For the seventh consecutive season, Outside the Huddle is proud to announce our 15 player All-Area basketball team for the girls as their seasons have concluded.
These are the 15 top players, as seen by OTH, during the 2024-2025 season. They are listed alphabetically by grade.
Addison Baxter, Columbia City, senior
Baxter has etched her name into the record books as the all-time leading scorer in the history of Columbia City, regardless of gender, capping off an extraordinary high school career. Averaging an impressive 23.1 points per game, she was the top scorer in Northeast Indiana and a dynamic offensive force. Baxter’s contributions went far beyond scoring—she also averaged 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 4.7 steals per game. Her defensive skills earned her a spot on the OTH All-Defensive team, further highlighting her two-way dominance. As an Indiana All-Star and a top Miss Basketball candidate, Baxter’s achievements have solidified her place as one of the state’s best players. Now preparing to head to Butler, she leaves a lasting legacy as a four-time OTH All-Area selection.
Emily Bleke, Bellmont, senior
Bleke was a cornerstone of Bellmont basketball this season, keeping the strength of the program alive and joining the prestigious 1,000-point club. Averaging a team-best 15.1 points per game, she was the offensive leader. Beyond her scoring, Bleke contributed 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 steals, and two assists per game. Throughout her career, Bleke achieved a rare feat, surpassing 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 200 steals, solidifying her status as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Lily Kreischer, Eastside, senior
Kreischer was the top performer consistently for a well-rounded Eastside team that made history, winning the most games ever in the program’s history and coming incredibly close to a state finals appearance. When the Blazers needed a big play, Kreischer was the one to move the needle, consistently stepping up in crucial moments. Averaging 14 points per game, she was a key offensive contributor, while also dominating on the boards with 6.7 rebounds per game. Defensively, Kreischer made her mark with 3.5 steals per contest.
Ava McGrade, Lakewood Park, senior
McGrade capped off a stellar career as Lakewood Park’s all-time leading scorer, and her senior season was the perfect finish to an incredible run. Averaging 22.4 points per game, she was one of the area’s top offensive players, consistently putting up big numbers and finding ways to score a lot in nearly every game. McGrade’s versatility was evident in her stat lines, which often flirted with triple or even quadruple doubles. She averaged 5.3 rebounds, four steals, and 3.1 assists per game. This is her second straight season as OTH All-Area.
Isabella Stout, Bluffton, senior
Stout was a key figure in leading Bluffton to outright ACAC crowns, putting together one of the most impressive seasons in the area. As one of the region’s top scorers, she averaged 20.1 points per game, consistently delivering big performances to keep her team competitive. Beyond her scoring, Stout contributed 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and two steals per contest.
Brooke Winchester, Warsaw, senior
Winchester was a key contributor to Warsaw’s remarkable run to the Class 4A state title game, solidifying her place as one of the area’s top players. As one of just two players in the region to average a double-double, Winchester posted impressive numbers with 13 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Her strong presence on the glass was a major factor in Warsaw’s success, while her offensive contributions helped keep the Tigers competitive all season. In addition to her scoring and rebounding, Winchester averaged 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, and her performances earned her a spot as an Indiana All-Star. This is her second straight season as OTH All-Area.
Alyssa Anderson, Woodlan, senior
Anderson was one of just two area girls players to average a double-double, with the highest of the two at 17.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Her dominance on the glass was a key factor for Woodlan, as she controlled both ends of the floor with her rebounding ability. In addition to her scoring and rebounding, Anderson showcased her defensive skills, averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.9 steals per game. Her presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, made her a matchup nightmare for opponents.
Joslyn Bricker, Warsaw, junior
Bricker, one of two Warsaw Indiana Junior All-Stars, played a pivotal role in leading the Tigers to a Class 4A state title game appearance this season. Averaging 19 points per game, she was the driving offensive force for her team, showing off her scoring ability from the guard position. Beyond her impressive scoring, Bricker also contributed 5.3 rebounds per game. She further excelled, averaging 3.2 assists, while also playing solid defense with 2.6 steals per game. For the second straight year, Bricker earned an OTH All-Area honor.
Myah Epps, Homestead, junior
Epps, the Division 1-bound guard, was a key player for Homestead this season and one of the two Homestead Indiana Junior All-Stars. Averaging 15 points per game, she was a consistent offensive contributor, showcasing her ability to score in a variety of ways. Beyond her scoring, Epps was also a strong presence on the boards, averaging 4.6 rebounds per game, and she excelled as a playmaker, leading the team with 4.4 assists per game. Her court vision and unselfish style of play allowed her to facilitate the offense. This is her third straight season as OTH All-Area.
Gabby Helsom, Homestead, junior
Helsom has proven herself to be one of the top players in the area, earning her second consecutive OTH All-Area honor and solidifying her place as a standout for Homestead. Averaging a team-best 18.9 points per game, she was the driving force behind her team’s offense, consistently delivering big performances when needed. In addition to her scoring, Helsom contributed 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. As one of the two standout Homestead Indiana Junior All-Stars, Helsom’s impressive all-around play and consistent leadership made her a key asset for her team.
Swynn Jackson, Northrop, junior
Jackson’s defensive prowess was a standout feature this season, earning her a well-deserved spot on the OTH All-Defensive team. She led the SAC in blocks with an impressive 3.25 per game, showcasing her shot-blocking ability and dominant presence in the paint. Alongside teammate Khala Williams-Thomas, Jackson formed a dynamic duo that was tough to beat as she contributed 14.9 points per game, while also showing her versatility by adding 5.7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3.8 steals per game—one of the most well-rounded stat lines in the area.
Vanessa Rosswurm, Norwell, senior
Rosswurm was a key player in Norwell’s historic run to the Class 3A state championship, earning a spot on the OTH All-Area team for the second consecutive year. As Norwell’s single-game scoring leader, she averaged an impressive 22.4 points per game, making her one of the area’s top scorers and a consistent offensive threat. Beyond her scoring ability, Rosswurm’s all-around game was crucial to her team’s success, as she averaged 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. She is also part of the Indiana Junior All-Stars.
Leah Shappell, Leo, junior
Shappell was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball, earning a well-deserved spot on the 2024-2025 OTH All-Defensive team for her exceptional defensive efforts. Averaging 3.1 blocks and 2.5 steals per game, she consistently disrupted opposing offenses and protected the rim with a commanding presence. But her impact didn’t stop there—Shappell also flirted with a double-double average, putting up 14.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.
Brooke Zartman, Warsaw, junior
Zartman played a pivotal role in Warsaw’s successful run to the state finals, showcasing her exceptional three-point shooting ability that made her a constant scoring threat from beyond the arc. Averaging 17.8 points per game, she led her team in scoring and proved to be a clutch performer in critical moments. Her offensive versatility extended beyond shooting, as she also contributed 2.9 steals per game, demonstrating her tenacity and defensive awareness. Additionally, Zartman averaged 1.9 assists per game and was named an Indiana Junior All-Star.
Khala Williams-Thomas, Northrop, junior
Williams-Thomas returns to the OTH All-Area team for the second straight season. Williams-Thomas had an outstanding season for Northrop, establishing herself as a dominant force on both ends of the court. Averaging a team-high 18.3 points per game, also consistently finding ways to score and create opportunities for her teammates with 3.3 assists per game. Beyond her scoring ability, Williams-Thomas showcased impressive versatility, contributing 5.2 rebounds per game and 3.4 steals per game.
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