For the seventh 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 2025-2026 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. 45-41
No. 45 – Desi Pope, Blackhawk Christian
Pope burst onto the scene as one of the area’s top newcomers, earning OTH All-Freshman honors after an impressive debut season. She averaged 9.9 points per game while adding 3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.1 steals, proving herself as a versatile playmaker who could both score and create for others. Her ability to handle the ball, set up teammates, and disrupt defensively gave her team a dynamic presence on the floor well beyond her age. With her breakout freshman campaign setting the tone, Pope has quickly established herself as one of the most promising young guards in the area.
Coach’s Quote on Pope
“Desi was tasked with leading our offense last season as a freshman. She played the most minutes on the team and had the ball in her hands probably 85-90% of the time. She is one of the quickest players in the area and handles the ball extremely well. She can score at all three levels which is extremely hard to guard given her quickness. Desi had a tremendous off season and her confidence has increased significantly. She has my complete trust to lead our offense this season and it will be fun to watch her develop each game.” – Blackhawk Christian coach Steph Gongaware
No. 44 – Davianna Irons, Wayne
DIrons emerged as the Wayne Generals’ offensive engine in 2024–25, leading the team in scoring with an average of 12.4 points per game and also paced the team in rebounding, pulling down 6.8 rebounds per game. At the free-throw line, Irons shot 48%, while her field goal percentage was a solid 48% as well while she converted 28% of her three-point attempts. She accumulated four double doubles on the season for Wayne, most notably 22 points and 14 rebounds in a loss to Kokomo, and 15 points and 14 rebounds in a win over Blackhawk Christian, both season highs in rebounds. She had a season best four steals in the opener against Blackford.
No. 43 – Torah Holler, Columbia City
Holler will be a key piece for Columbia City this season, bringing a strong presence in the middle of the floor and around the rim. After averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last year, Holler has shown the ability to score efficiently inside while also stretching defenses with smart positioning and timely passing. Her size, strength, and awareness make her a reliable anchor in the paint, giving the Eagles a dependable option to control the interior on both ends of the court.
Coach’s Quote on Holler
“Torah is one of our most aggressive and strongest defenders and rebounders; she battles hard underneath the basket. She can shoot the 3 and has good fundamental post moves under the basket. She plays hard and expects her teammates to do the same.” – Columbia City coach Amy Shearer
No. 42 – Luci Reich, Huntington North
Reich drew plenty of attention as a freshman last season, averaging 8.9 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal per game while showing flashes of her potential. Though she played more of a supporting role in her debut year, her scoring ability and poise made it clear she could handle the spotlight. Now, as she transitions into her sophomore campaign, the expectations will rise as she shifts from being a complementary piece to a featured player. With more responsibility on her shoulders, Reich has the opportunity to grow into a primary scoring option and a key difference-maker for her team.
Coach’s Quote on Reich
“Luci worked hard this summer and rreally improved her overall game. We think Luci can be a good scorer for us and she is improving her all around game. I think Luci will have a good year for us.” – Huntington North coach Gary Andrews
No. 41 – Rian David, East Noble
David has become known for her shooting touch—she ranked first in the Northeast 8 Conference in 3-point field goals made (59) last season; she hit four or more threes four times, including 6 against Carroll. In the sectional championship game vs. Bishop Dwenger, she led the Knights with 17 points in their 59–51 victory. Her performances last season earned her a spot on the All-NE8 Second Team as a sophomore. Last season for the Knights, David averaged 10.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game as part of a balanced lead lineup that won a Sectional title.
Coach’s Quote on David
“Watching Rian over the last three years, she is a totally different ball player. She came into high school being a really good shooter, but struggling in other parts of her game. She has made the biggest jumps that I have seen in her athletic ability, ball handling, defense, etc. She is determined and ready to be a threat anywhere on the court” – East Noble coach Britain Isaacs
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
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