talented freshman to a varsity lineup is fairly rare for Bellmont, but the mix of experience and youth seems to intrigue head coach Andy Heim.
“I hope that our successful summer build some unity there, but I also know it will take some time to get the freshman caught up on varsity speed. I hope that we can start really clicking by mid-season, and if that happens, I think this team has the talent to really compete with the elite teams in the area,” Heim said.
THE REST (ALPHABETICALLY)
COLUMBIA CITY
The Eagles are coming off some of the best seasons in recent memory and despite heavy losses to graduation, they do return Butler commit Addison Baxter as one of Northeast Indiana’s best players and a heavy Indiana All-Star candidate. Baxter averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game last season. Also back from those really talented Eagles team are Anisa Tonkel (5 ppg/3 rpg), as well as Laney Ziliak, a senior, and junior Torah Holler.
Like many of their counterparts in the NE8, the Eagles will need to rely on varsity newcomers to keep them battling at the top of the conference. A positive for them will be that three of the four players who will add to this varsity lineup as newcomers are seniors so will bring a certain maturity to them. Alivia Kidd moves up from the junior varsity level for her senior year while Columbia City will add Grace Nelson from the homeschool world and Leah Hertel from Huntington North, where she did gymnastics last winter. Junior Claudia Strack will also come up from Columbia City’s JV.
“We will be quick down the floor as we have no true post player. Defensively, we will try to pressure other teams into mistakes,” coach Amy Shearer said.
DEKALB
Coming off an impressive season where she averaged 19.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, Ashley Cox is the cornerstone of the team’s offense and defense. Alongside her, sophomore Abbie Harris brings a solid scoring ability with 9.0 points per game and adds defensive energy with her quick hands, averaging 2 steals per game. Senior Bre Fordyce contributes additional stability after averaging 3.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game last season.
Joining the varsity roster are several promising players from junior varsity, including sophomores Grace Pfister, Reese Schmidt and Mara Keyes, all of whom add height and strength to the forward positions. Freshman players Ellington Sparkman, Kyla Kjendalen and Mollee Sonnenberg come up from the middle school level. DeKalb believes this could be the best team they have had in a while because there may be an ability to score at a higher level across the board.
“I think our biggest strength will be our ability to score. It may sound odd, but if Ashley Cox’s points per game goes down, then we are probably doing things well,” said coach Noah Stuckey. “There were times where it felt where she had to do everything for us to score consistently. If we can get others to score, then that can open up driving lanes for Ashley and she can be more efficient.”
EAST NOBLE
There is a lot back and a lot to like with East Noble, starting with juniors Kate David, Addison Deming (6.5 ppg) and Makenna Strohm, all guards who bring continuity to the backcourt. Sophomores Averi Amstutz (9.5 ppg/2 spg), Rian David (8.4 ppg/3.1 rpg), Elli Will and Shaye Ritchie round out the lineup. Will, at 5’11”, strengthens the forward position, providing height and defensive coverage inside after averaging 7.3 points and a team high 6.4 rebounds last season. This group of returners provides experience across multiple positions to help develop more balance.
New potential varsity additions for the season include freshman Avalynn Schache, a 5’8” guard transferring from DeKalb, and two players moving up from middle school, Brooke Arnold and Carys Shire. This is a team that started three freshman and a sophomore last year so they are used to being a bit younger and fighting on the side of being somewhat of underdogs.
“Our program is looking to keep building off our first year together. We made a lot of strides, and this summer showed that we have continued to put in the work and grow our game,” said coach Britain Isaacs. As a whole, we are very excited to keep working towards goals we set as a program and keep building on what we believe can be something special.”
HUNTINGTON NORTH
Seniors Marissa Trout, Haiden Bailey and Grace Michel lead the way. Trout, a 5’11” guard, enters the season after averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game last year, making her one of the conference’s key offensive threats. Fellow senior guard Bailey brings scoring power as well, going for 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Junior Faith Minton and sophomore Riley Wilson, both returning players, also contribute depth and versatility in guard and forward roles.
The new varsity roster includes Harper Bailey, a sophomore guard moving up from JV, along with seniors Kayda Newman and Madalynn Wellman, both forwards with JV experience. Highly touted freshman Luci Reich joins as a 5’8” guard, adding some significant boost to the lineup for the Vikings.
“We had a really good summer. I was pleased with the growth of the team during June,” said coach Matt Hinds. “I believe we have more overall team speed this season. If we can utilize that I think we can be
competitive on both ends of the court.”
LEO
This Leo team is set to build on a core of experienced varsity players, led by senior point guard Malina Lape (6.4 ppg/4 rpg), senior center Grace Busch, and versatile junior forward Leah Shappell. Together, this trio brings veteran insight and a steadying influence, essential as the team welcomes a promising lineup of new varsity players. Shappell’s 11 points and 8.9 rebounds last season was one of the best near double double averages in the area.
Joining the squad are several key additions from junior varsity and middle school, including sophomores Mackenzie Collins and Taylor Davis and freshman forward Stella Schelm. Other notable newcomers are junior forwards Selah Wirtz, Naomi Johnson and Shelby Jackson, along with freshman guard Emma Connally.
“We are re-establishing roles, but the girls did a great job of quickly finding those this summer. We have a great group of hard-working student athletes and their team chemistry has been really good. Excited to see their growth and successes throughout the season,” said coach Carrie Shappell.
NEW HAVEN
Things have not been great for New Haven in the past several seasons, but have one of their best chances at continuity in some time. Alanah Webb, a 5’9” small forward, combines agility and shooting and having her back is massive for the Bulldogs. Monty Stewart-King and Hannah Goodrich, both power forwards standing at 5’11” and 5’10” respectively, anchor the team with their presence in the paint. Point guard Ja’Anah Ware and sophomore Mayzon Win, both at 5’3”, drive the backcourt, offering speed and ball-handling skills that add to the team’s offensive and defensive flexibility.
Joining the returning players are several new additions, including junior center Uniyah Potter and freshmen Olivia Rush and Kalease Shurelds, who bring fresh energy to the guard positions.
“Continuing to grow and build our program,” coach Adria King says about New Haven’s outlook for the new season, looking to build off the return of Webb as one of five varsity players back.
BOUNCE’S NE8 PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Norwell
2. Bellmont
3. Columbia City
4. Huntington North
5. East Noble
6. DeKalb
7. Leo
8. New Haven
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