While Adams Central has had their way throughout the ACAC in recent memory, other programs have certainly be growing, which allows a lot of things to come to a head this season.
Yes, we will give you a favorite and a contender, but what if I told you that the ACAC could end up being an any given team on any given night situation? For the first time in a while, this conference may be wide open at times, especially when the conference tournament itself looms at the turn of the calendar to 2025.
So who rises to the top this season in theory?
THE FAVORITE
WOODLAN
With a mix of size, experience, and fresh talent, this team brings a solid lineup to the court to try and take the ACAC crown. 6’7” guard/forward Trey Yoder provides a formidable presence in the frontcourt as one of the best players in the area, joined at forward by 6’4” forward Zachery Scheiderer. Sharpshooter Mason Moore and Jordan Halsey add depth and versatility in the backcourt. The towering Oliver Adams at 6’8” anchors the paint, offering strong defensive capabilities and rebounding power. Drew Fleek’s ability to toggle between guard and forward positions adds flexibility to the team’s approach, ensuring options for matchups against any opponent.
The new varsity additions bring exciting potential and athleticism to the roster. Guards Ashtin Jacquay and Collin Klepper step up from JV to provide a spark in the backcourt, while 6’3” players Landin Zern and Keaton Delagrange bring size and versatility to the wings. Woodlan has to hope that this infusion of fresh faces complements the experienced returning core.
“Our biggest strength is our size and strength. Seniors Trey Yoder, Oliver Adams, and Drew Fleek will give us a formidable frontline. We are looking to use that to gain advantage with points in the paint and rebounding,” said coach John Baker.
THE CONTENDER
JAY COUNTY
The Patriots are always going to be in the thick of the ACAC conversation, but with Gradin Swoverland (9.5 ppg/4.3 rpg) leading the way, there is a lot to be excited about in Portland as they make a push for the front of the conference. Jayden Comer only played nine varsity games last season as a freshman, but made an immediate impact as a defensive help.
Ben Crouch, Eli Dirksen and Levi Muhlenkamp all saw solid varsity minutes last season and return to the lineup as well for Jay County.
THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)
ADAMS CENTRAL
Adams Central enters the season needing to replace six graduated players and will be anchored by standout seniors Trace Maller and Braylend Reber. Maller, a first-team all-conference player, brings explosive athleticism and a polished offensive game to the table, averaging 14 points per game last season. Complementing Maller is Reber, a three-year varsity starter poised for a breakout season. Known for his quickness and strength inside, Reber averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds per game last year and will take on an expanded offensive role
The Flying Jets also welcome several players transitioning into varsity roles, headlined by senior guard Cade Van De Weg and forward Marcus Bollenbacher. Van De Weg’s defensive toughness and improved offensive skills make him a defensive leader, while Bolenbacher is expected to provide rebounding and interior defense alongside his developing offensive presence. Junior Lawson Deathe will likely run the point, while Drew Johnson’s shooting could make him a valuable sixth man. Senior Braden Dalrymple adds depth and scoring off the bench.
“I think we will be really tough on the defensive end of the floor and that we’ll see continued improvement offensively throughout the season. I think our conference will be pretty good this year but we again expect to contend for the ACAC conference titles in both the tournament and regular season,” coach Aaron McClure said.
BLUFFTON
The second season under veteran coach Craig Teagle is expected to be a bright one with a full post of seniors available to try and help Bluffton take control of the ACAC. That starts off with half of the four varsity returners who will take the lead as seniors. Forward Kaleb Green (8.4 ppg/3.6 rpg) will be a major focus with his rebounding prowess and ability to score both at the rim and on the perimeter. Cam Williams is also back for his senior year. Junior Declan Grieser and sophomore Axton Beste are both back as well; Beste averaged a team third best 7.1 points per game last season.
Joining the Tiger varsity lineup are mostly more seniors up from the junior varsity. Sharpshooting guard Nolan Lambert and fellow 5-foot-6 guard Marshall Gerber join the lineup alongside forward classmate Ben Maggard. Junior forward Griffin Morgan will also move up to the varsity level.
“We will have to be great defensively if we want to compete. We have to improve our ballhandling, passing and catching skills to be more effective on the offensive end,” Teagle said.
HERITAGE
Seniors Landon Lybarger (7.1 ppg), Braden Walter and Eli Tigulis bring valuable experience and leadership to the roster, ensuring a steady presence on the court. Juniors Taurean Brown (6.2 ppg) and LanTae Cassel add youthful energy, creating a balanced lineup for the Patriots. The Patriots will focus on defense this season according to their coach, which will benefit their lineup well if they play physical like Walter did last year in route to leading Heritage with 1.3 steals per game.
Joining the varsity squad are Lucas Taylor, a promising sophomore, and Davian Bates, a senior eager to make an impact in his final high school season. Taylor’s potential and ability to contribute early provide a spark, while Bates adds an additional layer of depth to the team.
“Our focus for the 2024-2025 season is to be relentless on both ends of the floor. We have a group of guys who continue to work hard and are committed to striving toward our goal of cutting down the nets. We aim to build on the improvements we made during last season,” said coach Kyle Sovine.
SOUTH ADAMS
Leading the way is junior Tytus Lehman, a versatile 6’2” guard who averaged an impressive 15 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last year. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a cornerstone of the roster. Joining him are key returners like junior Derek McKean and senior forward Noah Hunley, who adds size and rebounding presence. Younger returners Jax Wanner and Henry Craig bring additional depth to the backcourt.
Senior forward Jackson Roe, a 6’3” transfer, is expected to make an immediate impact with his size and skill. Sophomore forwards Hunter Fields and Nolan Colpaert bring length and athleticism, while freshman additions like Gavin Herring and Owen Roe hint at a bright future for the program. Tristan Cameron, a junior move-in, and Isaac Scott, a senior rejoining the team, provide added backcourt options, while Easton O’Dell rounds out the roster with his guard play.
“We are young and hungry. There is a lot of excitement about the program. The team has responded to a new coach very well. They are a focused group with a ton of confidence and don’t shy away from working hard,” said coach Kyle Roe. “We had a great summer season and we were very competitive. I trust the fans will see a competitive, confident team this season.”
SOUTHERN WELLS
The Raiders graduated their top three scorers and best two rebounders. Senior CJ Reber is the top returner and will need to provide significant offense for Southern Wells after averaging 6.9 points and 1.7 steals per game last season. Sophomores Landon Johnson and Joshua Aulbach both bring youth but some varsity experience to the lineup. Back too will be junior Trey Slusher, who saw some action last season.
BOUNCE’S ACAC PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Woodlan
2. Jay County
3. Adams Central
4. Bluffton
5. Heritage
6. South Adams
7. Southern Wells
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